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Overview: MCM panels are available in a variety of appearances. Whether painted, anodized, or left with a natural appearance, MCM panels can remain an attractive feature on a building for many years. While the effects of UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental events can negatively impact the appearance of MCM panels, most often these negative effects can be prevented and, sometimes, even reversed. Painted Finishes: There are a variety of different painted finishes available for MCM panels. There are also a number of different processes to apply these finishes. Whether spray applied or coil coated polyester or Kynar based; each painted finish has been tested to show performance when exposed to normal environmental conditions. A quality finish, and a regular maintenance program, can maintain the “as installed” appearance of the MCM panels. Regular maintenance on the panels is required, just as with the glass windows and doors. Buildings are typically cleaned on a semiannual basis using power washing procedures to clean any contaminants from the panels. Care should be taken to avoid excessive pressure that may degrade any applied finish or negatively impact the visual appearance. If further steps are required, a mild soap solution is often applied and then rinsed off the building. Excessive rubbing or abrasive materials are not recommended as this type of material could permanently scratch the finish. Cleaning should always be done in moderate temperatures as extremely warm temperatures would accelerate the evaporation of water from the solution, potentially leaving behind a film on the panel. Cold temperatures may also lead to poor cleaning of the panels. Never use strong solvents or aggressive cleaners on a paint finish to prevent damage to the finish. The general rule of thumb is to clean the entire building, panels and glass, semiannually using a soap solution or more often if in a difficult environment. Anodized Finishes: Unlike panels where the finish is an applied paint, the anodizing process actually seals the surface of the aluminum. The process itself creates open cells in the aluminum surface which can be filled with organic or inorganic dies and then sealed to protect the dies from damage due to UV exposure. Excessive abrasion on the panel surface can damage that seal coat exposing the dies which can then fade or change color over time. This is often visually apparent as a cloudy or “whitened” finish on the panel surface. It is never recommended to use solvents or other abrasive chemicals to clean the panels as an even appearance across the finished panel will be difficult if not impossible to maintain. Again, semiannual cleaning is the general rule or more often if in a difficult environment. © 2/2024 Natural Finishes: MCM panels by definition may use a metal surface that ages naturally over time. Copper and zinc are two examples of this natural metal surface. As with the other finishes, semiannual cleaning is recommended however great care must be taken not to damage the changing natural surface. Summary: MCM panels are available in a variety of different surface finishes. To maintain the appearance of the original finish panel cleaning and overall building maintenance are required. Lack of attention to this maintenance program could leave the building permanently stained with the original finish unable to be brought back to the initial appearance. Additional cleaning and finish maintenance recommendations are available from each of the MCM panel manufacturers. Specific guidelines for unique finishes are also available from the manufacturers or finish suppliers. Founded in 1983, the Metal Construction Association brings together the diverse metal construction industry for the purpose of expanding the use of all metals used in construction. MCA promotes the benefits of metal in construction through: • Technical guidance • Product certification • Educational and awareness programs • Advocating for the interests of our industry • Recognition of industry-achievement awards • Monitoring of industry issues, such as codes and standards • Research to develop improved metal construction products • Promotional and marketing support for the metal construction industry • Publications to promote use of metal wall and roof products in construction For more information, please visit the MCA Web site at www.metalconstruction.org Copyright © 2024 Metal Construction Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including photocopying, or utilized by any information storage or retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner. This bulletin is for general information only. The bulletin is designed to delineate areas requiring consideration. Information contained in the bulletin should not be used without first securing competent advice with respect to its suitability for any given application. MCA does not assume responsibility and disclaims any representation or warranty, express or implied, that such information is suitable for any general or particular use. Anyone making use of the bulletin assumes all liability resulting from such use. The existence of the bulletin does not in any respect preclude a member or nonmember of MCA from manufacturing, selling, or specifying products not conforming to the bulletin, nor does the existence of an MCA © 2/2024 bulletin preclude its voluntary use by persons other than MCA members. The bulletin does not purport to address all safety problems associated with its use or all applicable regulatory requirements. It is the responsibility of the user of the guideline to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations before use of the bulletin. The Metal Construction Association reserves the right to change, revise, add to, or delete any data contained in the bulletin without prior notice. It is the responsibility of the end user to verify the applicability of this information with the local building and fire officials.
