You are using an outdated browser version not supported by this website.
Click here to upgrade your browser

InteriorInterior
13 August 2015

LRVs and How Substrates Influence Colour Choice

Black has an LRV approaching 0% as it absorbs almost all light. In contrast, white has 100%. All other colours fall between these two numbers. The sheen level of the coating can also have an effect (Dulux LRVs are based on a low sheen finish).

Any light absorbed by a coating is converted to heat, so a colour with a low LRV will get hotter than a colour with a high LRV.

Some substrates are heat sensitive, and their suppliers have elected to specify restrictions on the tone of colours (LRV) that can be applied. This may restrict colour selection to LRVs of greater than 40% — which is really only a colour of mid-shade darkness.

A white undercoat can help greatly in reducing the heat build up in a substrate. As a rule, it's best to follow the supplier's LRV recommendations to avoid substrate movement, which can lead to warping, cracking and potentially leaking.

View more information on Dulux, including contact details.
comments powered by Disqus

Posts by Dulux NZ Technical

See All

Get a free weekly digest of essential news

New and updated architectural products, design solutions, inspiration, technical advice and more when you sign up for EBOSS.