Conscious Choice: Energy-Saving Paint

August 2000 | Sensible Home

Energy-Saving Paint

by James Dulley

Dear Jim: I have heard about house and wall paint that can keep my house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Do these paints really work? Can I apply the paint myself? Is it very expensive? — Ronald T.

Dear Ronald: The answer to your first two questions is yes. The paint will reduce radiant heat transfer into and out of your house, and you can apply it like any other wall or exterior house paint. It is also extremely effective for painting your roof to extend its life and block the heat.

Applying energy-saving paint to your walls reflects body heat back to you for comfort and energy savings in the winter. In the summer, its low-emissivity (like new low-e window glass) reduces the radiant heat from hot sun-drenched walls, which makes you feel more comfortable indoors. Other than a very slightly textured surface, which you would not notice unless it was called to your attention, these paints look like ordinary wall paint when dry. They are available in many standard and custom colors.

These paints have dried thickness up to ten mils., much thicker than ordinary wall paint, making them good for hiding small cracks and imperfections. Although most of these energy-saving paints cost about the same as other premium paints, they require a thicker application, so you will use more.

Most energy-saving paints use fine ceramic particles mixed in with the paint. It is the same material that NASA uses on the space shuttle tiles. I reluctantly tried the NASA test of putting a layer of ceramic powder on my hand and then placing a lit propane torch on it. I was not burned.

Most particles used are microscopic hollow ceramic spheres. They are produced at very high heat so that when they cool, a partial vacuum is created inside. In effect, they become millions of tiny Thermos bottles on your wall. Some paints also use platelets for additional ceramic coverage.

The other technology uses microscopic aluminum particles encapsulated in infrared transparent binders. These particles, which cannot be seen in the paint, minimize radiant heat transfer. There are different formulas for walls and ceilings. With its high opacity, it provides good coverage per gallon.

Another option is to buy the ceramic sphere powder and add it to your own wall or house paint. A 32-ounce bottle costs about $15 and is enough for one gallon of paint. It is very important to mix it thoroughly before you apply it.

If your roof looks bad, painting it with energy-saving ceramic-filled roof paint can reduce the heat indoors. For example, in the hot afternoon sun, a roof painted white can be 90 degrees cooler than a standard black roof.

Write for (or instantly download) Update Bulletin No. 682, buyer’s guide of ten energy-saving ceramic and low-emissivity wall and roof paints, particle types, coverages, colors, features/ uses, warranties, prices, and painting tips. Please include $3 and a business-size SASE. James Dulley, Conscious Choice, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244.

Recommend this page to a friend

Top Ten pages recommended to friends: