Porcelain enamel should not be confused with temporary coatings such as baked paints or lacquers. Porcelain enamel's primary distinguishing features are its beauty and its ability to endure.

WHY IT IS USED: Currently there are numerous uses for porcelain enamel ranging from computer circuitry to wall covering and chemical waste storage to signage. Among the reasons for its selection are the following: resistance to corrosive attack of atmospheric pollution, extreme weather conditions, and abrasion; will not fade or peel; offers a pleasing appearance, extended service life, and easy cleanability; reduces cost and simplifies maintenance.

BASE METAL: Enameling iron or cold rolled steel.
SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS: High gloss, semi-matte or full matte finishes.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE: Unaffected by all acids except hydrofluoric. Unaffected by cold or mildly warm alkalis. Unaffected by all organic chemicals and solvents.

ABRASION RESISTANCE: One of the hardest finishes for resisting abrasion. Easily resists scratching with a steel blade.

WATER RESISTANCE: Porcelain enamel is unaffected by continuous or intermittent exposure to fresh or salt water. It will resist attack by boiling water for weeks or months.

THERMAL STABILITY: Porcelain enamel on sheet steel is unaffected by temperatures as high as 1000 degrees fahrenheit. Dry cold and freezing temperatures do not affect it.

ELECTRICAL: Porcelain enamel is non-conductive, with dielectric values ranging from 100 to 450 volts per mil.

VANDAL RESISTANCE: Repels all forms of animal attack. Excellent for ordinary wear and tear. Resists surface damage from paint or marker pens-can be wiped clean with appropriate solvent. Withstands impact damage except that causing permanent deformation of substrate.

HYGIENE: Inorganic and non-porous. No pores to collect bacteria - an ideal sanitary material for use in hospitals, restaurants and laboratories.

WEATHER RESISTANCE:
 

Ultraviolet light:	Unaffected
Heat:	Unaffected by temperatures between 200 & 1000° F.
Wind:	As strong as the mounting device.
Condensation:	Unaffected
Precipitation:	Unaffected
Salt air:	Unaffected
Fungus:	Unaffected

STAINABILITY: Because porcelain enamel is non-porous it cannot be stained by any medium

INSULATION: When backed with appropriate material porcelain enamel becomes one of the best insulators available.

NOISE: When backed or installed correctly porcelain enamel generates about as much noise as wood.

TOTAL REFLECTANCE: Over 80 percent.

DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE (Whiteness): Up to 88 percent.

CHIPPAGE: Porcelain enamel can be chipped, but it usually takes a blow hard enough to bend the base metal. Most chipping is a result of high impact or occurs as a result of poor shipping or installation.

GREATEST DRAWBACKS: Attack by hydrofluoric acid. This acid does not occur naturally and is difficult to obtain by the vandel. High impact from heavy metal instruments and guns can cause damage, but these attacks usually sustain equal or greater damage to other materials as well. Porcelain enamel is difficult to alter or repair, but generally not more difficult than other materials.

MANUFACTURING CONSIDERATIONS

WEIGHT: Depending on gauge of steel used. Example - One square foot of 18 guage is approximately 2 pounds.

SIZE RANGES
    With flange    6" x6" to 5'10" x 10'
    Without flange    3" x3" to 6'10'
    Flange depth range    1/2" to 1 1/2"

CONFIGURATIONS: Porcelain enamel can be applied to any configuration that metal can be fabricated to.

PRODUCTION TIME: Generally 30 days.

MAINTENANCE: Easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

REPAIRS: Exact repairs are difficult, generally, depending on the extent of damage acceptable repairs are possible.

INSTALLATION: Economical and easy to install.

LIFE: Generally acknowledged life of 30 years.

COLORS: Wide range of colors available with outstanding fade-resistant characteristics.

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS: Can work from sketch, key line or film positive to size or proportioned.

LETTER SIZE: Minimum size is 24 point. Maximum size is governed by surface dimensions.

COST: Competitively price when compared with other materials, most of which must be replaced frequently.

NOTE: The specifications listed here are the technical and manufacturing capabilities of Southwest Porcelain.