Good Weathering
Plastics used for outdoor applications
Plastic materials are often used for outdoor applications such as architectural glazing, mass transportation interiors, marine dock fenders, heavy equipment components, signs, and wood replacement parts. Certain plastics such as acrylic, Ultem®, PVDF, and PTFE are inherently UV stable. However, most plastic materials can exhibit color change and loss of elongation when exposed to UV light over time.
Weathering resistance of some plastics can be improved by adding UV stabilizers, UV-resistant caps, coatings, or coextruded surfaces to help protect the base polymer. Use this page as a starting point to compare plastic materials for outdoor use, then review plastics for outdoor applications, see examples of UV-resistant polycarbonate and wood replacement materials, ask a plastics expert for help with your application, or get a quote when you are ready to discuss material availability, sizing, or fabrication needs.
Curbell Plastics can help you:
- Compare plastic materials for outdoor use, UV exposure, weathering resistance, and long-term appearance requirements.
- Evaluate material options for glazing, transportation, marine construction, heavy equipment, signage, and wood replacement applications.
- Identify UV-stable, UV-stabilized, capped, or coated material options to consider for your application and documentation needs.
Acrylic
Outstanding strong, stiff, clear plastic available in a variety of brilliant colors and finishes.
PCTFE
Fluoropolymer with outstanding dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and temperature range.
PFA
Flexible fluoropolymer that performs well in extreme temperature and harsh chemical environments.
PTFE
Low friction engineering plastic with outstanding chemical, high temperature, and weathering resistance.
SentryGlas® Interlayer
Structural interlayer material for storm, blast, ballistic, and single-point supported glass applications.
UHMW
Extremely tough abrasion resistant, low cost plastic, used for a wide range of wear applications.
Acrylic
Outstanding strong, stiff, clear plastic available in a variety of brilliant colors and finishes.
PCTFE
Fluoropolymer with outstanding dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and temperature range.
PFA
Flexible fluoropolymer that performs well in extreme temperature and harsh chemical environments.
PTFE
Low friction engineering plastic with outstanding chemical, high temperature, and weathering resistance.
SentryGlas® Interlayer
Structural interlayer material for storm, blast, ballistic, and single-point supported glass applications.
UHMW
Extremely tough abrasion resistant, low cost plastic, used for a wide range of wear applications.
Not sure which materials best fit your needs?
Our experienced sales and technical teams are available to assist you with material selection challenges.
