What Are the Surface Decorative Treatment Methods for UHPC Exterior Wall Panels? A Diversified Technical System from Basic Protection to Artistic Expression

The surface decorative treatment of UHPC exterior wall panels is the key bridge connecting material performance with architectural aesthetics. It not only determines the appearance texture and color durability, but also directly affects long-term performance such as weather resistance and self-cleaning. As the Qinglong Group with 28 years of deep expertise in the UHPC field, and based on practical experience from nationwide landmark projects such as the Wuhan Han Show Theatre and the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, we have summarized the UHPC surface decoration technology system into a four-layer architecture of "substrate modification + texture shaping + color imparting + functional coating". Through scientific combination, dozens of artistic effects can be achieved, such as stone imitation, wood imitation, metallic texture, light transmission, and gradient colors, meeting diverse architectural needs ranging from minimalist modern to retro classic. Quality treatment should ensure surface weather resistance of more than 10 years without significant fading (ΔE≤3.0) and a stain resistance rating of Grade 0, endowing buildings with an enduring visual appeal.

Substrate treatment is the foundation of the decorative effect, with the core lying in controlling surface porosity and flatness. Qinglong Group adopts vacuum dewatering and high-pressure forming processes to reduce the water absorption of the UHPC substrate to below 3%, providing a uniform carrier for subsequent treatments. For stone-imitation effects, we transfer natural stone textures through CNC-engraved molds, with texture depth reaching 0.5-2mm and fidelity exceeding 95%. In the translucent UHPC project at Shanghai Century Plaza, a custom silicone mold precisely replicated the stone veins, combined with mineral pigment penetration technology, achieving a texture nearly indistinguishable from natural granite. For minimalist styles, mechanical polishing or acid etching can be applied to obtain mirror or matte finishes, with surface roughness Ra values controllable within the range of 0.8-6.3μm.

Color and functional coatings guarantee durability. We prefer fluorocarbon resin coatings, whose UV resistance (ΔE≤2.0 after 3000h QUV aging) far exceeds that of ordinary paints, and which feature excellent self-cleaning properties. In the Yirui Biotechnology Building project in Shenzhen, Qinglong Group adopted a three-coat-one-bake process with a dry film thickness ≥30μm, enabling the wall to automatically wash away dust after rain. For special functional needs, such as translucent decoration, light-guiding fibers can be embedded in the UHPC, with the surface covered by a high-transparency protective film, presenting a uniform and soft internal glow at night. Smart coatings, such as antibacterial and photocatalytic pollutant-decomposing coatings, are also gradually being applied in specific places such as hospitals and schools.

Decorative treatment needs to be designed in coordination with the installation system. The color of the sealant at joints should be coordinated with the panel surface color scheme to avoid abrupt color differences. Qinglong Group recommends producing 1:1 physical samples at the design proposal stage and conducting long-term outdoor exposure tests to verify color stability. Through this systematic decorative treatment system, UHPC exterior wall panels truly achieve a perfect unity of artistic expression and practical function.