Radiance(tm) Low-E Line of Paints Reduces Energy Costs, Increases Comfort September 8, 1998 -- Leading paint and coatings manufacturer PARA Paints of Brampton, Ontario, has been selected as the Canadian distributor and marketer of a new, revolutionary line of energy-efficient paints and coatings. The line-called Radiance(TM) -- is the first of its kind in North America, featuring "low-e" interior wall finishes, ceiling paints, attic and decking coatings, and commercial dry fall paint.

Introduced to the North American market earlier this year by coatings manufacturer Chemrex Inc. of Shakopee, Minnesota, the products have received "phenomenal response," said Paul Thompson, General Manager, Radiance. "Radiance is a new technology that changes the way people look at what a wall coating even does: not only does it protect, but it can now save people money as well ... up to 20 per cent of their energy bill.

" Radiance's technology is unique because it is based on a "low-e" system that (similar to "low-e" glass windows) helps control heat gain and loss, keeping rooms feeling warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The "e" in "low-e" refers to emissivity, which is the ability of a surface to emit or absorb radiative energy. The lower the "e" value, the more efficient it is in managing energy and the greater the energy savings.

In winter, Radiance works by reflecting about 40 per cent of the radiant energy (heat) that normally would be absorbed through the walls, ceiling or roof, back into the room. With conventional wall finishes, wallpaper or ceramic-type coatings, up to 95 per cent of radiant energy in a room escapes to the outside.

Conversely, in summer, Radiance keeps about 40 per cent of radiant energy from entering the room. When the sun beats down on a house or building, its radiant energy passes quickly through the roof, warming a home or building's interior. When Radiance is applied to the walls, ceiling or underside of the roof, it creates an emissive barrier, reducing the amount of radiant energy that enters. As a result, the attic and rooms below stay cooler, keeping air conditioning costs down.

"The bottom line of using Radiance is energy conservation and savings," explained Bob Elder, Director, Specialty Products Division, PARA Paints. "For example, homeowners who are used to keeping their rooms at 72 (22 C) in the winter can drop their thermostats to 68 F (20 C) after painting with Radiance, and still feel as warm as they would in a 72 F room. Similarly, in the summer, air conditioning units can be set at a higher temperature without feeling a difference in coolness or comfort.

"Radiance is probably the biggest breakthrough in technology in the paint field since the 1950s when latex paint was developed," Elder added. "There is nothing like it on the market-not only does the product provide a colourful, rich look, but it also supplies users with the comfort, energy efficiency and scrubability of a latex coating."

The Radiance line-all of which PARA represents in Canada-includes Radiance Low-E Interior Wall Finish, Radiance Low-E Attic and Decking Radiant Barrier, and Radiance Low-E Dry Fall Paint.

"PARA Paints is a perfect fit to represent our products in Canada," said Thompson of Radiance. "After extensive research and a competitive market analysis, PARA rated as the best paint and coatings supplier in Canada.... We were particularly impressed with PARA's focus on customer relations and customer service."

Available in 72 colours plus white, in Egg-Shell or Flat finish, Radiance can be brushed, rolled or sprayed, and applies like any high-quality latex paint. Washable and stain resistant, the products come in one and five gallon cans, and can be applied in just one coat over a primed or previously painted surface.