{"id":"wpc-tech100-article-034-en","slug":"pigment-selection-and-solar-heating-of-composites","locale":"en","url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/pigment-selection-and-solar-heating-of-composites/","title":"Pigment selection and solar heating of composites","answer":"Colour and surface temperature should be considered together, but visual colour alone does not provide a complete thermal specification. Pigment choices need evaluation in the finished WPC system.","author":"NFC & WPC Knowledge Reference","faqIds":["wpc-tech100-faq-034-en"],"tagIds":[],"noindex":false,"related":["wpc-tech100-article-035-en"],"version":1,"modified":"2026-10-15","reviewer":"","sections":[{"id":"technical-context","text":"Two surfaces that appear similar can respond differently to incident radiation. Geometry, exposure, wind and the supporting arrangement also affect measured temperatures. A marketing label such as cool colour needs a defined comparison and test condition.","heading":"Technical context","references":[],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/pigment-selection-and-solar-heating-of-composites/#technical-context"},{"id":"verification-plan","text":"Prepare representative samples and record the exposure conditions, instrument and measurement location. Compare surfaces simultaneously where possible. Report the actual temperature observations and uncertainty rather than claiming a universal comfort advantage from one test.","heading":"What to measure and document","references":[],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/pigment-selection-and-solar-heating-of-composites/#verification-plan"},{"id":"practical-decision","text":"For barefoot or seating applications, treat heat as a project-level usability issue. Shade and access arrangements may matter alongside material choice. Do not promise that a pigment makes a surface safe to touch under every summer condition.","heading":"Implications for development and specification","references":[],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/pigment-selection-and-solar-heating-of-composites/#practical-decision"},{"id":"reading-scope","text":"Research on co-extruded coatings for composite durability. Use the linked work as related reading. The practical checks above are editorial recommendations, not reported test results or a substitute for product qualification.","heading":"Related reading and evidence limits","references":[1],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/pigment-selection-and-solar-heating-of-composites/#reading-scope"}],"seoTitle":"Pigment selection and solar heating of composites | WPC Reference","topicIds":[],"published":"2026-10-15","tableText":"Review step | Evidence to retain\nMaterial and geometry | Exact specimen or product identity\nVerification | Method, conditions and individual observations\nDecision | Approved scope and documented limitations","takeaways":"Two surfaces that appear similar can respond differently to incident radiation.\nPrepare representative samples and record the exposure conditions, instrument and measurement location.\nFor barefoot or seating applications, treat heat as a project-level usability issue.","aiAssisted":true,"categoryId":"wpc-tech100-category-2","reviewedAt":"","change_note":"New focused technical draft; not a product certification or production recipe.","description":"Colour and surface temperature should be considered together, but visual colour alone does not provide a complete thermal specification.","heroImageId":"","referenceIds":["wpc-tech100-ref-cap"],"review_status":"AI-assisted English editorial draft. Human technical review has not been recorded.","table_caption":"Evidence checklist for pigment selection and solar heating of composites","seoDescription":"Colour and surface temperature should be considered together, but visual colour alone does not provide a complete thermal specification.","translationGroup":"wpc-tech100-034-2026","references":[{"url":"https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/28811","type":"web","title":"Co-extruded coatings for WPC durability","noindex":false,"accessed":"2026-10-14","seoTitle":"Co-extruded coatings for WPC durability","publisher":"USDA Forest Service","description":"Related reading; scope and limitations are identified in each article.","seoDescription":"Related reading; scope and limitations are identified in each article."}],"faqs":[{"question":"What evidence is needed for pigment selection and solar heating of composites?","answer":"Prepare representative samples and record the exposure conditions, instrument and measurement location. Compare surfaces simultaneously where possible. Report the actual temperature observations and uncertainty rather than claiming a universal comfort advantage from one test."}]}