Testing and Data

Our Testing data

When it comes to protecting your home, ordinary paint may not be enough. You need something that’s proven to withstand the elements, keep your home looking great, and reduce maintenance over the years. That’s where Rhino Shield’s exterior coating stands out. Designed to be more than just paint, Rhino Shield is a high-performance coating that’s been rigorously tested to provide reliable protection against moisture, harsh sunlight, mold, and even fire.

This article takes you through the extensive testing process Rhino Shield undergoes—from tests for water resistance and insulation to durability and fire safety—so you can understand why it’s a trusted choice for homeowners who want long-lasting protection. Each test not only ensures Rhino Shield meets industry standards but goes beyond, giving you peace of mind that your investment is backed by real science and proven results.

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water intrusion testing

purpose

This test evaluates Rhino Shield’s ability to prevent water from entering your home, especially during intense storms with high winds.

process

Rhino Shield-coated surfaces are mounted in a test chamber, where they’re subjected to a powerful spray of water while high air pressure is applied. This simulates the conditions of a severe storm, where wind-driven rain impacts your home’s exterior. The test runs continuously for several hours to ensure the coating can withstand long exposure to water and pressure.

results

Rhino Shield passed the test. No water made its way through the coating, meaning it successfully kept the panels dry. This test followed the ASTM D6904-03(22) standard, which is the recognized method for testing how well exterior coatings hold up to wind-driven rain on masonry (like concrete walls or brick).

mold and mildew resistance

mold testing

This test checks Rhino Shield’s resistance to mold, mildew, and algae growth, which can affect both your home’s appearance and indoor air quality. Mold and mildew not only create unsightly stains but can also lead to structural damage if left unchecked. A coating that effectively resists these growths helps maintain a cleaner, healthier, and more durable home exterior, especially in humid climates where mold issues are common.

mold testing

Samples of Rhino Shield are applied to test surfaces and placed in a controlled, warm, and humid environment. They’re exposed to fungal spores from common mold and mildew-causing organisms, like Aspergillus niger and Aureobasidium pullulans. These conditions are ideal for mold growth, simulating a worst-case scenario. The samples are incubated for 28 days, and they’re checked each week to monitor for any signs of mold, mildew, or algae.

 

results

After 28 days in a warm, humid, spore-rich environment, Rhino Shield showed no visible mold or mildew growth. This outcome is significant because it indicates that even under extreme conditions ideal for mold and mildew, Rhino Shield’s coating remained unaffected. Most surfaces would start to show visible signs of mold or mildew within days in these conditions, as fungi like Aspergillus niger and Aureobasidium pullulans can spread rapidly. However, Rhino Shield’s formulation includes biocides and materials that actively resist fungal growth, preventing these spores from taking hold on the coating.

why is it important?

In a climate like Florida’s, where heat and humidity are almost year-round, mold and mildew are constant concerns. Homes in Florida are especially prone to these issues, with dampness providing the perfect environment for mold growth on exterior surfaces. The ability of Rhino Shield to resist mold and mildew in such extreme testing conditions means that it can handle Florida’s unique challenges, reducing the need for frequent cleaning, repainting, or mold treatment. This resistance helps Florida homeowners maintain a clean and healthy exterior while avoiding costly upkeep and protecting their homes against structural damage caused by unchecked mold growth.
 

adhesion strength testing

This test measures Rhino Shield’s adhesion strength to surfaces like wood and concrete, ensuring it stays securely bonded without peeling or cracking over time. Strong adhesion is essential for durability, especially in harsh climates where weaker coatings often fail. Rhino Shield’s high adhesion minimizes the need for touch-ups, providing a long-lasting, protective finish that resists environmental stresses.

Process

Rhino Shield is applied to wood and concrete surfaces, and a device measures the force needed to pull the coating away from the surface. Rhino Shield achieved impressive adhesion results with 567 psi on wood  and 533 psi on concrete. These numbers indicate that the coating bonds exceptionally well, resisting forces that would typically cause standard paints to peel or blister.

Why is this important for your home?

Adhesion strength is a fundamental factor in a coating’s durability because it determines how well the coating sticks to the surface and withstands environmental challenges. A strong bond ensures that Rhino Shield remains firmly attached to your home’s exterior, even when exposed to harsh conditions like extreme heat, cold, heavy rain, or high winds. If a coating lacks sufficient adhesion, it can start to peel, crack, or blister, especially under fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, leaving the surface vulnerable to water intrusion, UV damage, and eventual structural issues.

Good adhesion also plays a critical role in protecting against wear and tear. As surfaces naturally expand and contract with temperature changes, coatings with strong adhesion can flex with the surface without breaking away. This resilience reduces the need for frequent repainting or repairs, which are often necessary when coatings with weaker adhesion degrade over time.

For homeowners, strong adhesion means a longer-lasting finish that maintains its appearance and protective qualities over the years. This reduces maintenance costs and saves time, making Rhino Shield a cost-effective choice for long-term exterior protection.

Results

 

Rhino Shield demonstrated impressive adhesion strength, with 567 psi on wood and 533 psi on concrete. These results mean that Rhino Shield can withstand a force of 567 pounds per square inch (psi) on wood and 533 psi on concrete before it begins to separate from the surface. For context, typical exterior paints often have adhesion strengths between 200 to 300 psi, so Rhino Shield’s higher adhesion strength indicates a significantly stronger bond.

This level of adhesion means Rhino Shield won’t easily peel, crack, or blister, even in challenging weather conditions. It will remain firmly attached to the surface, providing a reliable, protective barrier for a much longer time compared to conventional paints. High adhesion is particularly valuable in areas prone to extreme weather, where temperature swings and humidity can cause weaker coatings to fail. For homeowners, these results reflect Rhino Shield’s enhanced durability, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and ensuring a resilient, long-lasting exterior.

solar reflectance testing

Purpose

These tests measure Rhino Shield’s ability to reflect sunlight (solar reflectance) and release absorbed heat (thermal emittance), both of which impact your home’s energy efficiency.

process

Rhino Shield’s coated surfaces are exposed to simulated sunlight to measure how much of the light is reflected. The matte finish reflects 83.7%of sunlight, and the satin finish reflects 85.2%, showing excellent reflective properties. In the thermal emittance test, both finishes scored 0.90, meaning they effectively release any heat they absorb.

results

Rhino Shield’s coating was tested to see how well it reflects sunlight and manages heat. The matte finish reflects 83.7%of sunlight, and the satin finish reflects 85.2%, meaning the coating bounces most of the sun’s rays off your home instead of absorbing them. This high reflection helps keep your home cooler by preventing heat buildup on the exterior walls.

In addition to reflecting sunlight, Rhino Shield’s coating also scores 0.90 in thermal emittance, which means it effectively releases any heat it does absorb. Instead of trapping heat, the coating lets it escape, further helping to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

For homeowners, these results mean Rhino Shield helps reduce the amount of heat that enters your home, keeping it cooler during hot days and potentially lowering air conditioning costs. This makes Rhino Shield an energy-efficient choice, especially in warm, sunny climates.

 

why is this important

Both Rhino Shield and TexCote emphasize environmental benefits. TexCote incorporates recycled materials into its coatings and has been recognized by LEED™ professionals, making it a more sustainable option. Rhino Shield, while not heavily marketed on its environmental credentials, it follows the new EPA laws and regulations, offers a product that lasts significantly longer, reducing the need for frequent recoating and lowering overall environmental impact.

 

fire resistance testing

purpose

This test checks Rhino Shield’s resistance to fire by measuring its flame spread and smoke development, both important factors for home safety.

testing process

Rhino Shield-coated panels were exposed to an open flame to measure how quickly flames spread across the coating and the amount of smoke it produced. In this test, Rhino Shield received a Class A fire rating, the highest rating available, with a Flame Spread Index of 5 and a Smoke-Developed Index of 0. For reference, materials with a Class A rating have flame spread scores of 25 or below, indicating they are highly resistant to fire spread. Most standard coatings and paints do not achieve this level, often scoring much higher in flame spread and smoke production.

With a Flame Spread Index of 5, Rhino Shield significantly slows down the spread of flames, providing valuable extra time in the event of a fire. Additionally, the Smoke-Developed Index of 0 means Rhino Shield produces virtually no smoke, minimizing harmful emissions. This level of fire resistance adds an extra layer of safety for your home and family, especially compared to conventional coatings that lack this protective quality.

why is this important

A Class A fire rating provides a high level of safety, particularly valuable for areas at higher risk of wildfires or for homeowners concerned with overall fire safety. Rhino Shield’s fire resistance can provide critical extra time in the event of a fire, helping protect your home and giving peace of mind.