The Test Farm's first purpose, of course, is to evaluate the performance of our paints and formula prototypes. Sixty percent of the coated panels on the farm are experimental formulations that we are developing for the marketplace. The vast majority of exterior coatings are tested rigorously for chalking, fade resistance, peeling, and mildew resistance, and some are also tested for gloss level, blistering, dirt pickup, corrosion, and rusting. Test Farm coatings have a tough life, much more perilous, in fact, than the life they would lead out in the marketplace.
New Jersey has a temperate climate, where hot and cold temperature extremes are commonplace.
According to Exterior Testing Facility Coordinator DonnaLynn Panila, in this diverse climate and through carefully monitored acceleration environments, the coatings undergo a continuous assault by intense sunlight, heavy foot traffic, dirt, wind, rain, and even salt spray.