Q3 and Q4 White Shading Agents

During the summer, greenhouses should apply a heat-resistant paint, which forms a chalky coating, to reflect light and mitigate heat entering the greenhouse. This protective measure shields the crops from soaring temperatures. The shading paints Q3 White and Q4 White are both formulated using calcium carbonate for greenhouse application. The main difference between these two shading agents is their resilience against certain weather conditions. It's this difference that determines how to use these products. In this article, one of our specialists explains the how Q3 and Q4 work. 

Extent of Weather Resistance in Q3 and Q4 White Shading Agents

Q3 White is a medium chalk shading agent used for average condidtions, while Q4 White has additional resistance to extreme weather conditions. This is due to the inclusion of a patented binder that ensures product adhesion to the surface. As a result, Q4 offers an extended lifespan compared to Q3, which makes it better for lower shading percentages and prolonged shading durations.
 

Low Shading Percentages

Any greenhouse shading paint experiences reduced weather resistance when the dosage is decreased. This happens because the liquid spray applied contains a lower amount of binder per hectare compared to higher dosages. However, during the development of Q4, an emphasis was placed on maximizing its weatherproof properties, regardless of the shading percentage. Q4 maintains its exceptional weather resistance even during rainfall, with shading percentages as low as 65%. This prolonged resilience leads to an extended shading period. Q4 is the recommended choice for scenarios requiring light shading or prolonged periods of shading. Depending on the dosage, Q4 White can last from 8 to 25 weeks.

High Shading Percentages

Certain crops, such as hederas, lilies, or phalaenopsis, don't require a greenhouse shading paint that exceeds 65% shading. In these cases, Q3 can be applied for high shading percentages. With a higher relative binder content in the spray liquid per hectare, Q3's longevity increases and can be compared to that of Q4 White.

Considerations for Shading Duration

Given that Q3 White is less weather-resistant than Q4 White, it can be a cost-effective choice for brief shading periods. It's also well-suited for scenarios where shading is needed multiple times throughout the year. If you need a shading solution that lasts through the entire season, Q4 White is the better option.

Application Methods for Q4 White

The application of Q4 White can be done either manually or mechanically. Mechanical application ensures you get accurate coverage, and the right amount of the chalk. Manual application could mean a lower level of precision and resulting in gaps or stains. Both Q3 White and Q4 White can be applied using either mechanical or manual methods. This video shows how the application process works.

Removing the Agents

At the end of the growing season, our products can be easily removed using Removit.