Outdoor ExposuresNatural exposure testing is an essential part of any weathering and light stability test program. The Q-Lab Test Service Division has outdoor exposure sites at internationally recognized benchmark locations Q-Lab Florida and Q-Lab Arizona.

• Florida Weathering. South Florida has a unique balance of high intensity sunlight, high year-round temperatures, abundant rainfall and high humidity. Watch video about Florida Weathering.
• Arizona Weathering. Arizona has an arid desert climate with more sunlight and higher temperatures than Florida. Typically, specimens in Arizona receive about 20% more sunlight than Florida. Watch video about Arizona Weathering.

Depending upon the material, testing in multiple locations can be valuable because there can be significant differences in environmental stresses.  For example, in this graph, Q-Lab Florida and Q-Lab Arizona exposures of a vinyl acrylic polymer resulted in different changes in gloss loss. 

Various mounting and exposure techniques are available for conducting natural outdoor exposure tests.  Each has advantages and limitations, depending on the material orproduct's end use.  Care must be taken to pick the proper exposure methodology to ensure that the test results ar as usefule as possible.  Below is a summary of some of the more comomon exposure techniques.  For detailed information, please download Outdoor Exposure Procedures.

Direct Exposure. In the most widely used method, adjustable rack assemblies hold test specimens securely in place. Racks are tilted at angles ranging from 0 degrees(flat) to 90 degrees (vertical). Specimens may be open to the elements on both sides or placed on a backing sheet.

Black Box. The test panels are mounted as the top surface of a black exposure box which insulates the specimen and increases the temperature of the test panels.

Mildew Tests. In this Florida test, panels are typically exposed vertically and facing north to
reduce sunlight, decrease surface temperatures and increase moisture.

Salt-Accelerated Outdoor Corrosion. Salt spray produces a fast and realistic corrosion exposure, particularly for automotive materials.

Under Glass. These exposures are used to test interior materials. Specimens are mounted in sub-frames under 3 mm window glass.

AIM (Automotive Interior Materials) Box. Samples are exposed under glass to simulate the environment inside an automobile.