RainShadow... The Natural Rainscreen
Features and Benefits
Richlite RainShadow™ patinas over time and has an inherently natural look. The water-resistant material requires no sealing on the face, edges or fastener holes. With over 65 years of manufacturing experience in the industrial, marine, extreme sports and architectural markets, the through-color panels are durable, versatile and easy to maintain.
Weather resistant
Richlite requires no sealing on the face, edges or fastener holes
Ease of Use
The factory mill finish can be installed with little on-site work - just cut and fasten. Combine that with fast lead times and excellent support.
Sustainable
Made with FSC® certified and post consumer waste paper content; may contribute to LEED® points, and manufactured with Richlite's innovative Waste-to-Energy technology.
Customizable
Distinguish projects to suit innovative styles with multi-colored edge reveals, printed murals integrated into panels and engraved design features.
Graffiti/Stain Resistance and Removal
Generally speaking, Richlite resists stains quite well. Most light stains may be cleaned with a pressure washer. More stubborn stains may be repaired by a light refinishing of the material. Visit the Care + Maintenance area of this site for further information.
Solid Color
The color of Richlite is the result of the combination of the paper color used and the color of the resin. No dyes are added in the manufacturing process, which also allows for the layered edge reveals. As they age, Richlite colors darken, become richer, warmer and more dramatic. In general, color change is least noticeable in darker colors & more pronounced in lighter colors. The manufacturing process does not allow absolute control over the color of the final product. Slight variations between sheets will occur but will lessen as they age.
Scratch Resistant
It's significantly harder than wood but, like most materials, can, under force, be scratched or gouged. Because Richlite is a solid color all the way through, when scratches do occur, there will be no difference in color – unlike many surfaces where the scratch appears as a different color then the material. Visit the Care + Maintenance area of this site for further information.
Durability
Richlite is an incredibly durable product; due to its high impact resistance, gouges or cracks are uncommon and it won't warp. Because of the way it is manufactured with stacked sheets of paper, the edge can be prone to chipping if not eased or radiused properly.
Patina & Aging
Over time and with use, Richlite will develop a seasoned appearance that is characteristic of the material. Overall it will appear softer and deeper in color and pattern. Aging is a natural process that begins immediately and, like cherry and mahogany, may take a number of years to complete. It is similar to the manner in which natural wood products oxidize and age over time. The speed of aging will be affected by the amount of natural light the product is exposed to. Typically the process is noticeable after one month.
The effect of aging in Richlite is primarily a result of the resin component, which begins as pale amber and deepens to a rich shade of sienna. It is strongly recommended the difference in color be shown to the customer prior to purchase.