Standard Tournesol Colors

These colors are standard across most of Tournesol Sitework’s products. They are achieved with high quality paint finishes, powder coat finishes, or carefully matched blended pigments, depending on the product. Some products and materials, when marked, will only be available in a limited range of these standard colors.
                               
The following colors have an associated color number.  That number corresponds to a standard Pantone® (PMS) color. If you are in doubt how a color will actually appear, refer to a physical Pantone color selector.  The varying materials and finishes will have different sheens (think of concrete vs. polyethylene plastic), so the actual colors may vary slightly from the Pantone® standard.

Tournesol Siteworks can also match any custom color for our products.  We charge a nominal color match fee, which is waived for larger orders.  We need color samples that measure at least 1” x 1” to match.  Please ask your salesperson for details.

Material Description

Tournesol Siteworks uses a polyester-based fiberglass (also known as Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic, or FRP), hand-laid in open molds. For our Flower Framers and FF European Series windowboxes we use pultruded fiberglass.  Pultrusion is a process through which glass and resin are drawn through a shaping tool. 
                             
Fiberglass is a lightweight, strong material made up of layers of polyester resin alternated with woven fiberglass mat.  The strength and durability of fiberglass depend upon the number of layers of resin and mat, and the weight of the mat. Because we design our fiberglass to withstand being outdoors, Tournesol typically uses the heaviest mat available and applies at least one layer more than most other fiberglass manufacturers.  The number of layers, the thickness of the material, and the internal structure (bulkheads, gussets, etc.) depend upon the configuration and natural strength of the product design.

All fiberglass products (with the exception of the Flower Framer and FF European Series boxes) are waterproofed with an additional layer of black gelcoat resin before shipping.

Base Finishes

Our base finishes are FRP fiberglass coated with acrylic enamel paint, over an applied texture. Most colors (including custom) are available in semi-gloss hardened or satin finishes. Semi-gloss finishes will withstand scratching and cleaning better than matte (think of pain in a kitchen vs. a bedroom). Textures (T-1 and T-2) provide the optimal level of durability. While they withastand scratching better than T-0 (smooth), they also hide the scratches that do occur. Touch-up paint is automatically included for all pot orders greater than $500, and may be ordered in any quantity. It is a two-part enamel, so once catalyst has been added to the touch-up, the entire can must be used within an hour or so.

For Base Finish colors, refer to the standard colors on the first tab.

T-0 Texture		T-1 Texture		T-2 Texture

 

Metal-Infused Finishes

Metal-infused finishes are powdered metals (bronze, aluminum, copper, iron) mixed into clear gel-coat them applied to FRP Fiberglass. Once the metal-infused resin has dried, the natural luster is brought out by hand buffing. This process will create some irregularities, a natural result of hand-finishing. Iron, the exception, is left in its original state. Metal-infused finishes are naturally hard, and resist scratches well.

Metal-Infused Weathering

Iron- Iron will naturally rust, eventually appearing similar to Corten steel. The oxidized iron in the finish is soluble in water, so will leach off the planter after a rain. As tthis will stain whatever surface they are sitting on, they aare not recommended for light-colored surfaces.

Bronze- Bronze starts off a medium brown, which sstarts to darken weeks after they have been finished. Eventually they reach a rich, deep brown bronze color (think of an old penny). In some instances, depending upon the environment, the bronze may patina green.

Copper- Copper will darken like bronze, but retain a reddish hue. Copper will typically verdigris over time.

Aluminum- Aluminum will not change color, but the natural luster of the metal may dull over time.

Metal-Infused Patina

Patina effects may be accelerated, either intentionally or not, by rain water, soda or other liquids, cleaning products, animal waste, or may be slowed by oils and greases. The patina will change based upon contact with the agent, so may not be uniform (or natural). Weathering of metal-infused finishes may be prevented by sealing the product. This will need to be repeated, the frequency depending upon the sealer used.

These "before" and "after" images above and below, taken of the planters at the Pierre LaClede Center near St. Louis, provide an indication of weathering that may occur. Taken 12 months after installation, the "after" planters have darkened significantly, and a hint of greenish patina is visible, especially on the lower half of the planters. This was likely accelerated by the frequent washing of the plaza surface.

Metal Matched Paints

For those who appreciate the look of metal, but are wary of the aging process, Tournesol has developed a series of metal-matched paint colors that look like, but will not weather like the metals. They lack some of the richness of the metal-infused finish, but are predictable in a commercial environment. All colors carry a distinctive shimmer, in addition to their hardened surface.

 

Mechanical Properties

Fiberglass is exceptionally strong and rigid, based upon the strength of the glass fibers, and the wetting characteristics of the resin surrounding them.  It can be made very thin (most pot walls are approx. 5/32” thick), yet still maintain their shape.

	Hardness, B	50
	Tensile Strength, Ultimate	12500 psi
	Elongation at break	1.3%
	Modulus of Elasticity	1020 ksi
	Flexural Modulus	754 ksi
	Flexural Yield Strength	27600 psi
	Compressive Yield Strength	21800 psi
	Glass content, average	35%

Products

Tournesol uses fiberglass in the following products:

Village Collection, Metro Collection, Urban Collection, Craftsman Collection, Downtown Collection, Arcade Collection, Empire Collection, Wilshire Collection, Wilshire Boxes,, Flower Framer, FF European Series, Coronado Boxes, fiberglass saucers, and some custom fabrications.

Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

Material Description

LLDPE is a highly versatile plastic material known for its chemical and tear resistance.  Tournesol Siteworks uses LLDPE in our rotationally-molded products. It can be recycled, and many of our black irrigation products are made of 60% post-industrial recycled material. LLDPE is non-polar which gives it great chemical resistance, but also prevents paint from adhering to the surface unless specially treated.  For this reason all decorative products are made of virgin material and integrally colored with pigments.  Our complex matrix finishes are achieved via a blend of up to 5 pre-compounded colors. Typically LLDPE products will not take paint well in the field. This also lends the material a degree of graffiti-resistance.  Polyethylene typically exhibits very good environmental resistance, especially when treated with a UV inhibitor.

Finishes & Colors

Most irrigation products are molded in black.  Decorative rotational molded products are available in all the colors on the “standard” tab. White will tend to be slightly translucent, and may yellow over time.  AFPM & AFHB products are available in a limited range of colors.

The matrix finishes shown below are typically used with the SeaCrest Series and Basix Collection planters. Call your salesperson to receive a sample. Matrix finishes are integral to the material, so are especially good at hiding scratches, nicks, and fading.

Mechanical Properties

LLDPE is not particularly rigid, but can be molded in heavier wall sections to provide strength to a product. It is very tear-resistant, and holds up well to impact.

	Hardness, R	52
	Tensile Strength, Ultimate	2300 psi
	Elongation at break	400%
	Flexural Modulus	84 ksi

Products

Tournesol uses LLDPE in the following products:
SeaCrest Series, Basix Collection planters, CWI Interior, CWI Exterior, CWI Classic (CWC), CWF Flower Bowl, CWM Modular, AutoFill Container Irrigation Systems, AFIR, AFPM, AFHB Hanging Basket products, garbage can liners, and some custom products.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Material Description

HDPE exhibits the same good environmental resistance as LLDPE, but has better mechanical properties.  This allows us to thermoform it for use in our modular green roof tray product. It can be have relatively thin wall sections yet still exhibit good rigidity and the tear resistance.

Finishes & Colors

Currently this material is only manufactured in black.

Mechanical Properties

	Hardness, R	66
	Tensile Strength, Ultimate	4200 psi
	Elongation at break	710%
	Flexural Modulus	150 ksi
	Flexural Yield Strength	3750 psi

Products

Tournesol uses HDPE on our modular green roof trays.

Polypropylene

Material Description

Polypropylene is a plastic material with average properties.  Like polyethylene, it is non-polar, chemical resistant and cannot be painted.  It has slightly better mechanical properties than polyethylene, and can be manufactured in thinner wall sections. Tournesol uses it for injection molded container irrigation inserts and leakproof welded planter liners.

Finishes & Colors

Currently this material is only manufactured in black.

Mechanical Properties

Polypropylene has average mechanical characteristics, and is able to be used in a wide variety of products.  Using heavier wall thicknesses with our leakproof liners allows for better rigidity.

	Hardness, R	60
	Tensile Strength, Ultimate	4900 psi
	Elongation at break	120%
	Flexural Modulus	125 ksi
	Flexural Yield Strength	4850 psi
	Compressive Yield Strength	6820 psi

Products

Tournesol uses PP for: CWI Interior, CWI Exterior container irrigation systems, Leakproof welded liners, some various smaller plastic parts.

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

Material Description

HIPS is polystyrene with rubber added to add impact resistance to its excellent rigidity. We thermoform a post-industrial 60% recycled material to create our planter liners.  It doesn’t hold up well to UV, so we recommend painting areas that will show when using our liners in an exterior application.

Finishes & Colors

HIPS is normally black, but can be painted any of Tournesol the colors on the “standard” tab.

Mechanical Properties

	Hardness, R	95
	Tensile Strength, Ultimate	3500 psi
	Flexural Modulus	277 ksi
	Flexural Yield Strength	6900 psi

Products

Tournesol uses HIPS for: Natural Spring planters, CWS Planter Liners, Thermoplastic Planter Liners, some parts of Coronado and CB AutoFill windowboxes.

Other Plastics

Tournesol Siteworks uses a variety of other plastics in our products, including PVC for our tubing, ABS for our Flower Framer endcaps, EPDM for seals, and natural rubber for our stoppers. If you have specific questions about any of these please refer them to our sales staff.

Material Description

GFRC has the look and durability of concrete, without suffering the associated weight.  By adding long strand glass fibers and woven mat to fiberglass, we are able to increase the strength of the material and decrease the thickness. Decreasing the thickness 60% (from typically 3” in cast concrete to 1” in GFRC) directly reduces the weight by the same amount.
                                
Tournesol offers two different finishes in GFRC – travertine and acid etched.  The travertine finish has a rustic, puckered appearance.  The acid etch has a consistent, fine sand texture.  From one base material color, the two finish colors will vary because of the sand and aggregate exposed. All colors are integral to the material, so will effectively hide chipping and scratching.

Finishes & Colors

GFRC Concrete is available in two finishes - Acid Etched (a light sandblast look), and Travertine (a natural, pitted smooth surface). Tournesol can also do custom finishes, depending upon the application. Contract your salesperson for more information.

Acid-Etch Finishes:

Travertine Finishes:

Mechanical Properties

GFRC is a lightweight version of concrete, made up of Portland cement, sand and aggregates, water, alkali-resistant glass fibers and certain additives. The glass fibers provide the same function in concrete that rebar does.  It makes the concrete wall significantly stronger than typical precast, so it allows a thinner wall section. The concrete doesn’t weigh less than normal concrete, we can just use less of it. The length of the glass fiber strand is critical in maintaining the strength of the material.

	Tensile Strength, Ultimate	725 to 1000 psi
	Flexural Modulus	250 to 350 ksi
	Flexural Yield Strength	1000 to 1600 psi

Products

Tournesol uses Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete in the following products: Village Collection, Metro Collection, Urban Collection, and Craftsman Collection planters.

Material Description

Tournesol uses a variety of metals, mostly in brackets, accessories and small parts for their site furnishing products.                  

Metals infused into resin to create metallic resin finishes are atomized bronze (color matched at time of manufacture), copper, aluminum, and steel (for iron). They impart no mechanical properties, but will age and provide uv resistance.

Products

Flower Framer, Coronado Box and CB AutoFill box brackets (both wall brackets and rail brackets) are made of 316 stainless steel. 

Wilshire Box, Wilshire Box 2 and Lacaster Box brackets are steel material hot-dip galvanized, then powder coated to a color to match the box.  In some cases, the powder coated color is then covered with another coat of acrylic enamel. The mounting studs, which extend into the planting area, are 316 stainless steel.

Garbage can lids are of spun aluminum, powder coated or anodized to the correct color.

Finishes & Colors

All of the metals (with the exception of the stainless steel) may be powder coated or painted to any of the colors on the “standard” tab.  Ask your salesperson if you need a specific example.