Home ​​​​>​​​​ Knowledge Center​​​​

What's the difference between the shading agents Q3 and Q4 white?

Greenhouse heat paint is used in the summer to coat the greenhouses with chalk, which reflects light and reduces heat. This protects the crop from high temperatures. Q3 White and Q4 White is greenhouse shading paint based on calcium carbonate. Actually, only one difference between the two shading agents can be named, which is the extent to which it is weatherproof and thus its lifespan. This difference influences the different manners of application for these two products. In this article, an elaboaration on the difference between Q3 and Q4 is given by one of our specialists.
Differences Q3 white Q4 white
Roger de Jagher
Specialist Shading and Coating | 26 June 2023 | 5 min. reading time 

Extent to which Q3 and Q4 White are weatherproof

Q3 White is a medium chalk shading agent which can be compared to normal product in terms of its functioning. Q4 White is more resistant to different types of weather, since it contains a patented binder (ensuring the product to remain on the surface). This is why Q4’s lifespan is longer than Q3’s lifespan and why it’s more suitable for lower shading percentages and longer periods of shading.
In this video we explain the differences between shading agents Q3 and Q4 White

Low shading percentage

Every greenhouse shading paint becomes less weather resistant once the dosage is lowered, because the liquid that is sprayed contains relatively less binder per hectare than in higher dosages. While Q4 was developed it was ensured to be maximally weather proof regardless of the shading percentage. The product remains maximally weather proof when it’s raining for instance with a shading percentage of 65%. The shading remains for a longer period of time. This is why Q4 is recommended for use when light shading or a long period of shading is desired. Q4 White has a lifespan of 8-25 weeks depending on the dosage. 

High shading percentage

Some crops, like hederas, lilies or phalaenopsis don’t like bright light and need a thick layer of greenhouse shading paint, which shades more than 65%. Q3 can be used for high shading percentages. The relative amount of binder in the spraying liquid per hectare increases and results in a longer lifespan, which can be compared to Q4 White.

Shading period

Because Q3 White is less weatherproof than Q4 White, Q3 is a great and profitable option for a short period of shading. Also when shading is needed several times a year, Q3 White can be used perfectly. Would you rather apply a layer of shading which lasts all season? Choose Q4 White.

Front of the greenhouse

Q3 White is also an excellent mean for the shading of the fronts of greenhouses, since these are heavily subjected to the weather and therefore the need for a weatherproof shading agent is less crucial. 

How to apply Q4 White?

You can apply Q4 White manually or by machine. When you apply it mechanically, you are assured that the chalk medium is applied in the right way and in the right amount. With manual application, you can't work as precisely, which may result in gaps or stains. Q3 White and Q4 White can be applied both mechanically and manually. The video below shows how it is done.
In this video we explain the differences between shading agents Q3 and Q4 White

Removing the shading agents

At the end of the season our products are easily removable with Removit.

Adjustable shading agent Q-Black

Some cultivations require maximum shading of which the Phalaenopsis is a good example. This plant has a bad tolerance for direct sunlight and heat and therefore requires an almost year-round protection. Phalaenopsis generally disappear under a thick protective layer as early as February or March only to reveal themselves again in October or November. For such crops, which depend on maximum long term protection from sunlight and heat Q-Black has been developed. In its highest dose Q-Black will shade almost up to 90% of incoming sunlight and thus heat. An ideal solution for shade-loving plants like the Phalaenopsis.

But not only plants profit from the maximum heat reduction Q-Black offers. Just like plants we humans also do not like to work in too hot conditions. When working in certain workspaces, such as sheds, caravan storages, processing rooms or warehouses a pleasant climate is also desirable as temperatures rise in the hot summer months. Too high temperatures in a packing or storage hall are not only detrimental to the quality and shelf life of fresh products, but also have a negative effect on productivity and overall satisfaction of employees. Too high temperatures in water storage rooms evaporate irrigation water with costly fertilizers. In all these cases Q-Black could be deployed when maximum shading against sunlight and heat is desired. In this way a pleasant working climate for plant, product and personnel can easily be created.
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Roger de Jagher will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.

What's the difference between the shading agents Q3 and Q4 white?

Greenhouse heat paint is used in the summer to coat the greenhouses with chalk, which reflects light and reduces heat. This protects the crop from high temperatures. Q3 White and Q4 White is greenhouse shading paint based on calcium carbonate. Actually, only one difference between the two shading agents can be named, which is the extent to which it is weatherproof and thus its lifespan. This difference influences the different manners of application for these two products. In this article, an elaboaration on the difference between Q3 and Q4 is given by one of our specialists.
Search in the Knowledge Center
Find answers to your questions in our Knowledge Center. 600+ articles, written by our specialists.
Roger de Jagher
Roger de Jagher
Specialist Shading and Coating | June 26, 2023 | 5 min. reading time 
Share this article
Differences Q3 white Q4 white

Topics in this article:

Extent to which Q3 and Q4 White are weatherproof

Q3 White is a medium chalk shading agent which can be compared to normal product in terms of its functioning. Q4 White is more resistant to different types of weather, since it contains a patented binder (ensuring the product to remain on the surface). This is why Q4’s lifespan is longer than Q3’s lifespan and why it’s more suitable for lower shading percentages and longer periods of shading.
In this video we explain the differences between shading agents Q3 and Q4 White

Low shading percentage

Every greenhouse shading paint becomes less weather resistant once the dosage is lowered, because the liquid that is sprayed contains relatively less binder per hectare than in higher dosages. While Q4 was developed it was ensured to be maximally weather proof regardless of the shading percentage. The product remains maximally weather proof when it’s raining for instance with a shading percentage of 65%. The shading remains for a longer period of time. This is why Q4 is recommended for use when light shading or a long period of shading is desired. Q4 White has a lifespan of 8-25 weeks depending on the dosage. 

High shading percentage

Some crops, like hederas, lilies or phalaenopsis don’t like bright light and need a thick layer of greenhouse shading paint, which shades more than 65%. Q3 can be used for high shading percentages. The relative amount of binder in the spraying liquid per hectare increases and results in a longer lifespan, which can be compared to Q4 White.

Shading period

Because Q3 White is less weatherproof than Q4 White, Q3 is a great and profitable option for a short period of shading. Also when shading is needed several times a year, Q3 White can be used perfectly. Would you rather apply a layer of shading which lasts all season? Choose Q4 White.

Front of the greenhouse

Q3 White is also an excellent mean for the shading of the fronts of greenhouses, since these are heavily subjected to the weather and therefore the need for a weatherproof shading agent is less crucial. 

How to apply Q4 White?

You can apply Q4 White manually or by machine. When you apply it mechanically, you are assured that the chalk medium is applied in the right way and in the right amount. With manual application, you can't work as precisely, which may result in gaps or stains. Q3 White and Q4 White can be applied both mechanically and manually. The video below shows how it is done.
In this video we explain the differences between shading agents Q3 and Q4 White

Removing the shading agents

At the end of the season our products are easily removable with Removit.

Adjustable shading agent Q-Black

Some cultivations require maximum shading of which the Phalaenopsis is a good example. This plant has a bad tolerance for direct sunlight and heat and therefore requires an almost year-round protection. Phalaenopsis generally disappear under a thick protective layer as early as February or March only to reveal themselves again in October or November. For such crops, which depend on maximum long term protection from sunlight and heat Q-Black has been developed. In its highest dose Q-Black will shade almost up to 90% of incoming sunlight and thus heat. An ideal solution for shade-loving plants like the Phalaenopsis.

But not only plants profit from the maximum heat reduction Q-Black offers. Just like plants we humans also do not like to work in too hot conditions. When working in certain workspaces, such as sheds, caravan storages, processing rooms or warehouses a pleasant climate is also desirable as temperatures rise in the hot summer months. Too high temperatures in a packing or storage hall are not only detrimental to the quality and shelf life of fresh products, but also have a negative effect on productivity and overall satisfaction of employees. Too high temperatures in water storage rooms evaporate irrigation water with costly fertilizers. In all these cases Q-Black could be deployed when maximum shading against sunlight and heat is desired. In this way a pleasant working climate for plant, product and personnel can easily be created.
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Roger de Jagher will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Roger de Jagher
Also interesting for you
What is a shading agent?
Certain crops are vulnerable to intense solarization and high temperatures. To safeguard them, the use of a reflective shading agent can mitigate extreme summer heat, protecting the crops from harm.
The differences between shading agents & coatings
Shading agents in greenhouses lower temperatures by reflecting sunlight, while diffuse coatings maximize light transmission and scatter it over a larger area, effectively distributing radiant energy.
Whitepaper - Shading agents and diffuse coatings
Many crops cannot withstand full sun, high temperatures, or both. In that case, a chalk agent and/or diffuse coating is the solution. But which different products are there?