The use of natural materials in construction continues to rise as AEC teams look to both reduce their carbon footprint and create an environment that fosters wellness and harmony with nature. From the intricacies of wood grain to the cool smoothness of slate, there is an abundance of visual appeal to be found in natural materials. For those using architectural metal coatings for their projects, a new collection is allowing commercial architects and designers to invoke the aesthetics of natural materials.
Emulate™ is the latest colorway collection from Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, designed to revolutionize the way commercial design teams approach the aesthetics of exterior buildings and the use of metal products. Sherwin-Williams’ team of color experts curated the collection of printed metal coatings to replicate and even enhance the look of natural materials such as stone, wood and metal. Using a rotogravure printing process, Emulate coatings can apply a variety of natural aesthetics to metal building exteriors, whether building teams seek the burnished warmth of copper or the aged patina of weathered steel for their projects.
Benefits of Using Emulate Coatings
These new architectural metal coatings from the Emulate colorway collection can help construction projects achieve a natural look with the durability of coatings and without the weight or maintenance of using actual wood or stone. With prints that can mimic nature down to the tiniest detail, Emulate can be used to design exteriors that match a desired aesthetic.
Each coating involves multiple passes with a Fluropon® colored base coat before applying at least one ink coating of the chosen pattern using the rotogravure method, in which images are engraved onto a cylinder and then used to transfer ink onto the surface. Emulate coating is also available in Sherwin-Williams’ WeatherXL® and PolyPREMIER® product lines.
In addition to its numerous design possibilities, Emulate coatings pair well with the durability of metal, ensuring a building’s exterior remains consistent over time. A high-performing product, Emulate also protects against corrosion, rust, and degradation, giving exteriors the ability to withstand extreme weather.
Wood, Stone, and Metal Coating Color Options
From the natural grains of wood to the deep allure of bronze, Emulate coatings can adapt to the evolving preferences and needs of building teams, empowering architects and designers to create eye-catching exteriors that resonate with both contemporary trends and timeless elegance.
For projects looking to blend in seamlessly with natural surroundings such as forests and parks, Wood options include Oak, Walnut, Burl, and Barnboard, with multiple shades available from oak wheat to walnut espresso. These wood grain and color options are ideal for commercial and multifamily projects in a variety of design styles, from rustic to sophisticated.
The Emulate Stone collection offers timeless and luxurious prints that elevate exteriors with the look of Marble, Travertine, Concrete and Terrazzo. With classics such as marble and updated applications of materials such as concrete and terrazzo, the Stone collection’s variety of shades came about after months of research, analysis, and trend analysis by Sherwin-Williams’ team of color experts.
Last but not least, the Emulate Metal collection reimagines a classic building material with varying levels of texture and finishing. The Leaf combines perforated styles, metal tones and natural veining for a new yet familiar finish. Weathered and Burnished prints pay homage to raw and rustic aesthetics, while the Hammered style draws inspiration from the imperfect markings found in steel drums. To add visual depth and texture to these finishes, the metallic characteristics of mica were incorporated.
A New Natural for a New Norm
Emulate by Sherwin-Williams is more than just a coating, it is a statement of innovation and design prowess, standing as a testament to the brand's commitment to architects and designers.
For more information, visit Sherwin-Williams Emulate™ Architectural Metal Coatings.
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