Paints, coatings, and sealants: 10 new ways to seal the deal

Color-shifting finishes, dry-erase surfaces, and stain-blocking paints are highlighted in this round up of new offerings in paints, coatings, sealants, and finishes. 

1. COATING SYSTEM DESIGNED TO HANDLE TOUGH ENVIRONMENTS AND BAD WEATHER

CENTRIA now offers the Versacor Elite Coating System, a premium metal-coating system formulated to protect against harsh climate or environmental conditions. The system offers superior abrasion resistance as well as protection against moisture and intense sunlight, according to the manufacturer. It creates a two-mil-thick barrier coat over the metal substrate and is combined with premium PVDF topcoats. The line includes Elite PF solid-color coatings, Elite MX pearlescent coatings, and Elite AM metallic coatings. The system includes a 25-year warranty on aluminum substrates and a 20-year warranty on steel substrates against cracking, chipping, peeling, color change, and chalking. CENTRIA

2. ZERO VOCS ARE GOAL FOR NEW LINE OF GREENGUARD-APPROVED INTERIOR PAINTS

SPEEDHIDE zero is a professional line of interior latex paints designed for excellent durability, ease of application, hide, and coverage. The low-odor product makes it easier for painters to work in occupied spaces. Topcoats are anti-microbial and contain no formaldehyde, crystalline silica, ethylene glycol, or VOCs, meeting stringent environmental regulations. (Some colorants may increase the VOC level.) 

The product is formulated for improved scrub, stain, and burnish resistance and comes in flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes, as well as a compatible sealer/primer. SPEEDHIDE zero complies with stipulations of the Master Painters Institute, the MPI Institutional Low Odor/VOC category, and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools Low-Emitting Materials criteria. The product is also Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified. PPG Industries

3. WATER- AND DIRT-REPELLENT COATING REVIVES HOTEL AT LUXURY RESORT

The Steamboat Grand Resort, a luxury ski property near Steamboat Springs, Colo., is exposed to more than 300 days of sunshine a year, coupled with some of the state’s highest snowfall totals. After a dozen years of operations, the resort hotel was in need of a facelift. Denver Commercial Coatings applied StoCoat Lotusan, a super-hydrophobic exterior coating that produces a finish with self-cleaning properties due to its high level of water repellence. 

The flat exterior wall coating, which has a microstructure based on that of the lotus leaf, is designed to offer durability and to resist soiling, mold, mildew, algae, and UV fading. The project was completed well ahead of schedule even though most of the 500,000-sf property was occupied. Sto Corp.

4. COIL COATING SYSTEM FORMULATED FOR ENHANCED WEATHER RESISTANCE

Weather XL silicon-modified polyester paint builds on the performance characteristics of Valspar’s previous WeatherX product, including resistance to chalking and fading. Depending on application conditions, the benefits of this coil coating system can include faster line speeds, quicker curing, and reduced edge blistering. The silicone polyester resin formulation is designed to deliver maximum hardness, making it suitable for metal roofing, agricultural and industrial buildings, and metal wall panels. Solar-reflective formulations are available, helping projects meet Energy Star and LEED criteria. The Valspar Corporation

5. COLOR-SELECTION SERVICE FOCUSES ON PAINTS FOR EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE MARKETS

Glidden Professional’s Functional Color & Design program is based on aspects of science that impact the design of commercial facilities. Research concerning history, philosophies, evidenced-based design, sensory perception, wayfinding, and safety are at the core of the program, which helps designers select appropriate colors and products for specific spaces in academic and healthcare environments. Customized color palettes have been created based on factors such as light reflectance values, color intensities, and the psychological or physiological impact of color families. A dedicated website, www.functionalcolor.com, also provides product specifications for professional choices in the Diamond, Lifemaster, Ultra-Hide, and Fortis product series. Glidden Professional

6. PAINT CREATES DRY-ERASE SURFACES TO ENHANCE WORKPLACE COMMUNICATIONS

IdeaPaint is a high-performance paint that turns any smooth surface into a dry-erase canvas, helping employees collaborate. The product is designed for low VOC emissions and may be applied with a roller or sprayer. After four days of drying time, the writing surface is ready to be used. IdeaPaint comes in clear, white, and black versions and has a 10-year limited warranty. The company recently formed a direct sales team to serve the needs of architects, interior designers, builders, and painting contractors, focused on supporting workplace projects. IdeaPaint

7. INTERIOR PAINT FIGHTS STAINS WITH INTEGRAL MULTIPURPOSE PRIMER COMPONENT

BEHR Premium Plus Ultra Interior Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer in One is a high-performance coating that combines a multipurpose primer with paint to offer enhanced stain-blocking attributes to professional painters, contractors, and building remodelers. Formulated for adhesion and durability, the product blocks stains, seals and protects uncoated and previously painted surfaces without the need for a separate primer—helping professionals finish projects in fewer coats when selecting colors from the Premium Plus Ultra color palette. 

The product provides scuff, stain, and mar resistance; improved tannin-blocking to help ensure paint lasts longer and is easy to clean; a reduced dry time and recoat time; and an antimicrobial mildew-resistant finish, according to the manufacturer. BEHR

8. COLOR-SHIFTING FINISHES DISTINGUISH PANELS IN LAS VEGAS AIRPORT GARAGE 

The new parking garage that supports Terminal 3 at McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, is clad with Reynobond aluminum composite material in a silver metallic finish, as well as sand-colored concrete. To guide travelers to the terminal’s pedestrian bridges, architect PGAL and consultant Walker Parking Consultants selected panels with a color-shifting PrismFX finish in the custom Rose Champagne color. 

The coating provides subtle color shifts as lighting conditions change; it is available in nine standard combinations as well as custom colors. Part of the Duragloss line, PrismFX coatings resist humidity, impact, salt spray, pollution, and abrasion, according to the manufacturer. The finishes carry a 20-year warranty. Alcoa Architectural Products

9. INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LATEX PAINTS MEET STRINGENT STANDARDS FOR VOC

Emerald Interior and Emerald Exterior latex paints have been formulated for professional use in applications such as hotels, offices, and multifamily residential properties. Available in matte, satin, and semi-gloss finishes, Emerald Interior is designed to provide hide, coverage, durability, and washability, with a high level of resistance to scrubbing, staining, blocking, water spotting, and burnishing. It contains antimicrobial agents that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. 

Emerald Exterior features cross-linking, 100% acrylic technology for excellent durability and hide, and may be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F. Its VinylSafe Technology allows dark colors to be painted over vinyl siding while avoiding warping or buckling. The exterior paint, which is available in flat, satin, and gloss finishes, resists blistering, peeling, fading, dirt pickup, and mildew, according to the manufacturer. Both products are designed to meet stringent standards for VOC emissions; Emerald Exterior is certified to Greenguard standards. Sherwin-Williams

10. ADVANCED ENCLOSURES ENHANCED BY POLYMER-MODIFIED SEALANTS

The Garland Aero-Block product line offers sealing solutions for all sides of the building enclosure, based on polymer-modified-asphalt technology. The fluid-applied solvent-based polymer and fluid-applied water-based polymer versions can be applied by brush, spray, or roller. The product line also includes a self-adhering membrane. The Aero-Block family is designed to create vapor-closed protection, meeting the requirements of a Class I air/vapor barrier. Garland