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
Related Stories
Architects | May 23, 2023
DEI initiatives at KAI Enterprises, with Michael Kennedy, Jr. and Gyasi Haynes
Michael Kennedy, Jr. and Gyasi Haynes of KAI Enterprises, St. Louis, describe their firm's effort to create a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion—and how their own experiences as black men in the design and construction industry shaped that initiative.
Multifamily Housing | May 23, 2023
One out of three office buildings in largest U.S. cities are suitable for residential conversion
Roughly one in three office buildings in the largest U.S. cities are well suited to be converted to multifamily residential properties, according to a study by global real estate firm Avison Young. Some 6,206 buildings across 10 U.S. cities present viable opportunities for conversion to residential use.
Architects | May 23, 2023
Ware Malcomb hires Francisco Perez-Azua as Director, Interior Architecture & Design, in its Miami office
Ware Malcomb hires Francisco Perez-Azua as Director, Interior Architecture & Design, in its Miami office.
K-12 Schools | May 22, 2023
The revival of single-building K-12 schools
Schools that combine grades PK through 12 are suddenly not so uncommon. Education sector experts explain why.
Architects | May 19, 2023
Snøhetta architects make a bid to unionize the firm's New York studio
Employees at the New York office of architecture firm Snøhetta have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to unionize the studio. Snøhetta employees’ action marks the third time architects at a private-sector architecture studio in the U.S. took that step.
Healthcare Facilities | May 19, 2023
A new behavioral health facility in California targets net zero energy
Shortly before Mental Health Awareness Month in May, development and construction firm Skanska announced the topping out of California’s first behavioral health facility—and the largest in the nation—to target net zero energy. Located in Redwood City, San Mateo County, Calif., the 77,610-sf Cordilleras Health System Replacement Project is slated for completion in late 2024.
Government Buildings | May 18, 2023
GSA launches first biennial construction award program
Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the new biennial GSA Construction Award program, which is seeking submissions this summer. The program was created to honor outstanding achievements in construction, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship, collaboration and team dynamics, sustainability, innovation, and technology. The first Construction Awards ceremony will take place in 2024.
K-12 Schools | May 17, 2023
Designing K-12 schools for students and safety
While bullying, mental health, and other acts of violence are all too common in schools today, designers have shown that smart and subtle preventive steps can make a big difference. Clark Nexsen’s Becky Brady shares how prevention and taking action at the design level can create safe and engaging learning environments.
Affordable Housing | May 17, 2023
Affordable housing advocates push for community-owned homes over investment properties
Panelists participating in a recent webinar hosted by the Urban Institute discussed various actions that could help alleviate the nation’s affordable housing crisis. Among the possible remedies: inclusionary zoning policies, various reforms to increase local affordable housing stock, and fees on new development to offset the impact on public infrastructure.
University Buildings | May 17, 2023
New UC Irvine health sciences building supports aim to become national model for integrative health
The new College of Health Sciences Building and Nursing & Health Sciences Hall at the University of California Irvine supports the institution’s goal of becoming a national model for integrative health. The new 211,660-sf facility houses nursing, medical doctorate, pharmacy, philosophy, and public health programs in a single building.
