Textured coatings revolutionize metal sidewalls

By Jesse Sanchez.

Innovative finishes offer durability and aesthetic appeal for modern architecture.

In a compelling discussion on CoatingsCast™, host Megan Ellsworth sits down with AkzoNobel's Amanda Paterline to explore the transformative role of textured coatings in sidewall applications. As architects and builders push for design elements that combine beauty with practicality, these coatings are paving the way for a new standard in construction materials.

Amanda highlights AkzoNobel’s CERAM-A-STAR 1050 Expression Standard Palette, which blends the aesthetic depth of wood grain and stacked stone prints with the resilience of wrinkle-textured coatings. She explains the growing demand for realistic finishes that are also durable and cost-effective, saying, “The added effect of a wrinkle or textured coating gives it more of an authentic wood grain look and feel.”

Unlike traditional coatings, the texture is inherent to the paint, offering a tactile and visual experience that enhances the overall appearance of metal sidewalls. This innovation also addresses practical challenges. For example, the texture can mask imperfections like oil canning, a common issue in metal installations, while simultaneously providing a perceived toughness.

Durability is another standout feature of these textured coatings. Amanda notes their performance in extreme environmental conditions, supported by rigorous weathering tests. Recognizing the coatings’ superior resistance to color fade, chalking and scratching, she shares, “We do a lot of accelerated weathering testing on all of our paint formulations, as well as we have a really huge weathering program down in South Florida.”

This evolution in textured coatings comes with strategic advancements in material availability. To meet market demands, AkzoNobel is introducing a standard palette for its textured prints, streamlining inventory and making it easier for contractors to plan and execute projects.

As Amanda aptly puts it, “We see textured coatings continuing to gain popularity. We see people wanting to do more with the design of their buildings, but the expectation of material availability continues to be kind of stricter or tighter and tighter. So, we want to be meeting those two needs in the market.”

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about the future of coatings technology!