Above: Textured print coatings can mimic the appearance of painted wood, board and batten, stone, or intricate patterns.
April, 2025- In the realm of architectural design, the quest for uniqueness and personalization has led to a revolution in building materials. Among these, textured coatings stand out, offering architects and builders an unprecedented level of customization.
EXPANDED HORIZONS
Textured coatings provide a new aesthetic dimension, redefining the possibilities for metal building design. These finishes offer a diverse palette to reflect the spirit of any project. With the ability to beautify roofing, accents, archways and siding, prepainted metals provide a unique look that was previously unattainable. Their versatility allows for a seamless integration with the overall design vision, ensuring that each building can exhibit its own distinctive character.
Traditionally, materials like wood were favored in building construction because of their ability to achieve various aesthetic goals. However, the advent of textured coatings opened a new frontier for customization in building projects. Textured print coatings, in particular, have been a game-changer. They can mimic the appearance of painted wood, board and batten, stone, or even intricate patterns such as carbon fiber. Unlike the flat, often unconvincing, faux finishes used in the past, today’s textured prints offer a more authentic and tactile finish, enhancing the visual depth and realism of the surfaces.
Solid textured coatings are ideal for roofing applications.
Solid textured coatings are ideal for roofing applications due to their ease of fabrication and installation. They deliver a contemporary aesthetic while effectively concealing common defects, such as oil-canning—a cosmetic issue that can cause metal to appear wavy and distorted. Moreover, extrusion coatings have evolved to create sophisticated looks like Cor-Ten steel, without compromising the performance properties inherent to metal design.
PERFORMANCE
The benefits of textured coatings extend beyond their visual appeal. They exhibit superior performance characteristics, including enhanced scratch resistance and weatherability. Their durability ensures longevity with minimal maintenance, contrasting with materials that require frequent upkeep.
Different levels of performance cater to various specifications and applications, from interior polyester textured prints to SMP systems designed for exterior use, which offers a higher degree of weather resistance.
High-end extrusions with textured and ribbon-layered earth looks can be achieved with coatings like TRINAR, meeting the stringent AAMA 2605 specifications, the highest standard for coatings that demonstrate exceptional resistance to color fading, chalking, gloss loss and damage caused by harsh environmental conditions.
TRINAR can be used for a wide range of architectural features, such as metal roofing, wall panels, curtain walls, siding, canopies and fascia and is available in a broad range of color and aesthetic options. These types of coatings often come with industry-leading warranties and are resistant to mold and insects, contributing to the structural integrity of the building.
High-performance silicone-modified polyester textured coatings can achieve a wood grain effect finish.
Coatings deliver long lasting protection, exceptional aesthetic appeal and reliable performance.
SUSTAINABILITY
One of the most significant contributions of textured coatings is their role in energy efficiency. Materials like AkzoNobel’s FROST coatings incorporate Cool Chemistry, designed to meet North America’s cool roof requirements. Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar energy, so the coatings contain ceramic infrared reflective pigments that reflect infrared energy while absorbing visible light, maintaining color integrity while reducing heat absorption. Buildings with Cool Chemistry coatings on their metal roofs can enjoy lower air conditioning costs, reduced peak energy demand and a mitigated urban heat island effect.
PRETTY PRACTICAL
Textured coatings offer a cost-effective solution for design teams seeking a custom feel in their building projects. The ability to tailor the appearance of metal surfaces to specific design needs without incurring exorbitant costs is a testament to the practicality of these materials.
Companies like AkzoNobel are at the forefront of this technological leap. As a manufacturer of textured coatings, AkzoNobel offers the only texturized prints in the market and has achieved tone-on-tone aesthetics in its extrusion product lines through coil and extrusion coatings.
The evolution of textured coatings and unique finishes for metal building design represents a significant milestone in the construction industry. These materials offer architects and builders the tools to create structures that are not only functional and durable but also aesthetically captivating and environmentally responsible. As designs continue to push boundaries, textured coatings will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the skylines of the future.
AkzoNobel Coatings Inc., coatedcoil.akzonobel.com.
