Shades in the Zest collection are grouped as ‘Sherbet’ and ‘Crush’, with names such as ‘Raspberry Sherbet’ and ‘Blood Orange Crush’ and will certainly liven up the exterior and interior design landscape. The finishes are not a flat colour but have texture, with lighter and darker shades of the one colour (in the case of Sherbet) or of two colours (for Crush); almost as though they are frosted. Sherbet shades are fizzy and bright and as mouth-watering as the name suggests. Crush hues are rich and deep and embrace the trend for colours that ‘pop’.
Asked about the inspiration behind the new range, Richard Besant, Director at Powdertech Corby, explained: “We have been pursuing the development of innovative finishes that add more than just colour and protection to metal over a number of years, starting with our Wood Finish range in 2000. More recently, our popular Evolution™ range, emulating the natural shades of metal patination – together with our Rust, Stone and Terracotta collections – have all expanded the opportunities for using metal for its strength, versatility and recyclability because designers can now bring the well-loved warm tones of earth-based elements to their architectural metal creations.”
Such emotional responses to colour are well-documented, and Richard says that over the past year or so, the Powdertech team has noted a revived desire for dynamic, lively colours, perhaps used on a statement piece or as a decorative embellishment.
“Zest shades are also reflecting natural colours, this time the wonderful colours we see on fruit stalls and in gardens and parks,” Richard adds. “So, we thought the time was right to celebrate that very colourful side of nature as well. ‘Blueberry Sherbet’ and ‘Tangerine Crush’ are just two of the finishes waiting to be plucked off the shelves to bring vitality to your project – so visit our website to whet your appetite by viewing and ordering free swatches.”
Powder coatings have come a long way over the past 20 years or so, with technologies now allowing powder formulations and application techniques to reproduce a wide range of textures and effects for metal surfaces. As the use of lightweight, non-flammable, highly abundant and recyclable aluminium ticks so many of the necessary boxes for building projects, the ability to decorate that metal in unexpected and stunning ways is very exciting.
