In the quest for durability and aesthetic appeal in building interiors and exteriors, the choice between stain and paint is a significant decision for architects and builders. As leaders in sustainable building solutions, at ECOTONE, we strongly advocate for the use of Long-Life Colour Coatings (LLCC) or stains over traditional paint. This preference isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s rooted in sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term performance.
Breathability and Durability
One of the fundamental drawbacks of traditional paint is its tendency to seal off building materials, restricting their ability to ‘breathe.’ This limitation often leads to fading, cracking, and peeling in the built environment. In contrast, LLCC products are engineered for exceptional durability and colour retention. These emulsion stains are water-based colour coatings that preserve the breathability of surface materials, offering superior functional benefits and aesthetic value over the long term.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of ECOTONE’s mission. LLCCs are water based, eco-friendly, and formulated with low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) ingredients, minimising environmental impact. This aspect is crucial, considering the increasing awareness and regulation around the use of hazardous substances in building materials. Moreover, LLCCs can be enhanced with photocatalytic coatings that contribute to improved air quality, offsetting carbon emissions and providing a greener alternative to traditional paint.
Cost-Effectiveness Over Time
While the initial cost of LLCC might be higher than that of traditional paint, the long-term savings are significant. Surfaces coated with LLCC require less frequent repainting or touch-ups, thanks to their exceptional colour retention properties. This durability translates into reduced maintenance costs over the lifecycle of a project, making LLCC a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Enhanced Aesthetic Value
ECOTONE understands the importance of aesthetic appeal in building design. LLCCs offer a wide range of colours and material finishes that can be tailored to meet specific design requirements. The ability of LLCC to penetrate and bond with the surface pore structure of various materials, such as concrete, brick, cladding, timber, and sandstone, ensures that the coatings are not just superficial. This deep penetration technique results in vibrant colours that last, maintaining their appearance for decades without significant fading or discolouration.
LLCCs can also create endless possibilities to showcase architectural creativity and design in the built environment. Imagine a brick appearance on concrete, a timber finish on cladding. With LLCCs, our material finishes are endless to achieve monolithic materiality in architecture.
A Testament to Longevity
The Edgecliff Post Office in New South Wales serves as a compelling case study for the longevity of LLCC. In 2004, the building underwent a transformation with LLCC that seamlessly integrated with the existing brickwork. Almost two decades later, the facade retains its original appearance, showcasing the remarkable durability of Long-Life Colour Coatings. This real-world example underscores the enduring quality of LLCC and its superiority over traditional paint.
Photo taken Pre-2004 – this image shows the mismatched brickwork of the third story of the Edgecliff Post Office building in 2004.*
That same year, the building underwent a remarkable transformation with Long-Life Colour Coating Colour matched to seamlessly integrate with the authentic brickwork adorning the lower levels of the facade.*
Photo taken in August 2023 – The third floor facade of the Edgecliff post office looks the same as it did after LLCC in 2004. *
Colour Matching
The need for colour matching brick or concrete due to renovations, extensions or simply a mismatch from building work, is an extremely common problem we solve everyday. Instead of painting over the problem, LLCCs can be applied to restore concrete or brick walls, blending seamlessly in tone and colour, making the walls look natural and not painted over.
The Verdict
For architects and builders committed to sustainability, durability, and aesthetic excellence, the choice is clear. Long-Life Colour Coatings offer a superior alternative to traditional paint, aligning with modern demands for eco-friendly, cost-effective, and long-lasting building materials. ECOTONE’s advocacy for LLCC is not just a preference but a reflection of a broader commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry.
In conclusion, when considering the future of building exteriors, the advantages of choosing stain over paint are undeniable. ECOTONE’s endorsement of Long-Life Colour Coatings is based on a comprehensive understanding of their benefits, from environmental impact to economic savings and aesthetic value. As the construction industry evolves, the shift towards more sustainable and durable alternatives like LLCC is a step in the right direction, paving the way for a greener, more resilient built environment.
* Before ECOTONE Coating’s rebrand in 2021, we were trading as Nawkaw Australia where we undertook the Edgecliff Post Office project. These images depict work undertaken by Brick Appeal trading as Nawkaw Australia, under licence until June 2021, using Nawkaw products. Brick Appeal and Ecotone Coatings no longer represent Nawkaw Australia. Nawkaw products are available through https://nawkaw.com/nawkaw-australia/
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