BlueScope has launched a major update of Colorbond® steel, featuring an expanded range of contemporary colours and new coating technologies for improved corrosion resistance and paint-colour durability.
The colour palette for new Colorbond® steel has undergone its biggest change in more than 20 years, with the addition of six contemporary new colours: Basalt™, Wallaby™, Gully™, Cove™, Mangrove™ and Terrain®. With the reintroduction of a previous colour, Night Sky®, and the retirement of five colours, the size of the palette has been increased from 20 to 22 colours.
Colour consultant Harley Anstee of Nexus Designs says the new shades were chosen after an extensive audit of 170 architects, roll formers, developers and project-home builders.
“It was clear from industry discussions that there was a real yearning for a colour change to meet emerging trends in residential and commercial building styles,” Mr Anstee says.
Underpinning new Colorbond® steel is BlueScope’s new Activate™ technology, which is the result of almost 20 years and $100 million in research and development. The addition of two magnesium compounds to the original zinc and aluminium coating improves the galvanic action of the zinc and enables the aluminium in the coating to more actively protect the base steel. Activate™ technology makes new Colorbond® steel more resistant to corrosion when drilled, cut or scratched, thereby increasing its life span.
New Colorbond® steel also features new paint technology that increases the colour durability and gloss retention of all 22 colours when compared to previous-generation Colorbond® steel.