Flexcrete Technologies has launched what it believes to be the first metallic anti-carbonation coating in the world.

Monodex Metallic is an elastomeric, decorative, water-based structural coating that protects against the harmful effects of carbon dioxide diffusion, but has a sheen thanks to metallic particles that reflect more light than solid colours. It can be created in metallic colours such as gold, silver, copper, bronze and pearl, while also available in shades such as metallic purple.

Monodex Metallic is designed to be applied as a feature finish over a base coat of Monodex Smooth, another anti-carbonation coating in Flexcrete’s Monodex range.

It dries fast enough for two coats to be applied on the same day. Flexcrete says it has strong lifetime colour retention and is resistant to UV degradation.

One of the first applications of the new coating is the 170 metre tall Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

Graham James, Flexcrete Technologies director, commented: “There has been exceptional interest in Monodex Metallic both in the UK and all around the world as it has the ability to ensure excellent anti-carbonation protection whilst providing a unique, sparkling architectural statement.

“It is ideal for both architectural new build and refurbishment projects and as well as being suitable for application to external concrete and masonry walls, it can also be applied internally.”

Last year, Portsmouth City Council announced a £3.5 million deal with airline Emirates to rebrand the Spinnaker Tower earlier this month.

The decision upset 10,000 people who signed a petition against a branding plan as red and white are the colours of football rivals Southampton.

More than 100 litres of red paint, bought in readiness for the work, will now be given away to good causes.

Following “collective feedback”, new plans show the tower painted blue and gold. Blue is the traditional colour of the city of Portsmouth and its football team.