Flexcrete Technologies has launched what it believes is the world’s first metallic anti-carbonation coating.

Above: The Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth

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 including gold, silver, copper, bronze and pearl, as well as 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 quickly enough for two coats to be applied on the same day. Flexcrete says it has strong lifetime colour retention and resistance to UV degradation.

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

Flexcrete Technologies director Graham James said: “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.”