Protecting Against the Elements
Over 10,000 square metres of external walls of a prominent office and manufacturing building in Taiwan have been coated in a rainbow of colours using an anti-carbonation coating manufactured by UK-based Flexcrete Technologies Limited, part of the AkzoNobel group of companies.
The reinforced concrete building, which is fittingly known as Rainbow House, is located in Neihu, Taipei. Originally constructed in 1976 by the Tong-Fong Brush Factory Co Ltd, the world’s largest manufacturer of hairbrushes, Flexcrete’s Monodex Ultra coating was specified for application to the external walls to protect and brighten the building’s outward appearance. A total of seven colours were produced in Monodex Ultra to BS RAL colours in shades of light grey, steel grey, red, mint green, peach, sage and sky blue.
Rainbow House is a seven storey building with two storeys located underground. In 1990 the Tong-Fong Brush Factory Co Ltd relocated to China (PRC), subsequently leasing the space in Rainbow House to various other companies. The building’s exterior had never been renovated until 2017.
Flexcrete’s distributor in Taiwan, Parallel Industrial Co., Ltd, recommended the Flexcrete coatings package in order to enhance and protect the exterior of the building. The complete surface area of the exterior walls was cleaned with high pressure water jetting equipment before the surface was primed with an airless spray coat of Flexcrete Bond-Prime. Two coats of Flexcrete Monodex Ultra were then spray applied to achieve a high quality finish.
Fast Drying, Weatherproof Coating
Monodex Ultra is a rapid drying, minimal VOC, elastomeric water-based coating with an attractive smooth, matt finish. Able to extend the life expectancy of both newly constructed and existing buildings, it has a waterborne, cost-effective, low hazard formulation and is non-toxic, non-tainting and ultra-low odour. Due to its fast drying properties, two coats can be applied on the same day even in inclement weather conditions. It incorporates an active in-film fungicide which inhibits the growth of mould, fungi and lichens and remains unaffected by exposure to direct sunlight, ensuring buildings maintain a bright, clean appearance for many years. It is ideal for the external decorative protection of facades, soffits and elevations of structures in temperate and tropical climates and due to excellent fire performance characteristics, is also suitable for internal use.
Monodex Ultra provides excellent protection against carbonation and water ingress. Its vapour permeable nature allows damp substrates to breathe and dry out without blistering of the coating. It is CE-Marked in accordance with the demands of EN 1504 Part 2 and is available in a range of both standard and special colours.