b'clears featureTimber wall and ceiling sealed D uringtheSpaceRaceofthe20thcentury,andtheWith so many amazing products to choose from, it can beIts a common want, but the reality is that its not actually subsequenttechnologicalleapsandboundshumansdifficult for even the most seasoned professional to know whatachievable,saysColin.Youretryingtofightalosingbattle madeinthe80sand90s,peoplestartedfantasisingto use where and when. Here, we look at what transparent andagainst nature, but nature has time on its side.with Resene Aquaclear Satin about the potential for a hyper-advanced utopian future. Thissemi-transparent Resene finishes are available and what they do,The reason is that it is the very nature of what makes a transparent and right wall in Resene Zylonecollective excitement about what we were capable of, and justclarify common misconceptions and share plenty of top technicalfinish transparent that makes it unsuitable for exteriors; a clear Sheen tinted to Resene Alabaster.how far we could go, was a time for dreamingand with thattips so that the next time you need to pick a product, the choicesubstance always lets light pass through. That means that even top Design by Totem Studio Architects,camesomespectacularlyinventivearchitectural,interiorandshould be crystal clear. of the line clear exterior finishes do notand cannotprevent www.totemstudio.co.nz, build landscape designs, as well as some incredible manmade wonderUV light from attacking the surface of the timber.by Green Room Carpentry, The choice ismaterials to create them. as our lives have gotten increasinglyFit for use Our relentless UV light causes timber to lose its colour and www.greenroomcarpentry.com.But in recent decades,grey, explains Colin. With cedar, for instance, 3-5 months down Image by John Foster, Resene Technical Manager Mike Clowes says that when specifiers, www.foster.co.nz. complicated, we seem to have hit a breaking point. Our obsessionbuilders or tradies ring him up for advice on clear finishes, therethe road, parts of that beautiful orange will go grey. If you put a clear with progress is bowing under our societys cumulative burnout,are some key decisions that need to be made before he can offerclear finish on, it will add a certain amount of protection, but it and the response has been to step back and refocus on self- up a recommendation. wont be enough to stop UV from passing through on to the timber, care. Its a shift that has led to reinvigorated affection for honest,We need to know what theyre looking for from the product.degrading the surface causing the timber to start breaking down.natural materials and enthusiasm for biophilic design. Do they want it to just be functional or are they looking forDirect and indirect UV light will also attack the timber inside a Of course, humans have always been drawn to building anda certain aesthetic as well? What material is it going to be puthouse, bleaching the natural colour out of a lot of flooring timbers decorating with materials that evoke the beauty of nature. We are,on, what is going to come into contact with it and what sort ofsuch as rimu, warns Colin.at our core, just like any other animal and want to feel connecteddemands are expected in terms of the longevity of the system? to the environment that surrounds us. But ideally, we want toThose are really key factors that need to be determined first, When youre looking to toughenachieve that while still enjoying all the pleasantries, luxuries andbecause they all affect the maintenance, says Mike. did you know?safety that our society and technology offer.up, Resenes extensive range ofThekeydifferencebetweenmankindsadvancedwonderRain or shine Resene has a long history of producing clear finishes.materials and the ones available straight from Mother Nature is transparent and semi-transparenthow and whenor ifthey breakdown. Even when youre goingTo say that New Zealands and Australias uniquely harsh climatesResene used to manufacture clear coatings for use on finishes has you covered. for an unfinished look that showcases natures treasures in allmakeweatherproofingmaterialsachallengeisabitofanwallpaper prior to the invention of vinyl wallpapers.their glory, the inevitable ravages of time, use and environmentalunderstatement.exposuremeanthesenaturalmaterialsneedtohavetheirOne misunderstanding that Colin says comes up time and timebelow: When you pick a paver to complement your project, chances are you wont want the look to change much once you apply a protective clear lifespans lengthened with a durable topcoat or finish to makeagain is when designers are wanting the aesthetic look of unfinishedcoating. The top halves of these five different pavers have been finished in them feasible for use and protect their good looks. timber, especially outdoors. The news that it isnt feasible here cantwo coats of Resene Walk-on Concrete Clear and prove that protection Whether it be a paint, wood stain or clear finish, when we usebe a hard pill to swallow and ignoring the heed can prove costly. need not sacrifice style.a coating on a building material, were unapologetically trying to stop the forces of nature; to slow down or, ultimately, halt itsResene biodegradation. We want to keep that beauty in stasis so that itVilla Whitecan be enjoyed for the life of the structure. Resene Technical Director Colin Gooch has spent more than five decades focused on developing products that attempt to do just that.The best thing we could hope to do is to make a coating so good that it completely protects the substrate, says Colin. Its still a work in progress, as with every material comes different properties, uses and demandsand, therefore, the need for different coatings to keep it looking and functioning at its best. The fruits of his teams labour have yielded higher performance andagreaternumberofdecorativeandprotectiveResene coatings to choose from than ever before.48 blackwhitemag.com blackwhitemag.com 49'