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Product of the month: Resene CoolColour™

11 Nov 2024

Do you want your next project to stand out with darker, more daring hues? If you’ve been hesitating because of concerns about heat absorption and unbearable summertime temperatures on the way then fear not. Resene CoolColour™ is here to transform your design dreams into a reality that not only look stunning but also stay refreshingly cooler.

Resene CoolColour™ technology is a game-changer for architects and designers seeking to paint exterior surfaces in darker, more captivating shades. It can be applied to a wide range of exterior materials, from weatherboards and concrete to windowsills, offering a cooler solution that doesn't compromise on aesthetics. 

What sets Resene CoolColour™ apart is its ability to look like a normal colour, yet it possesses a remarkable ability to reflect more heat. Traditional dark colours absorb heat and light, leading to uncomfortably hot surfaces. Resene CoolColour™, on the other hand, replaces the conventional carbon black pigment with a unique alternative that reflects a significant portion of the sun's infrared energy. While visible and UV light still impact surface temperature, the result is noticeably cooler.


Jeff and Kay’s patio features an enviable lounge area with an outdoor fireplace for keeping warm on cool nights. The cedar shiplap cladding is stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman CoolColour Pitch Black while the cement wall and patio roof framing are painted in Resene CoolColour All Black. Design by Studio2 Architects.

Choosing Resene CoolColour™ for your next project offers a multitude of advantages:

Reduced heat impact: Resene CoolColour™ significantly reduces the sun's heating effect on exterior surfaces, keeping them cooler and more comfortable, even in the scorching summer months.

Enhanced durability: Reduced heat-related substrate movement translates to improved durability for both the substrate and the paint system, particularly crucial for various cladding types.

Darker colour options: With Resene CoolColour™, you can select darker colours that you might have previously avoided due to heat concerns, allowing for greater design freedom.


The cladding on this home is stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman CoolColour Pitch Black timber stain. Resene Waterborne Woodsman Natural timber stain has been used for contrast on the vertical cedar fins and soffits. Design by JWA Architects, image by Simon Devitt.

A palette of possibilities:

Resene CoolColours are available across a broad spectrum of Resene's exterior finishes, including exterior paints, exterior wood stains, specialist finishes for concrete and building exteriors, as well as stains and coatings for timber decking and paths.

This innovative technology works most effectively with dark shades that are prone to heat build-up, including popular colours like Resene NeroResene Karaka and Resene Triple Napa. A wide array of Resene CoolColour hues are now at your disposal, with these shades clearly marked with a 'cc' on Resene colour charts or available for viewing online.

Before embarking on your project, consult with your nearest Resene ColorShop or Resene Representative to determine whether a Resene CoolColour™ is the right fit for your next design masterpiece.

Published: 11 Nov 2024