Product of the month: Resene CoolColour™

13 Oct 2025

We’re at that time of the year when the weather starts to get warmer and exterior projects and decorating move up the list. Just as the seasons change, so can the products we use to ensure our design choices stay looking fresh and sharp for years to come.

Dark exteriors have become very popular over the years, whether for residential or commercial settings, often creating a more refined and sophisticated look. If you’ve been thinking about making your next project stand out with darker, more daring hues, but have been hesitating because of concerns around heat absorption and unbearable summertime temperatures, then Resene CoolColour™ is the best choice you can make.

Resene CoolColour™ technology is applied to darker, standard colours by using a special pigment that reflects infrared (heat) energy, making them cooler than normal dark paints, thus allowing the painted surface to last longer between its next re-coat.

Traditional dark colours absorb heat and light, leading to uncomfortably hot surfaces. And while visible and UV light still impact surface temperature, the result is noticeably cooler with a Resene CoolColour™ option.

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.

This 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.

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 Nero, Resene Foundry, Resene Karaka and Resene Triple Napa.

A wide array of Resene CoolColour hues are 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 representative to determine whether a Resene CoolColour™ is the perfect fit for your next design masterpiece.

Published: 13 Oct 2025