LEADING Saudi-based paint manufacturer Sigma Paints has launched two new ranges of decorative textures – one for exteriors and the other for interiors.

Sigma Guardian Shell, which is designed for exteriors, comprises decorative textures that give not only optimum protection but also aesthetic appeal while Sigmulto Lumiere is an interior decorative paint that reflects the light on the painted wall subtly and discreetly, says Steven Rijkaard, brand manager for Sigma.

The Guardian Shell group consists of Sigma Guardian Shell Fine, Sigma Guardian Shell Medium and Sigma Guardian Shell Coarse, which are designed for application to concrete and a wide range of cement/plaster type substrates, as well as Sigma Guardian Glaze and Sigma Guardian Glaze thinner.

Sigma Guardian Shell Fine is a decorative texture finish with certified crack bridging up to 0.3 mm. The paint is a high-quality, ready-mixed, trowel-applied decorative texture, based on acrylic copolymer resins.

The Sigma Guardian Shell Medium is a decorative texture finish that has certified CO2 protection (200 m) and crack bridging up to 0.8 mm. The high-quality, medium-textured decorative finish is based on a dispersion of acrylic copolymer resins filled with quartz.

Sigma Guardian Shell Coarse is a high-quality decorative trowel- and brush-applied textured finish based on acrylic copolymer resins filled with ground natural stone. It has the ability to bridge cracks up to 0.2 mm.

All three products within the Guardian Shell range have anti-carbonation properties, and good colour retention, weather resistance and adhesive properties, are moisture-vapour permeable, almost odourless and unsaponifiable, he says.  In addition, they are available in the standard Sigma colours supplied from the factory.

Guardian Glaze is a water-based glaze specially designed for the Sigma Guardian Shell range, which enhances the decorative effect of the finish. It is a quality waterborne semi-transparent decorative glaze coat for use in combination with Sigma Guardian Shell textures. It has good colour retention properties and enables a variety of decorative effects to be created.

The Sigma Guardian Glaze thinner is water miscible and is used for the thinning of Sigma Guardian Glaze and the cleaning of tools and equipment following use.

Sigma had spent at least a year developing these paints, which are targeted at the villa owners and big projects, says Rijkaard.

The paints are not only eye-catching but also durable, ensuring the customer value for money spent, he adds.

“These days, customers are very careful when they invest in paints. Price is not the most important factor that drives investment,” he points out.

Rijkaard continues: “The interior emulsion range Sigmulto Lumiere is more than just a paint. The product, currently available in eight designs, allows a variety of moods to be created to suit the ambiance.

“The concept is inspired by the reflection of light (lumiere means light in French). This concept changes the appearance of the wall depending on the angle at which you look it. This means that the room will feel different depending where you would be sitting in it. This effect is created by the light reflecting from the surface of the wall.
“The concept was developed based on the latest European trends in cooperation with our interior designers and R&D department.”

This product contains a low amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and, therefore, is in line with the strict guidelines such as MPI and Leeds (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Besides this, Sigmulto Lumiere enhances a room creating an ambiance that is chic and stylish, he adds.rative textures