80 Years of colour, innovation and trust

Those early years were driven by experimentation and persistence, with Ted refining his formulas and exploring new technologies. By 1951, Ted had developed Resene PVA Semi-Gloss, one of the world’s first waterborne paints. At a time when many coatings relied heavily on solvents, the development represented an important step forward.

The name Resene came from the resin binders used in those early paint formulations. Over time, the Resene name replaced Stipplecote, as the company expanded its range of paints and coatings.

Now, as we celebrate our 80th year, I’m proud to say that Resene has grown into New Zealand’s largest paint and coatings company, with manufacturing facilities in Wellington, Tauranga, Auckland and Fiji, along with a network of Resene ColorShops across New Zealand and Australia.

For generations of homeowners, builders and professional painters, the brand has become a trusted part of the building landscape. That trust is built not only on colour choice but on performance, as well. Between them, Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest UV levels and harshest climatic conditions in the world. As such, the exterior paint products we use must be able to withstand an environment far more demanding than in many other parts of the world.

Innovation has always been central to meeting those challenges and the spirit that drove my grandfather’s early experiments still shapes the company today. At our research facility in Wellington, teams work on paint chemistry, pigments and colour technology to formulate new products designed specifically for those conditions.

One such example is the Resene CoolColour range, which allows darker colours to perform better outdoors by reflecting more heat. The technology has opened new possibilities for architects, designers and homeowners who want bold exterior colours without sacrificing durability.

While achieving any major milestone involves a certain amount of nostalgia for what has come before, my commitment for the future is to build on the same principles that started it all – practical problem-solving, technical innovation and a focus on quality and sustainability. I encourage you all to continue the journey with us.

blackwhite magazine

This is a magazine created for the industry, by the industry and with the industry – and a publication like this is only possible because of New Zealand and Australia's remarkably talented and loyal Resene specifiers and users.

If you have a project finished in Resene paints, wood stains or coatings, whether it is strikingly colourful, beautifully tonal, a haven of natural stained and clear finishes, wonderfully unique or anything in between, we'd love to see it and have the opportunity to showcase it. Submit your projects online or email editor@blackwhitemag.com. You're welcome to share as many projects as you would like, whenever it suits. We look forward to seeing what you've been busy creating.

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