December 14, 2023

With the importance of sustainability growing, and architects demanding lighter, more natural tones and wood-effect finishes from their suppliers, DFV, an Italian aluminum coating business, has partnered with AkzoNobel Powder Coatings to keep the business out in front by using Interpon powder coating technology that can make aluminum look like wood.  

With a long history of supporting the industrial sector, DFV is now also recognised as a leader in architectural aluminum facades and exteriors, creating designs to the high standards and colour specifications that architects and designers require. Its successful partnership with Interpon means that its facades, window systems and exterior doors that feature a wood-effect finish are currently its strongest USP, and even promoted under its own ‘Ezy’ range brand.  

The secret to the company’s transformation is Interpon D WGF, a powder coating that enables designers to achieve a wood grain effect by using ‘powder on powder’ technology patented by DFV. A major advantage is that it overcomes the design constraints that ‘real’ wood presents in terms of its weight and consistency of finish. It means items such as windows, doors, screens, shutters, and louvres can be transformed to present all the natural beauty and warm aesthetic appearance of wood without the labour-intensive and costly aftercare requirements associated with choosing a natural finish. 

DFV and AkzoNobel are by no means strangers to one another. It’s a partnership that spans a quarter of a century and the AkzoNobel team supports DFV across three continents. As well as Interpon D WGF, DFV also uses Interpon D STF, a special powder that uses printed films and sublimation technology to deliver the special wood effect designers are looking for.