A technical guide on Oxydecor Isoplam: Corten, zinc, copper and green effects for walls, facades, furnishings and contract spaces.
Beyond metal: when controlled oxidation meets contemporary design
In contemporary spaces, metal surfaces have become an increasingly prominent design element. Walls, façades, staircases, furniture and decorative elements are expected to add character and depth to a project without compromising visual lightness or application versatility.
Traditional sheets of Corten steel, zinc or copper may require substructures, specialised installation processes and significant costs. When exposed to weathering, Corten surfaces can also produce rust run-off and staining. For this reason, decorative metal-effect coatings offer an effective solution for architects, interior designers, specifiers and end clients.
Oxydecor is the Isoplam range designed to create vertical surfaces inspired by oxidised metals, for both interiors and exteriors. Its finishes recreate the appearance of Corten steel, galvanised steel, copper and verdigris, while maintaining a tactile, continuous aesthetic with no visible joints.
How the Oxydecor decorative system works
Oxydecor is created through the application of decorative formulations containing metallic components and specific oxidising agents. The reaction is activated and controlled during application, producing shades, mottled effects and colour variations similar to those that develop naturally on metal surfaces.
The final appearance depends on the balance between substrate preparation, application technique, quantity of product and oxidation process. Oxydecor Rust recreates the warm tones of Corten steel, Oxydecor Zinc evokes the appearance of galvanised iron, and Oxydecor Copper replicates copper, while the Verderame, Verderame Antico and Verderame Brunito variants create different oxidised and patinated effects.
The main advantages of the system include:
- Aesthetic continuity and visual lightness, recreating the appearance of metal without the need for metal sheets, joints or heavy substructures.
- Application versatility, with the possibility of coating non-metallic substrates such as plaster, wood, plastic and suitably prepared surfaces.
- Controlled and protected oxidation, allowing customised colour variations while reducing the risk of rust run-off or staining on surrounding surfaces.
How to realise the Oxydecor coating
The application cycle varies according to the selected finish, but follows a precise sequence designed to control adhesion, oxidation and colour development. For Oxydecor Rust, the process consists of the following steps:
1. Substrate preparation and priming. The surface is inspected, cleaned and evened out; Deco Primer Finish and Oxyrust Primer are then applied to promote adhesion and create a uniform base.
2. Application of the metallic base coat. Oxyrust Paint is applied in two coats with a trowel, building up the texture and tactile character of the coating.
3. Activation of the oxidation process. When the base coat is almost dry, Oxyrust Oxidant is applied unevenly by spray, pad or sponge; Oxyrust Activator is then applied while the surface is still wet.
4. Control of colour development. The intensity of the colour variations is adjusted during application to achieve a more uniform, variegated or deeply oxidised effect, in keeping with the design concept.
5. Final protection. Once completely dry, the surface is sealed with Oxyrust Protection or a suitable Isoplam protective treatment to stabilise the effect and facilitate maintenance.
For Oxydecor Zinc, Copper and Verderame, the specific products and certain application methods vary, but the underlying system remains the same: substrate preparation, application of the metallic base coat, controlled oxidation and final protection.
Fields of application: from decorative walls to facades and furnishings
Thanks to its combination of tactile texture, visual continuity and colour customisation, Oxydecor is suitable for a wide range of interior and exterior applications.
One of its most distinctive applications is the Corten-effect wall. In living spaces, restaurants, hotels, showrooms and contract environments, the finish can be used to create warm, visually rich decorative walls that integrate naturally with wood, glass, concrete and other contemporary materials.
The system is also suitable for staircases, fireplaces, furniture, shelves and decorative elements. Its compatibility with different substrates makes it possible to transform existing elements into continuous metal-effect surfaces without significantly altering their weight or structure.
Oxydecor can also be used on exterior walls and urban furniture, where the coating becomes an integral part of the architectural language. Zinc, Copper and Verderame finishes further expand the design possibilities, ranging from cool, industrial tones to warm copper hues and green patinas.
Installation and maintenance criteria for a durable surface
Like any decorative finish, an Oxydecor coating requires proper preparation of the complete system. Performance depends not only on the decorative layer, but also on the stability and uniformity of the substrate, which must be clean, sound and suitable for the intended application.
The application process involves a suitable primer, the application of the metallic base coat, activation of the oxidation process and subsequent transparent protective treatment. The protective coating stops the reaction, improves surface resistance and facilitates routine cleaning.
Choosing Oxydecor by Isoplam means relying on a solution in which product, technique and application work together as an integrated system. The range transforms walls, façades and furniture into continuous, customisable decorative surfaces, combining the distinctive character of oxidised metals with the practicality of a coating and the aesthetic quality required by the project.
To support architects, designers and clients throughout the execution phase, Isoplam goes beyond supplying materials: it provides direct on-site technical assistance and a network of authorised applicators, trained and regularly updated at the company’s facilities. Coordinated management of the entire process, from selecting the most appropriate solution through to installation, ensures that projects are carried out by skilled teams and helps deliver quality, reliability and consistency in the final result.
