PRIMA MANO Colorificio San Marco House Magazine
PRIMA MANO • ISSUE 19 • YEAR 2017
OUNG
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Colorificio San Marco is celebrating its anniversary: 80 years and always one step ahead
CONTENTS Colorificio San Marco is celebrating its anniversary: 80 years and always one step ahead
Nearly all companies and brands celebrate
creating plasters, marmorini and decorations of
at least one of their anniversaries: 25th, 40th,
the Venetian palaces. Ten years later, together
50th, 75th, 80th, 100th, 120th…. People live
with his daughter Alessandrina, he launched the
shorter than 120 but certain birthdays are more
production of oils and paints. “But obtaining the
important than others as some numbers have a
consistent colors was a problem! There was no
special meaning: the number alone, without any
equipment so we had to rely on the eyes of skil-
additions, tells a story. Twenty-five years of mar-
led workers... and we had one". I took the liberty
riage is a silver wedding; if the couple reach
of quoting some excerpts from a document that
50 years, it's golden; and the very lucky ones
my grandmother, Dr.ssa Alessandrina Tamburini,
who make it to 75 years celebrate their plati-
wrote on 16 September 2012. The document
num anniversary. Silver, gold and platinum are
goes on say "We always approached the best
goals reached with increasing difficulty, in a bid
suppliers who were correct and meticulous in ob-
against time.
serving their commitments. We contacted and
Also in the business world birthdays ending in 5
became familiar with the best specialists... we
San Marco World
or 10 are celebrated as special events. Twen-
kept relationships based on respect and friend-
THE ARTE LAGUNA PRIZE: A KALEIDOSCOPE OF TALENTS ON SHOW IN VENICE
ty-five years mean the company has passed its
ship with our customers... we relied on professio-
youth, 50 that it is mature, experienced, strong
nal and serene accounting methods... ".
and competitive. So what about 80? The com-
Thanks to these values, cultivated with a unique
Architecture and the Building Industry
pany is an oak.
mix of reliability and warmth, Colorificio San
REBUILDING AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE - A CHALLENGE THAT STARTS FROM THE MATERIALS
Birthdays are a chance to look back at history,
Marco has become one of the leading manu-
reinvigorate brands, plan for the future, and
facturers of paints and varnishes for the professio-
inject new energy for growth.
nal building industry in Italy, and a benchmark
San Marco World
In marketing literature, anniversaries are classi-
company on the international scene. Today the
TO RUSSIA: WITH… LOVELY COLORS
fied as "marketing events", but in an article pu-
group has 9 production units and commercial
blished in The New York Times in 2012, Stuart
sites worldwide, 6 brands, a broad-and-deep
Elliot classified them as "comfort marketing":
product portfolio, and 230 collaborators who,
behind this expression is the idea that telling the
like their predecessors, have made the company
history and past events provide reassurance to
grow in the past and still today and to whom I
the stakeholders who are giving their trust to a
extend our warmest thanks: before us lies a path
company that has stood the test of time.
to mark with new successes, and we stand on
“80 years and the light’s still shining; rather, it’s
the threshold of the thrilling opportunity to conti-
shining even brighter than ever”, is our implicit
nue to grow together.
message.
For some years now, the fourth Geremia genera-
At 80, Colorificio San Marco wants to remind
tion has been actively involved in the company
all its employees, customers, suppliers, partners,
as a guarantee of continuity of our principles and
of its authenticity, substance, and ability to evol-
values and of an ongoing momentum towards
ve in step with time, while remaining true to its
the future. Four generations of businesspeople
original values. San Marco is a family company
and managers who have been animated by the
which has always been forward-looking and
desire to grow responsibly since 1937.
which combines financial results with a focus on
Paolo Conte, one of Italy's most-acknowledged
the environment and society, and the frontiers of
and innovative singer-songwriters and jazz pia-
research with the promotion and respect of em-
nist, celebrated his own 80th anniversary in
ployees who, along with our customers, are an
2016 saying: "I am charged up, with youth".
extension of the family in which every member
Which admirably sums Colorificio San Marco.
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San Marco World
WELFARE: SMART SHOPPING ARRIVES, IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD
03
San Marco Family
COLORIFICIO SAN MARCO: EIGHTY YEARS FULL OF YOUTH
04/05
SAN MARCO TECHNICAL SUPPORT: AN ALWAYS-OPERATIVE TEAM OF PROBLEM SOLVERS COLOUR MATCHING TEAM: WE GIVE SHAPE TO OUR CUSTOMERS' IDEAS
"Los Inmigrantes" Hotel in Argentina
06 07
08
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10 11
Color Reality
PANTONE 2017: IT’S THE TIME FOR GREENERY, THE MESSANGER OF OPTIMISM
12
San Marco World
TOGETHER WITH PROFESSIONALS FOR A SMARTER DESIGN
13
Business & Mercato
The principle of economy when choosing interior emulsion paints
14
Lab For Pro
WANT TO TURBOCHARGE YOUR SKILLS? THEN LET'S GO! WITH THE LAB FOR PRO COURSES
15
Wikisanmarco
TRUE OR FALSE?
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Sustainability
is important and valuable in their uniqueness,
UNICEF RAISES THE POLLUTION ALERT: IT IS POSSIBLE TO REDUCE IT, STARTING FROM THE RIGHT CHOICES
regardless of how quickly we grow. Thus, as in
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any family worthy of the name, the story of San Marco is one to know and tell - a story to be
San Marco World
proud of.
2017 PRODUCTS NEWS Discover GRIMANI, COLOREVIVO and CONTINUO, the three big new entries by San Marco 18/19
It all began in 1937 when Cavaliere Pietro Tam-
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burini started trading white and coloured earths sold to "decorative painters, craftsmen who were
San Marco World
WELFARE: SMART SHOPPING ARRIVES, IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD
The fast pace of our daily lives in
from farm-to-table fruit and vegetables from the
which we duck and dive between
local farm "Il Rosmarino" in nearby Marcon, to
work and family, mean that all too
preserves, wines, pasta and rice. The choice
often we compromise on our wellness with ha-
is wide also for other product categories, whi-
sty spending and unplanned meals made of
ch will especially please the ladies and may
frozen foods or take-aways. Having the chan-
prove to be excellent gift ideas: there are bags
ce to buy healthy, natural products at the wor-
and T-shirts made by the inmates of the wo-
kplace is not only a practical prospect, but a
men's prison in Venice, for example, and even
valuable one too, which is why Colorificio San
beauty products.
Marco has again decided to meet the needs
With this original initiative, Colorificio San
of its employees by signing an agreement with
Marco continues its growth path to concre-
Welfood, the innovative service that lets em-
tely promote the quality of its employees’ lives
ployees do their shopping right from the wor-
without denying its green soul, which is com-
kplace by purchasing genuine products that
mitted to promoting the environment and all
have been produced to ethical and sustainable
the goodness it can offer. It also becomes an
methods. The products are good in every sen-
integral part of a network of producers and
se, and available in the most convenient way
consumers, who see food as an opportunity
one can imagine.
to harmonize work and well-being, giving the
The groceries market is set up at the company's
economy an ethical and social dimension.
cafeteria, which is converted into a lively and bustling marketplace. A once-mundane chore thus morphs into an enjoyable collective ritual! We have also thought about the "smartest" employees, who want to plan their healthy shopping with even greater efficiency through a dedicated e-commerce platform. And in fact they can now book online the products they want:
03
San Marco Family
COLORIFICIO SAN MARCO: EIGHTY YEARS FULL OF YOUTH A spirit of initiative, independence, research,
its ability to make products that were extraordi-
decision to produce water-based vinyl paints,
and sustainability. It is not easy to sum up the
narily innovative for the period. Among these
which were more environmentally friendly than
eighty years of Colorificio San Marco's history
were the semi-finished and finished products
traditional ones. In the paints industry - highly
in few words. It is equally challenging to di-
which were in high demand just after the war,
sensitive in terms of sustainability - the ace
stil it into a few lines: in eighty years, a small
and which gradually replaced pure the pig-
up the sleeve of Colorificio San Marco was
business that traded colored earths and raw
ments that need to be diluted.
the involvement of chemical experts and pro-
materials for painting has become an interna-
In the early sixties, the daughter of Pietro Tam-
fessionals from Aitiva (Italian Paint Specialists
tional company.
burini, Alessandrina, took up an active role
Association). Thus, in the eighties, the Unimarc
The history of Colorificio San Marco began in
in the company and was responsible for the
system was developed as a range of emulsion
Treviso, where Pietro Tamburini set up a trading
transformation, in 1962, of her father's busi-
products formulated to combine maximum per-
store in 1937 for painting materials. He later
ness into an industrial organization, which was
formance with safety for people and safeguar-
moved the business to nearby Mogliano Vene-
baptized Colorificio San Marco.
ding of the environment.
to, where the company which took shape and
By then the company's growth started to rocket.
With the handing over of the baton to Federi-
which bore his name, soon earned success for
The period also marked the seemingly-risky
co Geremia, who became General Director in
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8
1990 and Chairman in 1995, the company began to export more, and further increased sales volume thanks to highly-strategic partnerships and acquisitions. This is the firm which today proudly stands as the fourth generation of the family: a generation that has the privilege of blowing out 80 candles, along with Alessandra Tamburini, Honorary Chairman and keeper of a story so intense that it seems to have lasted twice as long.
years 05
Pierluigi dei Rossi
35, mechanical engineer, runner and father of two children. In the technical team since 2008, Pierluigi has a passion for building thermography, which urges him to keep up his training. His motto? “In life, things go where they have to go”.
Leandro Folino
in the company since 2014, at 29 years, Leandro is the youngest of the team. With a degree in applied environmental chemistry, a film and travel buff, he speaks English and French and looks after mainly non-Italian customers.
Alvise Martini
A surveyor, 46, father of twins, and a keen sportsman, Alvise joined the San Marco team in 1992 as a research and development laboratory technician. His well-rounded education makes him perfect for following special projects.
San Marco Family
SAN MARCO TECHNICAL SUPPORT: AN ALWAYS-OPERATIVE TEAM OF PROBLEM SOLVERS A team of qualified technicians, who can propose the coating cycles to suit all need for dealers and applicators, and who always have solutions at the ready. How can we define them? “Full-service” assistants, because the team members responsible for San Marco's on-site service resolve issues connected to the incorrect use of the paints. But they also organize technical-application meetings aimed at applicators and resellers. There are also consultants for professionals such as architects, engineers and surveyors, while outside Italy their assistance focuses primarily on decorative products, where giving shape and color to the emotion is their mission. Who are they? Let's get to know them one by one with this string of snapshots that highlight their work areas and interests.
Fabio Stefanini
Giuseppe Merico
Alessandro Pasqual
Christian Pettenò
Francesco Suraci
Caterina Zorzetto
Aged 44, Fabio began his career as a laboratory technician. In 2006 he was appointed to guide the team, which over the years he has developed by developing brilliant management solutions.
Aged 44, father of two and an enthusiast of football and reading, Christian began working for Colorificio in 1996 as a coloring technician, and become part of the technical team in 2004.
06
The team's latest acquisition, Giuseppe, 30, is an industrial chemical expert; He loves reading and playing soccer. In the company, he puts to good use his background in the colorimetric areas, tinting and customer service.
From Treviso and aged 38, Francesco is a chemical expert and speaks fluent English. His hobbies? Fishing and traveling. In 2003 he joined in the color matching team, but since 2006 his career was enhanced thanks to the opportunity to directly assist foreign clients, to whom he provides complete consulting and answers in keeping with the specifics of the culture of each country.
Aged 30, a chemist and great goalkeeper, Alessandro loves to travel. After joining the team in 2012, this year he is looking after the non-Italian customers as a consultant specializing in creating high-decoration environments.
The only lady on the team and mother of a beautiful daughter, Caterina joined the company in 1989 as an administrative employee before moving in 2003 into technical assistance. Today she is a key contact for all technicians for administrative matters but she also manages the technical answers to retailers and insurance policies.
Stefano Baldassa
39 and an electronics technician, Stefano is father of an enchanting girl and has a great passion for the mountains. He joined the colorimetry team from the quality-control department due to his expertise in programming. He has followed the laboratory's evolution: “When I arrived, the paint-mixing machines were manual and had very few spare parts”. “Now we have a fully-fledged warehouse to run”.
Davide Ceolin
46, father of a lovely boy, is fond of fishing and cycling. He joined the San Marco Group in 1990 as a general worker and in the 2000s move up to the Colorimetric team. Today he travels around Italy giving assistance to the sales outlets in the installation and maintenance of paint-mixing systems.
Marco Comello
43, electrician, Marco has a boy and is a fitness enthusiast. After joined the company in 1995 as a general worker, he moved to the production team and then again to the paint-mixing department. Now he's with "Colorimetria" team, where he exploits his many skills.
COLOUR MATCHING TEAM: WE GIVE SHAPE TO OUR CUSTOMERS' IDEAS A close-knit team of 5, committed to providing assistance to retail stores and able to address
e Tma
all and any issues regarding the management of the colorimetric software programs; they connect remotely worldwide to assist customers in managing the devices and paint-mixing machines. How can we call them? Color artists: “We give concrete form to the idea of color that our customers want”, they say. Let's introduce this small-but-strong team too!
our
Manrico Gomiero
44, Manrico is dad to a baby boy and is a keen runner. In his spare time, he likes to travel to distant lands and to go fishing. With the company since 1995, he gained experience in different departments before entering the world of color, first in the production department and then in the industrial mixing machine before joining the colorimetry team.
Gianni Bellato
49 years of age, Gianni holds a degree in Industrial Chemistry from Venice university and is a great sportsman: he loves tennis and walking in the mountains with his son. He's been with Colorificio San Marco since 1997 and since 2000 has been at the helm of colour-mixing workshop.
Valerio Cazziolato
50, proud dad of a lovely girl, likes cars and engines. He joined the company as a general production worker before moving to the industrial mixing machine team. He moved to colorimetry in 2012: here he is responsible for various assistance activities, and follows the production of the color samples for the application. 07
San Marco World
THE ARTE LAGUNA PRIZE: A KALEIDOSCOPE OF TALENTS ON SHOW IN VENICE
For the past eleven years, interna-
several prizes to artists in different disciplines:
tional contemporary art has been
from painting and sculpture, to installations
the focus of a competition that has
and photography. The backdrop that will fra-
become increasingly important as one of the
me the finalists' works in March is also of great
most interesting and prestigious in Italy: entitled
importance: the Arsenale, or former naval bo-
"Premio Arte Laguna" (Lagoon Art Prize), this
at-building yard of the Venetian Republic. The
year it has reached its eleventh edition. Colo-
opening ceremony took place at 6 pm on 25
rificio San Marco has always been active in
March, at the Nappe dell'Arsenale Nord.
supporting and promoting art – and consistently linked to Venice as the hosting city – will be present as a technical partner, with the application of ColoreVivo, the new super-washable emulsion paint, which will be the background of the artwork. The event will be awarding 08
Architecture and the Building Industry
REBUILDING AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE - A CHALLENGE THAT STARTS FROM THE MATERIALS The tragic earthquakes that struck
structural elements, from the pillars to beams to
Italy's Abruzzo in 2009, Emilia in
floors.
2012 and Lazio, Marche and Um-
A counter-productive aspect instead is irregularity,
bria last summer, have, in a few years, brought
especially if it is the result of building extensions
focus on the delicate situation of Italy's geodynami-
with different materials that follow on from each
cs, which make Italy Europe's highest-risk country
other.
for earthquakes.
When it comes to earthquake protection, the choi-
This leads to a reflection on the phenomenon lin-
ce of roof is of great importance: if you want a pi-
ked to the possibility of reconstructing the dama-
tched roof, for example, it is recommended that the
ged buildings so that they may at last be safe and
lattice trusses be triangular to avoid, in the event of
withstand new shocks. The issue is a sensitive one
an earthquake, the horizontal stresses from being
as it opens up questions that cannot be unambi-
transmitted to the outer walls, which would seriou-
guously answered as there are different solutions
sly undermine the building's safety.
and materials which have different features to con-
Returning to the materials, there is evidence that
sider.
wood, apparently more fragile than others, is an
It should not be forgotten that Italy has an immense
excellent solution: not only does is provide good
historical and architectural heritage, which requi-
mechanical resistance to stresses, but, thanks to
res works of prevention and ad hoc anti-seismic
its elasticity, it deforms without breaking. Plus, if
protection. Also, Italy's towns are often unsuitable
wooden structures are damaged, repairing them
for building out-of-town housing estates: rebuilding
is relatively simple, non-invasive and inexpensive.
in Italy thus means trying to revive old towns of ine-
Steel too is an excellent anti-seismic material: unfor-
stimable artistic value, working with appropriate
tunately, however, it is expensive, although today
procedures and suitable materials.
there are ready-made solutions that combine desi-
In this regard, it is not possible to positively establish
gn flexibility with pleasing looks.
which ones are safer: account must be taken of the
Finally, let's not forget the need for specific insu-
contexts and types of buildings that are planned.
lators, which are inserted between buildings'
Generally, to make earthquake-resistant buildings,
foundations and supporting structures. These are
mainly reinforced concrete, masonry of various
generally made of neoprene and stainless steel,
kinds, steel and wood are used: for each material,
and resemble dampers or bearings to dampen the
earthquake standards prescribe detailed parame-
tremors when earthquakes are happening: these
ters about the size and quality that the structures in
structures safeguard not only people but also the
which the material is used must comply with.
buildings themselves, ensuring that, during shocks,
In the interests of safe design, rather than looking
they only move sideways. Seismic isolators are
at recent constructions, it is often worth looking
therefore highly important for use in hospitals and
to the more distant past and the materials which
monuments, but they should ideally be extended
seem "outdated": it is no coincidence that ancient
to all buildings to limit such catastrophic events as
temples or old thick-brick houses have survived
those we have seen during the recent earthquakes.
earthquakes of great magnitude, and that modern buildings have instead unfortunately been reduced to rubble. But to be resistant, also masonry buildings must meet strict requirements: indeed, stones must be assembled in regular fashion, with appropriate mortars. A solid, well-designed masonry built with tuff or brick will be much less-vulnerable, and lends itself to building uniform structures even more than with reinforced concrete, the use of which requires different stages of implementation of the different
09
San Marco World
TO RUSSIA: WITH‌ LOVELY COLORS Colorificio San Marco has just opened a brand-
Production at the new Russian plant, will focus on
new production unit in Russia, in Lyudinovo, a
paints and coatings for the broad-consumption
city about 300 kilometers from Moscow in the
professional construction sector, and its opening
Kaluga region. The plant covers 15,000 square
will not lead to any reductions in the other Colori-
meters owned by the company, in a free zone
ficio San Marco plants in Russia and elsewhere.
where foreign investments are subsidized, and
As for the high-end products, which are also very
joins seven other factories that are already ope-
popular among Russian customers as they repre-
rational.
sent the inimitable "Italian style", these will conti-
The inauguration of the Lyudinovo plant and the
nue to be produced in Italy and then exported.
company "000 San Marco Russia", set up with
The consolidation of Colorificio San Marco's pre-
our historic local partner, Finest, seals, for San
sence in Russia with the new plant not only marks
Marco, a long-established work activity in this
a new and important stage of its ongoing expan-
great country. San Marco has indeed been pre-
sion process: as underlined by the partners, Finest
sent on the Russian market for forty years, and
has indeed given birth to a precise development
already serves 120 stores there with its products.
model that may inspire other companies.
In particular, the decorative products are the biggest sellers, and greatly appreciated and used in prestigious contexts. Moreover, exports are playing perhaps the biggest part for the company at present: Colorificio San Marco is committed to exporting and has drawn up a business plan that aims to reach 50% of sales outside Italy. Compared to Italy, the economies of countries such as Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, France, China are much more vibrant and promising. Even Cuba is showing considerable growth in export sales.
010
San Marco World
"Los Inmigrantes" Hotel in Argentina Customer: Microfloor, Buenos Aires, Argentina Place: "Los Inmigrantes" Hotel y Resto Bar Bellville, Cordoba, Argentina Architects: Arq. Prino Lambertini and Est. Arq. Graciela Lambertini Products: My art, Marmorino classico, Marcopolo luxury
011
Color Reality
PANTONE 2017: IT’S THE TIME FOR GREENERY, THE MESSANGER OF OPTIMISM
An explicit reference to hope, of which there is
and versatile. A color which lends itself perhaps
much need in this complex historical period; but
even more to interior decoration than to fashion,
also a reference to the environment, nature and,
and leads to a strong and optimistic call of nature
at the same time, to innovation as many start-ups
even in minimalist urban lofts or austere offices.
choose similar shades of green for their logos.
So now, how can we use it? The more cautious
Greenery is the "Pantone of the Year" 2017, that
will begin to "see the effect it gives" choosing
is, the most popular color in the last 12 months in
it for textiles: block-colored rugs and tablecloths
several areas, from fashion to design, from art to
cushions and curtains, carefully measured, will
public performances.
immediately light up every room with a refined
Precisely based on this criterion, from an analysis
liveliness. In the kitchen, dining room and studio,
of the latest trends, the experts of the renowned
you can also use accessories, from lamps to bre-
company owned by X-Rite which supplies the co-
akfast mugs, from folders to place-mats, choosing
lor standards in various professional fields, decla-
items with clean and essential lines. The bravest,
re what the most fashionable color is. Waiting for
finally, may go for bright green to paint a wall,
the "verdict", regularly issued in December, has
for example in the children's room: a solution
become a rite for the last seventeen years, when
which is fresh, fun and unisex, to give them a
the Pantone color 15-4020 Cerulean was pre-
wonderful corner of everlasting spring.
sented as the color of the new millennium. Now that the year of the soft Quartz Rose and Blue Serenity - the colors crowned by Pantone for 2016 (with a notable departure to the rule, which usually assigns one color) has ended, we welcome a shade which is definitely more energetic
Greenery 15-0343
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San Marco World
TOGETHER WITH PROFESSIONALS FOR A SMARTER DESIGN
Being closer to the sector professio-
deling", a method for optimizing the planning,
nals, from architects to designers,
implementation and management of buildings
engineers to contractors, making
through software. The tool allows all relevant
their business more flexible and enjoyable: this
data to be gathered about a building, from its
is goal at the basis of Colorificio San Marco’s
geographical location to the properties of the
just-introduced rich library of objects/textures
materials used to build it. The use of BIM is now
of its decorative products, main palette effects
strongly encouraged by official regulations as
and the most popular color shades, which they
it brings with it effectiveness and enhanced
can use during the design stage.
transparency of the procurement process. This
The libraries are available for 3DS Max (MAT),
is also why its adoption may soon be compul-
in BIM (RFA and ADSKLIB) format, and with
sory for public works.
all the maps separate for rendering in JPG for-
The vast range of digital textures provided by
mat, including all the San Marco decorative
San Marco not only resonates with a techno-
products and their palette effects, available in
logy of this magnitude, but also gives other im-
many fashionable nuances. The digital libraries
portant benefits to both industry professionals
are optimized to ensure maximum performance
and end users. Architects will be able to use
of the systems, and are also made available in
a tool of highest value - also commercial - and
an interchange format for both BIM and CAD,
project environments and finishes in highly rea-
for use in all 3D and 2D architectural design
listic ways; and customers will be able to shar-
environments.
ply and clearly see their houses taking shape.
This is important because the San Marco products will be the world’s first to integrate with
The textures will also be available on the web-
an internationally-widespread design technolo-
site www.san-marco.com.
gy that is mushrooming now also around Italy. What does BIM technology mean exactly? The acronym stands for "Building Information Mo-
Decorating with GRIMANI
013
Business & Mercato
The principle of economy when choosing interior emulsion paints There is a very wide choice of interior emulsion
resolve issues of mold, and so on.
To correctly choose a product, it's necessary
(water-soluble) paints and it is not easy to deci-
Performance, instead, quantitatively expresses
to firstly consider its characteristics, properties
de how to choose a product that is both good
the degree to which the product covers the
and designated use. Only afterwards should
and economical.
background surface, how washable it is, etc.
we compare price: the price per square meter,
Often, economy is assessed by price per liter,
Lastly, we get to price: but how? Once we
of course.
or simply by comparing the cost of the con-
have identified the product group, we will cho-
tainers, an appraisal which is clearly overly
ose the most economical one in terms of cost
Giovanni Marsili,
superficial as it misses many other aspects that
per square meter, so we will favor products
Scientific Director of the San Marco Group
make up product quality. The principle of eco-
with a greater spreading capacity i.e. those
nomy requires that at least three aspects of the
with the greatest capacity, per liter, to uniformly
product are taken into account: characteristics,
cover the background.
performance and price.
Some products available from Colorificio San
The characteristics of the product determine the
Marco are very economical in terms of price
type and how it works: these are therefore the
per liter: these are generally for large surfaces
first things to identify. In certain cases, for exam-
or professional air-less or roller painting. Other
ple, you will obtain a surface which is smooth
higher-priced products are instead economical
to the touch and, so as to quickly re-inhabit the
in terms of cost per square meter: the spreading
room, we will look for an odorless product; or,
capacity of the latter is in fact high, and the
in other cases, we will look for a paint that will
price per square meter lower. So be careful!
014
WANT TO TURBOCHARGE YOUR SKILLS? THEN LET'S GO! WITH THE LAB FOR PRO COURSES
Outside wall renovation, decoration, sale,
Where does the inspiration for the different
ters and decorators, allow them to explore
whitening... There are various and many to-
courses come from?
techniques practically, by meeting those same
pics addressed during the Lab for Pro courses,
We are mainly inspired by market trends and
experts they can speak to when calling our
which are training sessions that Colorificio
many suggestions come from the professionals
toll-free number. But there is more: in a short
San Marco has been offering for some time
operating in the building sector, such as archi-
time (the courses last one and a half days) they
to its stakeholders: from small businesses to
tects.
acquire the knowledge and skills that will let
decorators and retailers. The meetings, which
them create original and tailored solutions for
aim to add value to their professionalism, are
Which new courses do you have in store for
designed yearly to pro-actively cater to market
this year?
demands, as pointed out by Emanuele Lodo,
The calendar of the courses, which start in
What's behind such a well-thought-out orga-
technical trainer at Colorificio San Marco.
October and usually end in around April-May,
nization?
includes three new entries: the basic course for
Training has always been one of the cornersto-
Emanuele, what kind of response have you
painters, for those approaching the field for the
nes of the San Marco "philosophy": in recent
had to the Lab for Pro courses recently?
first time or who want to improve their knowled-
years, though, our training offer has grown to
We have received a lot of applications: 900
ge of painting starting from the basic concepts
include many experts who deal with managing
in Italy alone. The courses that attract most
of the profession (e.g. the difference between
Lab for Pro. Among these, I'd like to mention
interest are the basic and advanced ones on
oil paints, water-based paints, washables and
Filippo Ton, who manages the dates-calendar
thermal insulation and those on using our deco-
temperas); then there's the one on classical
and who is usually in charge of presenting the
rative products. Also in this case, as well as the
decoration, which can also be used to crea-
company at the courses; then there's Silvia
basic courses, we offer more advanced ones
te contrasting effects in modern environments;
Carraro, who deals with logistics, hospitality
that allow end customers to be informed of so-
and then there's the one on creating decorative
and who is responsible for relationships with
lutions that are as personalized as possible:
effects by using gold and white tones, which is
retailers; Luca Piovesan, Andrea Cillotto e Um-
these solutions are reached through genuine
appreciated particularly outside Italy.
berto Dainese, who team up to manage the
"systems", that is to say combinations of speci-
their customers.
various courses; and Francesco Suraci, who
fically-designed products which may be used
What advantages are there in taking part in
also beyond the traditional scope of work, to
the courses for those who work with the San
take advantage of their full potential.
Marco products?
deals with our non-Italian customers.
Some courses for professionals, such as pain015
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TRUE OR FALSE? The truth behind the false myths in the world of paints and varnishes Answers by Dott. Giovanni Marsili, Scientific Director of the San Marco Group
Tannin stain inhibiting primers
Reinforced concrete (RC) some-
Coatings based on slaked lime
remove stains from wood. False.
times "explode" even when the
develop and mature over time.
rebars are not exposed. True.
True.
A primer such as UNIMARC ANTI-TANIN
Bars embedded in reinforced concrete rust be-
The binder of lime products is mainly made of
does not remove stains from wood but is formu-
cause the carbon dioxide, which is present in
calcium hydroxide. The latter, to "harden" and
lated with special active ingredients that pre-
the air and dissolved in the water, can perme-
to create a uniform layer/film, reacts with the
vent the migration of certain substances from
ate the concrete and reach the metal, thereby
carbon dioxide in the air and crystallizes as
the wood through the paint film. Among these,
creating the chemical conditions favourable for
calcium carbonate. In this process, and over
the most frequent substances are derivatives of
corrosion. At this point the iron - more precisely
time, the mass of the coating increases by up
tannic acid, brown in colour and soluble in
low-carbon steel, of which the bars are made
to a 10% compared to that of the initial dried
water and, as such, capable of mixing with the
- by taking on the crystal structure of the iron
product. Thus, products made of slaked lime
paint and emerge on the surface, thus creating
oxides, expands, resulting in the "explosion"
are unique as they not only "coat" the substrate
spots, rings and yellowing. Unimarc anti-tannin
of the RC. Which is why RC should never be
but also react and mature over time, improving
blocks the stains by keeping them under the
left without the protection of a paint verified as
their performance.
paint.
suitable and CE-certified, such as Betoncover.
016
Sustainability
UNICEF RAISES THE POLLUTION ALERT: IT IS POSSIBLE TO REDUCE IT, STARTING FROM THE RIGHT CHOICES
"Clear the air for children" is the
been estimated that the mortality of children
title of UNICEF (United Nations
under five will be 50% higher in 2050 than
Children's Fund) latest report, whi-
today.
ch addresses the issue of air pollution for the
Pollution is also detrimental to the health of the
first time because, as stated in the report, 300
foetus, although there is no campaign addres-
million children live in areas of the world whe-
sed to pregnant women to warn them of this
re the air is toxic and pollutants exceed more
risk as happens, for example, with cigarette
than six times the international limits set by the
smoke. There are studies that show that chronic
World Health Organization.
exposure to particulates (PM10 and PM2.5) is
Air pollution is directly linked to diseases that
linked to high frequencies of premature death
kill seven million people every year on our pla-
of the foetus, pre-term abortion and lower wei-
net: among these, at least 600,000 are chil-
ght at birth.
dren under the age of five. This is why UNICEF
There are many causes behind pollution: these
places great emphasis on this issue.
include VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
The report states that atmospheric pollution is
from paints. The largest surfaces of dwellings
strongly linked to respiratory diseases such as
are indeed made up of internal and external
pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma, among
walls so the application of products which con-
others. It is also linked to other diseases that
tinue to give off harmful solvents throughout the
cause many children to leave school too early,
life of the product is a major cause of pollution.
with all the social consequences that can be
The solution, at least for paints, is represented
easily imagined. Air pollution, essentially, is a
by the next generation of VOC-free products
direct cause of the reduction in life expectancy
that, thanks to modern binders, do not requi-
of children.
re co-solvents to film; they do not contain any
Air pollution is, among other things, worsening
formaldehyde or other dangerous volatile sub-
in many areas of the world: various countries
stances. All this shows that no matter how big
continue on their paths of industrialization and
the problem is, everyone can make their own
urbanization, and the use of fossil fuels is incre-
contribution.
A recent WHO report states that outdoor air
Dott. Giovanni Marsili
pollution increased by 8% between 2008 and
Scientific Director of San Marco Group
Image source: UNICEF
asing at the same time.
2013: and the forecasts for the future are, unfortunately, even more unfavourable. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), it has
017
San Marco World
2017 PRODUCTS NEWS Discover GRIMANI, COLOREVIVO and CONTINUO, the three big new entries by San Marco
For Venetians, Grimani is synonymous with nobility, Venice and its history. Taking its name from one of Venice's oldest patrician families, Grimani blends tradition and innovation. It is a decorative top-coat for interiors which can be applied on various surfaces and which gives a metallic effect. • It creates multiple effects, with textures that recall refined fabrics that have been woven with precious threads. • Ideal for decorating interior walls, furniture and furnishing accessories made of wood, plastic and PVC. It can even be used on wallpaper. • Easy to apply. • High washability and resistance to scratches and wear.
LIVELY COLORS WITH HIGH HIDING POWER ColoreVivo, with over 1,200 colours, is a key player in fresh and lively environments. • Opaque and uniform finishing, fast and easy to use. • Highly washable, low consumption, quick drying. • A collection of 60 intense high-coverage colours of great convenience. • Odourless, low VOC, free from formaldehyde and added plasticizers.
018
C ON T INUO MAKES YOUR IDEAS REAL... WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS!
Walls and floor decorating system. • Continuo creates personalized environments • Large selection of colors, combinations and finishes • Continuo, versatile to apply • Vertical and horizontal surfaces with no interruptions • Thin and lightweight: 3 mm thickness and 3 kg/m2 • Contemporary lifestyle
019
Grimani
One-of-a-kind.
E00101E - ed. 2017
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