Distinctive Corten patina
Layered colour and mineral texture for credible weathered steel warmth — reading as oxidised plate rather than flat “orange paint”.
Italian Surface Finishes in UK
Klondike Corten
Corten steel, reinterpreted for architectural surfaces. Klondike Corten is Valpaint’s Corten‑effect decorative system — layered colour, warm oxidation tones and mineral depth that recall weathered steel panels rather than painted imitation. Within Italian Surface Finishes it can sit purely as an interior decorative finish, or as the visible Corten layer within Waterproof Artistic Walls over E‑VOLUTION PLUS in wet zones.
CORTEN · WEATHERED STEEL · ARCHITECTURAL METAL SURFACES · VALPAINT SYSTEM, CURATED IN UK
How this finish behaves
Industrial character with architectural precision. Klondike Corten is Valpaint’s decorative coating that reproduces the distinctive patina of weathered steel through layered colour and controlled texture. Warm oxidation tones and metallic depth give the surface an industrial authenticity balanced by restraint and material discipline.
From effect paint to system‑based Corten walls. Many “Corten effect” solutions in the UK are simple effect paints or printed panels. Within Italian Surface Finishes, Klondike Corten is treated as part of a system: on dry walls it is a premium Corten decorative finish; in splash and wet zones it can act as the visible layer over the E‑VOLUTION PLUS Waterproof Artistic Walls body, allowing Corten‑effect feature walls to continue into bathrooms, spas and wet rooms as part of a fully engineered build‑up.
System‑ready
Decorative alone on dry walls; part of a Waterproof Artistic Wall when specified over E‑VOLUTION PLUS in wet zones, with substrate, mesh and detailing defined in one framework.
Architectural pairing
Balances concrete, timber and glass in industrial and contemporary schemes — from stair cores and lift lobbies to gallery and bar backdrops.
“A refined Corten expression — warm oxidation tones with architectural discipline, carried into wet‑area walls through a complete body system.”
Italian Surface FinishesWhere Klondike Corten is used
Klondike Corten is specified wherever a project calls for a Corten steel wall finish, rust effect wall finish or weathered steel decorative paint on standard substrates.
Reception & feature walls
Entrance spaces, stair cores and lift lobbies where a single Corten volume anchors the material palette.
Retail & hospitality
Bars, restaurants and cafés where brand and atmosphere benefit from genuine weathered‑steel character and warmth.
Design‑led residential
Lofts, contemporary homes and spa‑inspired bathrooms (within the Waterproof Artistic Walls body) where clients want Corten plate without weight or fixing complexity.
In kitchens and bathrooms, Klondike Corten can be used on non‑immersed walls, particularly when sealed. For genuine wet areas and showers it forms the visible layer within the E‑VOLUTION PLUS Waterproof Artistic Walls specification, where substrate, waterproof body, mesh and movement joints are all defined systematically.
Reception & feature walls
Retail & hospitality spaces
Stair cores & lift lobbies
Design‑led residential spaces
Spa & bathrooms (within system)
Gallery & study views
Selected Klondike Corten boards and project details showing oxidation, grain and balance at corners, reveals and transitions to concrete, timber and tile. Click any image to open a larger view.
System & build‑up
Klondike Corten is always specified as a system — substrate preparation, Rasante where needed, primer, basecoat, effect coats and optional protection are defined together. This gives repeatable outcomes and clear behaviour in both interior and (for the TOP variant) façade contexts.
Interior feature walls
Typical interior cycle:
• Substrate repaired, filled and sanded smooth.
• Where required, Rasante R7 applied as levelling coat and allowed to dry.
• Primer 1200 (or system primer) rolled to regulate absorption.
• Tinted Klondike Corten basecoat applied evenly.
• Klondike Corten effect coats (Spatolato or Dripping) worked with trowel/brush to develop Corten plates and vertical weathering.
• Optional clear sealer in higher‑traffic areas to support cleaning.
Within waterproof artistic walls
For showers, spa rooms and fully wet zones, Klondike Corten can act as the visible weathered‑steel finish over the E‑VOLUTION PLUS Waterproof Artistic Walls body. In that case, substrate build‑up, reinforcement, waterproofing and detailing are defined by the E‑VOLUTION PLUS documentation; Corten is tuned as the final decorative layer on top.
The precise specification should always be agreed with Italian Surface Finishes against drawings, zones (dry / splash / wet), cleaning regime and lighting.
Italian research
Klondike Corten developed by Valpaint as part of the Klondike family of metal‑effect systems.
UK curation
Colours and cycles tuned by Italian Surface Finishes for UK substrates, façade use and interior briefs.
Academy
Corten modules at the Valpaint London Academy, including Dripping and Spatolato choreography.
Network
Approved applicators experienced in both decorative Corten and Waterproof Artistic Wall systems.
One chain from Italian chemistry to UK specification, training and delivery — with Klondike Corten as the weathered steel language.
Resources, studio visit & enquiry
Use this section when moving from research into a live Klondike Corten project. The links gather what you need: application method, technical data, Waterproof Artistic Walls integration, tools, catalogues and network support.
Discuss a project or visit the Studio
Share drawings and references, or arrange to see Klondike Corten boards in the London Studio. We can help position it within a material palette and confirm where it should sit within the Waterproof Artistic Walls body over E‑VOLUTION PLUS.
Project resources for Klondike Corten
Key links for designers, specifiers and applicators working with this Corten‑effect system, including its role inside Italian Surface Finishes’ Waterproof Artistic Walls framework.
- Application guide Step‑by‑step method and modelling choreography for Klondike Corten.
- Technical Data Sheet Key performance values and system build‑up for Corten.
- Klondike Corten FAQ Positioning, zones and specification language for UK projects.
- Waterproof Artistic Walls How Corten integrates over E‑VOLUTION PLUS in wet areas.
- Architectural finishes See Klondike Corten in the wider architectural collection.
- Catalogue library Explore Klondike Corten and related Valpaint / ISF catalogues.
- London Studio See Klondike Corten boards under project lighting.
- Find an applicator Connect with installers experienced in Klondike Corten.
- Tools & accessories Recommended rollers, trowels and brushes for Corten systems.