We’re all familiar with the term recycling, but what about upcycling?
“Upcycling,” says Sarah Ambler-Byatt, brand manager for paint manufacturer Dulux, “is really about being inspired to turn something old in the home into something new – or repurposing something previously thought of as waste.”
She believes the term, which is increasingly appearing in the lexicon of sustainability advocates around the world, has been given a shot in the arm thanks to the Covid-19 lockdowns experienced throughout the country this year.
Ambler-Byatt explains: “During the lockdowns people have told us they’ve been sitting around staring at old items (typically things like furniture, candlestick holders, clocks, fruit bowls) which are past their use-by dates and otherwise would be thrown out and dumped into landfill.”
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But instead of throwing them out Ambler-Byatt suggests ‘upcycling’ them by applying a fresh coat of paint. Until recently this has been easier said than done, but a range of Dulux’s Duramax spray paint colours and effects is making it more possible for people to brighten up their homes with these ‘new’ items.
Dulux Duramax Chalky Finish range Photo / Supplied
“Upcycling can be an easy, no fuss project using Duramax,” she says. “”It dries in under an hour and can be used on any surfaces be it plastic, metal or wood. The only limit is your imagination.”
Ambler-Byatt says there is a serious side to upcycling. It can reduce the amount of stuff going into landfill at the same time as turning an item into a product of higher value.
“Upcycling can reduce the strain on valuable resources and reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators,” she says. “This saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”
As importantly, she says, upcycling old items saves money (if people don’t buy brand new), allows products to be used to their fullest extent and can transform a home.”
Photo / Supplied.
The Duramax range comes in 19 colours, but there are also new colours and effects in development which Ambler-Byatt believes is taking the product to a new level.
Among the effects range is Duramax Chalky Finish which comes in seven different on-trend matt colours. Then there is Duramax Copper Finish which can create the look of precious metals and is ideal on all primed surfaces inside and outside the home.
Duramax Granite Effect is a textured paint designed to reflect the natural tones and texture of granite and can be added to items such as flower pots in the garden, while the Duramax Marble Effect creates an eye-catching look and can be applied to many items in the home.
Duramax Granite Effect. Photo / Supplied.
Ambler-Byatt says Dulux is also running open evenings in Guthrie Bowron stores around the country in which people can bring items along and have a go at painting them with Duramax products under the watchful eye of experts.
“With the paint season approaching upcycling is a really cool thing to do,” she says. “It’s a great project for out in the garage or garden and even though it is an easy-to-use spray process, it pays to wear a mask to be safe”.
“It’s really rewarding to see the exciting special effects and transformation of everyday items, giving them a new lease on life.”
For more information on the Duramax product range and advice on how to apply go to: www.dulux.co.nz/products/duramax/overview
This content has been created in partnership with Dulux.
