From pine or spruce to larch: ADLER’s Aquawood Primo Positiv imitates rare types of wood

Hardly any upmarket hotel in Central Europe would be without it, and even in modern architect-designed homes it is considered the ultimate choice: Larch is the trend-setting timber of choice for windows. The distinctive appearance of Siberian Larch, with its narrow annual rings and calm, light colour, is particularly popular. However, due to import bans, the wood is scarcely available – and when it is, it is very expensive. In terms of sustainability, too, Siberian Larch must be viewed critically due to long transport routes and a lack of certification. The idea of creating a similar look using local timber has been around for a long time. ADLER is now, however, the first manufacturer to have succeeded in conjuring up a strikingly realistic Larch appearance on spruce, pine and fir.

Positive effect

The research team at the Austrian wood coating specialist has developed Aquawood Primo Positiv, a spray primer that works on the principles of a classic wood stain: dyes penetrate deep into the wood and create a striking positive effect. The surface is then fixed withAquawood Base Positiv Fix is applied to fix the finish, before the standard build-up continues with the particularly environmentally friendly Window Coatings Aquawood Intermedio Terra and Aquawood Finapro Terra. However, the system is not only suitable for timber-aluminium windows, but also for timber-aluminium front doors – here, the intermediate and top coats are applied using ADLER’s premium Protor system.

Replication

The result is more than impressive: spruce, pine or fir finished with Aquawood Primo Positiv is almost indistinguishable from genuine Siberian Larch. Visitors to the Fensterbau Frontale trade fair, where this unique technology was presented for the first time, were also able to see this for themselves. The system ensures stable colouration, a lasting positive effect and a natural appearance with an authentic surface.

Colour options

In addition, the primer coat also opens up completely new design possibilities: “We offer various colour options so that exactly the desired look can be achieved, from used to retro, from subdued to vintage,” explains Richard Mölk, Head of the Window Industry and Industrial Timber Construction division at ADLER. Alightly weathered look is just as possible as a reddish tinge or a rustic appearance. And another important point: as it is completely free of active ingredients, this Larch alternative is doubly sustainable!

Fine-tuning

As a spray primer, Aquawood Primo Positiv offers further advantages: it can be applied using a painting robot, saving both time and space, whilst the robot ensures a precise, uniform application, ensuring a beautiful appearance of the stain with consistent quality. The coating experts at ADLER are happy to provide window manufacturers with expert support during implementation or the switch to this efficient application process. With ADLER’s comprehensive support, nothing stands in the way of replacing Siberian Larch with regionally available, more affordable types of wood and a wide range of positive window design options!

ADLER – Colour runs through our veins

With around 730 employees, ADLER is Austria’s leading manufacturer of varnishes, paints and wood preservatives. Founded in 1934 by Johann Berghofer, the family business is now run by Andrea Berghofer, the third generation of the family. More than 20,000 tonnes of varnish leave the factory in Schwaz – ADLER’s sole production site – every year, bound for customers throughout Europe and beyond. Innovation and sustainability form the cornerstones of the company’s strategy. In this regard, ADLER is committed to reducing its CO₂ footprintfootprintfootprint, circular product development and numerous partnerships finscience and environmental protection.

ADLER – paint runs through our veins

With 730 employees, ADLER is Austria's leading manufacturer of varnishes, paints and wood preservatives. Founded in 1934 by Johann Berghofer, this family business is now managed by a member of the third generation, Andrea Berghofer. More than 20,000 tons of paint leave the plant in Schwaz, ADLER's only production site, every year and are shipped to customers throughout Europe and beyond. Innovation and sustainability are the foundations of the corporate strategy. In doing so, ADLER focuses on reducing its CO₂ footprint, cycle-oriented product development and numerous partnerships for science and environmental protection.