Manchester Commercial Building — Black FR Valchromat Cladding Finished with Koate Valchromat 606 Oil

Black FR Valchromat cladding finished with Koate Valchromat 606 Oil PURE on a Manchester commercial building

A large-scale commercial building in Manchester presented a precise specification challenge: Black FR (fire-retardant) Valchromat boards were selected as an exterior cladding detail, installed under cover, and required a sealing finish that would protect the boards without compromising their fire-retardant properties.

Koate Valchromat 606 Oil was specified for this application. As a one-coat oil formulated specifically for Valchromat boards, it provided the ideal solution — a clear, penetrating finish that seals and enhances the board without introducing any coatings that could affect the FR rating. The single-coat application also made it exceptionally practical for factory finishing, allowing large sheets to be treated efficiently before installation on site.

The colour specified was PURE — Koate's clear oil — which enhances the deep, rich character of the Black FR Valchromat without altering its tone. All timber strip details throughout the project were also coated with Valchromat 606 Oil, ensuring a consistent, cohesive finish across every element.

Koate Valchromat 606 Oil is the go-to choice for architects and designers working with Valchromat boards, and is frequently specified alongside our XMatt Varnish — another firm favourite for its ultra-flat, durable finish on Valchromat surfaces.

If you are specifying Valchromat for a commercial or residential project and require a finish that performs without compromise, our team is on hand to advise.

Black FR Valchromat boards finished with Koate Valchromat 606 Oil PURE in a Manchester commercial buildingTimber strip cladding detail finished with Koate Valchromat 606 Oil on a Manchester commercial projectLarge commercial atrium under construction in Manchester with Valchromat claddingMulti-storey commercial building atrium in Manchester during construction