Discover the alternatives to plastisol pre-painted steel
Multi-layer polyurethane coating systems, such as Granite® HDX Robust and Granite® HDXtreme, are emerging as credible alternatives to plastisol for building envelope applications in harsh environments.
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Telegram
WhatsApp
Messenger
For decades, plastisol has dominated demanding roofing and cladding applications across the United Kingdom. Yet as expectations around durability, fire safety, colour stability and sustainability continue to rise, the industry is rethinking established solutions. Increasingly, roof and façade manufacturers are turning to a new generation of high-performance coated steel products, designed to meet the evolving requirements of modern construction.
The advanced multi-layer organic coating system of 60µm to 75µm of Granite® HDX Robust and Granite® HDXtreme deliver exceptional protection for roofing, cladding and sandwich panel applications, even in the most challenging environments.
Key benefits for buildings include:
✓ Exceptional corrosion protection, up to RC5+
✓ Outstanding UV resistance and colour stability (RUV5)
✓ Excellent fire performance with A1/A2-s1,d0 reaction-to-fire classifications
✓ Available as XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel
✓ Enhanced surface robustness and resistance to mechanical damage
✓ Proven performance in harsh, industrial and coastal environments.
In one click, detailed product information, brochures, samples and more
Protection against corrosion
High-performance three-layer polyurethane coating system applied on a zinc-aluminium-magnesium substrate provides superior corrosion protection compared with traditional solutions. For the most aggressive locations, the 75µm organic coating system of Granite® HDXtreme sets a new benchmark and offers guarantees of up to 40 years (1).
(1) The duration of the warranty varies depending on the environment. Please refer to the official warranty document.
Superior resistance against UV exposure
With a maximum recommended service temperature of around 60°C, plastisol coatings are increasingly challenged by modern summer conditions, and can suffer from chalking, fading and colour drift over time, especially in dark shades.
High-performance three-layer polyurethane coating systems achieve the highest UV durability classification (RUV5), delivering outstanding colour and gloss retention even under intense sunlight. The difference of behavior compared with plastisol is particularly noticeable in two cases: metallic and dark colours.
Enhanced fire performance for modern roofing systems
Multi-layer organic coating systems of 60 to 75µm made of polyurethane achieve a reaction-to-fire classification of A1 to A2, delivering significantly better fire performance than traditional PVC-plastisol coated steel systems (C,s2,d0).
The choice of this roofing material is particularly important for roofs supporting photovoltaic (PV) systems. The FPA RC62 recommends PV systems should preferably be installed on non-combustible roofs meeting Class A1/A2-s1,d0 according to EN 13501-1.
In addition, a 2026 UK government-commissioned research has shown that PV arrays fundamentally alter fire exposure on roofs. It concluded that a roof that passed BROOF(t4) without PV may fail once PV is added and recommended the use of non-combustible (i.e. A1/A2-s1, d0) coatings below PV installations.
Built for lasting sustainability
Unlike PVC-based paint systems, multi-layer polyurethane coating systems are designed to support modern sustainable construction requirements with a reduction of 45% of the paint CO2e footprint (2).
Furthermore, it can be combined with low carbon-emissions steel solutions (like XCarb®), enabling 60% reductions in embodied carbon.
Last but not least, it does not rely on potentially harmful additives such as plasticisers, heat stabilisers and flame retardants traditionally associated with PVC plastisol.
Altogether, the choice of multi-layer polyurethane coating systems is the only capable of supporting sustainability certifications such as BREEAM and LEED while delivering the durability needed to maximize service life.
(2) Calculation based on Granite® HDX Robust by ArcelorMittal®
Surface robustness
Granite® HDX Robust and Granite® HDXtreme incorporate a varnish that improves surface robustness.
It is engineered to maintain its protective and aesthetic properties despite the challenges of fabrication, transportation, installation and exposure to harsh weather conditions. It ensures that buildings continue to look and perform as intended throughout their service life.
What does life after plastisol look like?
Life after plastisol is not about compromise. It's about embracing a new generation of coated steel solutions that deliver higher performance, greater sustainability and long-term value for building owners, architects and specifiers.
Webinar: 22.10.2026 Sustainable alternatives to plastisol pre-painted steel
Join us live on Zoom on 22 October 2026 to gain expert insights into the latest sustainable alternatives to plastisol pre-painted steel. Discover innovative solutions that combine durability, performance, and lower carbon emissions.
Reserve your spot now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of building envelopes!
Discover our products with a reduced carbon footprint!
Need expert advice for your next project?
Whether you're exploring alternatives to plastisol, evaluating roofing and cladding specifications, or looking to reduce the embodied carbon of your building, our specialists are here to help. Contact our team to discuss your project requirements and discover the most suitable coated steel solution for your application.
ArcelorMittal Europe Flat - Products
+ 44 121 713 66 39 | flateurope.uk@arcelormittal.com
Get in touch today and benefit from tailored technical support and product expertise.
Text:
© ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
© Constructalia
Images:
© ArcelorMittal Europe
© GRUPO LESACA
© Flatlantic
© ProAcier