Alexander Calder sculpture protected with RD-Monoguard | Barcelona case study
Project overview
Protective coatings aren't limited to bridges, factories and offshore structures.
Four Wings is a striking red metal sculpture created by American sculptor Alexander Calder in 1972 and located at the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona.
After years of exposure, the sculpture's coating had deteriorated significantly and required renovation. RD Coatings
The challenge
There were two major environmental considerations.
Firstly, the sculpture is situated close to the Mediterranean Sea, meaning the metal is exposed to conditions that can accelerate corrosion.
Secondly, Barcelona's strong sunlight meant the new system needed to help maintain the sculpture's distinctive bright red appearance.
And because it's a public artwork, application needed to minimise disruption to visitors and the surrounding area. RD Coatings
The coating system
A water-based RD Coatings system was selected consisting of:
RD-Monoguard
Used as the high-performance anti-corrosion coating.
RD-Hydrograff HP
Used as part of the protective system to provide additional protection to the finished surface.
Both products are water-based, allowing the system to be applied with low VOC emissions and reduced disruption in the public environment. RD Coatings
The result
The renovation restored the sculpture's distinctive red finish while providing protection against corrosion associated with its coastal location.
The coating system was selected to help the artwork retain its colour under the Catalan sun while protecting the underlying metal. RD Coatings
Why this project matters
This is a great demonstration of how industrial coating technology can extend well beyond traditional industrial environments.
The same principles of corrosion protection, UV exposure, environmental conditions and long-term appearance also matter when protecting architectural features, public artwork and decorative steelwork.
