David Savastano, Contributing Editor09.04.24
For renters, retailers and exhibitors, keeping their properties and businesses fresh is a constant challenge. A new look is often sought, but that takes a lot of time and money.
Glasst has a unique approach to this challenge, courtesy of its UNPAINT product. Headquartered in Colombia and Texas, Glasst has developed UNPAINT, the world’s first peelable architectural paint. UNPAINT can be applied to any surface with a brush, roll, or spray, and once set, it forms a solid film-like layer that can be peeled off the wall by hand.
Initial sales are proving particularly popular with retail store and exhibition space operators, which require constant refreshes. Glasst noted it is also proving very useful with residential redecorating, especially in rented accommodation where tenants are required to leave the property in its original state.
Glasst has received numerous awards across Latin America, including being named as the most innovative start-up in Colombia in the past decade, as well as being recognized as one of the disruptive cleantech startups in the region.
Glasst CEO Juan Camilo Botero founded Glasst Innovation Company in 2018. Rooted in Botero’s Latin heritage and his academic background from the University of Miami, Glasst was conceived with the ambition to shift the global materials industry towards more
sustainable practices.
Focused on creating advanced, environmentally friendly materials, Glasst aims to lead the way in developing solutions that are not only sustainable but also transformative.
“As we expand globally, our goal remains to introduce innovative products like UNPAINT, which exemplify our commitment to sustainability and innovation, to new markets, particularly in the U.S., where there is a growing demand for sustainable building
materials,” said Botero.
UNPAINT uses a proprietary formula that allows it to be applied as a liquid, which then forms an elastic, durable film once dried. This film can then be easily peeled off, leaving no residue and preserving the underlying surface. Its ability to adhere to almost any surface expands the traditional boundaries of paint applications, making it a true category changer in the coatings industry.
“Originally, while developing our Glasstommer technology aimed at protective coatings, we discovered serendipitously that adding color to the formula transformed it into something extraordinary,” Botero recalled. “This marked the beginning of UNPAINT, the world’s first architectural removable paint, enabling aesthetic flexibility and supporting our sustainability mission.”
There are numerous advantages to UNPAINT, beginning with the ability to simply peel the previous layer off.
“UNPAINT stands out as the first architectural removable paint, merging traditional painting technology with innovative applications,” said Botero. “Its key advantages include versatility, as it expands the paint category into new segments, enabling novel uses on walls, furniture, and other surfaces. It is rental proof, ideal for tenants, allowing for easy application and removal without damaging underlying surfaces.
"UNPAINT is also eco-friendly, as it offers a sustainable option that reduces the need for frequent repaints and minimizes waste, and each kilogram sold helps to decarbonize 11 kg of CO2,” added Botero. “It is also stimulating market growth: by reactivating consumer
interest in the paint category through its innovative and flexible applications, UNPAINT aims to help revitalize the market and expand the paint ‘off the wall’.”
UNPAINT is already gaining significant traction in various sectors, including residential decorating, commercial spaces and events and exhibitions.
“These applications highlight UNPAINT’s broad market appeal, from DIY enthusiasts to professional designers and commercial clients,” added Botero.
Glasst’s products are already on sale across Latin American markets and is now marking a significant global expansion with the U.S. launch of UNPAINT.
“We are launching UNPAINT in the U.S. through a strategic multi-channel approach, including e-commerce platforms, major online marketplaces like Amazon and Lowe’s, and through traditional hardware channels in partnership with Orgill,” Botero noted. “This ensures that UNPAINT is accessible to a wide range of consumers across different sectors.”
Botero highlighted the enthusiastic response from customers in the retail channel, emphasizing how UNPAINT is revitalizing a traditionally stagnant segment.
“Retailers are excited about how UNPAINT is unlocking new business opportunities without requiring additional investment in their paint section,” Botero noted. “Final users, particularly those in rental properties and dynamic commercial spaces, are finding UNPAINT to be a game-changer. They frequently highlight its time-saving benefits, calling it the ultimate ‘rental-proof’ paint. The ability to easily apply and remove UNPAINT means frequent, hassle-free redesigns, allowing them to refresh their spaces as often as they like.
"Customers also appreciate the innovative, eco-friendly approach of UNPAINT, which meets the growing demand for sustainable, practical solutions. It's not just paint; it’s a tool for creativity and efficiency, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to transform their space with minimal effort.”
Glasst has a unique approach to this challenge, courtesy of its UNPAINT product. Headquartered in Colombia and Texas, Glasst has developed UNPAINT, the world’s first peelable architectural paint. UNPAINT can be applied to any surface with a brush, roll, or spray, and once set, it forms a solid film-like layer that can be peeled off the wall by hand.
Initial sales are proving particularly popular with retail store and exhibition space operators, which require constant refreshes. Glasst noted it is also proving very useful with residential redecorating, especially in rented accommodation where tenants are required to leave the property in its original state.
Glasst has received numerous awards across Latin America, including being named as the most innovative start-up in Colombia in the past decade, as well as being recognized as one of the disruptive cleantech startups in the region.
Glasst CEO Juan Camilo Botero founded Glasst Innovation Company in 2018. Rooted in Botero’s Latin heritage and his academic background from the University of Miami, Glasst was conceived with the ambition to shift the global materials industry towards more
sustainable practices.
Focused on creating advanced, environmentally friendly materials, Glasst aims to lead the way in developing solutions that are not only sustainable but also transformative.
“As we expand globally, our goal remains to introduce innovative products like UNPAINT, which exemplify our commitment to sustainability and innovation, to new markets, particularly in the U.S., where there is a growing demand for sustainable building
materials,” said Botero.
UNPAINT uses a proprietary formula that allows it to be applied as a liquid, which then forms an elastic, durable film once dried. This film can then be easily peeled off, leaving no residue and preserving the underlying surface. Its ability to adhere to almost any surface expands the traditional boundaries of paint applications, making it a true category changer in the coatings industry.
“Originally, while developing our Glasstommer technology aimed at protective coatings, we discovered serendipitously that adding color to the formula transformed it into something extraordinary,” Botero recalled. “This marked the beginning of UNPAINT, the world’s first architectural removable paint, enabling aesthetic flexibility and supporting our sustainability mission.”
There are numerous advantages to UNPAINT, beginning with the ability to simply peel the previous layer off.
“UNPAINT stands out as the first architectural removable paint, merging traditional painting technology with innovative applications,” said Botero. “Its key advantages include versatility, as it expands the paint category into new segments, enabling novel uses on walls, furniture, and other surfaces. It is rental proof, ideal for tenants, allowing for easy application and removal without damaging underlying surfaces.
"UNPAINT is also eco-friendly, as it offers a sustainable option that reduces the need for frequent repaints and minimizes waste, and each kilogram sold helps to decarbonize 11 kg of CO2,” added Botero. “It is also stimulating market growth: by reactivating consumer
interest in the paint category through its innovative and flexible applications, UNPAINT aims to help revitalize the market and expand the paint ‘off the wall’.”
UNPAINT is already gaining significant traction in various sectors, including residential decorating, commercial spaces and events and exhibitions.
“These applications highlight UNPAINT’s broad market appeal, from DIY enthusiasts to professional designers and commercial clients,” added Botero.
Glasst’s products are already on sale across Latin American markets and is now marking a significant global expansion with the U.S. launch of UNPAINT.
“We are launching UNPAINT in the U.S. through a strategic multi-channel approach, including e-commerce platforms, major online marketplaces like Amazon and Lowe’s, and through traditional hardware channels in partnership with Orgill,” Botero noted. “This ensures that UNPAINT is accessible to a wide range of consumers across different sectors.”
Botero highlighted the enthusiastic response from customers in the retail channel, emphasizing how UNPAINT is revitalizing a traditionally stagnant segment.
“Retailers are excited about how UNPAINT is unlocking new business opportunities without requiring additional investment in their paint section,” Botero noted. “Final users, particularly those in rental properties and dynamic commercial spaces, are finding UNPAINT to be a game-changer. They frequently highlight its time-saving benefits, calling it the ultimate ‘rental-proof’ paint. The ability to easily apply and remove UNPAINT means frequent, hassle-free redesigns, allowing them to refresh their spaces as often as they like.
"Customers also appreciate the innovative, eco-friendly approach of UNPAINT, which meets the growing demand for sustainable, practical solutions. It's not just paint; it’s a tool for creativity and efficiency, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to transform their space with minimal effort.”
