AkzoNobel’s powder coatings help enhance lighting at restored Vatican Necropolis

(AKZA; AKZOY)

One of the holiest places in Christianity – the Vatican Necropolis beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome – was recently restored and features a new lighting system protected by powder coatings supplied by AkzoNobel. 

The company’s Interpon brand collaborated with lighting experts Zumtobel and carbon black producer Orion S.A. to develop a specialized coating solution which meets the demanding environmental conditions of the underground site, while complementing the new lighting design.

Developed by Zumtobel in collaboration with Italian lighting designer Prof. Arch. Alessandra Reggiani, the lighting concept guides visitors from the brightly illuminated St. Peter’s Basilica into the darker environment of the Necropolis, which houses the tomb of St. Peter, the first apostle. Carefully positioned luminaires highlight the ancient walls, tombs, mosaics and bas-reliefs while remaining visually discreet.

One of the key challenges was minimizing unwanted light reflection from the luminaires. Through extensive testing and adjustments to the pigmentation, Interpon and Orion developed a black powder coating for the anti-glare grilles that absorbs most of the diffusely reflected light, allowing the fixtures to blend harmoniously with their historic surroundings. 

“What began as a search for a coating, absorbing most of the diffusely reflected light, evolved into a journey of experimentation, innovation and collaboration,” explains Dr. Kai Krauss, Senior Technical Market Manager at Orion S.A. “Through extensive trials and combining the powder coatings expertise at AkzoNobel and the carbon black expertise at Orion, the team finally developed a black powder coating that offered the ideal solution.” 

The coating also needed to withstand the Necropolis’ extreme environmental conditions, with humidity levels between 98% and 100% and a constant temperature of approximately 20-25°C. Interpon Redox One Coat provided the required corrosion protection and specially developed black finish in a single coating layer, combining durability with visual integration. 

“For a project of this significance, our focus was on delivering a coating solution precisely tailored to the customer’s technical and aesthetic requirements,” adds Jeff Jirak, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business and member of the company’s Executive Committee.  

“Our primary contribution was to ensure reliable, long-term corrosion protection under the extreme humidity conditions of the Necropolis without compromising the integrity of the lighting design. The close coordination with Zumtobel and Orion ensured that each area of expertise contributed seamlessly to the overall result.”

Matteo Cundari, Managing Director of Zumtobel Italy, continues: “Projects of this type most often require a very specific approach and an individual solution that is as unique as the locations themselves. We’re very proud to have contributed to giving new light to the Vatican Necropolis.”

 About AkzoNobel 

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing more sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.