Color plays a key role in exterior architecture, influencing how buildings interact with their surroundings. With OUTDOOR 3, Munksjö provides a versatile and trend-driven decor paper collection, enabling creative freedom in designing facades, urban furniture, and other outdoor surfaces. The collection introduces a broader selection of shades and tones, curated into 15 color families inspired by natural elements, urban landscapes, and evolving architectural trends.

Beyond expanding color options, Munksjö has also invested in advanced research and testing to improve the collection’s durability for exterior applications. At the company’s R&D center in France, rigorous weathering and lightfastness tests have been conducted to ensure each shade maintains its vibrancy even under extreme outdoor conditions. This commitment to technical excellence makes OUTDOOR 3 a reliable solution for long-lasting outdoor surfaces.

The collection was officially introduced in a special webinar, where Munksjö experts and industry professionals discussed the role of decor paper in architecture, the technical innovations behind OUTDOOR 3, and how the collection addresses the needs of exterior applications.

Color as a driving force in exterior applications

One of the key takeaways is the importance of color in outdoor surfaces and architecture. Marguerite Boos, architect at Boos Architecte, explained how color contributes to building integration with the environment and creates distinctive visual identities.

“We see more buildings embracing color as a defining element in design. Multicolor facades are becoming more common, creating dynamic outdoor surfaces that interact with light and shadow”, Marguerite shared.

She highlighted that a broader color spectrum in decor paper allows architects to explore more design possibilities, ensuring seamless integration with both urban and natural settings.

A decor paper collection designed for outdoor surfaces

Didier Galerne, Art Director at Studio Galerne, explained how OUTDOOR 3 was developed to provide a diverse range of colors tailored for exterior applications.

“We expanded the collection from 82 to 134 colors, organizing them into 15 families. The range includes neutral tones as well as new color groups inspired by natural elements, such as terracotta and greens”, Didier said.

With its broad palette, OUTDOOR 3 offers new options for outdoor surfaces, including facades, balconies, and urban furniture, giving designers the freedom to create expressive and durable exterior applications.

Pushing the boundaries of durability for outdoor surfaces

Beyond color selection, OUTDOOR 3 was designed to meet high-performance standards for exterior applications. Sébastien Charignon, R&D Director at Munksjö, detailed the technical innovations that enhance the collection’s weather resistance.

“We invested in advanced weathering and light exposure equipment to ensure color stability. Our testing follows EN 438-2 part 29 standards, replicating real-world conditions like UV light, temperature variations, and moisture”, Sebastien explained.

This ensures that decor paper used in outdoor surfaces maintains color consistency and performance, even in challenging exterior environments.

The science behind long-lasting decor paper for exterior applications

Some colors, such as reds and yellows, are more prone to fading due to UV exposure. Nicolas Simmonet, Technical Customer Support Director at Munksjö, shared how the company developed improved pigment formulations to enhance durability for outdoor surfaces.

“We conducted extensive testing and collaborated with pigment suppliers to optimize color stability. This allows us to provide a broad range of weather-resistant colors that perform well in exterior applications”, Nicolas said.

By focusing on material science and testing, Munksjö ensures that OUTDOOR 3 delivers long-lasting performance for outdoor surfaces, meeting the requirements of architects, urban planners, and designers.

Watch the full launch event

To learn more about the collection and hear directly from the experts, you can click here to subscribe and have access to the official launch video.