Metal heads

10 Mar 2026

When the owners of Torque Automation in Slacks Creek, Queensland decided that a brand refresh was in order, they not only meant to revamp their corporate identity with an updated logo, they also refurbished their workshop with all new, modern equipment and a ‘shiny’ new identity.

“After 30 years in the automotive industry, Matt and Shelley were looking to reinvigorate their business. When they reached out and said they wanted to ‘stand out from the crowd’, I didn’t imagine that meant painting the entire outside of their workshop in a metallic paint” says Dean Bensley of M3 Coatings.

“Dean approached me in early December with his clients’ request for a metallic paint finish for their highly visible automotive workshop,” says Resene State Manager for Queensland, Torben Olsen.

“Initially, he wasn’t even sure if such an option was available, but I was able to reassure him that the Resene FX Metallic system would be up to the job.”

Torben says he met with Dean and the builder onsite soon after to get a better appreciation of the scale and complexity of the job, in order to put together the right solution.

“Queensland is globally renowned for being the ‘Sunshine State’ with hot summers and mild winters, which certainly makes for an enviable lifestyle, but such climatic conditions also play havoc on painted finishes, especially on metal substrates, of which the Torque Automation workshop had plenty.

Over the years, Queensland’s harsh climatic conditions had caused the existing painted finish to flake and peel away from the metal substrate.

“Following the onsite inspection and briefing, I was able to put together a detailed specification outlining the preparation and products required for the various substrates, as well as the number of coats – which was as many as six in most areas.”

Torben’s specification included two different primers from the Resene ArmourX range, Concrete Primer, X400 ultra-high build barrier membrane, Lumbersider, FX Metallic, and Uracryl GraffitiShield.

The owners turned to M3 Coatings, and Resene, for an all-in-one solution that could be used across multiple substrates while maintaining the same high-quality look. 

“This is the first time I’ve ever been involved in such a large project – 700m2 – with a metallic finish like this,” says Torben. “However, having had the opportunity to specify the right solution for the job, knowing that Resene’s high-quality products coupled with Dean’s expertise would produce the desired result, I can honestly say I’m looking forward to the next one.”

A sentiment echoed by Dean: “The result is fantastic. The clients are over the moon, and their business certainly stands out. At first, I was skeptical that there even was a product out there that would fit the bill, but Torben – and Resene – certainly delivered. I’ll definitely be using Resene again.”

With a brief that included a metallic-look finish, Queensland State Manager, Torben Olsen specified Resene FX Metallic tinted to Time Warp over a base layer of Lumbersider Low Sheen tinted to the complementary Astronaut. Resene’s CoolColour technology will ensure the eye-catching façade continues to look good for years.

Published: 10 Mar 2026