Building & Construction
Brick has long been synonymous with tradition—think chimneys, roads and exposed brick walls. In its classic red hue, brick represents warmth, stability and durability. Brick lasts and despite competition from trendy materials like concrete, metal, stone and wood, brick remains as relevant as ever.
Today, brick is being reinvented with recycled materials, bright colors, unique textures and bold shapes. Our team of experts lead modern brick design through innovative additives and custom application techniques. From cities to suburbs, Vibrantz’s brick colorants create contemporary styles that prove this age-old material remains timeless.
Vibrantz is giving brick new life
Like the work of forecasting groups in fashion or interior design, our clay colorant team stays attuned to shifts and consumer trends within the building materials market. Each year our team conducts extensive research to establish a comprehensive brick color forecast. The forecast combines input from internal engineers, color scientists, commercial sales representatives and construction material trends. Using this data, we develop concept boards that incorporate our existing color library and 16 new colors.
The future is in full color
The 2025-2026 forecast highlights a vibrant cerulean blue, pairing it with touches of green, muted yellows, beiges and rich reds and oranges. This surprising palette may make you question if vivid colors are practical for the building materials market. This is by design.
The forecast aims to create a buzz around new and unexpected combinations. It also promotes our unique application methods that can create the appearance of movement, texture, contrast and other visual effects on brick surfaces. It encourages customers to harness the power of color chemistry and to benefit from the collective expertise that Vibrantz brings to market.
It is important to recognize that you are not limited to the color of your raw materials. You can differentiate your products and stand out from competitors by using different color solutions. Just because a blue is very bold, it does not mean that it cannot belong in a brick color palette.”
– Rob Simpson, Product Development Engineer
Synergistic team collaborations at Vibrantz
As dedicated stewards of the brick industry, we strive to unlock new potential in the field. We continuously explore new opportunities to drive innovation. Each year, we exhibit at the Clemson Brick Forum, reinforcing our commitment to the industry’s economic success. This year, our Advanced Materials and Performance Coatings teams showcased Vibrantz’s Coverinks™ for structural ceramics and our latest through-the-body and surface colorant technology.
The forum and forecast also fostered a collaboration between Vibrantz’s Color Solutions and Advanced Materials teams. By combining our expertise in pigment technologies and color science, we deliver even greater value through our unmatched color solutions.
Lay the foundation for success with our clay materials team
Our clay materials team is passionate about making our customers’ jobs easier. We work closely with you to tailor formulas to meet your specific production needs. With a focus on quality and consistency, we provide solutions that ensure superior products and make your customer experience seamless. To learn more about the 2025-2026 brick color forecast or other Vibrantz color trend promotions, contact your local sales representative or explore more our of products.
Ceramic decor colors and materials
Just like the changing seasons, trends shift in response to the world around us, shaping how consumers connect with their spaces and the products they buy. As environmental awareness grows and inflation further impacts prices, consumers are taking more time to make purchases that they do not regret. Referred to as the “slow movement,” this trend encourages thoughtful decision making and prioritizes quality, sustainability and personal style over impulse purchases.
Individuality and craftsmanship are vital in this landscape, especially for those consumers who entertain at home. This group often invests in high-quality serving pieces that reflect their personal style and stand the test of time. Rather than dining out, customers are focusing on transforming their homes into welcoming spaces for meaningful connections and memorable experiences.
The “slow movement” aligns seamlessly with Vibrantz’s earthenware colors and stoneware glazes, which enable the creation of artisanal ceramics that embody craftsmanship and lasting quality. With rich, earthy textures and authentic designs, these coatings help create pieces that transform tablescapes.
Reactive glazes offer beauty in the unpredictable
Reactive glazes transform ceramic surfaces through natural chemical reactions during firing. Influenced by factors such as temperature, composition, and firing cycles, these glazes create unpredictable, one-of-a-kind effects. This elevates stoneware and earthenware into functional art. Reactive glazes make tableware that is imperfect by design. While reactive glazes are not uniform like screen-printed colors, Vibrantz has refined the process and materials to deliver captivating results, including:
- Depth and dimension: Colors and textures create a rich, dynamic appearance
- Earthy and dramatic aesthetics: Subtle elemental effects or bold contrasts, depending on the formula
- Bespoke results: Organic, irregular finishes with slight variations that distinguish each piece
Our team and reactive glazes share a rare quality: Both are full of character, blending reliability with delightful spontaneity.
Exploring potential reactive glaze outcomes and options
| Finish types | – Transparent or opaque – Glossy or matte – Vibrant or neutral tones | |
| Surface effects | – Crazing: Fine crack patterns on the glaze surface – Crawling: Glaze retracts during firing, leaving exposed areas – Crystalline formulations: Intricate patterns formed during cooling | |
| Firing impact | – Chemical composition and firing temperature influence different outcomes – Firing cycle (time and temperature curve) affects both the color and texture | |
| Application methods | – Dipping: Provides even coverage and layering possibilities – Pouring: Creates flowing, organic effects – Spraying: Allows for subtle gradients and blending | |
| Texture enhancements | – On textured surfaces, the glaze will gather unevenly and produce diverse colors and textures – Larger particles can create speckled effects or textured areas | |
| Customization with additives | – Color stains: Add chromium, iron or cobalt to create various hues – Glaze composition: Changing the flux, glass formers and stabilizers will alter the final look |
Crafting the customer journey with care
Nestled in the heart of a global stoneware hub, our Aveiro, Portugal, plant and office are home to our dedicated earthenware team. Here, creativity, technical expertise and a genuine passion for craftmanship converge to bring customer ideas to life.
The journey begins with a conversation, an opportunity to deeply understand your design goals and preferences. From there, we curate our showroom to inspire collaboration and spark new ideas. Next, our skilled team moves to the lab, where we transform your vision into world-class, tailor-made solutions. At every step, we are dedicated to providing an experience as dynamic and distinctive as the reactive glazes we create.
Explore our latest offerings and contact us to learn more today.
Paints and coatings
