Plascon’s 2026 Colour Forecast Celebrates the Power of the Human Hand

Butter + Sky

As the global fixation with artificial intelligence gradually settles into the everyday, Plascon’s 2026 Colour Forecast marks a meaningful shift in the cultural zeitgeist — a return to the raw, tactile, and deeply human. For the year ahead, the brand’s colour narrative is shaped by a single unifying theme: HAND, made — a celebration of the transformative power of the human touch.

According to Plascon’s Head of Marketing, Leslie Frank, this year’s forecast pays tribute to the very act of painting itself. “At the heart of painting is the hand. It’s part of every step – choosing shades, testing swatches, and finally bringing colour to the wall. Paint is not abstract or artificial; it’s tangible, textured, and deeply human,” says Frank. “The hand makes it real: authentic, unique, and a mark of craft. Our new colour combinations reflect the same spirit of celebrating imperfection and individuality.”

This philosophy of tactility, creativity, and personal expression informed the creation of four distinct colour ‘worlds’, each inspired by familiar yet poetic elements of the everyday — from expansive horizons to wild gardens, inner-city textures to curated fashion. The result is a collection of immersive palettes that are equal parts grounded and imaginative.

Butter + Sky

An ode to warmth and optimism, Butter + Sky draws from serene blue skies and the golden glow of sunshine. Its palette features colours like Blazing Sun (Y4-A1-4), Athena’s Dream (B4-A2-1), and Signal Red (G7), creating an uplifting space that’s both radiant and reflective.

Land + Sea

This palette is rooted in earth and water, embracing the raw beauty of natural materials and biophilic design. With tones like African Mud (O2-E1-1), Frog Pond (Y6-D1-1), and Evening Stroll (G6-C2-1), Land + Sea captures the grounding essence of the outdoors.

Fashion + Candy

Bold, eclectic, and joyful, Fashion + Candy taps into streetwear energy and pop culture vibrancy. Featuring hues like Hot-N-Spicy (R6-B1-1), Bellagio Blue (B6-B2-1), and Lemon Essence (Y5-A1-2), this palette is made for expressive interiors with attitude and flair.

Orchard + Blooms

Inspired by the sensory richness of fruit markets and garden centres, Orchard + Blooms offers a lush, abundant selection of colours. From Spanish Brocade (O2-B1-3) to Good Day Sunshine (O6-A1-1), the palette celebrates vitality, colour, and joy in everyday life.

Each of these colour worlds reflects Plascon’s intent to return to what’s essential — creating beauty with intention, by hand. The colours, drawn from the existing Plascon library, can be tinted in any preferred coating type and are available at leading retailers nationwide.

As Frank notes, “From swatch to wall, the process becomes a story told by the human hand and the transformative power of colour.”

For more on Plascon’s 2026 Colour Forecast and to find your perfect palette, visit www.plascon.co.za

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