Blanco Seda
A painting business that combines diligence, high demands and innovative strength.
Francisco J. Rodriguez was born into a family of painters. Fourteen years ago, he founded his own business in Barcelona. We accompanied the Blanco Seda CEO to one of his extraordinary construction sites.
For clients – with the architect
These days, Rodri is one of the best in the business and someone you could trust with any demanding paint job – and not just when it comes to microcement. Someone who knows that well is Luca Lancini. The architect from Brescia, Italy, has had his office in Barcelona for years. He has implemented many projects together with Francisco J. Rodriguez, including the current one in the Gothic Quarter. They meet on the construction site and discuss the next steps. Lancini emphasises that doing things "together" is an essential aspect for him: "I work for my clients and together with the tradespeople. As far as I'm concerned, great architecture does not come from the architect's mind alone, but is something we create together." It might well be that Lancini has a good idea, but Rodri's is better. Or vice versa. What matters in the end is the best possible result.
Utmost quality as a unique selling point
The hallway leading to the three apartments is painted in anthracite hues. To the naked eye, the wall looks finished. But to Francisco Rodriguez, "this is just the beginning". The Festool surface control light he holds against the wall confirms his assessment. "Rodri", as everyone calls the boss here, is meticulous. Every little detail matters to him. And that is the secret of his success. Blanco Seda is a relatively small business but in very high demand – with employees who want to work like him and with customers who expect the highest quality. At the moment, Rodri is practically drowning in orders. "I'm interested in jobs that challenge me. That's how I grew up and I've kept that sense of curiosity as a painter to this day," he says. "So the projects I like best are the ones that represent a step forward for me and my employees."
Curiosity paired with experience and knowledge
In 2004, Francisco J. Rodriguez set up his own business and has built his own team over the years. New, demanding things entice him. He is diligent and innovative. When he does something, even if it's something brand new, he wants to do it right. That is how he discovered microcement. "From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the fact that you can create sealed, seamless surfaces with microcement that are both beautiful and robust." Rodri tells us that he gathered initial experience working with material from a North American manufacturer until he came across TOPCIMENT in Valencia. "That grew into a relationship in which TOPCIMENT develops the microcement further and I perfect how it's processed. This experience continues to be invaluable," he says, "because the use of microcement requires a lot of experience and knowledge – and the right tools, of course."
