Who are we ?

Vernis Claessens SA, the paint experts, has been established in Switzerland for 130 years. Do you know our history?
Discover the history of the company and the key dates from its creation to the present day. We also present our brands of interior and exterior paints available for your private and professional projects.

Who are we?

Vernis Claessens SA is a Swiss company, proudly based in Bussigny, Switzerland, that stands out as a major player in the paints and coatings sector. Part of the Cromology group since 2006, our company benefits from the expertise and know-how accumulated over the decades, reinforcing our position as market leader.

A heritage of quality and innovation

Since our foundation, we have always placed innovation and quality at the heart of our approach. Our research and development teams work tirelessly to design products that meet the highest standards in terms of performance, durability and respect for the environment. This quest for excellence enables us to offer a range of paints that combine aesthetics, functionality and longevity.

The confidence of our partners

The trust of our partners is the result of a constant commitment to quality and service. We work closely with professionals in the sector, offering them solutions that meet their specific needs. Whether for new-build or renovation projects, indoors or out, we provide them with innovative, high-performance products.

An international presence

Although our base and network of shops are in Switzerland, the impact of Vernis Claessens SA extends far beyond national borders. Thanks to our flagship brands Classidur and Montana, we are present with 200 distributors, in more than 1,000 points of sale in Europe. This expansion is the result of our ability to meet the varied expectations of our customers, by offering products tailored to the specific needs of each market.

Key dates for Vernis Claessens SA :

  • 1887 : Creation of Claessens Frères & Co in Antwerp, Belgium.
  • 1925 : Vernis Claessens SA founded in Switzerland.
  • 1955 : Birth of the Classidur brand: a matt white paint that simplifies application, saves money at every level and makes interior renovation considerably safer.
  • 1972 : Opening of two shops in French-speaking Switzerland : Geneva and Renens.
  • 1979 : Classidur's first European expansion with the conquest of the French market.
  • 1985 : Vernis Claessens SA becomes Switzerland's leading exporter of building paints. Opening of two new shops in French-speaking Switzerland: Neuchâtel and Sion.
  • 2000 : The objective of exporting to 20 European countries is achieved.
  • 2006 : Vernis Claessens SA becomes part of the Cromology group.
  • 2016 : Acquisition of the Jallut brand and its network of shops. Fine Arts joins the Cromology group.
  • 2022 : Acquisition of Marcel Bichsel SA with its 2 shops (Berne and Biel) by Vernis Claessens SA, marking its expansion into German-speaking Switzerland.
  • 2024 : Classidur Jallut now has a network of 13 shops in Switzerland, including 10 in French-speaking Switzerland, 2 in German-speaking Switzerland and 1 in Ticino. 

Vernis Claessens SA and its parent company Cromology produce several brands. Find out more about the brands exported to Europe:

Classidur

Logo Classidur

Classidur, the Swiss brand created by Vernis Claessens SA, has established itself as an essential reference for all professional applicators, embodying the values of innovation and irreproachable quality of ‘Swiss Design’. Thanks to an active partnership and solutions tailored to the exacting requirements of its professional customers, as well as cutting-edge technology, Classidur has been a firm favourite with the profession for several generations.

Since 1955, Classidur has revolutionised the use of matt white paint by radically simplifying the application process, which has become its trademark. CLASSIDUR GOLDENCLASSIC white matt paint is insulating and tension-free, offering professionals a remarkable quality of finish, characterised by pure white, an extreme matt finish and an impeccable appearance. 

Classidur doesn't just innovate, it adapts to the times by developing new quality references and new technologies in its research laboratories, such as AQUA-CATIONIC TECHNOLOGY, HYBRID CATIONIC TECHNOLOGY and SPHEROXANE TECHNOLOGY. With its range of water-based paints, Classidur offers professionals environmentally-friendly products that meet the highest standards and the expectations of a market focused on the long term. Classidur makes it a point of honour to innovate and offer high-quality, sustainable products.