Although somewhat better known for its decorative paints, Abu Dhabi-based Chemipaint (full name: Universal paint & Chemical Industries) is fast building its reputation in the sphere of industrial paints and coatings which it has specially formulated for the harsh Arabian Peninsular conditions in its extensive research and development department at the company’s factory in Mussafah. After only five years in production in the Emirates, Chemipaint has grown steadily in spite of the world economic crisis and may need to look at a further expansion in 2011 when it meets its factory capacity of 15,000 tonnes a year.

There are several key factors in Chemipaint’s success to date. First and foremost is the 30 years’ of experience in formulating paints and coatings that are appropriate to the region’s environment that the company has gained through the success of the parent company in Beirut. This has been enhanced by a specific focus on eco-friendly non-toxic paints.

As Khaled Abou Ghoneim, operations manager, says: “Our research and development efforts have been developing in line with market demand but with an added value to the future. The future in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE is in zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) and eco-friendly products. At present 85 per cent of our production is in water-based paints and coatings.”

Intrinsic to the whole ethos of sustainability and environmental protection is the need for a long product lifespan. As Abou Ghoneim says, “we specify a 10- year lifespan for our products, which is much more than the conventional water-based paints provided by some of our competitors and this is very important for industrialists and building owners who may have to repaint their facilities three times in that period with the added cost and clean up costs that go with that. Long-lasting sustainable eco-friendly products are now the trend.” 

A key performance indicator for Chemipaint is service and in particular the speed at which the company can turn around order. “Our KPI for 2010 is to service the customer quickly,” Abou Ghoneim says, “while our competitors offer three- or four-day turnarounds, we aim to fulfill every new order within 48 hours.”

Epoxy range growing
In fulfilling Chemipaint commitment to the environment and to minimise the release of dangerous solvent fumes the company is rapidly developing its range of solvent-free epoxy coatings.

Epoxy coatings provide superb adhesion on most substrates (metal, galvanised steel, concrete masonry, wood and so) on as well as superb chemical and mechanical resistance and are proof against bacterial attack and so are an excellent option for interior and exterior finishes and floor coatings for a full range of industrial and process facilities from oil and gas through marine applications and high-technology chemical and pharmaceutical plants to hospitals, laboratories and schools.

Chemifloor SF 1905 is a solvent-free, high-build epoxy floor coating. Available in a wide range of standard and specially formulated colours that can be manufactured upon request, Chemifloor SF 1905 offers both practical and decorative durable floor protection and is ideal for areas where a high resistance to chemicals, oil and grease is needed. Anti-slip performance can easily be assured with the addition of Chemipaint anti-slip grains between coats during build up to any thickness from 0.45 mm to 2.00 mm. As such Chemifloor SF 1905 is a superb, environmentally friendly option for hospitals, laboratories, industrial plants and car parks.

This is best undersealed by Chemiguard Epoxy SF Sealer - a two-component solvent-free, high-build epoxy sealer, which is designed to offer durable floor protection at applied film thickness between 150 – 500 microns, with the addition of anti-slip aggregates It exhibits excellent wear abrasion and chemical resistance and can be used to provide a surface coating with a high gloss hygienic finish or a slip-resistance coating system. This product can be used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications but not limited to: chemical manufacturing plants; pharmaceutical and other medical facilities; car parks, garages and aircraft hangars and warehouses and food and beverage production areas.

Glossy finish
If you are looking for a highly resistant glossy finish and colour retention in a decorative paint system then Chemithane, Chemipaint’s solvent-free polyurethane interior or exterior topcoat, is the protective coating for you. It delivers excellent adhesion, hardness, flexibility and resistance to abrasion, impact, weathering, acids and solvents and is ideal for masonry walls, bridges, storage tanks, offshore structures, and steel and aluminium vessels where corrosion resistance and durability are of paramount importance.    

Chemiguard concrete repair compound is a solvent-free, non-toxic epoxy paste developed specifically for sealing, smoothing and fairing applications on concrete, metals, fibre-reinforced plastics, wood and masonry. Its smooth consistency and non-sagging properties allow it to be used on vertical as well as horizontal surfaces. The formulation is resistant to salt water, oils, fuels and many other chemicals and is particularly effective in smoothing welds, pets, rough surfaces, irregularities and seams on steel and other metal fabrications.

Conventional formulations
As well as the new innovative, solvent-free compounds noted above, Chemipaint extends it range of protective coatings with a number of tried, tested and highly efficient conventional formulations. 

Chemiguard epoxy topcoat is a high-performance epoxy-based product specially designed for the interior and exterior surfaces of metal, masonry, concrete and wall board and as such is excellent for use in industrial plants for structural steel, machinery and storage plants. It also lends itself perfectly to the interior surfaces schools, hospitals and laboratories or any other surface where a hard and durable film with chemical resistance is required. Chemipaint epoxy topcoat can also be used for corrosion protection in the marine industry, in ships, water pipes and tanks and indeed any environment near the sea.

Chemiguard epoxy flooring is a high-performance epoxy-based product for concrete floor. It excels in for use in industrial plants, parking areas, schools, hospitals, laboratories or any other skid surface where a hard and durable film with chemical resistance is required.

Chemiguard self-leveling epoxy, a 100 per cent reactive epoxy coating generally applied with aggregate supplied by Chemipaint Chemiguard is very suitable for both new and old concrete, wood or steel floors where a high degree of chemical and abrasion resistance is required. In fact the physical properties of ESL, particularly in abrasion and impact resistance, far exceed those of untreated concrete and as such it is highly recommended for high traffic areas in a number of different industries including the food processing industry – dairies, bakeries, breweries, bottling plants and packing houses; pharmaceutical houses; chemical processing plants and refineries and in sewage and water treatment plants and generating stations for the utilities sector. ESL lends itself to multiple applications to build thickness with or without aggregate added.

Chemiguard epoxy primer is a high-molecular-weight rust-inhibitive metal primer and as such is ideal for use on structural steel, machinery and storage tanks. Its anticorrosion properties excel in marine environments making it an excellent choice for marine industry as well.

Last but not least amongst Chemipaint’s pantheon of protective heroes are its heavy-duty metal-based coatings.

Chemipaint holds certification for ISO 9001 and is undergoing the process of certification for ISO 14001. It is eyeing the future as it prepares for ISO 18001certification.