storage area with chemical resistant paint

 Outstanding protection from chemicals with chemical resistant paint

Nearly all coatings will be exposed to chemicals at some point, whether cleaning products, spills, or fumes. However most of these are mild, and the coating does not need a special formulation. Chemical resistant coatings or paints are designed to provide protection from the harshest of substances. They need to perform safely and consistently under punishing conditions, and so need to be highly resistant. Without proper chemical resistant paint, solvents, acids, alkalis, salts, and other substances can be absorbed by the substrate, causing deterioration and contamination.

The right chemical resistant paint is the one that satisfies the requirements of the chemical, as well as the needs of the substrate. Choosing correctly requires fully understanding both. In this article we will outline the different chemical resistant coatings options, and provide a guide for choosing the right one as well as where to find products and contractors in Vietnam.

The factors that influence the choice of chemical resistant coating

The range of substrates, environments, and chemicals is matched by the range of chemical resistant paints. To choose the right chemical resistant coating you need to know:

  • The type and concentration of chemical
  • The temperature of the chemical
  • The degree of exposure to the chemical
  • The duration of the exposure

The different types of chemical resistant coatings – PU, Epoxy and more

Chemical resistant coatings are available in a wide range of formulations, suited to different applications. The main types are polyurethane, epoxy, phenolic, and fluoropolymers. The choice of coating is further complicated by extra requirements such as high abrasion resistance, or sufficient lack of friction, slip resistance or corrosion protection.

Fluoropolymer coating

chemical resistant paint in a laboratory

Chemical resistant paint protects from chemical spills.

Resistanceknown for non-stick, but also highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including concentrated sulphuric, nitric, hydrochloric and phosphoric acids in temperatures up to 300°C
Applications: where a low coefficient of friction or a lubricious surface is required, for use on concrete or metal in secondary containment linings, acid plants, fertiliser plants, oil refineries, and more
To consider: poor weather protection characteristics, and cannot withstand acetone, esters, ketones, and acetic acid

Epoxy coating

Resistance: protection against acids, alkalis, solvents, caustic fluids, fuels, fatty acids, salt or sugar solutions, chemical cleaning detergents and more
Applications: on concrete metal and wood; common on flooring in in the food and drink industry, garages, factories, and plants.
To consider: tendency to weaken with high or fluctuating temperatures, lack of flexibility, not good with UV radiation (thus an indoor coating)

Polyurethane coating

Resistance: resistant to organic caustic fluids, acids and alkalis, fuel and hydraulic oils, and solvents.
Applications: where greater flexibility and ability to deal with high temperatures is needed, the preferred choice of chemical resistant coatings in the dairy industry (exposure to lactic acids)
To consider: soft, likely to abrade, extremely sensitive to humidity during application, lower chemical resistance than epoxies have

Phenolic coating

Resistance: resist 98% sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, transmission fluid, gasoline, formaldehyde, phenol, and numerous other chemicals also in high temperatures
Applications: for tanks, ducts, piping, immersion service for most acids, solvents, and salts (chemical storage), flooring in healthcare, science, technology and electronics industries, as well as chemical and waste treatment plants, pulp and paper mills, and power generation plants
To consider: non-resistant to some strong organic acids and solvents, and the less epoxy used in the makeup of the coating, the less resistant to chemicals it is


Chemical resistant paint products in the Vietnamese market

With so many different environments and surfaces that require chemical resistant paint treatments, it is no surprise that the range of products and services is extensive. There are the chemical coatings above, but there are also specially formulated coatings like methacrylate, which cures at low temperatures and is used for cold-store and freezer rooms. Below is a table outlining some of the available products, with examples of applications. It is these chemical coatings from reputable coatings manufacturers like AkzoNobel that installers trust.

Chemical resistant coating typeChemical resistant paint productProduct suitability
Two component epoxyJotun Jotafloor TopcoatIdeal for industrial floors, laboratories, hospitals, food and beverage plants, kitchens, warehouses, factories, and manufacturing facilities.
Two component polyurethane topcoatRust-Oleum 9600 Rust-O-Thane PolyurethaneHeavy industrial and marine exposures, moist conditions and high abrasion and impact situations. Especially recommended for weather resistance.
Two component epoxy phenolicInternational Interline 850Tank and pipe lining for steel storage tanks and pipes containing a range of products including crude oil, gasoline, caustic solutions, potable water, and solvents.
Two component epoxy novolacSherwin-Williams Nova-Plate 325For use on steel and masonry surfaces in industrial and marine environments such as oil storage tanks, secondary containment, ethanol storage tanks, and more.
Two component novolac vinyl esterInternational Interline 955Reinforced with glass flake to increase chemical and abrasion resistance. Intended for use in internal lining of chemical storage tanks and vessels for hot media (up to 90°C) or acids.

A selection of chemical resistant coating manufacturers located in Vietnam

Here you can find more chemical resistant coating manufacturers. The following companies also have facilities in Vietnam.

Chemical resistant paint manufacturerAddress in Viet Nam
Jotun Paints (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.Số 1, Đường 10, KCN Sóng Thần 1, Dĩ An, Bình Dương
Hempel VietnamTam An, Long Thành District, Dong Nai, Vietnam
PPG Yung Chi Coatings Co. Ltd.Unit 604, Fl. 6, REE tower, 9 Doan Van Bo st., dist. 4 Ho Chi Minh City, 84
International Paint Singapore Pte Ltd (Vietnam branch) W15 District 11 Floor 17, Flemington Tower, 182 Le Dai Hanh Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Binh District 70000
Klumpp Coatings VietnamKlumpp Coatings Vietnam Co., LTD, 46 Giang Van Minh, An Phu award, District 2, Ho-Chi-Minh-City 700000

Contact applicators in Vietnam

A chemical resistant coating should be applied by a trained professional to ensure an effective and flawless application. Fortunately there are many coating installer companies operating across Vietnam. If you have a project that needs chemical resistant paint, our experts are here to help! In cooperation with our partners we can provide you with a tailor-made quote, and connect you with the right coating solution. Just get in touch via e-mail or the “Request a quote” button at the bottom of this article.

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