The Coatings Industry—Beautifying, Protecting, and Preserving the Nation’s Assets

Abstract

Paints and coatings preserve and beautify structures, equipment, and other objects. Although coatings have been used for millennia, the modern coatings industry began in the industrial revolution. The past 30 years have seen a great deal of consolidation in the industry, but there are still a number of niche and regional firms. There are three market segments. In the order of their size, by both value and volume, they are: architectural, original equipment manufacturer, and special purpose. This paper describes the factors determining the market for each, the critical role of coatings in preventing economic loss owing to corrosion, and technological change in the industry.