Supporting Surface Coatings at Every Stage of Formulation

With ongoing supply chain issues around the world, IXOM’s broad portfolio and industry-leading supply chain means simple, reliable and consistent access to surface coating formulations for our customers. We work as a single partner across almost the entire formulation, with the technical understanding to see how ingredients behave across varying applications.

IXOM is proud to represent many of the leading suppliers around the world, covering almost every ingredient used in surface coating formulations, from resins and dispersants through to specialised performance additives.

A Long-Term View in a Precision-Driven Industry

The surface coatings industry is constantly evolving, with innovations in formulations being deliberate, careful, and driven by consumer demand and regulatory standards.

Across decorative and architectural coatings, metal protection, concrete, waterproofing, or specialised industrial applications, our expert team understands the importance of consistency, repeatability and performance.

IXOM's Dieter Svoboda & Carolyn Gin collectively have over 25 years experience in the surface coatings industry. Their long-standing relationships and technical expertise uniquely position IXOM to understand specific formulation needs and practical application requirements, helping innovation move faster for our customers without introducing unnecessary risk.

Polyaspartics: A Clear Example of Meaningful Innovation

Over the years, one of the most notable innovations Dieter has seen is the rise of polyaspartic technologies.

In applications such as concrete and driveway coatings, epoxy resins have traditionally been the go-to solution. But epoxy isn't UV stabilised, which means yellowing over time has always been a major limitation in exposed environments.

Polyaspartics offer improved UV stability and faster cure times, and have opened the door to longer-lasting, higher-performance coatings in applications where appearance and durability matter. It's a strong example of how the industyr deliberately evolves and innovates to solve real problems with smarter chemistry.

Moving Toward Safer, More Sustainable Formulations

Across the market, there's a growing move toward water-based solutions, including water-based isocyanates, as manufacturers respond to safety considerations and environmental concerns. Both consumers and regulators are looking to move away from traditional solvent-based systems and formulators are under pressure to deliver safer products without compromising performance.

Another example is the use of high-solids acrylic resins, such as those from our partner Lubrizol. With higher solids content, customers can achieve the same coverage using less product. Several companies are already trialling these solutions, seeing benefits not only in performance but also in efficiency and sustainability.

IXOM is actively working with customers to promote and support these transitions, helping bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world application requirements.

Behind Every Coating is Deep Formulation Science

What often gets overlooked is just how much sciencec sits behind even the most familiar products. Formulating coatings is about balancing performance, appearance, application method, durability, regulatory compliance and cost.

"When most people pick up a tin of paint from Bunnings, they see colour, finish and durability. What they don't see is the incredibly exacting and specific formulation behind it, or the constant innovation required to meet rising performance, safety and environmental expectations." – Dieter

IXOM supports our customers to meet these rising expectations with deep formulation knowledge and access to world-class ingredients.

Supply Chain Strength that Supports Innovation

With bulk shipping capabilities and a dedicated sourcing team in China, IXOM can support customers at every scale, from bulk volumes through to unique or specialised requirements. If a product isn't immediately at hand, our global supply chain allows us to source it quickly and reliably. That flexibility helps our customers move from trial to commercialisation with confidence, knowing our supply is reliable, consistent, and backed by over 100 years' experience.

Continuing the Conversation

IXOM will be attending the SCAA Conference alongside a number of our key suppliers, supporting our customers' challenges and delivering the next generation of surface coatings.

To learn more about how IXOM supports surface coatings formulators across decorative, industrial and protective applications, connect with our team here or visit us at the Australian Coatings Show on the 27th and 28th May.