How does an industrial paint company work?

From pigment to color and finally to paint: an inside look at an industrial paint company

How is a paint created? What departments exist within an industrial paint company? Which technologies are used?

In this article, we take you behind the scenes of our company with Marco Forcellini, our head of purchasing and sales.

The research and development laboratory

The beating heart of innovation and creativity, the R&D laboratory is where chemists and expert technicians collaborate to develop new formulas that meet the specific needs of the industry for which the paint will be produced.

Using cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated equipment, the laboratory tests and analyzes a wide range of materials and components to create high-quality products:

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  The spectrophotometer, a global reference tool for color management, essential for accurate color measurements and pigment research.

• The latest-generation gloss meter, for precise opacity measurements, intelligent diagnostics, and calibration support.

• Thickness gauges with fixed probes, and pH meters including dew point measurement.

“Our R&D team also plays a key role in searching for sustainable solutions, focusing on eco-friendly materials and low-impact production processes.”

The tinting department

The tinting department is a strategic area where custom colors are mixed and created.

Starting from a wide range of bases, pigments, fillers, and resins, sample formulations are produced, giving life to paints in an infinite variety of shades, tailored to the client’s specifications.

Specialized technicians use advanced computer systems to formulate and accurately dose components, ensuring precision in reproducing the desired colors.

Essential equipment:

• Spectrophotometer for color control and testing

• Precision scales

• Laboratory mixer

“In industrial paint production, tinting specialists also play a critical quality control role, ensuring that every batch meets standards for durability, resistance, and brilliance.”

Production

The production department is the link between research and development and the actual manufacturing of products.

Here, technicians work with the formulas developed by R&D, transforming them into products ready for market.

Using state-of-the-art equipment and strict production protocols, precision and consistency in mixtures are guaranteed to produce high-quality coatings:

• Dispersers for mixing raw materials

• Milling machines for grinding opaque products or producing color pastes

• Packaging lines for large-scale product packing

“This division also handles packaging and labeling, ensuring products meet safety regulations and are ready for distribution.”

Contecolor – A World in Color

Our mission has always been to produce and market custom paints for clients who require high product quality. Compliance with regulations, aesthetic and performance standards, and exceeding product testing are the foundations of our work.