Paint Shortage Update: Why Some Paints Might Be in Short Supply Until 2023

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Understanding the Ongoing Industrial Paint Shortage & Its Impact

A&K Painting Company provides another update in the ongoing paint shortage impacting U.S. industrial facilities. In this update, we cover:

While things are looking up in the commercial sector, supply chain struggles are continuing to limit the availability of many industrial paint products. In particular, the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Ukraine has made it increasingly difficult to source specific materials for the creation of certain industrial paint products. As a result, facility managers will have to prioritize project planning in order to avoid falling behind on their industrial painting needs.

What’s Causing the Paint Shortage in 2022?

There are a number of factors that have led to the current paint shortage, and it’s difficult to point out just one catalyst to the problem. However, nearly all paint manufacturers agree that supply chain snags are largely to blame. Specifically, it’s become more difficult to source the materials required to create many industrial paint components and enamels.

Some of the supply chain issues that paint manufacturers are struggling against stem from the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Ukraine. Combined, these countries were responsible for mining roughly 500,000 metric tons of titanium dioxide in 2021 alone. Between the sanctions imposed on Russian imports and the strain of the conflict itself, obtaining these materials from the region has become more difficult for paint manufacturers.

What is Titanium Dioxide & Why Does It Matter?

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a fine white powder that’s commonly added to industrial paints and coatings. Paint manufacturers choose titanium dioxide specifically for industrial applications due to its:

  • Brightness: Titanium dioxide produces maximum brightness while offering a neutral tone in white coatings.
  • Cost: With its high hiding power, titanium dioxide offers an economical solution for industrial paint manufacturers.
  • Quality: This additive consistently produces low-haze, high-gloss coatings ideal for the industrial setting.
  • Versatility: TiO2 is suitable for use in all oil, solve, and water-borne paints and coatings for exterior applications.

What Does This Mean for Facility Managers?

Without titanium dioxide readily available, manufacturers will either reduce their current product offerings until such time that they are more easily accessible, or seek out alternative additives to keep their product selection. In either case, facility managers can expect the cost of their industrial paint projects to rise as a result. This is why it will be imperative for industrial facility managers to plan ahead for their project needs through the end of 2022 and into 2023.

Our industrial painting contractors have years of experience helping facility managers stay on-track with their projects despite supply chain shortages. Allow our team to help with your project planning process so you can avoid the pitfalls of the current paint shortage.