An improved version of Hempel Paints Saudi Arabia's well-established Hempadur Mastic (code number 45881) is enjoying great success amongst owners and applicators in the Gulf region with its fast-drying properties coupled with a long pot life, the company said.

Hempadur Mastic (code number 45881) is designed for use in medium to severely corrosive atmospheric environments such as ship decks and superstructures and a significant quaintly has already been supplied to the Hawiyah Gas Expansion project of Saudi Aramco, Hempel reported.

According to details provided by the company, the new product is self-priming and can be used as an intermediate or a finishing coat in epoxy systems where a high solids content is required. The product is so surface tolerant that it can be used directly on cured zinc silicate (Galvosil products) or even on spray-metalised surfaces to minimise "popping".

The paint has two components and provides a high build, hard and tough finish with good wetting properties; it even cures at low temperatures.

"As part of the extensive testing that all Hempel products go through, the new Hempadur Mastic has been tested by Newcastle Occupational Health, UK, for non-contamination of grain cargo," said Hempel.

"The product is already enjoying great success amongst owners and applicators in the region with its fast-drying properties coupled with a long pot life - ideal for the Gulf climate," it added.

Hempel Paints (Saudi Arabia) WLL is an associate of the worldwide Hempel Group that was established in Denmark in 1915. The company was the first paint establishment to build a factory in the Eastern Province when it manufactured its first batch of paint in October 1973. Since then it has been one of the leading manufacturers of quality decorative paints, protective paints and marine coatings in the local Saudi market.

Hempel Paints Saudi Arabia is a joint venture between Saudi and Kuwaiti investors and Hempel's Marine Paints A/S in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition to the main office and factory in Dammam, Hempel Paints has branches in Riyadh, Jeddah, Yanbu and Jubail to ensure that customers get the same support and technical service wherever they are in the kingdom.

Hempel Paints has a long history in Saudi Arabia supplying high-quality products to its customers, whether to the villa market through its extensive retailer network or directly to large projects via contractors. Its portfolio of customers in Saudi Arabia includes companies such as Saudi Aramco, Sabic, SCECO and SWCC.

"The company's slogan is 'Quality & Service' and the management always makes sure that everyone in Hempel is working efficiently in one main direction: customer service. Hempel Paints is proud of the quality of the people it employs and invests regularly in their training and education to ensure they keep up with the latest technological advancements in the industry," said Hempel.

Hempel Paints Saudi Arabia achieved its ISO 9001 certification in April 1996, adding to the Saso approvals it received on several of its products.

"To ensure consistently high quality, a team of highly qualified and trained technicians works with the very latest analytical equipment to check every batch produced in the company's factory," said the company.

"Hempel Paints is very well known by contractors for the support provided by its technical services department which is staffed by dedicated and experienced coating advisors, many of whom are Nace- or Frosio-certified and who provide assistance whenever needed by customers. Hempel's advisers are located at all the branches in Saudi Arabia to ensure that technical support is readily available."

Construction projects in Saudi Arabia vary considerably from industrial projects such as desalination plants and oil refineries to large civil projects and housing. Hempel's technical services department is able to offer advice on the best paint system to meet the customer's requirements.

"Choosing the appropriate paint system is critical because there are hundreds of different products and each has its own characteristics and functions. Hempel's experienced coating advisers can recommend the most appropriate paint system and advise on the most effective method of application. The technical support also includes advice on the necessary surface prior to applying the paint," said the company.

Hempel Paints (Saudi Arabia) benefits from the Hempel Group's expertise and assistance especially on technical matters and product development. The Hempel Group has established very advanced research and development centres in Copenhagen, Denmark and Barcelona, Spain.

"Hempel products are made from the highest quality raw materials which are subject to testing and approval by the Group's Quality Control Laboratories," said Hempel.