Sigma Paints has reaffirmed that its products provide durable protection in the Arabian Gulf’s conditions.

“All generic paint types are formulated by Sigma to suit the exposure conditions prevalent in the GCC region and high temperatures mainly influence the application properties and drying times of products,” a company spokesman says.
“It is an important consideration as good application is a critical factor in the success of any project, and the various drying processes that these coatings go through are vital in providing protective properties. Of equal concern are the very high levels of UV radiation, dust and, of course, the very high humidity experienced during the summer months,” he says.
“If coatings do not have the required resistant properties (anti-dust, UV resistance, moisture vapour resistance etc) they will break down quickly and fade rapidly. For many structures, particularly steel, you will typically find that finish coatings with improved gloss and colour retention such as Sigma polyurethane-based coatings, are specified and selected .” 
Mark van Diemen, the general manager of Sigma Paints Middle East, says the company’s technical support team and qualified sales coordinators are able to assess both the substrates and the prevailing conditions, and consequently provide accurate advice on the appropriate paint system that will provide the foundation for durable protection.

Heavy metal compounds
Discussing the environmental hazards and safety concerns and how Sigma deals with them, van Diemen says the main environmental issues regarding paints revolve around the raw materials. Pigments and heavy metal compounds such as leads and chromates, used to be common components in the manufacture of paints and coatings, but these are no longer used due to the toxic hazards identified. Coatings containing these components were a danger to health during manufacture and during application and because they rendered the painted substrates toxic, they were hazardous during use, maintenance and removal.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - usually in the form of thinners and solvents which are essential components in some paints - are harmful to the environment having a significantly adverse ground level effect by causing smog and polluting air. The reduction of VOCs in all paints and coatings and the move away from hazardous solvent borne coatings as well as modifications to reduce the solvent content is an ongoing process that Sigma has been working on since the early 1960’s, says van Diemen.

Sigma first to develop solvent free products
Bart Martens, Sigma’s technical service and product support manager Middle East, elaborates that Sigma was the very first paint company to introduce solvent-free coatings.
“Sigma’s brand value is about being up to date and innovative,” says Martens. “So, apart from being the first to promote the use of water-based acrylics in Europe, Sigma also pioneered the development of both high-solids coatings and hybrids and water-based alkyds. Other paint manufacturers followed in Sigma’s footsteps. In steel protection we see a general reduction of solvents as high solid products are taking over the market.”
Martens points out there is a difference between materials applied at home (DIY) and in industry. For the decorative market Sigma has formulated a complete range of waterborne products, hence eliminating the identified environmental risks. But Martens cautions it is still crucial to read the health and safety information and use personal protection equipment during spray application to prevent the inhalation of paint droplets and solvent vapour.
“In brief, Sigma focuses on all environmental aspects, from formulation and development, through production to the end user.”

Perfect match for protection and decoration
Martens highlights that durable protection is Sigma’s prime consideration and to that end the company provides not only the paints required but also assistance and advice on the completion of the paint specification.
“It is vital that the client is made aware of the properties of the many paint systems available as to make a correct match between the protective and decorative requirements. Durability comes not only from the finish applied but also from a well-formulated, compatible and tested coating system. Primers, fillers, build-coats and finishes each have their own individual roles to play in the success of paint projects and as such each individual application is given the appropriate attention,” he says.
The individual products within the specified Sigma systems are tested by different methods for different properties, says Martens. For instance, primers must be compatible with the substrates they are to be applied on and must provide the adhesion for the entire paint system. Adhesion is hence one of the principle factors in the testing processes of Sigma primer products. Fillers must be compatible with both the primers and the finishes, while again adhesion as well as cohesive strength coupled with filling properties is the focus of attention. Finishes must resist various factors. The elements of exposure and therefore UV resistance, moisture vapour resistance and abrasion resistance as well as resistance to the penetration of acidic gasses are some of the tests that Sigma commonly carries out.
“Durability is achieved only when all of these influencing factors have been addressed,” stresses Martens.

Extra-heavy exposures and experience
Expanding on the art of paints, Mike Murphy, Sigma’s DTS (decorative technical support) manager, Middle East, highlights that before any new product is introduced to the market, Sigma’s Research & Development laboratories do extensive testing, including field testing and accelerated weathering - mimicking real life by extra heavy exposure to salt water, intense UV light etc – to compare them to the existing products.
Independent test houses are occasionally also utilised to indicate durability for specific properties; anti-bacterial properties, anti-carbonation, low-flame spread and crack bridging abilities to name but a few, as well as providing indications of suitability for standard non-specialist internal and external products, says Murphy.
Leaders in Innovation
Sigma recalls that in light of its vast experience dating back to 1722 it has acquired a comprehensive understanding of the functionality requirements of any specific product in any environment around the globe.
“For three centuries Sigma has formulated paint systems for the purpose of durable protection. No doubt Sigma has stood the ultimate test of time, and consequently believe, as an integral part of the world’s second largest paint manufacturer, PPG, they are the leader in paints and coatings innovation,” a company statement says.