The Global 1K Direct-to-Metal Coatings (DTMs) Market was valued at USD 12.83 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 17.42 Billion by 2028, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period (2023–2028). This growth is being driven by increasing demand from infrastructure development, stringent environmental regulations promoting low-VOC coatings, and advancements in coating technologies across industrial and commercial applications.
As the protective coatings industry evolves toward eco-friendly solutions and enhanced performance standards, attention shifts to the key manufacturers driving innovation, durability, and sustainable formulation pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the 1K Direct-to-Metal Coatings Industry—a diverse mix of chemical giants, specialty coaters, and technology pioneers shaping the future of industrial metal protection.
🔟 1. Axalta Coating Systems
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Corlar® DTMs, Nap-Gard® Industrial Coatings
Axalta is a global leader in liquid and powder coatings, with a strong focus on durable DTMs for structural steel, marine, and transportation applications. The company’s 1K DTM portfolio includes epoxy, polyurethane, and alkyd formulations designed for superior corrosion protection with minimal surface preparation.
Innovation Focus:
-
Development of low-VOC, high-performance DTMs
-
Global manufacturing network across 50+ countries
-
Strategic investments in waterborne DTM technologies
Download FREE Sample Report:
2023-2028 Global and Regional 1K Direct-to-Metal Coatings (DTMs) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Sherwin-Williams
Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Pro Industrial® DTM Epoxy, Waterborne Acrylic DTMs
Sherwin-Williams operates one of the largest global coatings manufacturing networks, with extensive R&D in 1K DTMs for harsh industrial environments. Their product line includes fast-drying DTMs that can be applied directly to properly prepared steel, galvanized metal, and aluminum surfaces.
Innovation Focus:
-
Expansion of Ecolean® waterborne DTM systems
-
Digital color matching and technical support services
8️⃣ 3. PPG Industries
Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Pitt-Char® XP, PPG STEELGUARD® DTM platforms
PPG Industries maintains a comprehensive portfolio of DTMs for industrial maintenance, rail, and offshore applications.
Innovation Focus:
-
Development of self-priming DTMs with extended service life
-
Global manufacturing capacity exceeding 70 production facilities worldwide
7️⃣ 4. AkzoNobel
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Corroless® Universal Metal Primer
AkzoNobel’s DTM offerings are known for their fast application, low-temperature curing capabilities, and compliance with global environmental standards.
Innovation Focus:
-
Interpon® D range for powder coatings
Innovation Focus:
-
Sustainability targets including carbon reduction roadmaps
-
Digital color matching and advanced application technologies
Download FREE Sample Report:
2023-2028 Global and Regional 1K Direct-to-Metal Coatings (DTMs) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. BASF
Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Relest® DTM CoatingsBASF develops comprehensive DTM solutions under its Coatings division, focusing on resin technologies that enable single-coat protection for metal substrates.
Innovation Focus:
-
Waterborne acrylic and epoxy DTMs for industrial applications
-
Innovations in low-temperature curing and high-build formulations
5️⃣ 6. Hempel
Headquarters: Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Key Offering: Hempadur® DTM systemsHempel specializes in protective coatings for industrial and marine sectors, with DTM products designed for harsh environments including offshore structures and chemical plants.
Innovation Focus:
-
Development of DTMs with extended recoat windows and minimal surface prep requirements, serving global markets through 28 factories and 150+ stock points.
Innovation Focus:
-
Global supply chain optimization and technical service support
-
Strategic focus on sustainability with Hempadur Multi-Strength DTM
4️⃣ 7. Jotun
Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
Key Offering: Jotacoat® Universal DTMJotun’s DTM portfolio includes high-performance systems for offshore, energy, and infrastructure applications.
Innovation Focus:
-
DTM formulations with improved adhesion to marginally prepared surfaces
-
Global presence across 100+ countries with 40 manufacturing facilities.
Innovation Focus:
-
Multi-surface compatibility including steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum
3️⃣ 8. Covestro
Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany
Key Offering: Desmodur® and Desmophen® raw materials for DTM formulationsCovestro focuses on developing innovative raw materials for coatings manufacturers, including polyurethane and polycarbonate technologies that enhance DTM performance.
Innovation Focus:
-
Advanced polyurethane chemistry for DTM applications
-
R&D in UV-curable DTMs and bio-based formulations
2️⃣ 9. Hirshfields
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Hirshfield’s DTM Industrial CoatingsHirshfields provides regional coating solutions with DTM products tailored for industrial maintenance and commercial applications across the Midwestern United States.
Innovation Focus:
-
Custom formulation services for specific industrial requirements
-
Expansion of DTM product lines for agricultural and construction equipment.
Innovation Focus:
-
Focus on regional distribution and technical support services
1️⃣ 10. Lubrizol Performance Coatings
Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Carboset® DTM acrylic resinsLubrizol specializes in developing advanced resin technologies for DTM formulations, focusing on enhanced weatherability and chemical resistance properties.
Innovation Focus:
-
Development of waterborne acrylic DTMs with corrosion-resistant additives
Get Full Report Here:
2023-2028 Global and Regional 1K Direct-to-Metal Coatings (DTMs) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of DTM Coatings Is Smarter and More Sustainable
The 1K direct-to-metal coatings market is experiencing a transformative phase. While conventional solventborne DTMs still hold significant market share, the industry is pivoting toward environmentally compliant solutions, smart application technologies, and bio-based raw materials.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
-
Accelerated shift to waterborne DTM technologies
-
Regulatory requirements for low-VOC and HAPS-free formulations
-
Digitalization of coating specification and application processes
-
Emergence of smart coatings with self-healing and corrosion-sensing capabilities
-
Growing demand from infrastructure development in emerging economies
Get Full Report Here:
2023-2028 Global and Regional 1K Direct-to-Metal Coatings (DTMs) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research ReportThe companies listed above are not only protecting global infrastructure—they’re pioneering the sustainable evolution of industrial protective coatings.
Latest posts by Rohit k (see all)- Top 10 Companies in the Matting Agents for Paint & Coating Industry (2025): Market Leaders Enhancing Surface Finishes Globally - October 26, 2025
- Top 10 Companies in the Stannous Octoate Market (2025): Industry Leaders Driving Polymer Innovation - October 26, 2025
- Top 10 Companies in the Conformal Coating Industry (2025): Market Leaders Protecting Electronic Components - October 26, 2025
-
-
-
-
