Top 10 Companies in the Water-Based Anti-Rust Primer Industry (2025): Market Leaders Protecting Global Infrastructure

In Business Insights
December 18, 2025


The Global Water-Based Anti-Rust Primer Market was valued at USD 3.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.8 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.4% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This robust growth is fueled by stringent environmental regulations, the global infrastructure development boom, and accelerating adoption of low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) solutions across automotive, industrial, and marine sectors.

As industries worldwide transition toward sustainable and eco-friendly coating solutions, the focus intensifies on the key manufacturers driving innovation in corrosion protection. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Water-Based Anti-Rust Primer Industry—a blend of global chemical giants, specialized coating formulators, and regional leaders shaping the future of metal preservation.


🔟 1. Sherwin-Williams

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: AquaShield Pro Series, Corothane I Waterborne, Industrial Enamels

Sherwin-Williams stands as the global leader in the protective coatings market, with its water-based anti-rust primers widely used in automotive OEM, industrial maintenance, and heavy equipment manufacturing. The company’s extensive R&D has led to formulations that offer corrosion resistance rivaling traditional solvent-based products.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Commitment to achieving 100% sustainable packaging by 2030

  • Development of high-performance epoxy and polyurethane water-based primers

  • Global distribution network serving over 120 countries

Download FREE Sample Report: Water-Based Anti-Rust Primer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Axalta Coating Systems

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Imron AquaShine, AquaEC, Corlar Waterborne Epoxy

Axalta is a premier global supplier focusing on transportation and industrial coatings. Their water-based primer technologies are engineered for exceptional adhesion and durability, particularly in the automotive refinish and commercial vehicle segments, meeting stringent VOC regulations without compromising performance.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Extensive R&D investments exceeding 4% of annual revenue

  • Leadership in fast-cure waterborne technologies for production line efficiency


8️⃣ 3. NIPPON PAINT

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Nippe Lumbproof WB, Protec 650W, Aqualine Series

NIPPON PAINT has established a dominant position in the Asia-Pacific region, with innovative water-based primer solutions for automotive, electronics, and construction applications. The company’s focus on eco-friendly products aligns perfectly with the region’s tightening environmental standards.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering nanotechnology in water-based formulations for enhanced barrier protection

  • Strategic expansions in Southeast Asia and India to capture growing demand


7️⃣ 4. Hempel A/S

Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Key Offering: Hempathane WB, Hempadur Aqua, Graffiti Guard

Hempel specializes in protective coatings for the marine, offshore, and infrastructure sectors. Their water-based anti-rust primers are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions while complying with the most stringent international environmental regulations, particularly in European markets.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Doubling sustainability efforts by 2025 through revolutionary coating technologies

  • Development of bio-based raw materials for primer formulations

Download FREE Sample Report: Water-Based Anti-Rust Primer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. PPG Industries

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Aquapon, Coraflon, SigmaCover WB

PPG is a global coatings powerhouse with comprehensive water-based primer solutions for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. The company’s technological advancements have significantly closed the performance gap between water-based and solvent-based corrosion protection systems.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • 40% of sales from sustainably advantaged products

  • Investment in digital color matching and application technologies


5️⃣ 6. AkzoNobel N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Interprime 198WB, Interzone 954WB, Chartek WB

AkzoNobel, through its International Paint and other brands, offers a wide range of water-based anti-corrosive primers for marine, protective, and automotive coatings. The company is at the forefront of developing circular painting solutions and sustainable coating technologies.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Targeting 50% renewable carbon content in products by 2030

  • Pioneering self-healing water-based primer technologies


4️⃣ 7. Jotun

Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
Key Offering: Jotamastic 90 WB, Penguard Express WB, Hardtop Flexi WB

Jotun is a leader in marine and protective coatings, with water-based primer systems that offer excellent corrosion protection for offshore structures, ships, and industrial facilities. The company’s R&D focuses on durable, eco-friendly solutions for extreme environments.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of biocidal-free antifouling primers for marine applications

  • Expansion of water-based product lines for the Middle East and Asian markets


3️⃣ 8. Kansai Paint

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: KCR Super WB, Alesta WB, Fineflon WB

Kansai Paint has significant market share in automotive OEM coatings, with advanced water-based primer technologies that meet global automotive manufacturers’ stringent requirements for appearance, durability, and environmental compliance.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Advanced cathodic electrodeposition primers for automotive applications

  • Focus on low-temperature cure technologies for energy savings


2️⃣ 9. BASF Coatings

Headquarters: Münster, Germany
Key Offering: CathoGuard, Relest, Glasurit WB

BASF’s coating division is a key innovator in water-based technologies, particularly for the automotive industry. Their primer systems offer excellent corrosion protection and adhesion while meeting the most demanding environmental standards across global markets.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integration of bio-based raw materials into primer formulations

  • Development of smart primer technologies with corrosion sensing capabilities


1️⃣ 10. RPM International (Carboline/Tremco)

Headquarters: Medina, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Carboline Aqua Zinc, Tremcoat WB, Nullifire WB

RPM International, through its Carboline and Tremco brands, provides specialized water-based anti-corrosion primers for industrial, commercial, and infrastructure applications. The company focuses on high-performance solutions for demanding environments while maintaining environmental compliance.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expansion of intumescent water-based primers for fire protection

  • Development of single-coat water-based systems for simplified application

Read Full Report: Water-Based Anti-Rust Primer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Water-Based Anti-Rust Primers is Smarter and Greener

The water-based anti-rust primer market is undergoing a significant transformation. While performance challenges remain in extreme environments, the industry is rapidly advancing through nanotechnology, smart formulations, and bio-based ingredients that narrow the gap with solvent-based alternatives.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid adoption of nano-reinforced primers with graphene and nanoclay additives

  • Regulatory push for VOC limits below 50g/L in major markets by 2030

  • Development of self-healing and corrosion-sensing smart primer technologies

  • Bio-based raw material integration reaching 20-30% in new formulations

Read Full Report: Water-Based Anti-Rust Primer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only protecting global infrastructure—they’re driving the sustainable transformation of the industrial coatings industry.