Coatings protect, beautify, and add special functionality when applied to the surface of objects. They are used in a wide variety of settings around us, ranging from building exteriors, automobiles, and ships to large structures such as bridges and tanks, as well as containers, furniture, and daily necessities.
By protecting materials from corrosion and deterioration and enhancing safety and durability, coatings support the foundations of society. In fact, modern society could not function without coatings, which fulfill a vital behind-the-scenes role, supporting society at large.

Coatings are applied to the surfaces of many different materials, including steel, concrete, and plastics. Their applications are highly diverse, and required performance varies greatly depending on the environment in which they are used—for example, performance requirements include preventing rust, mitigating staining, forestalling the attachment of marine organisms, reducing friction, and adding color and gloss. As a result, many products are engineered specifically for each application. Even when two coatings look similar, their formulations can be entirely different depending on their intended use and application environment.

In the past, many substances harmful to human health and the environment were widely used in coatings. Today, the industry is shifting to lead‑ and chromium‑free products, reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and developing waterborne coatings to lower environmental impact. In the field of antifouling coatings, development also focuses on reducing seawater friction and inhibiting the attachment of marine organisms to improve fuel efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Coatings have evolved from mere surface materials into technologies that contribute to improved environmental performance and safety.

The coatings industry includes major manufacturers who cover a broad range of fields but also contains other manufacturers specializing in specific applications or fields. This diversity reflects the industry’s characteristics; performance requirements and technical specifications vary greatly by application, and some segments are relatively accessible for new entrants. As a result, companies with strengths in areas such as automobiles, ships, or construction each play active roles in their own fields.

A coating is not fully functional at the point of shipment. It only delivers its intended performance after being applied to a material and subsequently dried and cured to form a coating film. In this sense, coatings are both finished products and semi‑finished products that are eventually completed through the final application step. Therefore, process management—including not only product quality but also on‑site application conditions, the coating process itself, and final inspection of the finish—is critical.