It takes unique expertise to create successful coatings for the aerospace and industrial markets. Birmingham, UK-based Indestructible Paint Ltd has been specializing in these segments for nearly half a decade, and that work has helped the company become a global leader in aerospace coatings as well as other markets.

Indestructible Paint Ltd opened for business July 4, 1978, in Birmingham, UK. In the nearly half-century since it its founding, Indestructible Paint has been focused on research and development. Now, Indestructible Paint has more than 2,500 customers, and its products are frequently specified where resistance to high temperatures and corrosion are essential. The company exports to the US and more than 60 other countries worldwide.

Its in-house research scientists work closely with North American and European OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and major aerospace engine manufacturers around the world to develop the specialist coatings their products will need to meet ever-more demanding performance and environmental criteria.

Indestructible Paint’s approvals include ISO 14000 (environmental standards), ISO 9001 (quality management), and AS9100, the international quality management standard for the aerospace, aviation and defense industries

Key Markets

Indestructible Paint is committed to collaboration. Its high-performance coatings are specified in aerospace and defense for aero‑engines, airframes and ancillary systems, including compressor and turbine components, gearboxes and accessory drive systems, fuel, hydraulic and pneumatic system components.

In addition, they are used in the energy sector for gas turbines, power-generation systems and in numerous automotive and other specialist engineering applications to coat and protect high‑stress mechanical systems.

Indestructible Paint does not develop or produce high-volume, broad-market general products. Its ultra-high-performance coatings are for use in highly demanding environments, often co-developed with customers so they can be tested, approved and adopted quickly.

A company spokesperson notes that Indestructible Paint’s coatings provide numerous benefits, including strong adhesion to complex substrates, high‑temperature stability and high resistance to wear and corrosion. They also impart lasting resistance to chemicals, including fuel, hydraulic fluid and de‑icing agents; low friction; compatibility with OEM specifications and global regulatory standards; and long service life, reducing downtime for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

Indestructible Paint Ltd’s research staff are working at the cutting edge of coatings technology to give customers early access to next-generation materials. If necessary, its technical staff can provide training on the best way to apply them.

Recent Advances

The company’s recent advances include:

• Chromium‑free coating systems — increasingly vital as long-standing chromate technologies are phased out, for example by the European Chemicals Agency’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation.

CFIPAL is just one chrome-free solution they have developed: it is a chrome-free diffusion coating, already approved by a major UK aero engine maker and by Siemens UK. And at the end of last year, Dr. Violaine Mendez, the company’s lead research scientist, won an award from the UK’s prestigious Institute of Materials Finishing (IMF) for her work on developing anticorrosive chromium-free primers for aluminum alloys.

• High‑temperature, low‑friction coatings for next‑generation turbine applications

• Environmentally optimized coatings with fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and more sustainable chemistries.

• More durable formulations, extending component life and reducing maintenance cycles.

• Erosion-resistant coatings for specific areas, including composites. 

Sustained Growth

Indestructible Paint is enjoying growth in its markets. Recently, Indestructible Paint announced its largest-ever order from an aerospace customer in the US, and it has seen its products deployed in components for the space industry for the first time.

“We’re experiencing year-on-year growth, particularly from aerospace customers,” says sales director Paul Holder.

“This is driven by increasing global aerospace engine production and MRO activity, as well as demand for more efficient engine systems needing advanced coatings that are REACH‑compliant, chrome‑free and low in VOCs.

“Aerospace technologies – and those in many other engineering-led sectors – are developing faster than ever, and at Indestructible Paint we are committed to contributing innovation that supports efficiency, sustainability and regulatory compliance for all our customers.”