Three employees in different work clothes checking a painted panel
Coatings
About us

Coatings

We let you shine in the marketplace

Our customers are at the center of all that we do. Close collaboration, our global presence and our expertise and innovation are the pillars of commercial success.

The Coatings division of BASF is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ needs all over the world. BASF shares skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific.

Our intelligent solutions enable our customers to shine in the marketplace. We anticipate global market trends and identify business opportunities for us and our customers that shape the future of their industries. Our aim is to meet the highest technical and quality demands in an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly way. We combine extraordinary design with functionality. Our performance – whether in research and development, production or service – is reliable worldwide.

Waving arm from a moving car
Our purpose, "Driven by passion and science, we always go beyond the surface," captures the essence of what sets us apart. At BASF Coatings, we develop more than coatings – we deliver innovative surface solutions that protect, preserve, and enhance the world around us.
  1. Our Purpose
Map showing R&D sites of BASF Coatings

We drive innovation by developing new surface solutions, processes and markets. We identify and develop new business opportunities for us and our customers.

Globally, we are developing the coatings and surface solutions of the future providing high scratch-resistance, protection from environmental impact, improved corrosion protection and innovative color solutions. We make sustainability part of our DNA, and constantly support solutions towards climate protection, eco-efficient technologies and safe chemicals.

With a growing number of new digital technologies, trends like Autonomous Driving and Smart Manufacturing, and changing market environments, digitalization is one of our answers to continuously grow and become even more efficient. Together with our customers and collaboration partners, we develop smart digital services and solutions that offer additional value and enhance the customer experience. With new digital business models, we also accelerate digital innovation.

From a small company to a global player: 
We are shaping the future of coatings since 1888

2025

Preparing for the next chapter

BASF Coatings is entering a new phase in our journey as a global leader in automotive coatings and surface treatment: independent and committed to continuity. With the signing of the agreement between BASF and Carlyle, we are taking a bold step forward toward becoming a standalone company. 

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2021

Sharkskin Technology for airplanes

Lufthansa Group and BASF Coatings bring Sharkskin technology to series production. The innovative surface technology from Lufthansa Technik and BASF mimics the fine structure of shark skin and improves the aerodynamics of aircraft. It improves fuel efficiency and helps achieve sustainability goals.
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In order to equip a Boeing 777 with the fuel-saving surface technology on a large scale, BASF's cooperation partner Lufthansa Technik uses the aircraft's regular maintenance idle times. After a sophisticated design, the film patches are cut to size and attached exactly along the flow course of the fuselage and the engine nacelles. The application of about 2,000 patches is carried out in sections over several days by a trained team.
2016

BASF completes acquisition of Chemetall 

BASF has completed its acquisition of Albemarle’s global surface treatment business, Chemetall. Through this acquisition, BASF’s Coatings division expands its portfolio to become a more complete solutions provider.
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1985

Acquisition of Inmont and R-M by BASF

BASF AG acquires the U.S.-based Inmont Group companies. Through this acquisition, the automotive refinish business of the well-established R-M brand is acquired as well. Since its founding in 1919, R-M has introduced numerous innovations to the market, such as the first metallic paint in 1931 and the first OEM waterborne paint in 1970.
1969 - 2025

Suvinil becomes a part of BASF

BASF Group purchases a 60 percent share in Suvinil S.A. Industria e Comercio de Tintas, Sao Paulo.

After more than 50 successful years, in 2025 BASF completed the sale of the Brazilian decorative paints business to Sherwin-Williams. Obrigada! 

Man carries Suvinil buckets
1965

BASF enters the coatings business

Glasurit-Werke Max Winkelmann AG are sold to BASF for 250 million Marks, becoming part of the BASF group. This marks the launch of a coatings and colorants business within BASF.
BASF logo after becoming part of the coatings business in 1865
1939 - 1945

World War II and Post-War Period

During the last years of the war, paints for the Wehrmacht were produced at the Hiltrup plant, and forced laborers were also employed. In 1943/44, the Hamburg plant was completely destroyed, and the Hiltrup plant was partially damaged. After the end of the war, reconstruction and the resumption of production began. The Glasurit-Werke became a key supplier to the German automotive industry and grew into one of the largest global paint manufacturers.
1925

A parrot for the Golden Tewnties

In the “Golden Twenties,” colored paints become increasingly popular. Even at that stage Glasurit people were customer-focused and therefore looked for a symbol that reflected the joy of color on the packaging itself. The exotic parrot is soon identified as a suitable emblem, due to its striking colors. The scarlet macaw has been the trademark of Glasurit paints since 1925.

Glasurit logo of 1925
1908

The company goes public

In 1908, the company goes public under the name Glasurit-Werke Max Winkelmann AG and is capitalized with 1.8 million gold marks. Exports abroad gain in importance and Max Winkelmann expands the product range. Now the first carriages are protected with Glasurit paints – while in far-away America the first Ford Model T cars from assembly line production roll through the streets.
historical picture of the basf surface solutions team in 1908
1903

Foundation stone for Muenster-Hiltrup plant 

Not far from the economically flourishing industrial area along the Ruhr river, Max Winkelmann establishes a branch in rural Hiltrup, Germany. With direct access to a train connection and the Dortmund-Ems Canal, it will evolve into the company’s headquarters. A year later, the water tower is already erected - which to this day remains the site’s landmark.
Foundation stone basf surface solutions 1903
1898

Rebranded to "Glasurit"

Ten years after its founding, the young successful company searches for an all-encompassing distinguishing mark for its paints and oils. From this point on, the newly coined word “Glasurit” is to emphasize the glaze-like hardness of the paint finish. The company rebranded to "Glasurit", with the name protceted by patent. The Chinaman’s head trademark points to the origin and long tradition of paint production in China.

historical picture of basf surface solution protective mask
1888

Founded by Max Winkelmann

In 1888, merchant Max Winkelmann (1862-1935) establishes a company in Hamburg, Germany, to sell coatings and colorants. Five years later, he has five employees and starts to deliver his first own paint color, “Kristallweiß” (crystal white). Steamer ships, naval ships and even the German Emperor Wilhelm II’s “Hohenzollern” imperial yacht are painted with the white paint, which is then also called “Hohenzollern white.”
Max Winkelmann
BASF flags: Driving Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Driving
Diversity
By embracing the diverse perspectives of our colleagues, customers and partners, we actively foster an inspiring exchange.
 
  1. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The lab dosing unit, which weighs eight tons, was specially built for the lab in Münster.
Driving Digitalization
Together with our customers and collaboration partners, we develop smart digital services and solutions that offer additional value and enhance the customer experience.
  1. Read more
Waterdrops on car shapes coated with a paint that gleams like liquid metal
We are wherever you are
Our worldwide networks allow you to benefit from our expertise wherever you are. We have significant market positions in Europe, North and South America and Asia Pacific.
  1. Our Sites
Get to know our team
In our interview series, Beyond SurFACES, we highlight the individuals who contribute to our success and showcase their unique roles and contributions within our diverse teams.
  1. Beyond SurFACES
Foundation stone basf surface solutions 1903
Long expertise in coatings
We have been in the surface solutions business for more than 135 years. Learn about our history from a small coatings company to a global player for surface solutions. 
  1. History