Three employees in different work clothes checking a painted panel

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.
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.

Our “Innovation Beyond Paint” program aims at developing new markets and businesses.  As part of BASF's integrated research platform, we channel international collaboration among our large sites for research and development in Europe, Asia, North and South America. Our integrated research approach within the BASF Group and our global research network reinforce our competitive edge. 

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.

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.
 
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.
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.
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. 
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.