Metal coatings that stop rust and protect steel in UAE's harsh environment
Metal in the UAE faces a relentless assault - scorching heat that accelerates corrosion, coastal humidity that promotes rust, salt-laden air near the sea, and UV radiation that degrades lesser coatings. Whether it's structural steel, metal facades, gates, railings, or industrial equipment, unprotected metal deteriorates fast in our climate. At Lapiz Blue, we supply AkzoNobel metal coating solutions including Dulux Metalshield and professional protective systems designed to prevent corrosion and maintain appearance. From a single gate to an industrial facility's steelwork, we'll help you choose the right protective system for your metal surfaces.
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Why AkzoNobel Metal Coatings from Lapiz Blue?
- Dulux Metalshield range - high-performance enamel specifically formulated for metal surface protection
- Anti-corrosion primers - stop rust before it starts with proper barrier protection at the substrate level
- Heat resistance options - coatings that handle UAE's extreme temperatures without softening or failing
- Salt spray resistance - essential for coastal areas where airborne salt accelerates metal degradation
- UV stability - maintains gloss and colour retention despite intense sun exposure
- Adhesion to prepared metal - proper bonding to steel, aluminium, and galvanized surfaces when correctly prepared
- Decorative and functional options - from industrial protection to attractive finishes for visible metalwork
- UAE-wide supply with technical guidance on surface preparation and coating selection
Where Metal Coatings Are Essential
Structural steel - columns, beams, and frames in buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities
Metal facades and cladding - architectural metalwork that needs both protection and appearance
Gates, railings, and fencing - residential and commercial metalwork exposed to weather
Industrial equipment and machinery - protection against corrosion, chemicals, and operational wear
HVAC equipment and ductwork - metal components on rooftops and in plant rooms
Storage tanks and vessels - containment structures requiring long-term corrosion protection
Marine and coastal structures - jetties, platforms, and equipment in salt-spray environments
Metal furniture and fixtures - outdoor furniture, signage, and decorative metalwork
How to Choose the Right Metal Coating
Identify the metal type: steel, galvanized steel, aluminium, and stainless steel each need different preparation and primers
Assess the environment: coastal locations, industrial atmospheres, and chemical exposure all influence coating selection
Determine the existing condition: new metal, surface rust, heavy corrosion, or previously painted surfaces need different approaches
Consider appearance requirements: industrial grey is fine for hidden steelwork, but visible metalwork may need specific colours and gloss levels
Plan for access: some coatings need multiple coats with specific intervals - factor this into scheduling
Think about maintenance: how easy is it to touch up or recoat the structure in future?
Check heat exposure: metal in direct sun or near heat sources needs coatings that won't soften
Share photos and details of your metalwork - we'll recommend the appropriate primer and topcoat system
Common Mistakes When Coating Metal
- Painting over rust without proper removal - the rust continues underneath and lifts the new coating
- Skipping the primer - direct-to-metal topcoats exist, but most situations benefit from proper priming
- Using interior metal paint outdoors - it's not formulated for UV, heat, and weather exposure
- Coating galvanized metal without proper preparation - the coating won't adhere without etching or appropriate primers
- Applying in extreme heat - metal surfaces in direct UAE sun can be too hot for proper coating application
- Ignoring edges and welds - these areas rust first if not properly coated with extra attention
What You Get with Lapiz Blue
System Approach
Complete coating systems including primers, intermediate coats, and topcoats matched to your requirements
Technical Guidance
Metal preparation advice and coating recommendations based on your specific environment and metal type
Product Range
Dulux Metalshield, professional primers, and industrial protective coatings for every application
UAE Coverage
Supply across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates for projects of all sizes
Colour Options
Standard RAL colours and custom matching for architectural and decorative metalwork
Documentation
Technical datasheets and specification support for contractors and consultants
Frequently Asked Questions
Dulux Metalshield is a range of high-performance metal paints designed for protection and decoration of metal surfaces. It includes primers and topcoats formulated to resist corrosion, maintain appearance, and withstand weather exposure. Different products in the range suit different applications from gates to industrial steelwork.
Rust must be removed before coating - either mechanically (wire brushing, grinding, or blasting) or chemically with rust converters. The goal is to reach sound metal or a stable prepared surface. Any remaining rust will continue to spread under the new coating, causing premature failure.
In most cases, yes. Primers provide corrosion inhibition, improve adhesion, and create a foundation for the topcoat. Some direct-to-metal (DTM) products combine primer and topcoat properties, but heavily exposed or critical metalwork generally benefits from a dedicated primer system.
Yes, but galvanized surfaces need special preparation. New galvanizing has an oily residue and smooth surface that prevents adhesion. It needs cleaning, light abrasion, and either an etch primer or a primer specifically designed for galvanized metal. We can advise on the right approach.
Coastal environments are extremely aggressive to metal due to salt-laden air. These areas need premium anti-corrosion primer systems and topcoats with proven salt spray resistance. Higher film builds and more frequent maintenance inspections are also advisable. Share your location and we'll recommend appropriately.
Lifespan depends on the coating system, surface preparation quality, and environment. A properly applied system in moderate conditions might last 7-10 years before needing recoating. Severe environments or poor preparation significantly reduce this. Visible metalwork usually gets attention sooner for aesthetic reasons.
Timing matters. Metal surfaces in direct UAE sun can exceed 60°C - too hot for most coatings to apply properly. Early morning, late afternoon, or shaded conditions are better. Some coatings are more tolerant than others. We can advise on suitable products and application windows.
Yes. We supply protective coating systems for structural steel in warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings. For major projects, we can work with your specifications, provide staged deliveries, and support your painting contractor with technical information.
Rust Never Sleeps - Neither Should Your Protection
Metal corrosion in the UAE isn't a matter of if, but when and how fast. The combination of heat, humidity, and coastal salt creates conditions that turn unprotected steel into rust surprisingly quickly. The right coating system doesn't just cover the metal - it creates a barrier that actively prevents the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion. It's protection that works around the clock, even when you're not watching.
The Difference Proper Preparation Makes
Most metal coating failures aren't product failures - they're preparation failures. The best coating in the world won't stick to oily, rusty, or contaminated metal. Proper cleaning, rust removal, and surface profiling create the foundation for coating adhesion. When we recommend a coating system, we're also recommending the preparation it needs to succeed. Cutting corners on prep is the fastest path to early failure.
From Gates to Industrial Steelwork
Lapiz Blue supplies metal coatings across the spectrum - from homeowners refreshing a garden gate to contractors coating structural steel in industrial facilities. The principles are the same: identify the metal, assess the environment, prepare properly, and apply the right coating system. The scale changes, but the approach to getting it right doesn't. Whatever your metal coating requirement, we have the products and knowledge to help.
Need Metal Protection Solutions?
Get expert advice on metal primers, protective coatings, and Dulux Metalshield products for your project across the UAE.
Share these details for a quick response:
- Metal type (steel, galvanized, aluminium, other)
- Current condition (new, surface rust, heavy corrosion, previously painted)
- Environment (inland, coastal, industrial, sheltered)
- Application (structural, decorative, equipment, marine)
- Approximate area to be coated
- Colour and finish requirements
- Project timeline and access conditions
