Paint manufacturer adopts water-based paints for Kenya

Crown Paints CEO Rakesh Rao (right) with James Mbithi, Sales Director Oak Park during the opening. [PHOTO: COURTESY /STANDARD]

By CORRESPONDENT

NAIROBI, KENYA: Paint maker Crown Paints Kenya has announced that 80 per cent of all the paints it is currently producing are water-based.

The cut-down on carbon-reliant paints, better known as oil-based, in preparation and manufacturing of paints, was driven by new industry legislation.

“Today, water-based paints dominate and account for roughly 80 per cent of the paints we are selling. With environmental concerns coming to the fore, paint manufacturers globally are busy formulating new products that cut down on VOCs (volatile organic compounds),” said Rakesh Rao, Crown Paints Kenya Ltd Chief Executive Officer. 

Rao added: “Fifty years ago, virtually all paints were oil-based. Today, advances in paint technology mean that modern, water-based paints, often referred to as acrylic emulsions, and are increasingly replacing organic solvents across a broad range of paint applications.”

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SHOWROOM

He was speaking recently in Lavington while opening Crown Paints fourth showroom, which will serve Nairobians living and connecting through James Gichuru Road.

The showroom room, he said, would stock different range of interior and exterior products. “Kenya is transforming and Kenyans want to change their lifestyles. At Crown Paints we endeavor to bring global products at your doorsteps,” said Rao.

He further noted that Crown Paints Showroom model has gained traction, proving to be an efficient and effective channel for educating Kenyans on different kind of interior and exterior paints as well as finishes.

“The middle and upper middle class customers are demanding more quality products. We have witnessed better understanding of paints through our face-to-face interaction with our customers,” he said.    

The showroom features the latest innovations in paints and interior finishes and offer consumers tips on how to enhance building aesthetics using quality products. It is designed as a one-stop colour expression centre, complete with colour visualizer to simulate room sets.

Recently, Crown Paints opened two showrooms in Mombasa and Nakuru, bringing the total to four, with a promise to open three more in Kisumu, Eldoret and Nairobi.