AI data center construction is boosting demand for specialized coatings

In short: As more data centers are built for AI and cloud computing, companies are buying more specialized coatings that help prevent fires, rust, and static electricity.

What's going on

Data centers are large buildings filled with computers that store and process data. The current wave of building, driven in part by AI, is creating new demand for coatings and flooring systems that protect these facilities.

Some reports describe this as a boom in “gray paint,” since many data centers use gray coatings on top of gray concrete and steel. But the color is not the main point. The important part is what the coating is designed to do, like choosing different kinds of protective gear for different hazards.

One example is fire protection. The New York Times reported that intumescent coatings, which are a type of fire-resistant paint, can swell when heated and turn into a thicker, insulating layer (like a puffy shield) that helps steel keep its strength longer during a fire.

Coatings are also used to fight corrosion, which is slow damage from moisture and chemicals, similar to how rust spreads on a car. Floors can use tougher systems to handle heavy equipment, and some coatings help control static electricity near sensitive electronics. Others insulate electrical parts to reduce risk from electrical contact.

PPG, a major coatings maker, told the New York Times it expects its data center paint sales to triple in 2026 compared with 2025. The company also said overall sales rose 7% in its most recently reported quarter. This projection is the company’s estimate, not a verified measure of the whole industry.

What to watch

If data center construction keeps rising, coatings companies may keep expanding product lines aimed at fire safety, corrosion resistance, and static control. Watch for whether other suppliers report similar growth, and whether tougher building and fire rules increase demand further.

Source: NYTimes