The AI revolution is driving extraordinary demand for data centers worldwide. These facilities have become core drivers of our digital economy, enabling secure data storage, seamless access and high-speed processing of massive information volumes. Demand for new data centers of all sizes—hyperscale, colocation and enterprise facilities—is growing exponentially as organizations race to keep up with surging digital infrastructure needs.
Meeting the Challenges of Data Center Construction and Sustainability
Launching new data centers quickly is essential, but construction faces aggressive timelines, supply chain challenges and highly complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Alongside these technical and logistical demands, environmental concerns have become a top priority. Increasing energy consumption, stringent regulations and pressure from communities, investors and legislators are pushing sustainability to the forefront of data center construction and operations. These forces are driving the industry to adopt solutions that:
- Reduce energy use through efficient cooling
- Lower carbon emissions with renewable energy
- Extend asset life and reduce maintenance and replacement needs
PPG’s Comprehensive Coatings Solutions and Application Services for Data Centers
When we think of data centers and their environmental footprint, industrial coatings are typically not the first factors that come to mind. Yet they play a key role in data center deployment, operations and environmental impact.
What makes PPG unique as a data center partner is our unequaled and comprehensive range of protective solutions. PPG is one of the few, if not the only, global coatings manufacturers with products in every major technology: pretreatment, electrocoat, liquid and powder.
These include IEEE‑compliant and UL‑certified coatings for all major data center platforms, backed by world‑class technical teams and a robust global supply network. PPG industrial coatings, services and engineering solutions help data centers operate more efficiently, reliably and sustainably throughout their lifecycle.
Beyond protective solutions, PPG offers full-service application services and engineered solutions through the Coatings Services business, offering an unprecedented level of integration, quality control and support to industry partners.
Integrated Coating Application Services to Streamline Data Center Builds
Data‑center builders face mounting pressure not only to source the right components but to get them coated precisely to specification, often from a limited pool of vendors already struggling to meet demand. The need for specialized finishes for corrosion resistance, thermal performance and electrical isolation can extend lead times, quality‑control challenges and scheduling bottlenecks. Every step, including procurement, coating, inspection and delivery, can slow a project down, making it harder to keep aggressive construction timelines on track.
PPG streamlines this entire process with a fully integrated approach to coating application:
- In-house facilities provide controlled, consistent coatings from pretreatment to topcoats
- Rigorous process controls and deep technical expertise ensure quality and scalability
- A global network of trusted application partners extends capacity and on-site support
- A hybrid model allows sourcing coatings and application services from a single provider, reducing complexity and logistics
- An engineering solutions team that designs, builds and installs coating lines for customers expanding internal capacity
- INSITE® program offers expert operation of customer-owned coating lines
These capabilities accelerate construction, reduce maintenance cycles and enhance reliability and longevity of mission-critical assets.
Specialized PPG Coating Solutions for Data Centers
PPG’s specialized coatings help to ensure service continuity, improve energy efficiency and extend the reliability, safety and longevity of critical equipment with a host of mechanical and performance properties:
- EMI shielding
- Anti-static and fire-resistance
- Passive fire protection
- Corrosion and rust resistance
- Reflect heat to cool with less energy
- Insulative, dielectric strength and thermal resistance
- Enhanced durability and resilience, reducing maintenance costs and improving operational continuity and efficiency
| Coating Feature | Benefits and Applications |
| EMI Shielding | Protects servers, networking gear and storage systems from electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliability in dense hardware environments. |
| Anti-Static & Fire-Resistant | Prevents electrostatic discharge and maintains structural steel integrity during fire events with passive fire protection (PFP) coatings. |
| Corrosion & Rust Resistance | Shields buildings, HVAC systems, racks, coils, transformers, switchgear, generators, and enclosures from moisture, chemicals and contaminants. Meets ISO 12944-6 standards for harsh C5H environments. |
| Thermal Resistive Coatings | Slow heat transfer and protect components from thermal stress. By helping maintain stable operating temperatures, they reduce degradation and extend equipment life. |
| IR-reflective Coatings | Reflect infrared radiation to reduce heat absorption, lowering cooling loads and improving energy efficiency. |
| Insulative & Dielectric Powders | Create non-conductive barriers to prevent electrical shorts, withstands high heat and loads, and provides thermal resistance and moisture repellency. |
| Enhanced Durability & Resilience | Reduces maintenance costs and improves operational continuity and efficiency by extending asset life. |
| Protective Coatings for UPS Batteries | Safeguard battery cells, terminals, busbars, cabinets, and control electronics from moisture, off-gassing, and corrosion to ensure power continuity. |
PPG Total Coatings Solutions for Every Data Center Application
PPG delivers a comprehensive portfolio engineered for the demanding conditions of data centers. With decades of expertise and continuous innovation, PPG’s coatings help maximize uptime, boost operational efficiency and support long-term sustainability.
| Data Center Application | PPG Coating Benefits |
| Servers & Electrical Enclosures | Exceptional corrosion resistance and thermal management for optimal performance and longevity. |
| Shelving & Racking | Enhanced structural durability and wear resistance to support heavy loads and dynamic environments. |
| Generators | Robust protection against harsh environmental conditions to guarantee uninterrupted power supply. |
| Transformers & Switchgear | Long-term protection and insulation against corrosion, moisture, contaminants, and electrical stress. |
| Battery Energy Storage | Coatings resist chemical exposure and thermal cycling to safeguard critical energy storage units. |
| Flooring Solutions | Engineered to withstand heavy equipment weight and movement, mitigate dust and electrostatic conductivity, and protect against moisture and chemicals. |