ARTUR PALASZ

Founder and Lead Formulator, SPEKTROCHEM COATINGS LABORATORY

Could you please share your current role, what it entails, and what excites you most about it?
I’m the founder and lead formulator at Spektrochem, an independent coatings laboratory specializing in waterborne architectural paints. My role spans research on raw materials, formulation development, ASTM testing, and supporting suppliers with application studies. What excites me most is translating raw material properties into real performance for coatings—and showing how subtle formulation choices can drastically change how a paint behaves in the hands of end users.

What brought you to the coatings industry? Was it part of the plan, or did you discover coatings along the way?
I didn’t plan a career in coatings. My journey started with an interest in chemistry and materials science, and along the way I discovered how coatings connect science with real-life applications. Once I saw how research directly influences product performance in everyday life—walls, buildings, infrastructure—I knew this was the field I wanted to dedicate myself to.

How important has mentorship or a piece of advice from someone been in your career—and have you had the chance to mentor others in return?
Mentorship has been critical in my career. Early on, I received advice that testing paints is not just about numbers—it’s about observing behavior and asking “why.” That mindset shaped my approach. Today, I try to give back by mentoring younger chemists and even raw material producers, helping them understand formulations, ASTM methods, and real-world performance.

How, if at all, did your educational background shape your path into coatings?
My formal education in chemistry provided the foundation for understanding polymers, pigments, and dispersions, but my path into coatings really accelerated through applied research and laboratory practice. Education gave me the tools, but curiosity, experimentation, and industry collaboration turned those tools into meaningful innovations in paint formulation.

What’s one project or innovation you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
I’m especially proud of the polymer dispersion formulations we’ve developed in our lab using modern polymerizable surfactants, many of which have been successfully implemented worldwide. I’m also proud of our work on high performance paints for the U.S. market, combining excellent washability and cleansability—ranging from residential applications to cinder block systems with block fillers. Above all, I value that our lab operates internationally, supporting the global development of raw materials for architectural coatings.

How do you stay current with advancements in coatings technology?
I stay current by attending industry conferences, publishing in trade journals, conducting independent testing, and staying in close dialogue with raw material suppliers. Running an independent lab also gives me the freedom to continuously experiment—so I’m not just reading about advancements, I’m testing them directly in real paint systems.

Are there any misconceptions about your role or industry that you’d like to correct?
One misconception is that coatings are “just paint.” In reality, coatings are advanced materials that combine chemistry, physics, and engineering. They’re designed to protect, beautify, and perform under diverse conditions. My role isn’t simply mixing ingredients—it’s about balancing multiple properties, from rheology to durability, in formulations that must meet strict standards.

Have you ever taken a detour or changed directions in your career? What did that pivot teach you?
A major pivot in my career was focusing strongly on the U.S. market, where performance expectations and testing standards differ significantly from Europe. Another unexpected but impactful turn was becoming a “coatings influencer”—building a YouTube channel, a strong LinkedIn presence, and an active Instagram profile. Through these platforms, I share what we do in the lab, explain how formulations work, and demonstrate how we test paints. This not only broadened my professional reach but also connected me with a global audience.

Have you faced any significant professional challenges, and if so, how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was building credibility as an independent laboratory in a market dominated by large corporations. I overcame it by demonstrating expertise, consistency, and transparency—publishing results, showing test data, and delivering value. Over time, trust followed, and that challenge became one of my greatest strengths.

How has the coatings industry changed since you entered it?
Since I entered the industry, coatings have shifted significantly toward sustainability and performance balance. Twenty years ago, discussions focused mostly on VOCs; today, we also talk about recyclability, biobased feedstocks, and durability in extreme climates. The demand for data-driven testing has also grown, making independent labs more essential.

What trends or developments do you think are shaping the future of coatings?
I see sustainability, biobased raw materials, digitalization of testing, and regional market adaptation as the strongest forces shaping the future. End users expect paints that are not only functional but environmentally responsible, while manufacturers need reliable data and innovation partners to meet that expectation.

Are there particular industry innovations or shifts you’re excited about?
I’m particularly excited about advancements in rheology modifiers and biobased dispersants. These may sound technical, but they directly affect how a paint applies, dries, and performs. Seeing new raw materials that outperform fossil-based benchmarks gives me confidence that the industry is heading in the right direction.

What skills or traits do you think are essential for success in this industry?
Success in coatings requires curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience. Technical skills like understanding polymers and pigments are essential, but so is the ability to communicate results clearly, collaborate across disciplines, and stay open to new perspectives. Patience in testing and persistence in iteration are equally important.

What advice would you give someone just starting out in the industry or considering a career in coatings?
My advice is simple: never stop asking “why.” Read the standards, test widely, and observe beyond the data. Don’t just rely on supplier brochures—put materials to the test. The coatings industry rewards those who are both technically sharp and practically minded, and who connect lab work with end-user needs.

What’s something people outside the industry might not understand or be surprised to learn about working in coatings?

People outside the industry might be surprised at how much complexity lies in a “gallon of paint.” A single formulation can involve dozens of raw materials, each interacting with others. Small changes can have huge consequences, which makes coatings both challenging and fascinating to work with.

What keeps you motivated and eager to come to work each day?

What keeps me motivated is the fact that no two days are the same. Every new raw material, formulation, or test teaches me something. Seeing the direct impact of my work—whether in a successful product launch or a client breakthrough—makes the effort deeply rewarding.

Do you have any professional goals that you’re still eager to accomplish?
I’m still eager to expand the reach of my independent lab as a global partner for coatings innovation. Publishing more in international journals, delivering impactful conference talks, and achieving 10,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel are goals that combine education with influence in the industry.

How does company culture impact your work and ability to perform successfully?
Company culture matters greatly, even in a small independent lab. For me, culture means curiosity, transparency, and collaboration. When the environment supports open discussion and freedom to experiment, the work is more creative, productive, and impactful. That culture drives both innovation and professional satisfaction.

What opportunities or unique advantages does your company offer that someone new to the workforce or not too familiar with coatings should consider as a career pathway?
Spektrochem offers a unique career pathway for those new to coatings: real exposure to raw materials, independent testing, and hands-on formulation work. Unlike large corporations where tasks can be narrow, here you see the full process—from mixing to ASTM testing—while working closely with both suppliers and clients.

Is there anything else you’d like to share or express that isn’t captured in the previous questions?
If I had to add one thing, it’s this: coatings are everywhere, yet are often invisible. The industry’s impact on comfort, durability, and sustainability is immense. I’m proud to be part of a field that connects chemistry with everyday life in such a practical and meaningful way.

Artur Palasz is the founder and lead formulator at Spektrochem Coatings Laboratory, an independent coatings laboratory specializing in research, formulation, and ASTM testing of architectural waterborne paints for the U.S. market.

With deep expertise in raw materials, rheology, and high-performance paint design, he supports suppliers worldwide in developing and optimizing coatings solutions. Palasz is also an active voice in the industry, sharing knowledge through conferences, publications, and digital platforms, including YouTube and LinkedIn.

Outside the lab, he is a devoted bourbon enthusiast who enjoys exploring the craftsmanship of fine whiskey.