PRIME Polyurethane-coated Pre-painted Steel
Premium protection and aesthetics for modern construction
NLMK Group is one of the industry’s volume leaders in galvanized, polymer-coated rolled steel. Our products are used for the most demanding applications: from large-scale facilities and industrial complexes to residential construction and the manufacture of premium roofing materials. A direct customer service model, flexible logistics, and quality control at every stage make NLMK a reliable partner for B2B customers of any scale.
When it comes to premium-class roofs and façades, the material you choose determines not only the project’s appearance but also its durability for decades to come. PRIME polyurethane-coated steel from NLMK Group is the choice for those unwilling to compromise — who value aesthetics and reliability equally.
- Corrosion protection — warranties up to 45 years
- UV colour protection — up to 25 years
- Over 80 RAL colours, wrinkle (matte) and textured finishes
- Production: NLMK Group, Lipetsk
What is polyurethane-coated pre-painted steel
Pre-painted steel is a layered system, like a “layer cake”, in which the steel sheet surface is sequentially coated with a zinc protective layer, a conversion (chemical) layer, a primer, and a final polymer topcoat on both sides.* The type of topcoat determines the performance characteristics and class of the product.
Our PRIME range uses a polyurethane enamel — a high-quality coating based on polyurethane resins. Polyurethane forms a dense elastic film 35 or 50** μm thick that significantly outperforms standard polyester coatings.
* Common layer arrangement for coated steel produced by NLMK.
** Other thicknesses available on request.
Technical parameters of NLMK PRIME steel
| Parameter | Value | Performance gains |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer topcoat thickness | 35 µm, 50 µm | Enhanced resistance to mechanical damage and through-corrosion |
| Zinc coating mass | 200–275 g/m² | Strong barrier and cathodic protection of the steel substrate |
| UV resistance | Class RUV4 | Retains original colour and gloss even in high-insolation southern regions |
| Corrosion resistance | Class RC 4–5 | Suitable for coastal marine areas and industrial zones with aggressive atmospheres |
| Coating ductility | 0.5–1.0 T (T-bend) | No cracking or delamination during deep profiling and bending |
Key advantages of PRIME
1. Superior corrosion resistance and chemical durability in a top-tier look
With a 50 μm coating and the synergy of a polyurethane matrix with high zinc mass (275 g/m²), PRIME offers robust protection against chemically aggressive compounds. This enables you to:
- Use the material near farms (where ammonia concentrations are high).
- Build close to marine coastlines (salt mist exposure).
- Reduce façade and roof maintenance and repair costs over 45+ years.
2. Resistance to mechanical damage and flexibility in forming
Polyamide-modified polyurethane creates a textured surface resistant to scratches and chipping during transport, installation, or snow slides off roofs. At the same time, the metal retains excellent ductility: on profiling lines for metal tiles or sandwich panels, the coating does not develop microcracks at bends.
3. Lightfastness and durable look (RUV 4)
Standard*** polymer coatings fade quickly in the sun and become brittle (chalking). The PRIME formula prevents UV degradation. Façades and roofs maintain colour depth and vibrancy for decades, preventing gradual shade mismatch.
*** Compared with polyester coatings.
Where PRIME is used
Thanks to a combination of high mechanical strength, weather resistance, and superior aesthetics, polyurethane-coated steel is in demand across a wide range of applications.
- Roofing systems. Metal tiles, standing-seam roofing, flashings, guttering, and snow guards for business and premium residential buildings, commercial properties, and hotels. High coating ductility is essential when forming complex details: valleys, flashings/abutments, pipe penetrations.
- Façade systems. Cladding cassettes, ventilated façades, decorative building elements. Batch-to-batch colour consistency enables phased construction without shade variation.
- Fences and enclosures. Profiled sheeting for long-lasting perimeter protection, with colour options matching the primary structure.
- Sandwich panels. Exterior panel skins for industrial and commercial buildings in high-humidity or chemically aggressive environments with top-tier looks.
Case study: An engineering solution by NLMK’s expert service
Client request
- A general contractor needed materials for a coastal cottage community in a high-insolation area with marine exposure.
Solution
- As coated-steel experts, we recommended a roofing solution covered by warranty, and our partner provided not only the roofing supply but also technical support for the client (installation supervision). NLMK specialists advised replacing standard polyester with PRIME polyurethane-coated steel. We produced and delivered 0.5–0.7 mm steel with double-sided zinc 275 g/m² and a 50 μm PRIME coating.
- The project was successfully completed in full compliance with process requirements, and the client provided positive feedback.
PRIME vs COMFORT: polyurethane vs polyester
Both ranges are produced by NLMK Group in Lipetsk and meet Russian and European quality standards, but they are designed for different tasks and price segments.
| Parameter | PRIME (polyurethane) | COMFORT (polyester) |
|---|---|---|
| Coating thickness | 35–50 µm | 25–35 µm |
| Corrosion warranty | up to 45 years | up to 28 years |
| UV colour protection | up to 25 years | up to 15 years |
| Erichsen cupping | ≥ 8 mm | ≥ 6 mm |
| Mechanical durability | High | Standard |
| Scratch resistance | Enhanced**** | Standard |
| Price band | Premium | Comfort |
| Application | Business/premium, complex roofs | Residential construction |
**** 2–4 times higher than standard.
When to go PRIME?
If the project requires long-term warranties, operates in challenging climates (temperature swings, high insolation, industrial atmosphere), and the architectural concept accentuates the aesthetics, a polyurethane coating with up to 45-year corrosion and 25-year colour warranties is the optimal choice.
When is COMFORT sufficient?
For residential buildings in temperate climates, where the priority is a wide colour selection at an optimal budget. A polyester coating with up to 28 years corrosion protection and up to 15 years colourfastness provides the needed level of protection.
FAQ: Technical expertise on polyurethane-based coatings
Question: What is the fundamental difference between the polyurethane-based PRIME coating and standard polyester (PE)?
Answer: The key differences are the polymer’s thickness and chemistry. Standard polyester is 25 μm thick, with UV resistance class RUV3 and corrosion class RC3. PRIME polyurethane is twice as thick (50 μm), has stronger chemical bonds, and in certain versions is further modified with a harder polymer — polyamide. As a result, PRIME delivers 2–4 times better scratch resistance, superior UV resilience (RUV4 vs. RUV3), and extends time to first through-corrosion perforation to up to 50 years versus 15–20 years for polyester.
Question: Can PRIME be used to manufacture rainwater systems? They’re in constant contact with water and debris.
Answer: Not only is it possible — it is recommended. Guttering is subject to continuous hydro-abrasive wear (water carries sand, twigs, needles). Thanks to polyamide particles, PRIME offers increased abrasion resistance. The highest corrosion resistance class (RC5) ensures that prolonged contact with standing water in gutters will not cause coating delamination.
Question: How does PRIME perform during winter installation? Won’t it crack during cutting and forming on site?
Answer: Polyurethane has excellent elasticity across a wide temperature range and remains flexible even at sub-zero temperatures (down to -15 °C). However, in winter installation you should use appropriate tools (nibblers instead of an angle grinder) to avoid overheating and burning off the zinc and polymer protective layers at the cut edge.
Question: Does PRIME protect cut edges against corrosion?
Answer: Zinc class Z275 (275 g/m²) provides cut-edge protection. With its cathodic properties, zinc sacrificially protects the exposed steel edge, preventing lateral corrosion. The primer and PRIME topcoat block moisture ingress beneath the polymer at the cut boundary, preventing “blister-like” delamination.
Question: What warranty does NLMK provide for PRIME?
Answer: NLMK offers an official warranty: up to 45 years for corrosion protection and up to 25 years for colour retention (UV resistance). This is among the highest warranty terms in the industry.
Question: In which climatic zones is PRIME used?
Answer: PRIME is designed for Russian climatic conditions: it retains colour and protective properties both in high-insolation regions and in areas with severe winters and sharp temperature fluctuations.
Question: What colours and textures are available in the PRIME range?
Answer: We currently offer 22 colours — but the palette is open-ended and we can expand it upon request. Several surface finishes are available: textured and wrinkle (matte).
Advantages of ordering galvanized, pre-painted PRIME steel from NLMK
We ensure end-to-end quality control throughout our integrated production chain: from smelting high-purity steel and hot/cold rolling through to galvanizing and applying polymer systems at our modern automated lines.
- Colour and geometry consistency: strict adherence to the coating formulation guarantees across-batch colour matching (within tight Delta E tolerances).
- Reliability guaranteed: the PRIME range is certified and fully complies with Russian and international quality standards.
“We do not cut corners on materials that deliver premium performance: every layer has the thickness required for reliable protection, and the topcoat provides a distinctive aesthetic.” — NLMK R&D Division.
For a technical consultation on PRIME’s suitability for your project or to get a quote, contact NLMK’s Sales Call Centre at +7 (800) 511 30 39 or email your specification to sales@nlmk.com.