32 | Sector Focus: Coatings & Finishes
THE STANDARD SETTING
Graeme Thomas, founder and managing director of Timber Coaters, reflects on three decades of setting the standard
As Timber Coaters Ltd approaches its 30th anniversary in May 2026, we find ourselves reflecting on just how much the industry has evolved since we began. Whilst we remain a family business at our core, the company has expanded and matured dramatically over these three decades. We have grown from a local operation into a nationwide service, driven by a singular commitment: supporting the trade with high-quality, specification-led finishes for premium projects. Today, operating from our expansive facility on the Wirral, we stand at the intersection of traditional service values and modern industrial capability. However, the journey to becoming one of the UK’s leading independent coating facilities has been defined not just by the volume of timber we process, but by how we respond to the changing needs of the construction sector. One of the most notable changes in the industry followed the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017. It was a watershed moment for construction, and since then, the market for fire-retardant (FR) treated timber has not
only grown but has become rightfully more stringent. The “tick-box” culture of the past has been replaced by a demand for absolute verification and traceability.
By working closely with some of Europe’s leading FR manufacturers, we have built a strong reputation as a specialist applicator capable of achieving Euroclass B fire performance. Crucially, the market has learned that fire treatment is not the end of the process; it is the beginning. We now specialise in applying compatible finishes that maintain the fire rating classification without compromise, solving a common industry headache where aesthetic topcoats inadvertently degrade the performance of the fire treatment underneath.
Reflecting on the last 12 months, the market has stabilised following the volatility of the early 2020s. We have seen a move away from heavy, opaque coatings towards more nuanced, “natural” aesthetics that require sophisticated application to achieve durability. A standout example of this shift is our 2025 collaboration with Starship for “The Reserve”
Above: Timber Coaters stands at the intersection of traditional service values and modern industrial capability
TTJ | Spring 2026 |
www.ttjonline.com
at Chester Zoo. For this project, we applied our proprietary, 100% eco-friendly “Silvergray” treatment to the Thermowood cladding of 51 new lodges. The brief demanded a finish that was not only aesthetically sympathetic to the savannah-inspired landscape but also non- toxic and safe for the surrounding wildlife. It serves as a perfect case study for how modern coatings must now balance high-performance durability with environmental stewardship. 2025 has also been a milestone year for our internal growth. As most of our clients are aware, we purchased the reputable manufacturing company Palmer Primer last year. We are now fully up and running after successfully transferring the business from Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, over to our facility on the Wirral. We would like to thank Richard Palmer for his invaluable help in making this transition swift and seamless. The strategic decision to bring this manufacturing capability in-house is rooted in a commitment to absolute reliability. This purchase has supported not only our own operations but also the existing network of Palmer Primer clients by securing the engineering expertise required for breakdowns and maintenance. In an era where supply chain delays can stall projects, having in-house engineering capabilities reduces downtime and gets machines back up and running swiftly. For our customers, this translates to consistency, speed, and the confidence that their deadlines will be met, saving money across the supply chain. Looking ahead, we are already planning for the year to come. We are currently in active discussions with paint and stain manufacturers, both nationally and internationally, to increase their presence and bring new technical knowledge into the UK industry. We anticipate 2026 will bring a renewed focus on bio-based coatings and sustainable formulations. However, the UK market requires these products to be tested against our unique (and often harsh) climate. Our role, as we see it, is to be the bridge between these global innovations and the practical realities of the UK timber trade. Timber Coaters enters its 30th year not just as a service provider, but as a technical partner for the timber sector.
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