How Jotun is setting the standard for weatherproofing Bangladesh's buildings

In Bangladesh, where the seasons shift with intensity and the skies often open without warning, resilience is not just a virtue – it's a necessity. From Dhaka's high-rise skyline to premium coastal tourist attractions in Cox's Bazar, buildings must not only endure prolonged rain, humidity and heat – they must do so without compromising beauty or longevity.

Jotun Bangladesh recognises this challenge and meets it head-on with scientifically engineered coatings that go far beyond surface-level aesthetics. Our mission is simple yet bold: to protect and beautify structures through weather-defying, performance-tested paint systems. And in doing so, help redefine what it means for buildings to "endure".

Understanding the real threat: Water and weather

Water may be essential to life, but for buildings, uncontrolled moisture is among the leading causes of deterioration. In coastal and humid regions like Bangladesh, moisture seeps through pores, cracks and invisible crevices – accelerating issues such as:

• Surface cracks and peeling paint
• Fungal and algae infestations
• Concrete carbonation
• Mould, discolouration, and thermal degradation

The implications aren't merely visual. Structural safety, material performance, and indoor health can all be compromised, leading to higher maintenance costs and reduced asset value. Traditional coatings, even those labelled "exterior grade", often fall short in these hyper-local, high-humidity conditions.

This is where Jotun's purpose-built exterior systems come into play.

Jotashield WaterXtreme: A complete waterproofing system

At the core of our weatherproofing arsenal lies Jotashield WaterXtreme, a two-part paint system comprising a specialised basecoat and high-performance topcoat. Together, they provide comprehensive, long-term protection against moisture, forming a seamless barrier that breathes while shielding.

Key benefits of the system include:

• Crack-bridging ability of up to 1.45 mm, minimising water ingress through hairline fractures
• Anti-fungal and anti-algae protection – critical for both appearance and hygiene
• Water vapour permeability, allowing moisture from inside the wall to escape
• 10-year waterproofing warranty, validated by rigorous third-party testing
• UV-resistant colours – helping retain surface integrity and preventing chalking or fading in harsh sunlight
• Long-term colour accuracy, ensuring consistency over time – even across touch-ups and batches

"Our coatings are not cosmetic – they are functional barriers against water ingress and early deterioration," says Tanzib Ahsan, Product Manager at Jotun Bangladesh. "In humid climates like ours, that performance makes a visible and structural difference."

Whether it's a hospital in Chattogram or a commercial complex in Tejgaon, WaterXtreme doesn't just delay damage – it defends against it.

Design that withstands and inspires

Performance alone doesn't define a building's character. Especially in urban and brand-conscious spaces, aesthetic durability matters just as much. Enter Jotashield Colourlast – a premium exterior finish designed to endure Bangladesh's brutal sun and shifting climate, while retaining colour brilliance for years.

Available in Silk and Matt finishes, Colourlast performs beautifully, resulting in:

• UV-resistant colours that don't fade or chalk
  High coverage and stain resistance
• A refined look that enhances architectural form without overpowering it

Complementing this, Easycoat Plus Matt offers a value-driven exterior solution with reliable fungal protection – ideal for projects seeking a balance between beauty and budget.

Together, these products allow property developers, architects and homeowners to make confident exterior choices – ones that satisfy both aesthetic aspirations and engineering requirements.

What lies beneath: Concrete protection and certification

Paints and coatings are often seen as finishing touches – the visual signature of a building. But for Jotun, the mission goes deeper. Our exterior systems also protect the concrete substrate – the very backbone of a structure.

One of the key challenges in tropical environments is carbonation – a natural yet damaging process where carbon dioxide penetrates concrete, leading to rebar corrosion and structural weakening. Jotun products are engineered with anti-carbonation properties, maintaining pH balance and safeguarding structural integrity over time.

What's more, we back our claims with documentation. Many of our solutions carry:

• Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
  Low-VOC certification
• Compliance with LEED and BREEAM standards

This makes them ideal for environmentally conscious and future-ready projects – both public and private – as demand rises for sustainable construction materials.

Proof in the paint: Landmark projects across Bangladesh

Jotun's commitment isn't merely theoretical – it's visible across some of the nation's most high-profile developments. These buildings stand as testaments to both the faith placed in our products and the performance delivered in challenging conditions:

• Shanta Forum, Tejgaon
• Aarong Flagship Outlet, Dhanmondi
• Dhaka Airport Terminal 3
• Cox's Bazar Railway Station
• The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka
• Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka
• Hotel Ramada, Cox's Bazar
• Shanta Glass House

From nuclear infrastructure to hospitality and transport terminals, Jotun coatings have stood tall – proving their resilience under pressure and once again affirming: we're not just in the business of paints; we're in the business of protection.

A journey beyond the wall: Technical collaboration and training

Our role doesn't end after the paint dries. Jotun is committed to capacity building – engaging directly with architects, contractors and engineers through:

• Technical data sheets and on-site application guidance
• Product demo sessions
• Certified painter training programmes

This knowledge-sharing ensures that products are not only well-selected but correctly applied, closing the loop on quality and accountability.

Additionally, our use of digital tools – including CRM-based tracking, retail mapping, and real-time site updates – ensures transparency and agility across the project lifecycle. Whether it's colour matching at a retail outlet or monitoring paint trials on a multi-storey site, our digital ecosystem keeps things moving at the pace of construction.

Why architects and developers choose Jotun

While many brands promise exterior protection, few deliver a complete ecosystem the way Jotun does. When clients choose us, they're not just getting a can of paint – they're gaining access to:

• Decades of global R&D and local climate expertise
• Product compatibility from primer to topcoat
• Dedicated technical service and sales support
• Design flexibility through colour tools and visualisers
• Risk mitigation through warranties and certifications

This holistic approach is why we're trusted not only across Bangladesh but also on global icons like the Makka Clock Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, and the Burj Khalifa.

The final layer: Peace of mind

At the end of the day, the most valuable thing Jotun delivers isn't colour, protection or prestige – it's peace of mind.

In a world of unpredictable weather, evolving standards and rising expectations, it helps to have a partner who sees beyond the surface. One who understands your project's needs from blueprint to building handover. One who won't just stand by your side, but will stand by your structure for years to come.