Chemolak: More than just paints and coatings

The earliest colours appeared long before houses, furniture, or machines existed. Prehistoric humans created pigments from clay, charcoal, crushed minerals, and animal fats, using them to decorate the walls of their shelters. Cave paintings in Lascaux and Altamira still prove that colour has always been a powerful tool of expression.

In ancient Egypt, colours were not only used to decorate tombs and temples — they held symbolic meaning and were deeply connected to faith and culture. The famous Egyptian blue and vivid ochres have survived millennia thanks to the remarkable precision of local craftsmen. The Romans pushed the craft even further, using natural resins, waxes, and oils — materials that later became the basis of today’s varnishes.

The Middle Ages brought tempera, while the Renaissance marked a revolution with oil paints, enabling more realistic shading and an entirely new depth in artwork.

The real turning point came in the 19th and 20th centuries. Modern chemistry introduced synthetic pigments, resins, varnishes, and protective systems that today can be found not only on works of art but also on building facades, structures, furniture, and vehicles. Paints have become part of technology, safety, and sustainability.

The history of colour has its place in Slovakia as well. In the past, simple natural pigments were used to decorate wooden houses or protect agricultural buildings. As industry evolved, the first workshops — and later larger factories — emerged, offering higher-quality and more durable coatings.

One place where traditional craftsmanship transformed into modern chemical production is Smolenice — the home of Chemolak, a.s., today one of the most important coating manufacturers in the region.

Chemolak’s story began in 1883, when wood-chemical production was established in small factory near village Smolenice. Over time, this small operation grew into a modern enterprise offering a broad portfolio of products:

- interior and exterior paints and varnishes
- wood stains, oils, and protective treatments
- industrial coating systems for metals, machinery, and transportation
- thinners and auxiliary materials

Chemolak products now protect and beautify thousands of homes, buildings, and structures in Slovakia and abroad.

Chemolak places strong emphasis on innovation and environmentally responsible solutions. The company continuously invests in its research and development centre, where new formulations, eco-friendly products with lower VOC content, and coatings with increased mechanical and weather resistance are created.

Environmental protection is equally important — from responsible waste management and optimised production processes to the development of products with a reduced environmental impact.

When we visited Chemolak with the Made in Slovakia project, we were welcomed by an atmosphere where long-standing tradition meets modern technology. We saw the production process from resins all the way to final paints and coating systems. Every step was precise, consistent, and expertly managed.

What impressed us most, however, was the dedication of the people working at Chemolak. Conversations with technologists and specialists quickly made it clear that Chemolak is far more than “a paint factory.” It’s a place where honest craftsmanship comes together with deep experience and professional skill.

If you’re curious about how the products that protect and beautify our buildings, furniture, and structures are made, don’t miss our report from Chemolak. And if you enjoy stories of Slovak brands, visit our website — you’ll find many more behind-the-scenes visits to outstanding Slovak manufacturers.