IKEA Coquitlam Facility Restoration
IKEA Protected with Sustainable Nanotechnology
A 30,000 sq. ft. project that combined safety, sustainability, and efficiency, completed with zero disruption to operations.
Project Overview
In the summer of 2025, NanoTech Innovation Inc. partnered with Central Painting Inc., one of Canada’s leading national painting contractors serving the commercial and industrial markets, to carry out a large-scale restoration project at the IKEA facility in Coquitlam, BC. The work covered nearly 30,000 square feet of metal surfaces, including staircases, handrails, guardrails, canopies, fasteners, and the metal roof.
The project was completed in just five weeks, meeting all of IKEA’s safety and sustainability goals, while remained open to customers the entire time.
The Challenge
IKEA Coquitlam is one of the busiest retail destinations in Metro Vancouver. Like all IKEA Facilities, it must reflect the company’s brand values: safety, modern design, and environmental responsibility.
After years of heavy use and exposure, key metal assets including staircases, guardrails, canopy structures, and roof showed signs of corrosion and wear. Full replacement would have been extremely costly, time consuming, and disruptive to operations. Abrasive blasting or chemical-intensive solutions were not acceptable options, as IKEA also needed an approach that was eco-friendly, safe for workers, and aligned with its environmental commitments.
The Solution
NanoTech Innovation applied its flagship product, AnarPrime™ 3-in-1 Rust Converter, Primer & Sealer. This advanced nanotechnology formulation is water-based and plant-derived. It converts existing rust into a stable protective layer while sealing the surface and serving as a long-lasting primer.
The application was carried out using spraying, brushing, and rolling methods, ensuring full coverage across the facility’s varied surfaces. AnarPrime™ allowed the team to avoid abrasive blasting or extensive surface preparation, reducing labor time and minimizing waste. The restoration was completed in just five weeks, with no disruption to operations.
Results and Benefits
- No business disruption, the IKEA store remained fully open during the project
- Sustainable solution, plant-based and water-based formulation, free of harsh chemicals
- Durability, long-term corrosion resistance verified by ASTM testing
- Cost savings, avoided costly full replacements and reduced labor time
- Safety, safe application process with no toxic fumes or hazardous blasting
What Central Painting Said
“It was a very good experience working with the NanoTech product. It is easy to apply, especially with the ALS machine, and adding up to 15% water makes it smooth to work with. We used both spraying and brushing, and coverage was better when spraying. The thicker the coats, the better the performance, so applying one to three coats gave the best results. We could clearly see the conversion process as the coating turned black after application, which confirmed it was working. The system also helped us bypass sandblasting, saving time and simplifying the process.”
— William, Supervisor, Central Painting Inc.
What IKEA Said
“At IKEA, our focus is always on safety and the customer. We wanted this work done without interrupting people coming into the store, and that’s exactly what happened. The result looks good, and it matches our environmental goals as well.”
— IKEA Maintenance Manager, Coquitlam
What NanoTech Said
“This project really showed what AnarPrime™ can do for big facilities like IKEA. It saved time, it saved costs, and it cut out the need for sandblasting. Most importantly, it gave a strong protective layer while keeping things simple and safe for the team.”
— Ehsan Espid, CTO, NanoTech Innovation Inc.
About IKEA
IKEA is the world’s largest furniture retailer with more than 480 stores worldwide, including 16 in Canada. Guided by its vision to create a better everyday life for the many people, IKEA is committed to sustainability, affordability, and innovation in both its products and operations. The company invests heavily in renewable energy, circular product design, and community initiatives that reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship. In British Columbia, IKEA continues to be a leader in combining modern retail with values of safety, responsibility, and sustainability.
About NanoTech Innovation
NanoTech Innovation Inc. is a Vancouver-based material science company specializing in sustainable corrosion protection technologies. Its flagship product, AnarPrime™, is a plant-based 3-in-1 rust converter, primer, and sealer. Applied directly onto rusted surfaces, it eliminates the need for abrasive blasting, cuts costs, and provides long-term protection across industries, including construction, industrial, and marine.
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