Why is Cobalt called a 'surface drier' in paint formulations?

Cobalt active metal catalyzes atmospheric oxygen absorption at the wet paint surface, rapidly crosslinking fatty acids into a dry skin film.

What dosage of Cobalt Octoate is recommended in alkyd paints?

Typical dosage is 0.02% to 0.06% active cobalt metal based on total resin solids (approx. 0.2% to 0.5% of 12% Cobalt Octoate liquid).

How is Cobalt Octoate used with Fiberglass Polyester Resin?

It acts as a promoter that decomposes MEKP peroxide catalyst at room temperature, initiating rapid polymerization and gelation of polyester resin.

Where can I buy Cobalt Octoate 12% in Nairobi?

Kiki's Industrial Chemicals stocks Cobalt Octoate 12% in 20kg jerrycans and 200kg drums at our warehouse in Nairobi Industrial Area.

What happens if too much Cobalt Octoate is added to paint?

Excess cobalt causes rapid surface skinning while the film underneath remains wet, leading to paint film wrinkling and poor adhesion.

Why is Cobalt Octoate combined with Lead or Zirconium driers?

Cobalt dries the surface skin, while Zirconium/Lead acts as a 'through-drier' to harden the entire paint film uniform thickness.

Is Cobalt Octoate soluble in paint solvents?

Yes, it is fully soluble in mineral turpentine, xylene, toluene, and white spirits.

How should Cobalt Octoate drums be stored?

Store in original sealed drums in a cool, dark store away from direct sunlight, open flames, and organic peroxides.

Do you supply paint raw materials across Kenya?

Yes, we supply cobalt driers, alkyd resins, pigments, and solvents to paint makers nationwide.

What packaging sizes are available?

We supply Cobalt Octoate 12% in 20kg HDPE jerrycans and 200kg steel drums.

Do you export Cobalt Octoate to East Africa?

Yes, we ship Cobalt Octoate to paint and fiberglass factories in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

Why is Cobalt called a 'surface drier' in paint formulations?

Cobalt active metal catalyzes atmospheric oxygen absorption at the wet paint surface, rapidly crosslinking fatty acids into a dry skin film.

What dosage of Cobalt Octoate is recommended in alkyd paints?

Typical dosage is 0.02% to 0.06% active cobalt metal based on total resin solids (approx. 0.2% to 0.5% of 12% Cobalt Octoate liquid).

How is Cobalt Octoate used with Fiberglass Polyester Resin?

It acts as a promoter that decomposes MEKP peroxide catalyst at room temperature, initiating rapid polymerization and gelation of polyester resin.

Where can I buy Cobalt Octoate 12% in Nairobi?

Kiki's Industrial Chemicals stocks Cobalt Octoate 12% in 20kg jerrycans and 200kg drums at our warehouse in Nairobi Industrial Area.

What happens if too much Cobalt Octoate is added to paint?

Excess cobalt causes rapid surface skinning while the film underneath remains wet, leading to paint film wrinkling and poor adhesion.

Why is Cobalt Octoate combined with Lead or Zirconium driers?

Cobalt dries the surface skin, while Zirconium/Lead acts as a 'through-drier' to harden the entire paint film uniform thickness.

Is Cobalt Octoate soluble in paint solvents?

Yes, it is fully soluble in mineral turpentine, xylene, toluene, and white spirits.

How should Cobalt Octoate drums be stored?

Store in original sealed drums in a cool, dark store away from direct sunlight, open flames, and organic peroxides.

Do you supply paint raw materials across Kenya?

Yes, we supply cobalt driers, alkyd resins, pigments, and solvents to paint makers nationwide.

What packaging sizes are available?

We supply Cobalt Octoate 12% in 20kg HDPE jerrycans and 200kg steel drums.

Do you export Cobalt Octoate to East Africa?

Yes, we ship Cobalt Octoate to paint and fiberglass factories in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

Quick Answer — Premium Cobalt Octoate (12% Cobalt Metal Drier for Paints & Resins)

Premium Cobalt Octoate 12% is an organometallic surface drying catalyst used by paint manufacturers in Kenya to accelerate oxygen absorption and surface drying in solvent-borne alkyd paints and polyester resins.

Key Facts

•Cobalt Metal Content: 12.0% ± 0.2% | Form: Dark Blue / Violet Liquid
•CAS Number: 136-52-7 | Dissolved in mineral spirits for rapid resin dispersion
•Most effective primary surface drier for solvent-borne alkyd enamels & varnishes
•Acts as promoter for methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) curing of polyester resins
•Supplied in 20kg Jerrycans & 200kg Sealed Drums from Nairobi Industrial Area

Primary Use Cases

Primary surface drier in solvent-borne alkyd enamel paints, decorative varnishes & printing inksPromoter accelerator for MEKP peroxide curing of unsaturated fiberglass polyester resinsDrying catalyst in oil-based wood stains & protective metal coatings

Paint & Coating ChemicalsOut of Stock

Premium Cobalt Octoate (12% Cobalt Metal Drier for Paints & Resins)

Product Code: KIC-DRI-001

Also known as: Cobalt Octoate, Cobalt Drier 10%, Cobalt 2-Ethylhexoate

Synonyms: Cobalt Soap, Primary Surface Drier, Cobalt Catalyst

High-efficacy Cobalt Octoate 10% primary surface drier for air-drying alkyd enamel paints, varnishes, and unsaturated polyester resin curing in Kenya.

CAS Number: 136-52-7
Formula: Co(C8H15O2)2
IUPAC Name: Cobalt(2+) bis(2-ethylhexanoate)
Molecular Weight: 345.34 g/mol
EC Number: 205-250-6
UN Number: 1993
Chemical Family: Organometallic Carboxylate Salts
Grade: Industrial Paint Drier Grade (10% Cobalt Metal)
Purity: 10.0% ± 0.2% Cobalt Metal Content
Physical Form: Deep Blue / Violet Liquid

Available Packaging

20kg Steel Can200kg Steel Drum

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Product Overview

Premium Cobalt Octoate is the most active primary surface drier used in the paint and resin industries. Containing 10% active metal, it acts as a powerful oxidation catalyst that promotes rapid surface film drying in alkyd paints, varnishes, and printing inks, and serves as an accelerator for unsaturated polyester resin polymerization.

Technical Description

Clear, dark blue/violet liquid composed of cobalt metal reacted with 2-ethylhexanoic acid, dissolved in mineral spirit solvent. Provides rapid redox catalysis for peroxide decomposition and drying oil auto-oxidation.

Complete Chemical Specifications

Cobalt Metal Content: 10.0% ± 0.2%
Non-Volatile Matter: 50.0% min
Specific Gravity at 25°C: 0.960 – 0.990
Viscosity at 25°C: 15 – 45 cSt
Appearance: Clear dark violet liquid
Solvent Base: White Spirit / Mineral Spirits

Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance: Deep blue or dark violet clear liquid
Odour: Mild hydrocarbon solvent odour
pH: Not applicable
Density: 0.95–0.99 g/cm³ at 20°C
Boiling Point: 140–200 °C (solvent base)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; fully soluble in mineral spirits, xylene, and alkyd resins

Commercial Availability

Stock Status: In Stock
Lead Time: 1-2 business days in Nairobi; 2-3 days across Kenya and East Africa
MOQ: 20 kg (Steel Drum / Can)
Delivery Regions: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda

Formulate at 0.03% to 0.06% Cobalt metal on resin solids. Combine with Lead/Zirconium/Calcium through-driers for balanced film drying.

Suitable Applications

Primary Surface Drier for Alkyd Enamels Polyester Resin Curing Catalyst

Target Industries

Industrial Chemicals & Solvents for Paints, Coatings & Resin Formulation in Kenya

Use Cases

•Primary active surface drier for alkyd enamel paints & wood varnishes
•Accelerator for MEKP-cured unsaturated polyester fiberglass resins
•Drying catalyst for offset and flexographic printing inks
•Air-drying polyurethane-modified alkyd coating formulation

Storage Guidelines

Store in original tightly closed steel drums in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat, open flames, and strong peroxide initiators.

Handling Advisory

DANGER: Flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed. May cause an allergic skin reaction. Causes serious eye irritation. Suspected of causing cancer. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and organic vapor mask.

Safety & Chemical Handling Advisory

Safety Advisory

Skin: Wash immediately with soap and water. Eyes: Flush with water for 15 min. Seek medical advice.

GHS:Flammable Liquids Cat 3, Skin Sensitisaton Cat 1, Eye Irritation Cat 2, Carcinogenicity Cat 2, Repr Tox Cat 2

Signal Word:DANGER

Transport:UN 1993, Class 3 (Flammable Liquid N.O.S.), PG III

Packing Group:Packing Group III

Hazard Statements

• H226: Flammable liquid and vapour
• H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
• H319: Causes serious eye irritation
• H351: Suspected of causing cancer

Precautionary Statements

• P210: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames. No smoking
• P280: Wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection
• P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water

PPE Requirements

Nitrile Solvent GlovesChemical Splash GogglesOrganic Vapor Respirator

COMMERCIAL & TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

Frequently Asked Questions — Premium Cobalt Octoate (12% Cobalt Metal Drier for Paints & Resins)

Technical, regulatory, and supply guidance for Premium Cobalt Octoate (12% Cobalt Metal Drier for Paints & Resins).

Cobalt Octoate 12% is a primary metallic surface drier used in Kenya to accelerate skin drying of alkyd enamel paints and serve as an accelerator for curing polyester fiberglass resins.