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 is an industrial-grade deep blue / violet liquid formulated for paint & coating chemicals applications. KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals supplies commercial volumes from Nairobi to manufacturers and processing facilities across Kenya and the East African region.

Premium Cobalt Octoate is a commercial chemical supplied by KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals for industrial manufacturing in Kenya and East Africa.

Key Facts

•Product: Premium Cobalt Octoate
•Grade: Industrial Paint Drier Grade (10% Cobalt Metal)
•Form: Deep Blue / Violet Liquid
•Packaging: 20kg Steel Can
•Primary Sector: Paint & Coating Chemicals
•Supply Reach: Kenya and East Africa (Dispatched from Nairobi Warehouse)

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

Premium Cobalt Octoate (Industrial Paint Drier Grade (10% Cobalt Metal), Deep Blue / Violet Liquid) in commercial industrial packaging

Paint & Coating Chemicals

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: Nairobi Commercial Hub, Kenya Nationwide Delivery, East Africa Regional Supply

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

Commercial Sectors

Target Industries

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Coatings technician operating high-speed disperser mixing white paint emulsion in stainless steel batch vessel

Industry Sector

Paints, Coatings & Resins Chemical Raw Materials Kenya

Kenya's paints, decorative coatings, and wood finish manufacturing industry requires pure virgin solvents, high-brightness extender pigments, and specialized coalescing aids. A formulation is only as good as its raw materials: low-purity thinners cause pinholing and blushing, while coarse fillers destroy gloss and opacity. KIKI'S supplies premium solvents, extenders, and binders to East Africa's leading paint makers.

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Process Compatibility

Suitable Applications

All Applications →

Application Guide

Primary Surface Drier for Alkyd Enamels

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Application Guide

Polyester Resin Curing Catalyst

Explore Process Guide→

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.

Soya Lecithin (60% min) supplied by Kiki's Industrial Chemicals Ltd in 200kg drum across Kenya and East Africa.

Used for: Animal Feed Formulations

200kg drum

Technical Grade · Liquid

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

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Solvents & Extraction

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Essential fire protection protocols, drum grounding procedures, and vapour mitigation strategies for storing and decanting Ethyl Acetate in East African tropical environments.