Anker Stuy: Making paint special since 1899

Five generations on from its founding back in 1899, Anker Stuy remains family-owned, still obsessing over the perfect finish and still committed to the belief that beautiful timber deserves beautiful protection

Back in 1899, when the founders of Anker Stuy first began mixing coatings in a small Friesland-based workshop, they could hardly have imagined that their passion would still be going strong over a century later. 

Five generations on, the family-owned company remains dedicated to the perfect finish and protecting beautiful timber.

While the world has changed dramatically over the decades, one thing has stayed the same: the conviction that true craftsmanship deserves coatings that perform. That’s why Anker Stuy has spent 125 years perfecting its formulas, listening to manufacturers, and never settling for “good enough.”

Finding a place in Britain

In 2019, Anker Stuy made the decision to establish itself in the UK market after British joinery manufacturers called for partners who truly understood their craft – not just suppliers who dropped off products and disappeared.

Since then, the company has worked closely with joinery manufacturers across Britain – from family-run workshops in the Cotswolds to large-scale operations in Yorkshire. Along the way, Anker Stuy has learned that British craftsmanship has its own character, its own demands, and its own weather challenges that need addressing.

Hydrolux: The pride & joy

Hydrolux is Anker Stuy’s flagship water-based coating system, developed specifically for factory-applied joinery. This isn’t just another coating; it’s the result of years of collaboration with manufacturers who shared their exact requirements: something that flows beautifully, dries quickly to keep production moving and creates finishes that still look stunning decades later.

From bespoke hardwood windows for Georgian restorations to modern timber doors for contemporary builds, Hydrolux offers a perfect balance of beauty and resilience that manufacturers and clients will appreciate for years to come.

The Accoya® connection

Hydrolux pairs brilliantly with Accoya® and other modified timbers – materials that many British manufacturers prefer for high-end architectural projects. The combination of Accoya’s stability and Hydrolux’s protective qualities creates a match that satisfies both specifiers and end-users alike.

Anker Stuy is proud that its Hydrolux range carries KOMO® certification, but what does this actually mean for British manufacturers?

KOMO® is an independent Dutch quality mark that proves coatings have been tested to the absolute limit for performance, durability and environmental responsibility. It’s like a stamp of approval from Dutch engineering, renowned for its precision and reliability.

For UK manufacturers, this means confidence when working with architects, specifiers or developers on demanding projects. KOMO® certification demonstrates the use of proven, European-standard materials coupled with a serious commitment to quality.

More than just coatings

Over the past five years in the UK, Anker Stuy has learned that British manufacturers value more than just reliable products – they want reliable partners who understand the realities of running a joinery business in 2025. That’s why the Anker Stuy team becomes part of its customers’ extended operation, offering support on everything from colour matching heritage shades to troubleshooting application issues before tight deadlines. With extensive time spent in British workshops, the team of specialists understands that every job presents unique challenges and is ready to help solve them.

Building sustainability, naturally

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. Clients demand it, regulations require it and it’s simply the right thing to do. Hydrolux’s water-based, low-VOC formulations aren’t just better for the environment – they’re safer for workshop teams, too. Less smell, less waste and less concern about exposure during long finishing sessions.

Anker Stuy believes that protecting timber should never come at the cost of safeguarding the planet. This commitment drives continuous investment in coatings that perform brilliantly while treading lightly on the environment.

After 125 years, Anker Stuy knows that the best partnerships are built on trust, expertise and a shared love of exceptional craftsmanship. The company’s mission is to help joinery businesses thrive, products shine and customers return again and again.

For further information and to find out more about Anker Stuy, call 01733 215 444 or visit www.ankerstuy.com.