If you have requested quotes from more than one supplier for Prepainted Galvanized Steel Coils (PPGI), you have probably noticed the numbers do not match — sometimes by a wide margin. This is not always a sign of a bad deal or an inflated quote. PPGI pricing depends on several variables that change from one order to the next, and understanding them helps you compare quotes properly instead of choosing on price alone.
This guide breaks down exactly what goes into a PPGI coil price in the UAE, so you know what questions to ask before you commit to an order.
Why There Is No Single "PPGI Price"
Unlike a standardised commodity, PPGI is a manufactured product built from several layered components — base metal, zinc coating, primer, and top coat — each of which can vary in grade, thickness, and specification. Two coils that look identical on a datasheet can carry very different costs depending on what is actually inside them. This is why asking a supplier for "the price of PPGI" without specifying these factors will always return an incomplete answer.
The Core Cost Drivers
1. Base Steel and Zinc Rates
The base hot-dipped galvanized steel substrate is priced against global steel and zinc market rates, which shift regularly. Since zinc coating is applied by weight, a heavier coating class — for example 180 GSM versus 120 GSM — directly increases material cost, because more zinc is used per square metre regardless of the paint finish on top.
2. Coating System (Paint Type)
Not all coatings cost the same. Regular Modified Polyester (RMP) is the most economical option, suited to interior partitions and general cladding. Silicon Modified Polyester (SMP) and High Durable Polyester (HDP) sit in the mid-range, offering better UV and weathering resistance. PVDF coating is the most expensive system, built for 20-year weatherproofing performance in demanding coastal or industrial environments. Choosing a coating system that matches your project's actual exposure conditions — rather than defaulting to the most expensive option — is one of the simplest ways to control cost without compromising performance.
3. Coil Thickness and Width
Thickness (typically 0.20mm to 1.50mm for PPGI) and width (650mm to 1350mm) both affect the volume of material used per coil, and therefore the per-tonne and per-sheet price. A thicker gauge coil for structural roofing will always cost more per square metre than a thinner gauge coil used for false ceilings or interior panelling.
4. Coating Thickness (Microns)
Standard coating is typically 5 microns primer plus 20 microns top coat, but customised coatings up to 200 microns are available for specialised applications such as cold storage panels. Thicker paint films cost more to apply and cure, and this is reflected directly in the final price.
5. Order Volume and Coil Weight
Larger, consistent orders typically secure better per-tonne pricing than small, fragmented orders, since production runs are more efficient at scale. Before comparing quotes, always verify the actual coil weight matches the stated dimensions — our steel coil weight calculator guide explains how to check this yourself.
PPGI vs GI: Why the Price Gap Exists
Plain galvanized steel (GI) is priced primarily on base metal and zinc coating alone. PPGI carries an additional cost layer for the paint system, curing process, and finish quality — which is why PPGI typically costs more per tonne than uncoated GI, but requires far less maintenance and offers significantly longer service life in roofing, cladding, and façade applications where appearance and corrosion resistance both matter.
Per Kg vs Per Sheet: Which Should You Compare?
Suppliers may quote in different units depending on your order type. Per-kilogram pricing is standard for coil orders bought by weight, while per-sheet pricing is common for cut-to-length orders used directly in fabrication. When comparing quotes across suppliers, always convert to the same unit and confirm whether the price includes cutting, packaging, and delivery — these additions can account for a meaningful part of the final landed cost.
Get an Accurate, Current Quote
Because steel and zinc rates move with global markets, any fixed price published today will be outdated within weeks. The most reliable way to know your actual cost is to request a live quote based on your specific coating type, GSM, thickness, and order volume.
Arabian Iron and Steel LLC (AISL) manufactures PPGI, PPAZ, and PPAL coils at our Continuous Color Coating Line in Umm Al Quwain, UAE, with full transparency on specification and certification for every order. Contact our team today for a current, accurate quote based on today's rates — no guesswork required.
