Where the Name “Heresite” Comes From
The name HERESITE represents more than just a brand, it reflects the innovation and vision behind a legacy of protective coatings.
The term originates from “RESITE,” a hard, insoluble, and highly resistant solid formed during the final stage of a specialized resin-curing process. Our coatings are based on heat-reactive phenolic resins that progress through three distinct phases during baking:
- Stage A: RESOL – A soluble, viscous liquid or amorphous solid.
- Stage B: RESOLITE – An insoluble, rubber-like semi-solid.
- Stage C: RESITE – A durable, chemically resistant solid ideal for protective applications.
Charles H. Hempel, the founder and first president of Heresite Protective Coatings, incorporated the letters “H & E” from his last name combined with RESITE to create HERESITE. His groundbreaking efforts established the foundation for what has grown into one of the most trusted names in high-performance coatings.
HERESITE is not just a product, it’s a tribute to a legacy of durability, chemistry, and innovation.






Heresite over the years...
- The first company to develop a coating and application procedure to successfully protect heat transfer equipment, such as fin tube coils and spirals
- The first company to line railroad tank cars used to transport concentrated sulfuric acid, replacing homogeneous lead lining
- The first company to line tank trucks used for transporting chemicals
- The first company to line 55-gallon steel drums and pails
- Heresite coatings were first used to replace galvanizing in domestic household water softener units