April 22 (Reuters) - British chemicals maker Elementis Plc (ELM.L) on Thursday 22 April forecast full-year earnings ahead of market expectations on significantly improved demand and restocking trends in the first quarter.

The firm, which makes chemicals to enhance the texture of paints and cosmetics, and chromium products for coating metals and tan leather, said as demand patterns normalise, the rate of sales-volumes recovery could moderate during the year.

"We expect to have a clearer view of sustainable demand levels during the second quarter, which is traditionally the start of the seasonal upswing in the coatings market," it said in a statement.

Elementis said sales volumes in its specialty products division rose 59 percent during the first quarter, helped by a recovery in most end-markets and strong business in Asia.

Shares of the company closed at 66.50 pence on Wednesday 21 April on the London Stock Exchange. (Reporting by Aditi Samajpati in Bangalore; Editing by Vinu Pilakkott)