Coatings technical information &
industrial coatings
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Basics of... Coatings
Why Should I "Coat" Rather Than Paint
Coating, unlike paint, will inhibit corrosion, reduce chemical and solvent attack, and reduce erosion of the properly coated surface
- Protective coatings are used mainly to protect steel and concrete surfaces
- A coating system is an inexpensive way to protect the physical assets of the facility
The majority of the coatings used as ‘maintenance’ coatings are easy and convenient for in-house maintenance crews to use.
There are five coating types which are used for maintenance:
Alkyds, Acrylics, Epoxies, Polyurethanes & Aerosols
ALKYDS
Advantages:
- Mild to moderate industrial uses
- Easy to use
- Good general maintenance coating
- Very versatile
- Available in a wide color selection
Limitations:
- Not for severe industrial conditions
- Only fair outdoor gloss retention
- Not for use on galvanized steel or concrete surfaces
- Possible fire and health hazards from solvents when used in some environments
ACRYLICS
Advantages:
- Mild to moderate industrial uses
- Easy to use
- Good general maintenance coating
- Low odor
- Excellent outdoor color /gloss retention
- Suitable for galvanized steel and concrete surfaces
Limitations:
- Surface must be free of oil and grease
- There can be restrictions on ambient temperatures during application
- Very high gloss is not available
EPOXIES
Advantages:
- Severe industrial uses
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Excellent corrosion control
- Suitable for water immersion
Limitations:
- Surface must be free of oil and grease
- There can be restrictions on ambient temperatures during application
- Very high gloss is not available
POLYURETHANES
Advantages:
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Excellent corrosion control
- Good outdoor gloss retention
Limitations:
- Contains Isocynates which may lead to health concerns
AEROSOLS
Advantages:
- Convenient to use for small jobs, touch-ups, stenciling
Limitations:
- Mostly available in alkyds - (not suitable for severe environments due to fair outdoor gloss retention)
- Small package size
- Potential for overspray
Surface Preparation Tips
- Over 75% of all premature coating failures can be attributed to improper surface preparation
- For proper adhesion the surface must be washed to remove all grease, oil, dirt, and other contaminates
- Must use an appropriate method of mechanical cleaning to remove all loose, unsound rust, scale, or previous coatings
- Tightly adhering rust, scale, or previous coating can remain
- Priming the surface is recommended to achieve the best topcoat adhesion, which results in long term durability
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