Being familiar with the different types of industrial coating and which applications they’re ideal for will help you get the best finish and the highest level of protection for your materials all the time. Here are six of the most commonly used industrial coatings today:
#1. Polyurethane coatings
These coatings produce a high-gloss, abrasion-resistant finish. Because of these characteristics, polyurethane coatings are often used as a topcoat for surfaces that need to stay smooth and scratch-free. They are also applied as protection for other types of coating, such as zinc-rich primers and epoxy intermediate coats, on surfaces exposed to harsh environments, such as nuclear plants and large ships.
There are two types of polyurethane coatings: aliphatic and aromatic. Aliphatic polyurethanes resist ultraviolet rays and retain their color even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. This makes them ideal for outdoor applications. On the other hand, aromatic polyurethanes perform exceedingly well on surfaces that are mostly underwater. In fact, these coatings tend to weaken and form a white film when exposed to air and sunlight.
On the downside, polyurethane coatings contain harmful chemicals, which is why workers need to be outfitted with protective gear when applying them. They are also pricier than epoxies.
#2. Epoxy coatings
These coatings are composed of an epoxy base topped with a curing agent. You can modify the ratio and formulation of these two components to bring out specific characteristics ideal for specific applications. For instance, epoxy polyamide coatings, which use resin as a coating agent, resist moisture well. Phenolic epoxies, meanwhile, are known for their strong chemical resistance.
Epoxies are highly durable. Their exceptional film thickness enables them to resist weathering and abrasions. They can also resist heat up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Their finish can vary in terms of gloss depending on the formulation used.
Conversely, epoxies perform remarkably poorly when exposed to sunlight. For this reason, they are usually used for submerged surfaces or those that do not receive direct sun exposure. These include interior steel components of nuclear power plants and submerged parts in water treatment facilities.
#3. Alkyd coatings
The term “alkyd” comes from the words “alcohol” and “acid.” It describes the origin of the resin from which the coating derives its film-forming abilities. Although not as durable as polyurethane and epoxy coatings, alkyds are resistant to wear and tear and produce an attractive glossy finish. They can be used for interior and exterior surfaces, even those that are submerged in water or located underground.
#4. Zinc-rich coatings
These coatings got their classification from the zinc dust in their formulation, and comes in two types: organic and inorganic. The former uses epoxy or polyurethane binders, while the latter uses silicate binders.
Zinc-rich coatings are applied to protect steel. When exposed to the environment, the zinc particles corrode before the steel surface does. As the zinc dust corrodes, it creates a barrier that protects the steel from environmental factors. Inorganic coatings are known to provide better protection, but require surfaces to be thoroughly cleaned prior to application.
These coatings are durable, but they are vulnerable to acids and alkaline substances. Because of these qualities, they are often used as primers in two- or three-coat systems, and are topcoated with much more durable coatings. They are commonly used on surfaces in environments that are subjected to significant corrosion, such as bridges.
#5. Acrylic coatings
This type of coating is used as a finish for exterior surfaces because of its ability to retain its color despite exposure to the outdoors. Acrylic coatings are also used as primers because of their ability to make other coatings adhere to surfaces better. They also have considerable corrosion resistance. Changing the ratio of additives and binders in acrylic coatings will let you modify their performance according to your specifications.
With Mobile Paints, getting the exact coating you need for any surface is easy. Our experts can help you identify the best type of coating to use for your projects and customize a formula that matches your budget and desired results. Contact us today to get started!
Industrial coatings play a critical role in helping storage tanks, reservoirs, penstock, and other industrial applications stand the test of time.
Continue reading to learn more about what industrial coatings are, the applications they protect, and what types of industrial paints are available.
What Are Industrial Coatings?
Coatings and industrial finishes are a type of paint that is chemically engineered to protect industrial products, like field-erected tanks and pipelines, from harsh environmental conditions and workplace abrasion.
Industrial paints are also used to line the inside of water reservoirs and tanks, protecting against corrosion and creating a safe environment for potable water.
Applications may require multiple layers of coatings, for example, a layer of primer, a layer of paint, and then a sealant. Industrial applications may also require coatings that are not only protective but also aesthetic — as is the case with many water standpipes and reservoirs.
Different Types of Industrial Coatings
There are many different types of industrial coatings. The primer, coating, or sealant that is ideal for your project depends on the environment your application is going to be placed in, the type of product you’ll be storing, and other factors.
Here is a brief introduction to some of the most common industrial coatings in the metal fabrication industry:
100% Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane industrial paint coatings excel at abrasion resistance and are used to protect applications against harsh environmental conditions and wear and tear.
Aromatic polyurethanes are used for steel parts that will be submerged in water but are less common in potable water tanks.
Here at T BAILEY, INC., we apply polyurethane coatings with plural component pumps. Instead of just mixing the coating, these pumps also heat it, which helps the coating cure much quicker. One practical effect of this is that parts can be moved in 1 hour, instead of having to wait 4-12 hrs before moving.
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings effectively resist corrosion, abrasion, and weathering, making them ideal for steel applications placed in harsh operating environments.
These coatings are also resistant to extremely high temperatures, so can be used on tanks that store hot product or are exposed to extreme heat.
One disadvantage of epoxies is that they chalk when exposed to sunlight. This is why epoxies are most often used in submerged or interior applications.
Industrial epoxy coatings are often applied in three layers. First, a primer is applied, like a zinc primer. Then the epoxy is sprayed on. Finally, an epoxy binder or polyurethane topcoat is applied to finish the coating process.
Zinc-Rich Coatings
Zinc coatings provide a polymeric and galvanic barrier, making them extremely effective for steel parts that require correction and abrasion resistance.
This robust protection comes from the zinc dust used in the coating, as well as the polyurethane or epoxy binders used to create the coating.
Acrylic Coatings
Acrylic industrial protective coatings are most commonly used on automotive and architectural applications due to their corrosion resistance and high-gloss characteristics. Acrylic coatings are less common for other industrial applications like tanks, reservoirs, and penstock.
Metalized Coatings
Metalizing is the process of melting down metal wire, atomizing the molten material, and then spraying it onto a product’s surface to create a strong coating.
This heavy-duty coating type can be formed using bronze, aluminum, nickel, chrome, stainless steel, zinc, and tungsten. Also, metalized parts are typically seal-coated to increase their corrosion resistance.
Here at T BAILEY, INC., we also have the capability to apply a non-skid walking surface via metalization.
Learn more about tank repair services here.
Industrial Coating Applications
Here at T BAILEY, INC., our industrial paint shop applies specialized coatings to a wide variety of applications, including:
- Shop-built tanks
- Field-constructed tanks
- Water reservoirs
- Standpipes
- Penstock
- Certain kinds of casing
- Pressure vessels
- Hydro pipelines
- Oil Storage Tank
- And many other industrial products
An Industrial Coatings Shop You Can Count On
Are you looking for a dependable paint shop with the ability to efficiently coat industrial projects of all sizes?
T BAILEY, INC.’s 14,000-square foot industrial coatings facility features leading technologies and a highly-skilled workforce. Our capabilities include automated blasting, handblasting, the ability to move parts weighing over 100,000 lbs, and specialized painting equipment and drying rooms that help us quickly coat large parts.
As for the kinds of coatings we offer, if it comes in a bucket, we can put it on.
To learn more about our industrial coatings and capabilities, please contact T BAILEY, INC. today.