When working on your residential or commercial renovations including painting projects, it is important to understand the different options for industrial coatings so that you know when you’ll need each type. Having industrial coatings is important for a wide variety of projects and can protect from corrosion, wear and tear and decay, as well as help bring an added artistic appearance to the surface or product.
Choosing the most appropriate industrial coating can help increase the life of your products or and overall maintain their look. There are a vast number of materials that may need industrial coatings: metals, wood, plastics and composites, rubber, glass, leather, and much more. Industrial coatings can be used on many different products including but not limited to:
- Building materials
- Outdoor patio and shade structures
- Sports and playground gear
- Industrial equipment and structures
- Outdoor and indoor appliances and machines
- Construction and agricultural equipment
- Safety and security equipment
Industrial coatings are typically applied in the final stages of production. This is sometimes called the finishing process which protects and strengthens the final product. Each type of industrial coating has specific characteristics that determine when it should be used. Your project manager will help you choose the correct industrial coating that creates the desired result and performance.
Let’s break down the most commonly used types of industrial coatings.
Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane coatings are probably the most versatile coatings used. They are typically used as a protective final coat over other industrial primers. Polyurethanes resist abrasion and can enhance durability of the product they are used for.
Polyurethane coatings will keep their color and can have a high-gloss finish, if desired. If you are looking for an industrial coating that has good durability to UV and other environmental factors, aliphatic polyurethane coatings may be a solution. These coatings are used mostly for outdoor applications.
If you need an industrial coating that is better in wet or underwater conditions, aromatic polyurethane coatings should be considered. However, they tend to fade when exposed to UV light and therefore, typically work best in interior environments.
Alkyd Coatings
Alkyd coatings are best at resisting the effects of a variety of environments. They can be custom formulated to work effectively in interior, exterior, underwater, and underground environments.
Due to the custom nature, alkyd coatings may take longer to dry than other coatings, particularly since they are permeable to oxygen. To speed up the process, heat is often used to activate the chemical curing reaction.
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings are a blend of an amine curing agent blended and an epoxy polymer. Given the nature of the mixtures, the ratios can be altered to create a wide variety of characteristics to adapt the coatings to the demands of many environments.
Many different surfaces can use epoxy coatings. They resist weathering and abrasion very well. Epoxy coatings can also withstand higher temperatures (up to hundreds of degrees Fahrenheit), which sets it apart from many other coatings.
Epoxies are often applied in two or three steps. The base layer is typically a zinc primer to allow for maximum corrosion protection. The epoxy is then applied over the primer, followed by a topcoat. In some instances, it may be recommended to use a polyurethane topcoat.
Zinc-Rich Coatings
High-performance zinc-rich coatings use zinc dust as a rust and corrosion preventative pigment in the coating. Organic zinc coatings are usually made with epoxy or polyurethane resin binders as well.
Zinc coatings are best used on steel and provide very effective corrosion protection as a galvanic and a polymeric barrier. They are also very resistant to abrasion.
Acrylic Coatings
Acrylic coatings are known for being quick-drying with a high gloss finish and are sometimes used as adhesion-promoting primers. Acrylics often require fewer ingredients which increases the product’s resistance to corrosion.
Find the Industrial Coating You Need
Since there are so many options for industrial coatings, you’ll want to ensure you’re working with an expert to guide you. The team at Sepi Painting is experienced with all types of industrial coatings and will provide you with the best plan for your project. Contact Sepi Painting today for more information.
