7 Common Types of Industrial Coatings and Their Uses

Industrial coatings ensure protection against chemical, mechanical, and environmental degradation. However, plant managers often forget the importance of industrial coatings until an asset begins corroding, breaking down, or worse – becomes unsalvageable and in need of immediate replacement.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Essentially, industrial coatings are specialized paints that protect various substrates, including steel or concrete. To minimize the risk of corrosion, companies must hire independent coating inspectors to maintain the integrity of the existing industrial coatings throughout their current lifecycle. The annual cost of corrosion is more than $2.5 trillion, which is the equivalent of ’s 3.4 percent global GDP. By employing corrosion control practices, the world could save up to $875 billion yearly.

What Are the Different Types of Industrial Coatings?

High-performing industrial coatings allow structures to last longer and look better. Moreover, by coating your manufacturing products, you are contributing to the reduction of annual corrosion costs. Here, Industrial Inspection Group has provided an overview of the common types of industrial coatings and how each one benefits you.

1. Polyurethane Coatings

These coatings have an abrasion-resistant, high-gloss finish. Because of these attributes, industrial painters typically use polyurethane coatings as a topcoat for surfaces to remain smooth and scratch-free. They also serve as a layer of protection for other coatings, such as epoxy intermediate coats and zinc-rich primers on nuclear plants, ships, and surfaces in harsh environments.

The two types of polyurethane coatings are aliphatic and aromatic:

• Aliphatic polyurethanes can withstand ultraviolet (UV) rays and retain their color following prolonged exposure to sunlight. As such, aliphatic polyurethane coatings are ideal for outdoor applications.
• Aromatic polyurethane coatings perform best on equipment situated mostly underwater, as they tend to weaken and develop a white film when exposed to sunlight and air.

The downside, however, is that polyurethane coatings contain harmful chemicals. Isocyanates, toluene, phosgene, diamines, ozone-depleting gasses, and halogenated flame retardants are some of the common chemicals used when formulating polyurethane coatings or byproducts of polyurethane production. As a general precaution, contractors must wear protective gear when applying these coatings.

2. Epoxy Coatings

These coatings contain an amine-curing agent combined with an epoxy polymer. Think of the double tubes of epoxy glue used to secure a strong adhesive bond between one material and another. Formulators can adjust the mix ratios and ingredients of epoxies to produce a variety of attributes that meet specific project demands.

Epoxy coatings adhere well to many different surfaces and can withstand harsh conditions and abrasion. Compared to other coating materials, properly formulated epoxies are highly effective against high temperatures, being able to resist heat levels up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Contractors apply epoxy coatings in two- or three-part systems. As a base, applying epoxy over a zinc primer is ideal for maximum corrosion protection. In a three-part system inclusive of a zinc base, an epoxy binder, and a topcoat, specialists in Coating Specification Development and Review may recommend a polyurethane topcoat for enhanced aesthetics and superior performance.

Conversely, epoxies perform poorly when exposed to sunlight. Similar to aromatic polyurethane, they are more suitable for submerged surfaces or components that do not receive direct sun exposure. Interior steel tanks of nuclear power plants or submerged pipes at water treatment facilities are some examples of structures that benefit from epoxy coatings.

3. Alkyd Coatings

“Alkyd” is a term from the words “alcohol” and “acid.” It describes the resin’s origin from which the coating procures its film-forming capabilities. While not as durable as polyurethanes and epoxies, alkyds are strong and damage-resistant, especially against moisture. Contractors apply alkyd coatings on interior and exterior assets, including underground and underwater structures.

Developers can adjust the components to create a custom alkyd coating that adapts to a variety of conditions. Alkyd takes longer to dry than other coatings since it needs to be permeable to oxygen. Contractors may apply heat to speed the chemical curing reaction.

With competitive price and timely delivery, ZHYAO sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

4. Zinc-Rich Coatings

As the name suggests, a zinc-rich coating received its classification due to the zinc dust content in its formulation. Zinc-rich coatings have two types:

• Organic zinc-rich coatings use polyurethane or epoxy binders
• Inorganic zinc-rich coatings use silicate binders

Zinc coatings are particularly effective on steel surfaces. When exposed to the environment, the zinc particles “sacrifice” themselves by corroding before the steel surface does. As the zinc dust breaks down, it creates a protective barrier that enables the steel to resist environmental elements.

While both organic and inorganic coatings are durable, they are vulnerable to acids and alkaline substances. As such, industrial coaters often use them as primers in two- or three-coat systems before applying a more resilient coating as a final topcoat. Zinc-rich coatings are mostly used on surfaces in environments subjected to significant levels of corrosion, such as bridges.

5. Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic coatings have several advantages, including quick-drying capability, a high-gloss finish, and long-lasting color-retaining properties. They make excellent adhesion-promoting primers. Acrylic coatings require fewer ingredients and can considerably improve a surface’s corrosion resistance. Contractors usually apply these industrial coatings to metal, asphalt, single-ply, and foam roofing substrates.

6. Ceramic Coatings

In addition to improved durability and corrosion prevention, ceramic coatings have unique characteristics, such as superior thermal insulation and both chemical and dimensional stability. In industrial coatings projects, ceramic polymer coatings can protect tanks and piping systems against UV radiation, moisture, chemicals, and high temperatures. However, ceramic coatings should never be used on surfaces exposed to tensile or compressive stress.

7. Intumescent Coatings

Intumescent coatings can expand up to 100 times their original thickness and transform into foam-like layers that insulate structures when exposed to extreme heat or open flames. These coatings are able to maintain the integrity of different components in case of a fire, making them some of the best options for high-heat applications.

Determine the Best Industrial Coatings for Your Project

Industrial Inspection Group specializes in the development, review, and application of coatings for various industrial sectors, including but not limited to companies that make or sell machinery, equipment, or supplies used in manufacturing and construction. Having provided inspections, consultancy, and project management services in the United States and outlying territories for over a decade, our team only recommends the most suitable type of coating and application techniques for each unique project. To know more about how our industrial coating services can help you, contact us at 480-637-.

December 03,

One of the things many managers don’t think much about is industrial coatings. They work behind the scenes to provide safety in numerous different ways, but they don’t seem to really matter until they start to break down and need to be replaced. Industrial coatings are essentially specialized paints that are used to protect various substrates, like concrete or steel. No company can afford to put off maintaining their industrial coatings or having a coating applied to a new piece of equipment. Here are a few reasons why:

• They provide protection. In many cases, there is a great need to protect the item that’s being coated. For example, a floor that’s underneath a number of large, heavy pieces of machinery must be protected if it’s going to last more than a year or so, and there are numerous other examples of why things must be protected. When you are in any kind of industrial environment, heavy wear is definitely an issue, so by applying an industrial coating, you can protect various surfaces and help them retain their sheen, hardness, or any other property you want them to retain for a longer period of time.
• They provide safety. Sometimes you may need to make a surface non-slip or non-stick. Floors are one example of a place where you might need an industrial-strength coating to prevent slipping, especially in areas where there is a lot of liquid that could drop onto the floor. Other machines may need a non-stick surface inside of them to ensure rapid, quality processing of materials. Industrial coatings are the best way to keep a variety of surfaces safe.
• They prevent corrosion. Rust or other corrosive debris is another issue that often pops up in industrial applications. Often the materials that are hard enough to actually build machinery from are also very likely to corrode over time. Sometimes the materials that pass through these machines actually cause them to corrode. The only solution is to have an industrial coating applied because it can be engineered to provide the perfect connection between machine and the material it is processing. It can not only stand up to the processing material, but also prevent standard corrosion that may occur simply because of the material the machine is made from.
• They keep surfaces clean. With industrial coatings, you are not limited in the type of surface you can have. Often the main component is not going to be made of something that can have a surface that will stay clean under certain industrial applications. However, by engineering a coating that will specifically resist whatever you are processing, you’ll enjoy cleaner surfaces because the materials will flow right through the machine.

Industrial coatings are an important part of every piece of equipment, so it’s important that you take your time and do the research to ensure that you’ve got the right coating. An expert will help you understand what type of coating you need for your specific application.

Certified Supplier of Industrial Coatings

Toefco is a leading supplier and certified applier of many different types of industrial coatings. Their engineers are experts in finding creative coating solutions for industrial applications. For more than 50 years, Toefco has been creating industrial coatings using the highest technology available. Every time you work with them, you’ll get a coating consultancy so that their engineers can understand precisely what you need. Then they blend their engineered coatings to match the characteristics you need. Toefco offers great volume flexibilities so that they can offer great competitiveness with both large runs and a one-off prototype.

To learn more about our industrial coating services, call us at 888-912- or ask an industrial coating engineer.

For more information, please visit Industrial Coating Solutions(tl,ko,nl).

Reasons to Choose Excalibur Fluoropolymer Coatings

There are many different kinds of industrial coatings available on the market these days, and... Read More

Three Benefits of Custom Industrial Coatings

Custom industrial coatings are the perfect solution to keep your machines running smoothly. Each... Read More

Everything You Need to Know about Industrial...

Industrial coatings are essentially a type of paint that is applied on various derivatives like... Read More

5 Advantages of Custom Industrial Coatings

Many businesses in a variety of industries can benefit from having a custom coating applied to... Read More