Your business is all about the end goal, but you always need to consider how you can protect your assets and even enhance output through proper preventive maintenance on an ongoing basis.
Industrial protective coating can help in achieving this and some other goals, but not all businesses understand the importance and benefits. Let’s discuss some significant facts and answer questions you may have.
What are Industrial Protective Coatings?
In short, adding these coatings means you’re applying a layer of protection on an object, to limit damage. Coatings are designed to protect against certain risks. This can range from fire to moisture, corrosion and chemicals.
The goal and surface type will play a role in how the coatings are applied. Some may be sprayed, but brushing and dipping are alternative options.
Applications—Who can Benefit from Protective Coating?
Let’s start off by telling you which industries can utilise the services of companies that provide these protective coatings. You’ll often find it used here:
- Mines
- Water services and dams
- Refineries
- Transport industry, such as bridges
- Energy industry
- Petrochemical industry
- Construction industry
Just know that these are simply companies that commonly use the services, but the application can be relevant to many others as well. The facts below will help you identify how you can make use of it in your specific setup.
What Can I Coat?
In many cases, industrial protective coatings relate to the protection of metal and concrete. However, in the industrial sector you may also need coatings for other substances, such as rubber or glass. Even leather and plastic can be treated to help ensure longevity.
Can Coating Go Wrong?
A lot can go wrong during an industrial protective coating process, which is why it’s essential to work with experts who know how to get it right. A common mistake is not properly preparing the surface, or not taking the environmental factors like dewpoint into consideration during the application.
You’ll notice something has gone wrong by the appearance of imperfections like blisters, cracks and wrinkles. Do contact your vendor in such a situation.
Where Does Coating Take Place?
The exact process of adding a protective coating will depend on what you require and also how accessible the surface or item is you need coated. Often, vendors are able to work on site or, if possible, remove the object and work at their own premises.
This flexibility carries benefits, as components can be removed from your property, so it’s not in the way of other activities. This can help streamline workflows on your premises and even limit downtime.
On the other hand, there’s no problem if an item is fixed or not portable. Teams can visit and work at your premises, so you can also keep an eye on what’s happening with your assets.
Who Should do Coating Work?
Your industry may have set requirements on what these protective coatings should be, such as not containing harmful substances or aligning with other safety requirements. It’s vital to work with trained professionals, such as teams who have proof of their certification in Surface Preparation and Protective Coatings or NACE coating inspector qualifications.
Are There Regulations to Consider?
Australia does have rules in place for protective coatings. You need to identify regulations for your industry, such as rules about protecting steel against corrosion. Reputable vendors will stay up to date with industry requirements and should be able to help you decide what coatings to invest in.
Does a Protective Coating Need Maintenance?
Even the best protective coating can carry no guarantee of lasting forever. Over time it may deteriorate, which means it’s one of the items you’ll need to place on your yearly maintenance checklist.
You should also discuss this task with professionals, as ongoing maintenance can be a service they provide. Their training in the area will ensure they identify risks and know how to upgrade or reapply the coating to ensure your asset has full protection once again.
How Long Does it Take?
A coating project will depend on the size of the object that needs coating and the method used. Also understand that certain processes require curing. All of this may take some time to be completed and ensure the object is ready for use again. For this reason, plan well in advance if you need the item functional for a specific event or date.
What Type of Coatings are Available?
The industry has developed various products to serve as protective coatings. The ones you’ll need will depend on factors like the damage you’re concerned about, as well as environmental factors in the area.
Options will include paints and epoxies, but also specialised products you can discuss with your vendor.
In Conclusion
Making wise business decisions requires insight and these facts will hopefully empower you to make the best decisions on protective coatings. Perhaps you’ve realised there are even more areas of your business where protective coatings can play a role. If you have advice or ideas for others on the topic, please share in our comments section.
