At Sun Coating Company, we know that choosing the right industrial coating is a crucial decision for protecting your assets and equipment over the years. The coating system you select can have a major impact on longevity, performance and total cost of ownership. Here are six key factors to keep in mind when selecting an industrial coating,
1. Carefully Consider the Operating Environment
Take time to thoroughly assess the temperatures, chemical exposures, abrasion levels, humidity, and potential corrosion issues the coating will face in service. Some heavy-duty coatings like Sandstrom Coating products are engineered to withstand extremely high or low-temperature conditions, constant moisture, strong solvents, and acids, while other coatings are better suited for more moderate environments. Be sure to select a coating system with a proven track record of holding up well in the specific conditions it will encounter in your situation.
2. Surface Preparation is Critical
Proper surface preparation is vital to clear the way for maximum coating adhesion and real-world durability. Be sure to completely remove any rust, mill scale, grease, oil, dirt, old coatings, or other contaminants from the substrate before applying the new coating. This provides a clean foundation. Grit blasting is often ideal, but grinding, sanding, power tool cleaning, or chemical pretreatment can also effectively prepare the surface. Roughening the surface profile also gives the coating more anchors to grip onto. Take steps to prevent any contamination before coating.
3. Match the Coating to the Substrate
Carefully select a coating designed to be compatible with the specific substrate you are coating – whether carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, fiberglass or other materials. Some coatings, like Teflon FEP Coatings, bond well to a variety of substrates. However, other coatings may require a special primer designed for that substrate to optimize adhesion. Consult with the coating manufacturer to ensure proper system selection.
4. Consider Appropriate Film Thickness
The thickness of the fully cured coating can directly impact its long-term durability and protective qualities in the field. As a general rule, thicker coating films tend to better resist impact damage, abrasion wear, corrosion and chemical exposures over time compared to thinner coats. But thicker films also add more weight, use more material, and cost more per square foot. You’ll need to balance performance requirements with weight restrictions, material costs, and other factors to determine the optimal film thickness for your application.
5. Inspect and Test the Applied Coating
It is wise to thoroughly inspect the coating and conduct testing after the application is complete to confirm it meets specifications and performance requirements before putting it into service. Look closely for any visual defects, runs, drips, or flaws. Check thickness in multiple areas. Adhesion testing, like the cross-hatch tape method, can verify bonding strength. Hardness and scratch resistance can also be checked. Catching any issues early on prevents bigger problems down the road.
6. Plan for Regular Coating Maintenance
To maximize lifespan, industrial coatings should be periodically inspected, cleaned and touched up as needed once in service. This regular maintenance helps prevent deterioration and expand longevity. Look closely for any damage, corrosion creep, or coating wear, especially in vulnerable high abrasion or chemical exposure areas. Re-applying the coating over high-wear zones can renew protection. A properly maintained coating system will deliver lasting value year after year.
Are You Ready to Learn More? Give Us a Call Today
At Sun Coating Company, our coating experts can recommend industrial coating solutions tailored to your facility’s specific operational needs and production goals. With proper selection, surface preparation, application, and care, your coating system can protect critical assets over the long run. Contact us today to discuss your unique project requirements!