How Long Do Industrial Coatings Last?

Industrial coatings are an invaluable addition to industrial equipment. With the right coatings, you can reduce the risk of corrosion and other forms of damage affecting industrial machinery, which offers benefits like reduced maintenance and equipment replacement costs, improved productivity, and less downtime. But while industrial coatings offer an additional layer of protection on substrates, they will still wear down over time too. Knowing when you might expect to replace your industrial coatings can help you develop a more comprehensive maintenance schedule so you know when you might need to coat your equipment again to prevent damage to the underlying substrate. But how long do industrial coatings last? The answer will vary, but we’ll break down some average lifespans for industrial coatings, factors that play into the lifespan of coatings, and more to help you make the most of your coatings. If you’re ready to coat your equipment, you can reach out to us here at Sun Coating Company to get the level of support and high-quality services that your business deserves!

How Long Can You Expect Your Industrial Coating to Last?

It’s important to remember that different coatings are naturally going to have different lifespans. Some types of coatings, like ceramic coatings may have a projected lifespan of two to five years. Other coatings like epoxy and polyurethane coatings may last much longer, making it up to 20 years before they start showing signs of wear and need to be replaced. Generally speaking, the broad range of coatings have a lifespan of anywhere from 5 to 20 years, with some being outliers that last a few years less and those that are projected to last as long as 40 years. When you’re looking for industrial coatings, make sure to take a close look at each of the coatings at your disposal to see how long they tend to last. This will give you a better idea as to when you might need to replace it after you receive industrial coating services.

But with the above in mind, not all lifespans are going to be guaranteed. There are numerous factors that will impact lifespan, potentially reducing the lifespan of your coatings.

So, what are these?

What Impacts Lifespan, and How Can You Make Sure Your Coating Lasts Longer?

High-performance industrial coatings that are designed with durability in mind are going to last longer than cheaper, less complex options. However, they may only last as long as anticipated went they encounter the least amount of stress. Factors that can impact a coating’s lifespan include exposure to UV rays, moisture, high chemical exposure, and stress or force. Even those that are designed for these are still going to experience wear and tear. They’re not indestructible. Taking care to purchase industrial coatings that are designed to last but making sure not to test them extensively by exposing them to the harshest of elements constantly will help you see the end of the lifespan spectrum.

That being said, there are things you can do to improve lifespan as well. Whether you’re purchasing heat seal packaging coatings or coatings for the agricultural industry, you can keep your coatings in optimal condition by adhering to best practices during the application process so that the coating doesn’t degrade earlier than it should, regularly inspecting and conducting maintenance on coatings if you notice any concerning signs (cracking, changes in color, etc.), and cleaning your coating often with the right cleaners for the type of coatings you have. The better you care for your coatings and the more you take care to avoid harsh conditions that threaten them, the longer they’ll last.

Get High-Quality Coating Options and Services With Sun Coating Company

Lifespan will vary, but you can make sure your coatings will last longer by choosing the right coating company for superior application and correct coating choice. Start here with Sun Coating Company for your industrial coating needs. Request a quote from us today!

9 Key Benefits of PTFE Coatings for Manufacturing

At Sun Coating Company, we frequently receive inquiries about one of our most popular industrial coatings: PTFE, also known as Teflon. PTFE has become a staple across many manufacturing sectors due to its many benefits. Here are 9 key benefits PTFE coatings can provide for your manufacturing operation.

Reduce Friction and Wear

A primary reason behind PTFE’s widespread use is its ability to reduce friction and wear. The coating provides an ultra-smooth surface that enables parts to glide past each other with ease. This reduces friction, which in turn lowers operating temperatures. With less friction, equipment experiences less wear over time, leading to extended service life. PTFE coatings are ideal for applications involving bearings, gears, and other moving components. The reduced friction can also improve efficiency by lowering the energy required to operate equipment.

Prevent Corrosion

In addition to lubrication, PTFE forms a protective barrier that shields metal surfaces from moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive substances. Parts coated with PTFE are far less prone to rusting, pitting, and other corrosion damage. This is especially beneficial for equipment used in harsh industrial environments. PTFE will extend the usable life of components exposed to corrosive agents.

Non-Stick Properties

The non-stick nature of PTFE is invaluable for many manufacturing processes. PTFE-coated parts release adhesives, inks, oils, melted plastics, and other substances much more easily. This prevents fouling and buildup on equipment such as molds, dies, rollers, and more. Frequent cleaning and maintenance are reduced, minimizing downtime. The non-stick properties also improve product quality by preventing defects caused by materials sticking where they shouldn’t.

Temperature Resistance

PTFE excels in high-temperature applications, with upper use limits around 500°F. It maintains integrity and performance well beyond the temperatures that cause other lubricants and coatings to degrade. PTFE’s stability at elevated temperatures allows it to protect components like molds, kiln-car furniture, and other hot equipment. It’s also useful for cooking equipment, heat exchangers, bakeware, and other high-heat applications.

Chemical Resistance

In addition to heat resistance, PTFE stands up extremely well to a wide range of harsh chemicals. Acids, caustics, solvents, and other chemicals won’t deteriorate a PTFE coating. This allows it to protect parts used in chemical processing and other applications where aggressive substances are present. The chemical resistance also enables easy cleaning without damaging the PTFE coating.

Nontoxic and Inert

Unlike some industrial coatings, PTFE is completely non-toxic and chemically inert. This means it won’t react with or contaminate materials it contacts. As a result, PTFE-coated parts are safe for applications involving food, pharmaceuticals, and sensitive electronics where toxicity is a concern. It also makes PTFE suitable for biomedical implants and devices.

Improved Efficiency

By reducing friction and wear, preventing fouling, and minimizing cleaning needs, PTFE coatings allow equipment to operate more efficiently. Less energy and labor are required throughout manufacturing processes, cutting costs and improving productivity. Efficiency gains can be substantial over the lifespan of equipment.

Cost Savings

When you add up all the benefits, PTFE coatings save real money in manufacturing. Longer equipment life, reduced maintenance, minimized downtime, and improved efficiency provide major cost savings over uncoated components. The return on investment from PTFE coating can be quite high in many applications. The coatings pay for themselves over time while improving operations.

Easy Application

Applying PTFE coatings requires no special equipment or complicated processes. Coatings like our Sandstrom Mil Spec offerings can be sprayed, dipped, or brushed on. Curing occurs rapidly at relatively low temperatures for most PTFE coating formulas. We handle the PTFE coating application at our facility, so your parts are ready to install when you receive them.

Ready to Learn More? Call Us!

If your manufacturing process involves equipment that could benefit from lower friction, enhanced wear resistance, non-stick properties, or chemical resistance, PTFE is worth exploring. Please reach out to the team at Sun Coating Company to discuss which PTFE coating best suits your specific application needs. We also offer specialized coatings like Cerakote for extreme high-temperature uses. Contact us today to learn more!

Why Winter Weather Increases the Need for Protective Coatings

When you think about potential dangers to your industrial machinery, what comes to mind? Most people are worried about damage caused by frequent manufacturing processes, things like chemicals or high temperatures, and similar industrial dangers. But there’s actually something that can be equally as problematic for industrial machinery: winter. The winter season can be quite impactful on equipment, which can be surprising to many organizations who might be running into issues when it’s colder. But why does this happen? Here’s why winter weather increases the need for protective coatings and how Sun Coating Company can help you protect your equipment.

It Introduces Moisture and Harsh Conditions

The winter brings with it severe weather conditions. Some who live in regions where the weather is near-constant year-round may see occasional rain or minor temperature drops, but many others encounter snow and rain (or sleet), blizzards, freezing temperatures, and more. When your equipment encounters this severe weather, it can introduce moisture and other harsh conditions to the substrate, causing corrosion and a host of other issues for the various components in your equipment. Protective coatings prevent moisture from affecting the substrate and keep other harsh winter conditions out as well.

It Causes Machines to Become More Sluggish and Struggle to Work

Have you noticed that your machines have begun to slow down? Some noise and squeak reduction coatings might improve things, but not for the reasons that you think. Winter weather hampers the whole of manufacturing equipment, affecting motors, batteries, and all the individual parts of your machinery. In the case of machinery with lubricants and fluids, winter weather will also slow things down by affecting these aspects of your machinery (in which case, you can not only apply the right coating to your tubing but also look for winter-grade fluids that will hold up against the weather too). During winter, things just run slower, much like we do. But just like we do, adding protective coatings and additional layers helps us to keep the cold at bay, ensuring that we’re able to function relatively normally with fewer issues when the cold weather makes an appearance. If your manufacturing equipment acts just like you do during the winter, now’s the time to apply protective coatings to your equipment.

It Increases Wear and Tear and Thermal Stress

The winter weather wreaks havoc on substrates. Given that most of your substrates will likely be metal or rubber, you’ll find that these materials can begin breaking down and flaking when winter arrives, damaging them and potentially ruining machinery altogether. But brittleness is just one of the major problems substrates face without protective coatings. Another major problem is thermal stress. Extremely cold temperatures can cause substrates like metal to contract, which can damage the metal and other components nearby. Protective coatings are a great way to shield substrates from wear and tear and thermal stress. The only thing to remember is that not every coating is going to be suitable for all the components in your workplace. Some are designed for substrates like metal and will offer additional benefits like reduced friction that you need to keep everything moving smoothly during the winter and throughout the year. But these wouldn’t work for the tubing that you need to keep safe. In that case, you would need a separate coating for these components. As long as you have coatings specifically designed for all of your machinery, you’ll be able to see a massive improvement come next winter.

Request a Quote From Us Now!

Whether you’re shopping for Excalibur coating or industrial custom coating, you can find the custom coating options and services you need right here at Sun Coating Company. Request a quote from us now to get started!

15 Industries That Benefit from TeflonTM Coatings

Teflon, a brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is well known for its use in nonstick cookware. However, Teflon coatings have many industrial applications that provide significant benefits across a wide variety of sectors. Here are 15 industries that gain advantages from using Teflon coatings.

1. Food Processing

Teflon coatings create nonstick surfaces ideal for food processing equipment. Meats, cheeses, doughs, batters, and other foods won’t stick to Teflon-coated machinery. This prevents loss of product and speeds up processing. Easy-to-clean Teflon surfaces also reduce downtime spent on maintenance.

2. Bakery Equipment

Like food processing equipment, bakery machinery coated in Teflon allows doughs and batters to release easily. Teflon’s high heat resistance prevents scorching or burning. Pans, rollers, and other bakery tools with Teflon coatings require little oil, reducing messy buildup.

3. Fastener Manufacturing

Teflon coatings on fasteners like screws and bolts serve as a dry lubricant. This reduces friction, preventing galling during tightening and loosening. Teflon fastener coatings also resist corrosion in harsh environments.

4. Automotive and Transportation

From bicycles to aircraft, Teflon coatings improve performance across transportation. Coatings cut friction in engines and moving parts. They also resist dirt, corrosion, and weathering. Teflon’s sound dampening helps reduce noises and squeaks, making it one of the top noise and squeak reduction coatings.

5. Plastics Manufacturing

Teflon-coated molds release plastics easily, preventing sticking. Its high heat tolerance allows molding of parts from engineered resins safely. Teflon’s nonstick property also keeps plastic extrusion equipment running smoothly.

6. Metal Forming and Fabrication

Stamping, pressing, rolling, bending, and drawing processes benefit from Teflon’s extreme slipperiness. Coated machine parts help metal move smoothly during forming without sticking or galling. Teflon stands up to high pressures and temperatures.

7. Medical Devices

From surgical tools to implants, Teflon coatings improve medical devices. Its biocompatibility and bacteria resistance help devices integrate into the body safely. The ultra-smooth finish of Teflon components glides easily during surgical procedures.

8. Laboratory Equipment

Teflon’s excellent chemical resistance makes it an ideal coating for lab gear. It protects surfaces from corrosion by caustic/harsh chemicals. Teflon-coated tools and containers also minimize sample loss through sticking.

9. Rubber and Plastics Processing

Molds, platens, and machinery coated with Teflon allow rubber and plastics to release without sticking. Teflon’s nonstick property improves product quality and minimizes waste. The coating also withstands high temperatures used in thermoforming.

10. Textiles Manufacturing

Teflon coatings on rollers, spindles, needles, and other textile equipment reduce friction. This allows fibers and fabrics to glide smoothly during spinning, weaving, and sewing. Teflon stands up to high speeds without overheating or wearing.

11. Wire Drawing

Drawing lubricants help wires pass through dies easily when reducing diameter. Teflon coatings provide a permanent dry lubricant that minimizes drawing forces. This reduces die wear while producing uniform, surface-flaw-free wire.

12. Electronics Assembly

From printed circuit boards to semiconductors, Teflon coatings protect electronics. Its heat, chemical, and abrasion resistance safeguard components during soldering, cleaning, and handling. Teflon also dissipates static electricity that damages devices.

13. Solar Equipment

Teflon withstands the sun’s intense UV rays, making it ideal for solar panels, reflectors, and associated hardware. It protects parts from outdoor weathering and corrosion. Teflon coatings also reduce friction in solar tracking mechanisms.

14. Food Processing Equipment

Release agents help foods slide easily off cookware. Teflon coatings provide the ultimate nonstick surface for baking, frying, sauteing, and more. Food won’t cling to Teflon, making cooking and cleanup fast and easy.

15. Aerospace

Teflon fluoropolymer coatings offer advantages for aerospace applications. In aircraft, Teflon protects against weathering, UV radiation, and jet fuel. It also withstands the extreme temperatures, pressure changes, and vibration of flight. Teflon coatings reduce drag on surfaces like wings and turbine blades. On spacecraft, Teflon survives the severe conditions of launch and space.

Ready to Learn More? Call Us Today

Teflon coatings provide invaluable benefits across many critical industries. At Sun Coating Company, our team leverages decades of experience providing top-quality Teflon industrial coatings. We’re proud to be a licensed industrial applicator (LIA) for chemours teflon finishes. Contact us to explore how Teflon coatings can improve your manufacturing processes and products.

The Best Coating Solutions for High-Wear Surfaces

The manufacturing process gradually wears down the various components of industrial machinery over time, which will impact your machine’s ability to function optimally, eventually requiring the replacement of various parts or even the replacement of the whole machine. The best way to defend against this natural damage is to apply a coating to your industrial equipment. The problem? Finding the right coating can be a challenge. Manufacturing processes will vary in terms of the degree of environmental damage they do to machines, and the coating that another industry may need may be too weak for yours. Let’s take a look at the best coating solutions for high-wear surfaces if your equipment is subject to harsh conditions. When you’ve found the top options, you can trust us here at Sun Coating Company to deliver the coating services you need to keep your machinery protected.

What Does Wear Entail?

It’s important to remember that wear extends beyond just the physical grinding and abrasion that substrates may encounter during production. Most people think of wear and tear as degradation that happens with us, which absolutely falls under this definition. Finding coatings that are capable of reducing friction between components, like Chemours Teflon finish, will go a long way in extending the lifetime of your machinery. But wear doesn’t stop there. Wear and tear that occurs when your metal encounters moisture, chemicals, and other environmental threats falls under the definition of wear and tear too. After all, these byproducts of production are being introduced during use, which means that it will wear your machine down as you continue using it. Seeking out coatings that are capable of withstanding high temperatures, caustic chemicals, moisture and humidity, and beyond is going to be instrumental in defending high-wear surfaces.

Best Coating Solutions for High-Wear Surfaces

Now that we have a better understanding of what wear is, which coating solutions should you consider for high-wear surfaces? Some great high-performance types worth considering include:

• Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy coatings feature an extremely strong bond, helping to protect your machinery from not only friction and abrasion but chemicals and moisture as well. Epoxy coatings are known to be able to withstand high temperatures, making them a great fit for processes that require an immense amount of heat. That being said, some epoxies will degrade when UV rays are present, so take care to apply these coatings to equipment that never sees the light of day.
• Ceramic Coatings: Ceramic coatings might be surprising to see on this list, but these types of coatings are extremely protective. Besides the surface level wear and tear that they defend against, ceramic coatings keep out UV rays, chemicals, moisture, and high temperatures. They’re mostly applied to tanks and piping systems. The only place they can’t be used is on components that experience compressive stress or tensile stress.
• Zinc-Rich Coatings: Zinc-rich coatings refer to coatings that have zinc in the formulation, generally featuring epoxies or polyurethane as the primary ingredients. Zinc-rich coatings offer an additional layer that will corrode before reaching the substrate underneath, further shielding it against wear. The only problem is that some of these coatings may be vulnerable to certain acids and alkalis. Rather than simply dealing with these downsides, those who are coating their equipment will use a two-coat or even a three-coat system to ensure that their machinery has maximum protection.

Find the Right Coatings and Coating Services at Sun Coating Company

Choosing the right coating when you work in a harsh environment is essential to keeping your equipment safe. Sun Coating Company offers the high-performance coatings and industrial coating services your equipment demands. If you’re ready to keep your machinery running smoothly and extend its lifetime, contact us to request a quote today!

How to Maintain Nonstick Coatings for Maximum Performance 

Nonstick coatings are used in a wide range of industries that range from food processing to pharmaceuticals. These coatings are used to protect surfaces from damage that can shorten their lifespan and usefulness. Regular maintenance of these coatings lets you get the most out of your equipment and helps them last longer, saving you money. Here’s a look at some maintenance techniques to preserve nonstick coatings for longer.

Clean the Equipment on a Regular Cycle

Infrequent cleaning of a piece of equipment allows residue to build up, which can eat away at the coating. Since residue tends to build up at a steady rate, a cleaning interval can be implemented to get ahead of residue deposits. Being proactive in preventing buildup serves to protect the coating from premature breakdown and allows you to get the most out of the unit.

In some cases, the equipment is used to hold or transfer corrosive materials that cause damage over time. Protective coatings are used to prevent corrosion and rust from starting, but they can sustain damage from the materials they’re designed to contain. It’s not enough to simply drain the tank or empty the container to prevent damage. Putting units through a complete and total cleaning is the most effective way to preserve a coating and keep the unit in working order.

Use Gentle Cleaning Techniques

Nonstick coatings come in a variety of formats that range from dry film to baked-on, depending on the use of the equipment. For example, a Sandstrom coating is a dry film that acts as a lubricant in order to eliminate the need for repeated oiling. Dirt and grime will still build up on the coated parts that require removal to allow the film to do its job.

Only use mild detergents and soft cleaning tools to prevent damaging the surface. It’s OK to use hot water, but make sure the temperature is comfortable to the touch. Let the detergent do the work during the cleaning process, and avoid scrubbing to keep the surface intact. Once the surface is clean, rinse it off to ensure that the unit is free from dirt and ready to go back into use.

Look for Areas of Wear in the Equipment

It’s normal for high-touch areas to wear faster than other areas. This is due to the abrasion that a particular area undergoes as the equipment is used. Unfortunately, a nonstick coating can’t be patched, and the entire unit has to be re-coated with a new application. It’s still important to track the rate of wear because this helps you keep ahead of the need to take the unit out of production and send it out for a new coating.

Planning the downtime for a unit helps you save money, as production can be shifted to other units. This is also an opportunity to use a different coating, such as a Chemours Teflon® finish, that meets equipment specifications but lasts longer than the original. As a result, the life and usefulness of the equipment is extended and improved.

Have Your Equipment Maintained by a Professional Industrial Coating Company

At Sun Coating Company, we use the latest in coating technologies and techniques to deliver the best possible results to our customers. We provide services to a wide range of industries, and we put our best effort into making sure the work we do is satisfactory. Our facility handles everything from custom formulations testing the latest formulas, and applying coatings according to the customer’s needs.

We apply commercial formulas as well as develop our own for various needs, and track their performance in the field. At Sun Coating, we’re always looking for ways to improve industrial coatings so our customers get the best performance from their equipment. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can tailor a solution to your needs.

7 Must-Know Facts About Fluoropolymer Coatings

Sourcing coatings for your industrial machinery means having to learn everything you possibly can about your options so you can be confident you’re applying the right coating to each substrate. One popular option that you might be looking into is fluoropolymer coatings. Fluoropolymer coatings are high-performance coatings that are definitely worth considering for your equipment, but there are things that you need to know before you purchase these coatings or coating services. To make sure this is the right coating for your needs, we’ve compiled seven must-know facts about fluoropolymer coatings that you need to be aware of. If you’re sure that fluoropolymer coatings are the correct choice for your industrial equipment, you can enlist the help of us here at Sun Coating Company to help you protect your machinery.

1. Fluoropolymer Coatings Offer Excellent Low Friction Benefits

Fluoropolymer coatings are often used on industrial equipment to reduce friction between certain components that are constantly rubbing against each other throughout various manufacturing processes. This reduces the wear and tear between these elements, increasing lifespan and allowing your machinery to operate optimally. If you want to help your machinery last longer, fluoropolymer coatings’ low friction benefits will be instrumental in making this happen.

2. Extreme Conditions Can Still Cause Damage to These Coatings

Fluoropolymer coatings are a great option because they can hold up against chemicals, heat, and other conditions that are naturally present in an industrial setting. However, it’s important to remember that coatings aren’t necessarily able to hold up to extreme conditions. Pushing your coatings to their limit will cause damage, and fluoropolymer coatings may not be able to hold up to what you need to defend against. They may only be resistant to a degree. Always consider what your substrates are currently encountering and whether your choice of coating will be able to defend against that. This is true no matter whether you’re shopping for Chemours Teflon finishes or something else.

3. There Are Several Types of Industrial Fluoropolymer Coatings

Fluoropolymer coatings come in several forms. You have options like PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene), and PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane). Keep this in mind so that you know the terminology when you begin looking into fluoropolymer coatings for your equipment. This brings us to our next point.

4. The Type You Choose Will Impact Your Experience

Different fluoropolymer coatings are going to have different benefits. Some fluoropolymer coatings may stand up well to temperatures of around 500 degrees, but others may start to receive damage below 300 degrees. Some fluoropolymer coatings may be resistant to many chemicals, while others may have weaknesses like alkalis or even water. The type of fluoropolymer coatings you choose will impact how well they function, so take care to do your research and choose the one suited for your environment.

5. Fluoropolymer Coatings Are Applicable Across a Wide Range of Industries

No matter what industry you’re in, you might find an application for fluoropolymer coatings beyond just your equipment. Fluoropolymer coatings are often used in cooking to produce non-stick pans, in the airline industry to protect electric wires and defend against fires, and in the automotive industry to protect vehicles from corrosion and friction.

6. They’re Quite Good at Defending Against Scratches and Abrasion

One might think that fluoropolymer coatings would be a bit weaker than other coatings, but that’s not true. These coatings are adept at keeping scratches and abrasion away from substrates, ensuring that they last longer no matter whether the threat comes from other components or the materials and products being produced.

7. Fading and Discoloration Will Happen in the Sun, But Rapid Degradation Shouldn’t

If your fluoropolymer coatings are exposed to the sun, you may notice fading and discoloration. Fortunately, this isn’t typically a sign of degradation. Fluoropolymer coatings can be applied to equipment that’s used outside, as UV rays won’t cause severe damage, even if they look like they are.

Reach Out to Us Today!

From hot plate welding coatings to motorcycle component coatings, people come to Sun Coating Company for the coating services and high-quality experience their business needs. Get in touch with us today to request a quote for the fluoropolymer coating services that will bolster your business!

How to Maintain Industrial Coatings for Maximum Longevity

At Sun Coating Company, we are often asked by customers how to properly care for industrial coatings to maximize their longevity and return on investment. The truth is that quality coatings can last many years with proper maintenance. Here are some best practices for industrial coating maintenance to help maximize the coatings’ lifespan.

Regular Inspections are Critical

One of the most important aspects of industrial coating maintenance is regular inspection. Coating surfaces, including military coating, should be periodically examined for any signs of damage, defects, or degradation. Look for issues like scratches, cracks, blistering, peeling, erosion, and corrosion. The frequency of inspections depends on factors like the coating type and the harshness of the environment. More aggressive conditions demand more frequent inspections.

It’s recommended to start with a general visual inspection, looking for obvious flaws. For more in-depth examinations, use tools like wet sponge testing, adhesion testing, dry film thickness gauges, and holiday/pinhole detectors. Address any problem areas right away before they can spread or worsen. This will extend the coating’s service life.

Proper Cleaning Prevents Premature Failure

In addition to inspecting coatings, regularly cleaning the surfaces is essential. Allowing contaminants like dirt, grease, oil, salt deposits, chemicals, and other residues to build up can lead to premature coating failure. Use cleaning methods suitable for the coating type per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Pressure washing and steam cleaning are common cleaning techniques, but take care not to damage the coating surface in the process. Solvent cleaning or detergents may also be used. Be sure to thoroughly rinse surfaces after cleaning. Proper cleaning prevents coating degradation and enhances longevity.

Timely Repairs Extend Service Life

When inspections reveal flaws or damage to the coating, it’s important to make repairs in a timely fashion before corrosion and further degradation can take hold underneath the coating. For minor flaws like pinholes or small scratches, the coating can often be touched up using matching coating materials. Larger damaged areas will require stripping and reapplying the coating.

Catching coating damage early makes repairs much easier. The longer flaws exist, the more likely corrosion is taking hold unseen under the coating. Timely repairs keep things surface level before extensive remediation is required. This extended the coating’s service life.

Proper Surface Preparation for Recoating

When recoating is needed, properly preparing the underlying surface is one of the most vital steps. Existing coatings must be fully removed to reveal a clean, dry, properly profiled substrate. Insufficient surface prep leads to poor adhesion and premature coating failure.

Abrasive blasting is usually required to remove existing coatings and corrosion deposits down to bare material. The surface profile should match the coating manufacturer’s specifications – typically 2-3 mils for industrial coatings. Cleanliness is also critical for good adhesion. Inspect and test the prepared surface per standards before coating. Rushing or inadequate surface prep causes future coating failure.

Preventive Maintenance for Added Protection

For some coating applications like floors, preventive maintenance can significantly extend service life. This involves periodically applying a maintenance coat to high-traffic areas before wear becomes severe. This restores the coating’s protective properties in zones prone to early degradation.

Preventive maintenance should take place well before the coating’s expected life is reached. For floor coatings, this might mean a maintenance coat every 2-4 years. It’s a proactive step to avoid more costly repairs or major restoration later on.

Proper Storage Keeps Coated Parts Like New

For coated equipment, parts, and components that will be stored for a period of time before installation, proper storage practices prevent unnecessary coating damage. Keep parts clean, dry, and away from moisture during storage. Use padding, end caps, racks, and dust covers as needed to protect from abrasion, impact, and other damage.

Take steps to prevent parts from sticking together in storage as well. This avoids coating transfer or peeling injuries. Proper storage keeps coatings in pristine condition so they provide maximum corrosion protection when the parts are eventually installed.

Reach Out to Us to Learn More

With regular inspection, timely repairs, proper cleaning, preventive maintenance, and care in storage and handling, industrial coatings, like hot plate welding coatings, can achieve their maximum life. Don’t let small flaws go unchecked and turn into major failures. Be proactive with coating maintenance for the best return on investment. With the right care, high-performance coatings will serve reliably for years. Call us at Sun Coating Company to learn more.

Common Coating Defects and How to Avoid Them 

Industrial coatings have to be applied according to manufacturer specifications and industry best practices. Sometimes, it happens that there’s a failure in the application process, which results in a coating defect that compromises the function of the coating. The unwelcome appearance of a coating defect means that the coating has to undergo a total replacement, resulting in unexpected downtime.

The purpose of an industrial coating is to protect surfaces and keep them free from damage. All coatings need to be applied properly, no matter if it’s a weld spatter resistant coating or coating the inside of pipes in an industrial setting. Here’s a look at the common coating defects, how to spot them, and how to avoid their appearance.

The Surface Was Improperly Prepared Before Coating

Surface preparation is crucial to ensuring the coating adheres properly to the part during the curing process. A surface that didn’t receive proper cleaning and preparation for the coating is likely to result in defects showing up later. When this happens, you’ll see visual cues that include blistering, peeling, and cracking in the coating.

Poor Environmental Conditions During the Application

Coatings need to be applied in an environment that’s recommended by the manufacturer. Environmental factors include maintaining the correct temperature and humidity levels during the application. These factors play a direct role in the ability of the coating to adhere properly and cure to the desired finish.

A major deviation in these factors can cause the coating to fail to adhere properly, even though it looks fine when it cures. In this situation, the defects show up in the same way as poor surface preparation, with cratering being an additional sign.

Poor Formulation of the Coating

Coatings need to be mixed before they’re applied to a surface. The mix requires paying attention to the ratios listed in the instructions in order to get the best result from the coating. Pouring the incorrect ratios results in a material that is applicable and curable, but ineffective. After it’s been applied and cured, the coating looks like it will deliver protection, but it won’t hold up once it’s put into use.

Signs of Coating Defects

A coating defect can show up in a number of ways, and it’s not unusual for multiple types of defects to show up in the same unit. The most common signs include:

• Peeling in strips or sheets
• Checker patterns
• Cracks
• Pitting or cratering
• Fish eyes or small holes
• Orange peel
• Pinholes
• Rust
• Uneven surface

All of these signs show that the coating was improperly applied, and the unit is susceptible to damage. If you see signs of rust, that means the coating has failed and is allowing liquid to reach the metal.

How to Avoid Coating Defects

The best way to avoid coating defects is to send the equipment out to a professional operation. Industrial coating services do the work the right way the first time, ensuring that your equipment functions properly and the protective coating does the job. A coating service has the knowledge and equipment to prepare a surface properly for an application, knows how to mix the coating ratios correctly, and does the work in the proper environment.

Replace a Defective Coating With One That’s Proven to Perform

Once a defective coating fails, there’s no hope of recovery, and it’s time for a replacement. At Sun Coating Company, we can replace the defective coating and replace it with one that meets manufacturer specs as well as your needs. We offer coatings from major manufacturers, and we also formulate custom industrial coatings. All of our products are tested and monitored for performance and longevity to ensure the best performance. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your equipment go the distance.

How to Improve Coating Longevity with Regular Maintenance

Industrial coating provides substrates with a protective barrier that prevents your equipment from getting damaged by frequent motion, harsh chemicals and liquids, and strong force. However, this coating will inevitably wear off or wear down to the point where it’s no longer protective. How long until this happens? It depends upon a wide variety of factors, including how well you maintain your coatings. If you want your coatings to last as long as possible, regardless of what they’re made of, here are a few of our expert tips on how to improve coating longevity with regular maintenance. If you’re ready to coat your industrial components, you can get high-quality coatings and coating services with Sun Coating Company!

Use Cleaning Products That Are Designed or Safe for Your Coatings

Regular cleaning is an important element of maintaining your equipment, so it stands to reason that this level of care will need to be applied to any coating as well. Establishing a regular cleaning schedule will ensure that built-up residue and other contaminants aren’t allowed to stay on the coating long enough to cause damage over time. That being said, you shouldn’t just use any cleaner for your coating. Coatings will have some products they’re unable to come into contact with. Some products may not be so hydrophobic, while others could be vulnerable to salts. These unique properties mean that you need to evaluate various cleaning products to see if certain cleaners could pose a risk to their structural integrity. For example, a Whitford nonstick coating may be suitable to apply water too, as these coatings are advertised as hydrophobic. Check to see what could be a problem with your coating, then look for a specifically designed cleaner or come up with your own suitable solution.

Conduct Regular Inspections to Determine the Need for Overcoating

Are you checking in on your coatings regularly? If you aren’t, you could be missing signs that it’s time to apply an overcoat to certain parts of your machinery. When the coating begins to wear down, it will begin to become powdery and chalky, crack, sink in, and experience a wide range of other issues that will be easy to identify. If your coat is not looking so good but it’s still in fairly good condition, adding an overcoat can help you extend its life without having to strip everything off and apply a new coat. Just take care to make sure that the previous coating is properly prepared and that you’re using a new coating that is compatible with the old one. Also, keep in mind that there may be some scenarios in which overcoating isn’t the best choice. In that case, you can add a new coat and then use these maintenance tips to help it last longer than the previous coating.

Improve Conditions and Employee Training

Certain coatings, like weld spatter-resistant coating, are designed to hold up against harsh conditions. However, that doesn’t mean you should test it to its limit to see how long it lasts before it’s destroyed by its surroundings. Improving conditions so that your coatings experience reduced stress will naturally help them hold up against various manufacturing processes. With that in mind, it’s not always the environment that’s the problem. If your employees aren’t handling coatings correctly, this can wear them down, too. Taking care to train your employees so they know how to handle your coatings will go a long way in helping them last longer instead of succumbing to hazards they shouldn’t be regularly introduced to.

Contact Sun Coating Company for High-Quality Coatings

Coatings are designed to last, but they still depend on you to care for them over their lifetime. If you’re in need of a new coating and looking to take better care of this one, start here with Sun Coating Company. Request a quote from us today!