Industrial coatings – perhaps you’ve never heard of them. If so, you’re not alone. However, you’ve almost certainly experienced them, because industrial coatings are all around you. You would have walked on them, eaten from them, and used them in a hundred different ways in your everyday life. They protect a wide variety of surfaces and products from wear and tear, damage and corrosion. Without a protective coating, surfaces can absorb harmful chemicals and solvents, leading to contamination, deterioration and damage. The extra layer of protection given by a specialised coating allows for chemical use without damage – somethings that’s necessary in many fields. Industrial coatings are widely used in many industries and settings, and provide a whole host of benefits.
So, what exactly is an industrial coating?
Quite simply, an industrial coating is a layer added on top of a surface material that protects and enhances it. Rather like a coat of paint, a coating is made from a mix of various chemicals and resins. An industrial coating protects surfaces from any type of destruction, with minimal cost and effort involved. A coating will also minimise the repair and replacement costs of many types of flooring and materials.
Industrial coatings can protect a wide range of materials from corrosion or damage, including concrete, timber, metal, plastic, glass, rubber, leather, mortar and asbestos. They can protect walls, ceilings, flooring and railings, as well as equipment, machinery and industrial facilities.
Where are industrial coatings used?
There’s an almost endless list of applications and uses for industrial coatings, from residential to commercial and industrial. These include:
- Flooring
- Building products
- Machinery, appliances and equipment
- Outdoor structures and equipment
- Transportation vehicles
- Marine environments
- Swimming pool
What are the benefits of industrial coatings?
The benefits of industrial coatings are many and varied. Industrial coatings:
- Prevent abrasion and damage to a surface
- Enhance the appearance of a surface
- Prevent stains and protect against spilled substances
- Extend the life of the coated surface
- Provide long-lasting durability
- Allow for minimal maintenance, as the surface is easily cleanable
- Limit the exposure of a surface to corrosion
- Allow a surface to withstand the impact of chemicals and other agents
- Offer good moisture resistance
- Reduce wear and tear
- Protect against UV radiation
- Increase safety by providing high visibility finishes and even surfaces
- Minimise surface heat and allow surfaces to reflect up to 80% of solar radiation
- Reduce environmental impact and are eco-friendly
- Provide flexible and varied options, with a range of options, colours, textures, patterns and finishes available
- Allow for inclusions to be incorporated into the coating, such as temperature regulation, chemical-resistance, slip-resistance, oil and stain resistance and antibacterial elements
- Improve colour retention
- Are affordable
- Are a great investment
Industrial coatings not only make a substrate or surface more functional; they also generally make it more aesthetically pleasing.
What types of industrial coatings are there?
There are many different types of industrial coatings available, including:
- Polymers
- Epoxy systems
- Resins
- Heat-reflection coatings
- Anti-graffiti coatings
- Safety/protective coatings
- Pool coatings
All of them offer slightly different characteristics and serve different purposes. It’s best to talk to a professional before you decide on the type of coating you need. The specific environment and surface to be coated will dictate the type of coating that will best meet its requirements.
How are industrial coatings applied?
The exact process will vary depending on the type of coating required, but generally speaking the coating will be rolled on, sprayed on or otherwise applied to the surface. Before this can be done, appropriate surface preparation will be undertaken. Once the coating is applied, you will need to stay off the surface for anywhere between 24 – 72 hours while it cures.
How long do industrial coatings last?
The lifespan of an industrial coating will depend on:
- The type of coating
- Where it is installed
- How much daily wear and use it gets
Obviously, coatings in high traffic areas will not last as long as those in gently used areas. But as a general rule, you can expect most varieties of industrial coating to last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. They may sometimes last even longer.
Contact us today about your industrial coating needs
If you have a need for any kind of industrial coating, Lloyd Specialised Coatings has you (and your surface) covered! Contact us today for advice about your coating project and we’ll provide you with an obligation-free inspection and quote.
