Industrial coatings provide protection that ordinary paint alone can’t provide. An industrial coating is a paint or coating defined by its protective, rather than its aesthetic properties. Most commonly applied to steel or concrete, industrial coatings are used to protect against mechanical, chemical and environmental degradation. In general, industrial coatings are used to extend the lifetime of a product or material.
How Industrial Coatings Protect Your Facility
It’s important to keep your materials protected with industrial coatings for a variety of reasons.
1. Manufacturing Safety
Non-stick coatings provide an added layer of safety in manufacturing environments. Some machines may require having non-stick surfaces inside them in order to reduce friction, ensure faster processing, and maintain quality control. Ensuring all surfaces are properly protected makes tasks more efficient and reduces workplace injuries.
2. Surface Protection
Manufacturing facilities, garages, warehouses, and other operations which have heavy machinery and traffic often use epoxy coatings to protect hard surfaced concrete or stone floors. Uncoated concrete surfaces are also susceptible to the damaging effects of chemical agents.
Whether it’s acids, caustic solutions, salts, or any other chemical, the life expectancy of a concrete floor is significantly shortened when exposed to these elements. Industrial coatings add an extra layer of protection to floors and other surfaces, improving durability and longevity.
3. Accident Prevention
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common types of workplace injury. Anti-slip and non-skid coatings play a key factor in providing safer traction and footings. These coatings can significantly reduce accidents in factories, nursing homes, and other places where these accidents are a common concern.
4. Corrosion Prevention
Rust and other types of corrosion can damage machinery, equipment and surfaces within industrial settings. Applying industrial coatings prevents rust and corrosion from eroding and damaging both buildings and equipment. There are a variety of rust reformers that can remove existing rust and protect surfaces to minimize further damage.
5. Fire Protection
Industrial and commercial settings are required to have fireproofing measures in place. Fire retardant coatings prevent flames and heat from spreading in the event of a fire. There are several types of fire retardant coatings, each designed for different applications and purposes. These coatings can prevent severe fire damage, slow the spread of flames, and allow people time to safely evacuate in the event of a fire emergency.
6. Easier Sanitation
Industrial coatings can be used to help machinery and equipment repel dirt and debris, maintaining cleaner surfaces. Some coatings repel water while others hold up against harsh cleaning agents. Selecting the right industrial floor coating makes it easier to keep a commercial property sanitized and protects the health and safety of both employees and customers.
7. Improved Aesthetics
Although certainly not the most important reason to use industrial coatings, any facility benefits from looking clean and professional as well as being safe and functional. Many industrial coatings add a glossy shine to a surface, making them appear newer and helping create an attractive environment for both employees and visitors.
Types of Industrial Coatings
Industrial coatings can help commercial and industrial organizations maximize productivity by making sure their employees and customers have a safe environment. No one coating provides all of the protection an industrial or commercial facility requires. Large facilities often require a combination of coatings to protect from corrosion, chemicals, and other hazards.
Common industrial coatings include:
1. Intumescent Coatings
Intumescent coatings are commonly used on structural elements to insulate them in the event of a fire. These coatings work by expanding when exposed to high temperatures. Intumescent coatings slow the heating of steel structures and prolong response time before a significant failure or collapse occurs. This allows people time to safely evacuate in the event of a fire.
2. Epoxy Floor Coatings
Epoxy floor coatings offer a number of benefits for concrete floors including increased durability and safety. They are also resistant to chemicals and easy to clean making them ideal for a range of commercial and industrial environments.
3. Anti-Slip Coatings
Anti-slip additives can be added to epoxy floor coatings or applied at a later time. They provide additional traction reducing slip and fall accidents in factories, nursing homes and other facilities where safety is paramount.
4. Antimicrobial Coatings
Antimicrobial paint and coatings offer long-term protection against dangerous pathogens and viruses. Antimicrobial coatings have been shown to eliminate the spread of pathogens and infectious bacterial growth. These coatings are an essential requirement for healthcare facilities. They are ideal for schools, churches, office buildings, daycare facilities or any facility where large numbers of people congregate.
5. Elastomeric Coatings
Elastomeric coatings provide an extra layer of weatherproofing protection for building exteriors. These incredibly thick but flexible coatings can be used on both roofs and walls and can help improve the energy efficiency of any building while offering a long-lasting exterior finish.
Trust the Professional Industrial Coatings Experts
The paints and coatings used for manufacturing, warehousing, and other commercial properties need to meet strict health and safety standards, depending on the industry. One of the best decisions a business owner can make is contracting with a reputable and knowledgeable industrial coating contractor who adheres to state, federal, and OSHA general industry and construction regulations.
Industrial painting applications and industrial coatings require specialized equipment, experience and training. When you need a trusted and reliable contractor to paint and apply coatings in your industrial facility, count on Adam Roe Painting to handle the project. In business since 1985, we will make sure your building is safe, protected, and maintained with the highest quality coatings.
