Industrial Coating: Painting the Future
WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL COATING?
When was the last time you took a tour through a warehouse and noticed the different types of paint? Have you ever stopped to consider that people take aesthetics for granted? These looks and styles that we notice may have greater significance than what meets the eye. For businesses in the industrial trade, such as Blast It Clean, we know the quality and benefits of sturdy industrial coatings.
An industrial coating is a form of coating designed and specifically formulated for protective qualities rather than aesthetics. The goal of an industrial coating is to enhance the life of that surface and everything on the interior. These coatings are typically epoxy or polyurethane polymer applied to various derivatives including concrete, steel, and other materials. Both coatings are made durable and provide good chemical resistance. Concrete and steel are subject to some sort of erosive force and need to be preserved.
There is an endless variety of industrial coatings, each providing its own beneficial properties. Real-world situations in the industrial and commercial business often require more specific requirements. The industrial coating you choose will depend on the purpose of its application.
When an industrial coating is applied, it follows a basic three-step coating application process that includes the application of the primer, the coating itself, and the sealant. These coatings can be applied via spray, brushed, or dipped. No matter what the project’s specific needs and constraints, mostly all industrial coating work follows this outline. Consistency is the objective when applying industrial coatings and clients looking to have this done will seek out high-level professionals such as Blast It Clean to get the job done.
THE WORLD OF INDUSTRIAL COATINGS IS COLORFUL
Whether its vibrant shades plastered on our walls or that indivisible shield that safeguards our equipment and infrastructures, coatings have played an integral role in society and in human civilization. From ancient times to the present day, these substances have evolved, leaving their mark on the world. In the early ages, cave dwellers and hunters would use paint to depict images of their daily lives. 
The Egyptians would use natural pigments from minerals and plants to cover their temples and tombs. As time progressed, so did the science behind painting and coating. It wasn’t until the 19th century that paint factories were established in industrialized nations around the world. The increasing demand for ready-mixed paints and coatings made it a highly profitable business. During the Industrial Revolution, mass production of automobiles helped open doors to new markets for industrial coatings. Coatings help protect vehicles against corrosion and weathering.
Today, coatings are used on almost every consumer good that is manufactured on an assembly line. The impact of industrial coatings varies across sectors. In the aerospace sector, coatings help protect aircraft components by offering resistance to extreme temperatures, erosion, and chemical exposure. The purpose of this is to help ensure safety and longevity. In the construction industry, coatings can help provide weather protection, UV resistance, and provide a layer of protection for machinery and equipment. By doing this, it can extend their lifespan, prevent wear, and help to create an aesthetic appeal. Reducing maintenance costs is always a goal.
Industrial coatings protect many structures we rely on every single day, such as bridges and pipelines. These coatings help to protect from corrosion and degradation. The impact of corrosion can have negative economic impacts and cost billions of dollars to fix. It’s important to note the cost implications of ignoring the effects of erosion. Planning for corrosion control and mitigation can also help enable its increased use.
It’s quite simple: industrial coatings provide a long-term, cost-effective solution to protect your investment. The opportunities to use industrial coating systems are limitless.
Industrial coatings are an essential part of our nation’s economy and play an important role in creating products that can withstand their expectancy.
A coated surface will always outperform one that is left untreated, bottom line. Industrial coatings will also minimize the fear when it comes to expensive repairs and replacement. Industrial coatings are used in a variety of different industries, including general manufacturing and food and beverage. Many industrial coatings are also FDA-approved which makes them ideal for various food and beverage applications.
At Blast It Clean, we know that protecting and maintaining equipment and infrastructure in today's fast and challenging world is vital. Time is money and we help to avoid minimal shutdowns so that you can get back to doing what you love.
HEALTH AND SAFETY IS CRUCIAL
It’s important to understand the health and safety when effectively applying a coating. You must also address any environmental concerns. It was around WW2 that consumers began realizing the environmental factors associated with certain paint ingredients. With the latest advancements in coatings technology, including nanotechnology, self-healing coatings, and smart coatings, we now have a better understanding of the long list of materials that are harmful to human health.
Many businesses, including Blast It Clean, assess some of these potential hazards by looking at a Product Safety Sheet (PDS). The PDS helps to gather information on the hazards, handling procedures, PPE requirements, etc. Proper worker safety training can also help to reduce the likelihood of injury or illness due to hazard exposure. Respirators, gloves, and coveralls are all examples that will help to reduce some of these exposures.
At Blast It Clean, we tend to work around many environmentally hazardous materials and deadly toxins. For example, in 1978, the federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint. The threat of lead poisoning is a danger and is still present in many homes today. At the time, lead paint was used as a coating to increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that caused corrosion.
To minimize lead exposure, our team is equipped with the right tools and equipment. Potential health effects from lead poisoning and other coatings can include irritation, organ damage, cancer, neurological damage, and even death. Common methods of dealing with lead is through lead encapsulation and permanent removal.
When lead is encapsulated, it is done by sealing the lead with encapsulation paint. It can also be done with an adhesive material or a sealed structure. Permanent removal of any lead-based substance will ensure that the problem does not persist. Removing it will also guarantee lead dust contaminants will no longer be lingering in your facility.
It’s also important to note that risks can be further exacerbated in confined spaces such as tanks, silos, and storage bins. Not only do these confined spaces accumulate toxic fumes and dust, but the added application of traditional coatings can pose serious risks. With the increased awareness of the dangers of traditional organic-based coatings and the serious health risks, many new inorganic options now exist on the market.
THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL COATINGS IS BRIGHT
Not all industrial coatings are created equal. Despite the challenges that COVID brought with material shortages and delays, the coating industry has continued to grow. Consumer demand is at an all-time high. As technology and advancements continue to grow so will the need for industrial coatings. The integration of smart technology and artificial intelligence is redefining the future of coating production. From eco-friendly coatings to self-cleaning innovations, the future for the coating industry is bright.
At Blast It Clean, we understand the value of time and want to help avoid unnecessary downtime and disruptions. We use many variations when it comes to industrial coating. Do you have a project that could benefit from industrial coating? Blast It Clean can help you break down the specific advantages of different paints to find the one best suited to your needs. Don’t overlook the importance of the right coatings for your facility's longevity.
Industrial coatings can be easy to overlook. When applied and maintained together, however, this “invisible barrier” can have bottom-line results. To realize these results consistently, be sure to work with companies such as ours who understand your industry, ensuring ideal coating solutions.