Industrial Coating Services: What Do They Involve?

Depending on the manufacturing projects you take on, you may at some point need industrial coating services. You’ll find these services integral, not only to the creation of a strong product, but the creation of an attractive product.

With that in mind, let’s dive right in—and uncover the inner workings of industrial coatings.

What is industrial coating?

Let’s go back to basics—what is industrial coating in the first place? At its simplest level, any industrial coating functions like a covering for a surface. Usually, it acts as a smoothing product. Or, perhaps, a protective shell. Often, an industrial coating must withstand a force that would typically erode the surface. Think intense weather, like high winds or heavy rain. We might also utilize them to shield surfaces exposed to water on a regular basis (think piping).

No matter why you’re seeking industrial coating services, the coating itself usually comes down to either epoxy or polyurethan polymer. Similarly, it’s often used to cover steel, concrete, or other similarly hard, rigid materials. Of course, the coating has an added benefit of improving the aesthetic of the substance. While the product itself may naturally look dull or coldly industrial, the right coating can give it an illusion of color and shine.

What are the specific benefits of using industrial coating services?

There are more specific benefits that come with each typed of industrial coating, though they can depend on the product we’re coating in the first place.

For example:

• One of the main reasons why we coat steel is that coatings prevent the metal from rusting. Think about steel tankers, some of which spend their entire working “lifespan” in the ocean. Without a good coating, steel can easily rust through entirely until it breaks apart in the water.
• The problem with concrete is that it’s actually semi-porous. This means that it’s especially susceptible to deterioration, in part due to a variety of different chemical reactions. Even when concrete is simply exposed to water, that water may not be completely uncontaminated. Even a minor amount of contamination from the wrong chemical can cause the concrete to break down over time.
• No matter what type of flooring you utilize, you should always have it coated in order to prevent any damage when it’s exposed to an industrial setting. Machinery, heavy equipment, and even footsteps can wear down expensive flooring rather quickly. Coating preserves it, while also adding general strength and enhancing the appearance and luster of the floor.
• Yes, cans are in need of industrial coating as well. Why? Because no matter what we use the cans for, they’re prone to corrosion and severe wear and tear. This is especially problematic for cans holding potentially toxic chemicals. There are coatings specifically made to line cans without harming their contents.
• Coil coatings. Similarly, coatings exist designed for the coiling process. Typically, we apply these coatings to steel or aluminum, and it’s delivered to clients in a coil form.
• Truck bed coating. Believe it or not, we coat truck beds much like we coat floors and concrete, or even steel. You’ve probably noticed this while working with a truck bed, whether or not you recognized it for what it is. These coatings not only prevent the truck beds from rusting, but make your truck beds slip resistant.

What does a company that provides industrial coating services do?

Often, business owners get industrial coating services from third parties, rather than having their products coated in house. In these circumstances, the third party manufacturer is responsible for handling not only the technology (machinery and equipment) but the materials and processes involved. Of course, these companies also keep an organized staff of experienced employees on hand for coating processes.

The benefits of working with a third-party manufacturer versus handling industrial coating services in house are manifold. They include:

• Often, it’s less expensive to outsource than to rent or purchase equipment. Additionally, outsourcing means that you don’t have to hire individual employees.
• The reality is that when you work with a third party that brings experience to the table, there is much less for you to do. You can hand off your plans to an experienced manufacturer, and let them take it from there.
• Quality control. Needless to say, another benefit of working with an experienced manufacturer is that an experienced third party is more able to produce a consistent, high-quality product. You don’t want to waste your time with a subpar order!

What are the different types of coating?

Think about the different types of coating available. We’ve already mentioned polyurethane coatings, which we typically use to achieve a high-gloss finish resistant to abrasions. Don’t forget epoxy coatings, known for their film thickness as well as their varying levels of glossy finish.

Other coating types include:

• Zinc-rich coatings. These coatings come in organic and inorganic forms. Organic coatings utilize polyurethane and epoxy binders, whereas inorganic coatings rely on silicate binders. Typically, we apply these coatings to steel.
• Acrylic coatings. These coatings we often rely upon for exterior jobs. Why? Because (in part) they maintain their color better than most alternatives. We often rely on acrylic coatings as primers, due to their ability to create adhesion for other types of coatings.
• Alkyd coatings. Derived from the words “alcohol” and “acid” (from which we form them) alkyd coatings are not as durable as polyurethane and epoxy coatings, but they do possess superior film-forming capabilities. Resisting to general wear and tear, they create a great glossy finish.

No matter what type of industrial coating you’re looking for, CTI is ready to help. Call us at 419-924-5566 or contact us here. Let’s delve into what we can do together.