The importance of High Performance Coatings
High Performance Coatings provide optimum protection treatment with the right combination of appropriate surface preparation, suitable coating material and cost effectiveness. Corrosion protection for steelworks should not present any difficulties in application if environmental factors are considered from the start. An example is the number of steel structures that have endured the test of time against harsh environmental elements. There are steel structures that have existed for more than a century because they were protected with the right industrial coating after considering the corrosivity of the environment to which the surfaces will be exposed to. When steel is in a dry and hot interior environment, coating is not a priority. If the steel structure is exposed to the outside environment where it has to endure different temperature levels, moisture and pollution, protective coating must be designed with maintenance in mind as well as its extended life.
The importance of surface preparation
Surface preparation is the first step undertaken before the application of protective coating. How well the surface has been prepared with determine the ability of the protective coating to adhere to the surface. Preparation of a steel surface varies in terms of the amount of residual millscale and the level of initial rusting. While some surfaces that have to be coated will require simple cleaning, a range of methods might be necessary for steel to achieve the right level of cleanliness. One of the most significant methods of cleaning steel is through abrasive blast cleaning. Through this process, steel is not only cleaned, it is given a suitable surface profile and amplitude to receive the protective coating. After the abrasive blast cleaning, it becomes possible to inspect surface imperfections and alterations that have resulted from the fabrication process. Depending upon the requirements of the structure, there may be a need to carryout additional surface treatments in order to remove imperfections on welds and edges so that an acceptable surface finish will be achieved.
The methods and conditions of application have a significant effect on the quality and durability of the coating. Standard methods in the application of protective coating are through brush, roller conventional air sprays and electrostatic airless spray. The major conditions that will have an effect on the application of protective coating are temperature and humidity. These factors can easily be controlled if painting is done on a shop than on site. With High Performance Coatings, it is critical to achieve quality and extremely good performance.