Applying an industrial coating prolongs the life and enhances the appearance of various machines, equipment, and products. In this blog, we look at common industrial coatings and their benefits.

Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic coatings offer multiple advantages, such as being quick-drying, producing a high-gloss finish, and having higher color retention. Additionally, acrylic coatings make excellent primers to improve adhesion and can significantly improve a surface’s corrosion resistance.

Alkyd Coatings

Alkyd coatings are not as durable as polyurethanes and epoxies but provide strong moisture protection. A custom alkyd coating can be made by adjusting its components to adapt to different conditions. Alkyd takes longer to dry than other coatings since it needs to be permeable to oxygen, but applying heat can speed curing.

Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy coatings mix an amine-curing agent with an epoxy polymer in adjustable ratios and ingredients to meet project requirements. These coatings adhere to a wide range of surfaces to protect against harsh conditions, significant abrasion, and temperatures as high as 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Because exposure to sunlight can reduce the performance of epoxies, their application is best for interior or submerged surfaces.

Polyurethane Coatings

These coatings produce a high-gloss finish with outstanding protection against abrasion, making them ideal for top-coating surfaces. Aliphatic and aromatic are the two types of polyurethane coatings. Aliphatic polyurethanes retain color even in prolonged sunlight because they can withstand ultraviolet (UV) rays. Aromatic polyurethane coatings perform best underwater because they weaken and develop a white film from sunlight and air. Operators should wear protective gear when applying polyurethane coatings because they contain harmful chemicals.

Zinc-Rich Coatings

Zinc-rich coatings are available in organic and inorganic types. Organic zinc-rich coatings use polyurethane or epoxy binders, while inorganic zinc-rich coatings use silicate binders. Zinc coatings are particularly effective on steel surfaces because the zinc particles corrode before the steel surface. Moreover, as zinc dust breaks down, a protective barrier helps the steel resist the elements. Though durable, organic and inorganic coatings are vulnerable to acids and alkaline substances. It is recommended to use them as primers and then apply a more robust coating as a final topcoat.

Since 2000, Enviro-Tech Coatings has been delivering high-quality painting and coating services to various industries. We maintain Air Permits and are a fully approved site for blasting and painting. Bring us your metal finishing challenges and we will show you the best types of metal finishes for your projects. Please contact us at 989-495-0000 or visit enviro-tech-coatings.com. If you have industrial machinery, we have the metal finishes you need.