From the medical field to an automotive or industrial facility, every metal requires some sort of coating to protect the equipment from corrosion. Every aspect of painting the metal needs to be carefully considered and planned such that the performance is not affected.
This article brings to you everything you need to know about industrial metal painting, different types of industrial metal paints, coatings, best industrial paint, preparation, the process of painting metal, and much more.
Industrial metal paints are products presented in powder, liquid, or paste form. When applied by a suitable process, they form a solid, adhesive film that protects and decorates the surface. In the industrial field, they are involved in the maintenance and conservation process of any structure or consumer goods associated with the manufacturing sector.
Their applications include marine, military, medical, pharmaceutical, optical, textile, and semiconductor. Depending on the paint, you can apply them with a brush, roller, or spray system.
Industrial metal paints are comprised of solvent, resin, pigments, and sometimes diluents. Depending on the composition, the metal paint may either be solvent-based (contains volatile organic compounds (VOC) as a carrier) or water-based (has mostly water but can also include alcohols and glycol ethers as a carrier).
The different types of metal paint include:
Industrial paint coatings are a special protective coating that protects the machinery from corrosion and prevents further damage.
Solvent Based Coating: They are essentially paints that give a heavy-duty color to your metal. Solvent-based coatings create a protective layer over the metal, protecting it from humidity, acid, salt, oil, and abrasion. For a high-quality, long-lasting effect, use a combination of urethane topcoat, e-coat, and an epoxy primer.
Waterborne Coating: Waterborne coatings are generally non-toxic, non-flammable, non-hazardous, and safe for the environment. Apart from that, they are also fade-resistant with good color retention. They are one of the best options since they are 100% compliant with clean air regulations.
Powder Coating: Powder coatings offer protection and improve aesthetics. They can be customized according to industrial needs. You can choose the thickness, hardness, UV protection, and chemical resistance.
Anti-Fouling Coating: Anti-fouling coating is tin-free, long-lasting, cost-effective, and easy to apply. They work in a variety of applications, especially in boats, both in fresh and saltwater conditions.
E-Coating: E-coating is the process of dipping products in paint and then electrified, to create adhesion. This allows for highly targeted thickness. They perform well as a primer and as a topcoat providing superior adhesion and UV protection. It coats hard-to-reach areas since
CARC Coating: Chemical Agent Resistant Coating, otherwise called CARC coating, is highly specialized and developed, particularly in military applications. It is non-porous, non-absorbant, and resistant to chemical and biological agents.
There are several methods of protecting the industrial surfaces, each one vastly different from the rest. The most commonly used industrial coatings methods are as follows:
Painting – The most common and popular industrial coating can be applied as e-coating, powder coating, or liquid.
Hot Dipping – Also called galvanizing, it involves dipping steel into hot zinc, creating zinc oxide, which is resistant to corrosion.
Chemical Process – Chemical process involves creating a thin film of sulfide and oxide through a chemical reaction.
Anodizing – The anodizing process increases the aluminum oxide making it resistant to corrosion. This method provides a more adhesive surface to other further coatings.
Electroplating – It is the method of immersing a metal in a bath containing cadmium, nickel, or chromium and running an electrical current through it.
Porcelain Enamel – Often used in cast iron cookware, it protects the products against scratches.
Oil-based paint is the best paint for industrial metal surfaces. Though expensive than water-based paints, they are formulated with pigments, synthetic resins or plant-based oil, and solvents. When cured, it dries to a rigid coat that repels water, dents, and scuffs.
On the downside, the color also tends to fade; hence your selection should have built-in fade-in protection.
While you can apply oil paint directly on the metal surface, it may take as long as 8 hours to dry. Hence an oil-based primer is necessary for a more uniform finish and a fast job. Additionally, you may want to choose one with heat-resistant resins if the machinery is subjected to high temperatures.
Metal doors have significant benefits in terms of security, weather protection, etc. They are also long-lasting and are built to withstand the elements.
Here are some of the best metal paints available in the market:
Prep work constitutes more than half of the paint job when it comes to metal. It requires a lot of elbow and grease to prepare the surface. Metal is one of the trickiest areas to paint since the latter doesn’t stick as it does with any other surfaces. Hence without proper preparation, the results are more likely to be disappointing.
Experts suggest two types of primers for metals: Rust converter (which prevents rust from reoccurring) and galvanized metal primer (suitable for metals that are difficult to paint). Apart from this, you also have iron oxide and zinc chromate primers which can be used on all metals, including iron and steel.
While a primer isn’t always necessary, without it, the metal can oxidize, leading to corrosion and inevitable decay. Moreover, the paint doesn’t adhere to the metal surface without the primer causing it to flake off easily.
Experts recommend using primer, especially if it comes into contact with moisture. In this case, the primers will contain anti-corrosive or anti-rust materials.
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to the metal, whether it is industrial or household. Not only does it brighten, but it also prolongs the life of the metal. As always, you need a few materials, a little bit of technique, and you are away painting.
Tools: Brush/ roller, paint, or spray paint
Here are the steps to follow when painting metal.
Spray painting is easier than any other method; however, it deposits a thin layer of paint. Experts suggest that you do at least three thin coats allowing the paint to dry between each coat for best results.
Talking about the brush creates a thick coat, giving a lasting finish much better than spray paint. However, the paint may be too thick and would need mineral spirits to dilute.
On the downside, it takes 36-48 hours to cure with a brush painting.
Metal doors like steel are built to keep the heat and cold out of our homes. Not just that, it can also elevate the curb appeal of your home. However, they will require a coat of paint or two at some point in their lifetime.
As with any painting project, the metal door will require proper prep work as the final result depends on the preparation. Following the below instructions can ensure that the paint job lasts longer and look great for years to come.
Metal painting is quite demanding to start with. However, with the proper preparation and tools, you should be able to paint without any issues, even for a beginner.
However, painting industrial products are quite different since corrosion requirements and other regulations govern them. It can be pretty challenging to identify which paint and coating are suitable for your situation. In this case, it is safer to approach a professional to paint your machinery. They can develop a highly customized coating considering the durability, capability, and flexibility.
If you are looking for a stress-free commercial or industrial painting experience, you need to choose the right contractors – contact Nelson Greer Painting Contractors for your FREE quote today. We will make sure that your home is properly painted inside and out to last you for years to come. With over 220 years of experience in our company’s history, you’ll love what we can do with our professional painting contractors.
Nelson J. Greer
Nelson J. Greer Painting Contractors, Inc. is committed to Excellence, Quality, and Dependability. Our experience in both the commercial and residential markets speaks for itself. Whether it’s painting your home, business, or new commercial construction project, we want to do the job right for you!
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