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The first job of any paint system for steel is to protect against corrosion.
There are several variables to consider in the choosing the right type of coatng:
- Environment
- Life to first major maintenance
- Preparation
- Service use
- Application methods
- Temperature resistance
- Drying times and recoat times.
All coatings are permeable to moisture, some have better resistance than others. The life of any coating system will be depenant on the type of coating and its overall dry film thickness.
For many structures which would involve costly preparation, scaffolding etc during maintenance, the trend is for high build coatings, which minimise the number of coats and cost of labour.
Coastal and inland polluted environments need a coating system which is moisture, chemical and abrasion resistant. An epoxy primer , acrylic top coat or an acrylated rubber system would be suitable.
General dry film thicknesses of 200-300 microns would give a life up to 10 years to 1st major maintenance.
For inland, non polluted environments an alkyd coating system with a general dry film thickness of 200 microns would give a life up to 10 years to 1st major maintenance.
New work; it is best to prepare the steel by abrasive blasting in the fabrication shop, where temperature and humidity can be controlled.
The primer and intermediate coats are usually applied in the shop and the top coat is appled at site.
Maintenece work; preparation can be by abrasive blasting with the correct sheeting and dust ectraction to minimise dust pollution. Mechanical preparation is often more common and the choice of primer is suited to this type of preparation.
We would recommend that you contact us to discuss your needs so that we can advise you what suitable products and systems are available.
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