How to select a suitable coating.
The fundamental elements of an effective coating selection process are very important. However some of these elements can be easily overlooked resulting in a compromised coating selection. Following are the main issues that need to be addressed when selecting the most suitable coating system.
STEP 1. The substrate
The objective is to decide what coating and priming system is the most appropriate for the substrate. Different substrates will respond to different viscosities. Some will require coatings with superior wetting, while others need greater adhesion. This initial selection should play a major role in selecting a suitable coating.
STEP 2. The service demands and environment
What the coating will be subjected to during application and service life is a critical element in the coating selection process.
Questions need to be asked such as:-
What is the realistic chemical / acid exposure?
What traffic loading will impact the coating?
What flexibility and crack bridging is required?
What UV stability is required?
STEP 3. Preparation and application methods
Substrate preparation is a critical element any coating performance. Preparation and application methods are also a major determinant in project labour costs. Labour quality, availability and equipment requirements will need to combine well for the project to run to cost and plan.
STEP 4. Schedule
Properties of the coatings such as curing times and re-coat times (if multiple coats are needed) will affect the project schedule. To reduce the "downtime" of critical process equipment that is being coated, a quality coating optimised for the operating environment will often provide large cost savings.
STEP 5. Ongoing maintenance
Even though maintaining, repairing, or patching is the last thing you want to consider when installing a brand-new coating, it is undeniably a key to getting the maximum life and full service out of the coating. Therefore, the selection process should also account for a product that is easy to maintain i.e. easy to repair patch and recoat.
As can be seen from the above steps there are many variables to consider in the correct coating selection