Paint has many uses in an industrial capacity and is rarely just about providing colour. A good paint system is also able to offer protection for its intended surface in the way of corrosion and heat resistance.
It can also give a surface a far more pleasing appearance, making the process of choosing the right paint for you an important one. Here we’ll go into the different types of paint and their usage.
The Composition of Paint
Paint is typically made from the blending of three main components;
- A pigment is a finally ground powder which can be natural or synthetic, providing colour and cohesion properties.
- The binder is typically a resin or oil and as its name suggests is used to form the film which will help the paint be applied.
- The solvent is the solution which helps to dissolve the binder into the paint and provides the finished article.
Protecting Steel
Paint is the most common way to protect steel and to provide increased performance and durability. It used to be the case that five or six coats were required to achieve the desired finish but advancements in technology have refined this process making two or three thicker coats more than sufficient.
Paint can be used to;
- Increase the temperature resistance of structural steel beams. This is often a building regulation requirement in the construction of high rise buildings.
- Provide a surface that is difficult to climb. Anti-climb paint is typically used in high security areas at risk of unwanted intruders.
- Increase the corrosion resistance of structural steel reinforcement. Unless treated, steel has a tendency to rust and corrode. Painting of these surfaces can increase their lifespan.
Application
Paint can be applied in any number of ways from a simple brush or sponge roller to more advanced techniques such as powder coating and air or airless spraying.
Airless spraying is now the most common method utilised in applying paint to surfaces in controlled environments. This is become the tolerances can be controlled to greater levels than could otherwise be achieved with traditional techniques.
Airless spraying utilises hydraulic compression techniques to force a paint solution through the hose and nozzle of a spray gun. Altering the size and the nozzle of the spray gun as well as the pressure will result is a customisable deposition rate suitable for all surfaces.
The thickness of each film can be fine tuned for all requirements and whilst more expensive than air spraying, results in far less paint wastage and a faster application time.
Custom Made Paint for You
If you are unable to find the paint you require off the shelf you will need to consider a bespoke solution that is right for your needs. The benefits to this are that you obtain a paint that is designed with your business and application requirements in mind. If in the North-East of the country, take advantage of advanced pigment dispersion in Leeds. This process is guaranteed to offer the colour accuracy and durability you need from your paint.
Don’t leave the quality of your paint and coatings to chance. Make sure you utilise what is right for the success of your projects.
