In an industrial setting, painting serves two main purposes: beauty and protection. Unlike commercial paints, which are used to beautify spaces and make them more appealing for the occupants, industrial paints are specifically designed to protect equipment and surfaces from humidity, corrosive weather conditions, abrasions, chemical spills, and other environmental hazards. As such, industrial painting requires unique skills and paints that are not used in other types of commercial painting projects.
To ensure the safety of everyone involved in an industrial painting project, industrial painting is typically performed after hours or during weekends so that the business can continue operations as normal throughout the duration of the painting project. These projects can also be more complex due to the presence of machinery or other equipment that may need to be sealed off from other areas. This can be done through the use of specialty tools and techniques, as well as the use of special paints and protective coatings.
Industrial painting can help to reduce energy costs by reflecting sunlight and heat away from surfaces rather than absorbing it. This helps facilities to keep cooler and lessens their reliance on air conditioning systems. Likewise, protective coatings like epoxy can help to extend the life of equipment by shielding them from wear and tear.
Whether you need to repaint the walls and ceilings of a warehouse, or need to coat specialized machinery or automotive parts, there are a variety of industrial paints available that can be applied in these situations. These industrial paints can be formulated to have a wide range of properties including:
The most popular type of industrial paint is epoxy, which is a durable and strong coating that resists moisture, chemicals, and abrasions. It can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces and can be formulated with a high gloss, a low gloss, or a satin finish. Epoxy is usually formulated with solvents, but water-based and 100% solids epoxies are also available for specific applications.
Other types of industrial paint include urethane, alkyd, phenolic, and enamel. These different types have their own benefits and drawbacks, but each can be applied in certain situations to meet particular needs. For example, urethane is a fast-drying option that can be used on metals and plastics, while alkyd is a good choice for oily surfaces that require more abrasion resistance.
While it is important to be able to pay attention to detail and have excellent hand-eye coordination, the ability to think quickly and solve problems are also essential qualities for industrial painters. These workers are often on their feet or standing for long periods of time, and they may need to climb ladders or scaffolding to reach difficult-to-reach spaces. Physical stamina is also crucial, as the job may involve extensive sanding and other preparatory work.
Industrial painters should also be familiar with industry regulations and standards, as well as OSHA guidelines for safe working conditions. They should be able to identify underlying issues and suggest solutions that will help the client remain in compliance with industry standards.