Protective Coatings
Equipping concrete and steel surfaces exposed to chemical, mechanical and environmental attack with coating systems that protect their function and their life.
When the surface goes, the body follows.
Concrete and steel are strong but vulnerable materials. Chemical contact dissolves the concrete’s surface and reaches its reinforcement; moisture and oxygen consume steel from within. The damage does not always start visibly; protective coatings exist to stop this silent process before it begins, and to slow and reverse it if it has already started.
Protection is not a single product but a matter of matching: what touches the surface, at what temperature and how often? The protection in a wastewater structure and the protection in a chemical containment bund do not speak the same language. In our applications we first define the exposure, select the system accordingly and carry out the surface preparation with the discipline the system requires.
- A system for the exposure: The coating is selected for the surface’s real contact conditions.
- Expertise in concrete and steel: The two materials’ different corrosion languages are treated each in its own right.
- Preparation discipline: The system’s life begins with the quality of the surface preparation.
- Together with repair: Damaged surfaces are repaired to suit the system before coating.
On every surface where the material is under strain.
Protective coatings serve where concrete and steel meet severe conditions.
Wastewater structures
The chemical and biological conditions of treatment plants.
Chemical containment areas
The containment bunds of storage and filling zones.
Process tanks and plinths
Protection systems inside and around tanks.
Steel structures
Protecting steel elements exposed to corrosion.
Stack and duct surfaces
Aggressive gas and condensation conditions.
Cooling towers and water structures
Concrete surfaces in permanent water contact.
Views from the field.
Sample images from applications in different buildings and conditions.
Protection is the cooperation of layers.
The coating’s barrier duty sits in the top coat; but the system’s life depends on the correctness of the repair and primer layers.
- Chemical-resistant top coatMeeting the exposure, serving as the barrier: the layer.
- Intermediate coatThe body layer establishing thickness and continuity.
- PrimerThe bonding layer interlocking with the surface.
- Repaired surfaceConcrete or steel, its damage repaired and preparation complete.
A system family for the exposure.
The coating family is selected for the substance in contact, the temperature and the mechanical conditions.
Epoxy-based systems
A reliable barrier across a wide chemical range.
Vinyl ester systems
High resistance for severe chemical exposure.
Polyurethane and polyurea
Surfaces needing flexibility and fast return to service.
Steel protection systems
Multi-coat paint systems by corrosivity category.
What is expected of a protective coating.
A chemical barrier
An impermeable surface against the substance in contact.
Mechanical strength
Integrity under abrasion and impact.
Impermeability
Moisture and liquids are kept from reaching the body.
Interlocking with the surface
Strong adhesion established through preparation.
Planned application
Phased work around shutdown windows.
Thickness records
Coat thicknesses are measured and documented.
As the conditions get tougher, the system gets stronger.
The classification below is indicative only. The final system is determined by assessing the substances in contact, the temperature and the mechanical conditions.
A protective coating, or another system?
Depending on the surface’s need, another heading may fit better.
Technical documents for members
Technical data sheets, safety data sheets and application specifications are available in the membership area open to corporate clients, architects and engineers. Access is free with membership.
Other special systems
Let’s protect your surfaces against time and chemicals.
Share the substances and conditions your surface is in contact with; let’s define the exposure and select the right system together.