4th April 2024
Architectural protective coatings are essential in protecting buildings and structures from the elements, including rust corrosion and UV radiation. These coatings act as a barrier between the metal and the environment, prolonging its life and ensuring that it remains safe and functional for years to come.
There are several types of industrial coatings available, each with its own unique set of benefits. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular types of architectural coatings, like powder coating, intumescent coatings and galvanising. We’ll also break down how you can use them to protect your architecture.
What Are Protective Coatings?
Protective coatings, also known as industrial coatings, are a type of coating that is applied to metal surfaces to protect them from the environment. These coatings act as a barrier between the surface and the environment, providing long-term protection and preserving the integrity of the material.
Architectural coatings come in many different forms. The type of protective coating used depends on the material being protected and the results you wish to achieve. Let’s look at a balcony balustrade, for example. Hot zinc spray would be the perfect option. This is because a spray gun can manoeuvre around and coat awkward shapes.
What are the Types of Protective Coating?
There are many types of industrial coatings available. To find the right one to protect your architecture, it is best to work backwards, starting with the result you want and then finding a coating that provides it.
Below are the types of protective coatings available, and the results they offer:
Hot zinc spray (HZS)
HZS involves coating a material in molten zinc. This zinc hardens, providing a protective layer that prevents damage caused by the environment. Its finish would be described as reasonably smooth and in the right hands and even coverage.
Hot dipped galvanising
Hot dip galvanising is similar to HZS. Both coat an item in a layer of protective zinc. The difference is that galvanising involves dipping an item in a bath of molten zinc, whereas HSZ involves using a spray gun to apply the molten zinc. The down side with dipping is that it can leave an uneven finish and in some cases pooling in hard to reach areas.
Zinc primer
Zinc primer is a type of coating that is applied to the surface of a metal as a base coat. It is made of zinc and is used to protect a metal’s surface from corrosion.
Powder coating
Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied to surfaces as a dry powder and then cured in an oven to form a protective layer. It is used to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
Wet Spray
Wet spray is a method of applying a coating to a surface by spraying a liquid onto it. Wet spray allows for a more even application of the coating and is used for large, irregular surfaces or for achieving a specific texture.
Intumescent coatings
Intumescent coatings are fire-resistant coatings that expand up to 50 times their size when exposed to heat. If a fire breaks out, then these coatings expand to protect the structure of the building.
How to Get the Base Layer Right
Getting the base layer right is essential for successfully applying a protective coating. One of the key steps in this process is shot blasting, which involves using high-pressure streams of abrasive material to clean and prepare the surface. This removes any debris, rust, and other contaminants, creating a smooth surface that is ready for coating.
It is important to have a smooth base before applying any kind of protective coating. If you don’t, then this will affect the top coat, making it looks bumpy and uneven. This makes buildings look unappealing, and can devalue certain products, like balconies or intricate steelwork.
What Are the Types of Galvanised Protection?
Galvanised protection is the process of applying protective coatings to a metal’s surface to protect it from corrosion. The three most common types of galvanised protection are:
- Hot-dip galvanising: Dipping the metal surface in a bath of molten zinc, which forms a protective coating on the surface.
- Zinc spraying: Spraying molten zinc onto the metal surface to form a protective coating.
- Zinc primer: This is a type of primer that contains zinc, which protects a metal’s surface.
