As a business owner, you have valuable indoor and outdoor equipment to protect. Industrial equipment that is exposed to the elements can become pitted and rust, then weaken. If not maintained regularly with industrial paint or industrial coatings, your valuable investment suffers, as will your pocketbook.
A business vehicle isn’t the only equipment stored outside that needs maintenance. Industrial painting or industrial coating is done on holding tanks for water and chemicals, storage facilities, welders, compressors and other industrial equipment. Not only does industrial painting or industrial coating save the outdoor industrial equipment, it saves you the hassle of dealing with code enforcement officers. Equipment that is in good condition and looks good gives your customers a good impression of your business. Most new customers will think twice about dealing with a business that doesn’t take care of their equipment.
Choose the industrial paint supplies specific for your need. If you have chemicals stored in a holding tank, make sure the paint suppliers know what chemical is stored; the type of industrial paint supplies will vary according to use.
- Buy your industrial coating products and industrial paint products from industry specific suppliers. For example, the marine industry uses coatings and industrial paint supplies far different than those used by dairy farmers who need food grade coatings.
- Industrial coatings and paint must meet specific guidelines if used in public places or where the public can go, including hospitals, schools, libraries and hotels. Make sure the industrial coating or industrial paint meets the code for your city or town.
- Avoid buying "heavy duty" paint or "commercial grade" coatings from a hardware store, unless they have a contractors department. Many of the so-called "heavy duty" grades available at a local hardware store are meant for heavy-duty homeowner use, not commercial or industrial uses.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use flame retardant paint when possible for public places
A modified latex paint is available for painting public places, which is a flame retardant paint. Aside from the benefits of being flame retardant, the paint is a white base and tintable in many colors. An interior paint, flame retardant paint is especially useful for hotels, theaters, restaurants or anywhere large crowds of people congregate.
I recommend: Check out the spec sheet and application instructions for
flame retardant paint at Pittsburgh Paints.
Reduce the prep time by painting directly over rust
If your industrial equipment is rusted, you can paint directly over it or use an epoxy coating directly over the rust. This is especially helpful when access to your equipment is difficult. You can apply the coating or paint to the rusted equipment as long as the rust isn't peeling off in long pieces. Not only is this type of epoxy paint or coating easier to use, but is a great labor saver.
I recommend: Check out the spec sheet for epoxy coatings that can be
used directly on rust.
Apply elastomeric coating to protect equipment
Coatings made with elastomeric material add strength, flexibility and protection and can be used on a wide variety of materials. Elastomeric coatings can be applied to wood, metal and masonry. Elastomeric products work great for roof protection, too.
I recommend: Compare the benefits of
elastomeric coatings for your next job.
Look for environmentally friendly industrial paint
Even industrial paint suppliers are painting themselves green. Well-known brand names and smaller paint producers are investing in industrial paint products that are easy on the environment.
I recommend: Look at
Sherwin-Williams's Green Solutions if you need to meet green building specifications.
Rohm and Haas sells a selection of water-based industrial paint products.
Green Planet Paints and
Cox Paint also sell petroleum-free industrial paint supplies.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Always follow industry guidelines to protect yourself, your workers and the public.
The official source of Industrial Painting and Coating Products is
the Industrial Painting and Coating Products page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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