Protective Coatings and the Benefits they Offer

When it comes to protective paint coatings, the clue is in the name! The paint creates a coating around a surface which provides a layer of protection to the material beneath. Commonly designed for corrosion prevention, protective coatings can be applied using a range of processes and specialist equipment to create different types of finish. They are not only used to protect an asset from environmental forces, but also to comply with Building Regulations or enhance the appearance of the asset.

Why Your Assets Need a Protective Coating

Protects The Surface

Protective coatings are highly durable and different types of coatings are designed to safeguard surfaces from a range of damaging elements. For example, epoxy polyester powder coatings are recommended for internal use and provide a high level of chemical resistance to acids, alkalis and oil. Protective coatings are very effective in mitigating the risk of damage to the surface and helps maintain the asset’s condition for a longer period than if it was unprotected.

Protective coatings protect surfaces from:

  • Weather
  • Saltwater
  • UV Light
  • Rust
  • Fire
  • Chemicals

Saves You Money

In the UK, it’s estimated that the corrosion of equipment and major structures due to inadequate protection costs £10 billion each year. Protecting your assets from corrosion and other environmental factors, will save you money in the long run. When covered in a protective coating, your assets will last much longer and require less upkeep. As a result, you will spend less on maintenance costs and are less likely to buy replacements in the future. In addition to protecting the surface underneath, protective paints are more durable than conventional wet paints and last much longer, further reducing the costs associated with maintaining your assets because touch-ups and fresh coats are not required as often.

Aesthetically Pleasing

In addition to protecting your assets, protective coatings can be used to create a plethora of colours and unique finishes. For instance, lacquering is the process of applying a durable coat of paint that has no colour pigment to a substrate, creating a shiny finish. Using a multi-coat lacquering system, a high gloss piano-style finish can be created which embellishes surfaces, whilst protecting them with a hard finish. No matter what aesthetic appearance is required, there’s a protective coating that can create that finish and make the asset look unique.

Protective coatings offer a wide range of aesthetic options, such as:

  • Matt
  • Satin
  • Glossy
  • Textured Finishes
  • Glittery
  • Wrinkled
  • Bumpy

Comply With Regulations

In certain situations, protective coatings must be applied to surfaces to ensure compliance with legislation put in place to enhance safety. In 2004, the UK’s Building Regulations 2000 was introduced which specifies that handrails must be “slip-resistant and not cold to touch”. As a result, Warm to Touch coatings must be applied to handrails and balcony rails. Designed with a thermal insulator, this type of paint feels warm when touched, even during winter. Coming in a range of colours and finishes, the glossy paint is both durable and slip-resistant.

Building Regulations also state that measures must be taken to stop the spread of fire within a property. This can be achieved using fire retardant paints, which work by slowing down or stopping the spread of flames on a surface. Constantly tested in accordance with BS 476, flame retardant paints work in different ways and come in a range of colours and finishes. Some fire retardant coatings release a flame dampening gas when the paint gets too hot, whilst others insulate the surface and cause the paint to swell and char when exposed to fire.

Summary

Whether you need to protect a surface from corrosion, fire or chemicals, we can quickly turnaround your project while causing minimal disruption to your site. We have the full range of specialised mobile equipment needed to travel to your site and apply a long-lasting protective coating to your property or asset. Alternatively, we offer a free collection and delivery service, meaning we’ll take your asset back to our large factory HQ and apply the protective coating there, before returning the asset to you. We use the highest quality protective paints to ensure our coatings last as long as possible, eliminating the need for touch-ups and saving you money. Offering a range of colours and finishes for you to choose from, we’ll ensure your asset is protected with a durable coating that looks great while reducing maintenance costs associated with your asset.

If you’re interested in learning more about protective coatings, please contact us