Choosing the correct high-performance coating for steel can be challenging with many options available in the market. High-performance coatings are designed to protect steel surfaces in demanding environments, including those exposed to extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and harsh weather conditions. This blog explores several factors to consider when selecting high-performance coatings for steel assets, including storage tanks, and high-profile architectural buildings, as well as those assets that would be difficult or costly to repaint.

1. Surface Preparation:

The performance of any coating depends heavily on proper surface preparation. Steel surfaces must be free from rust, dirt, and other contaminants before the coating is applied. Adherence to the product data sheet, which includes the required surface preparation and oftentimes important details such as the anchor profile depth, will help to ensure the longevity of the coating system that is being applied.

2. Application:

Discuss whether the project requires brush and roll, or if spray application is allowed. If spray-applied, are there concerns about over-spray on surrounding properties or structures that would necessitate a product with dry-fall capabilities?

3. Corrosion Resistance:

Corrosion is a significant concern for steel surfaces, and high-performance coatings should provide excellent corrosion resistance. For example, one should consider primers that contain corrosion inhibitors, such as zinc, which can provide additional protection. Accelerated corrosion tests that are useful in selecting products with superior protective qualities include ASTM B 117 Salt Spray and ASTM D 5894 Cyclic Salt Fog/UV.

4. Chemical Resistance:

Steel surfaces may come into contact with various chemicals, such as acids, alkalis, fuels, and solvents. A high-performance coating can provide excellent protection in these exposures. Coating manufacturers subject specialized formulations to a battery of chemical tests to determine specific parameters such as maximum immersion temperature, concentration, and the duration of time the coating can withstand the chemical exposure. This information should be utilized when selecting a coating suitable for the chemical and also the intended use (i.e. secondary containment, full-time immersion).

5. UV Resistance:

Painted surfaces exposed to sunlight can fade and deteriorate over time. Coatings that are resistant to UV rays can prevent this deterioration, thus preserving the aesthetic qualities of the topcoat and also extending the life of the coating system. Accelerated laboratory tests intended to stress a coating and prematurely degrade it through intense UV exposure include ASTM D 4587 QUV and ASTM D 4141 EMMAQUA. The usefulness of these tests is that they are standardized, so data can be easily compared among several products and multiple manufacturers to determine their performance levels. Additionally, products tested on a particular performance attribute (i.e. gloss retention) over several different tests (EMMAQUA, QUV, South Florida) can provide more meaningful assurance that one product will outperform another in an actual exterior exposure condition.

Selecting the right high-performance coating for steel surfaces requires consideration of several factors, including surface preparation, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and UV resistance, as well as the preferred method of application. Choosing a high-performance coating that addresses these factors can provide long-lasting protection in challenging environments.