A Complete Guide to Industrial Coatings

Understanding protective coatings for industrial environments.

Industrial painting in a Melbourne warehouse

Industrial coatings are specialised paints and finishes designed to protect surfaces in demanding environments. From factory floors to structural steel, choosing the right coating is essential for durability, safety, and long-term cost savings.

Types of Industrial Coatings

Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy is one of the most popular industrial coatings, known for its exceptional durability and chemical resistance.

  • Best for: Factory floors, warehouses, food processing areas
  • Benefits: Chemical resistant, easy to clean, extremely durable
  • Considerations: Can yellow with UV exposure, requires proper preparation

Polyurethane Coatings

Polyurethane offers excellent UV resistance and flexibility.

  • Best for: Exterior steel, areas with sun exposure
  • Benefits: UV stable, flexible, good abrasion resistance
  • Considerations: More expensive than epoxy

Acrylic Coatings

Water-based acrylics are environmentally friendly and quick-drying.

  • Best for: Walls, ceilings, low-traffic areas
  • Benefits: Low VOC, fast drying, easy application
  • Considerations: Less durable than epoxy for floors

Intumescent Coatings

Fire-resistant coatings that expand when exposed to heat.

  • Best for: Structural steel, fire-rated areas
  • Benefits: Fire protection, code compliance
  • Considerations: Requires specialist application

Choosing the Right Coating

Consider these factors when selecting industrial coatings:

  • Environment: Indoor vs outdoor, temperature extremes
  • Chemical exposure: Oils, solvents, acids, food products
  • Traffic levels: Foot traffic, forklifts, heavy machinery
  • Safety requirements: Anti-slip, fire rating, visibility
  • Downtime tolerance: Cure time, phased application

Surface Preparation

Proper preparation is critical for industrial coatings:

  • Concrete: Diamond grinding, shot blasting, acid etching
  • Steel: Abrasive blasting, power tool cleaning
  • Existing coatings: Adhesion testing, compatibility checks

Application Methods

  • Roller application: Suitable for most floor coatings
  • Spray application: Faster for large areas and structural steel
  • Trowel application: For thick-build floor systems

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