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  • 30 Jun

    What You Need to Know about Surface Coating

    Posted by Admin

    Categories: Surface, Office Space, Concrete

    Surface Coating Basics

    Two types of surface coatings are conventional liquid paint and a powder coating.  I am going to focus more on the liquid paint, but will touch briefly on the powder coating.  Some surface coatings are based on synthetic polymers that include paints, drying oils and varnishes, synthetic clear coatings, and other products whose primary function is to protect the surface of an object from the environment.

    The Surface Master’s single application paints are an advanced polymer with a rubber additive which provides strength and durability.  Liquid paint surface coatings are a ready-mix, so they have little prep work.  Just stir and paint directly to the surface you need protected.

    Powder coatings may need to be mixed before applying, and are typically applied electrostatically to the surface.  Because this type of coating is not liquid based, it usually goes on thicker and does not require several applications, like a liquid based coating most likely will.  Both of these applications cure under heat and need to be fully dry before additional coats are applied.

     

    Benefits of a Surface Coating

    Liquid base coatings have several benefits, which include:

    • – Corrosion Protection
    • – Environmental protection
    • – Increased longevity and durability
    • – Higher resale value
    • – Reduced maintenance costs of structure

    Powder coating benefits include:

    • – VOC: Powder coatings emit zero or near zero volatile organic compounds
    • – Environmentally friendly and energy and material efficient
    • – Powder coated items generally have fewer appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces and vertically coated surfaces than liquid coated items

     

    Choosing Your Coating

    Surface coatings are available in a brilliant clear coat, but also come in numerous colors as well as styles, such as a decorative flake coating.

    • – The first thing to consider is, are you using the coating in a residential, commercial, or industrial capacity?
    • – What type of surface are you applying the coating to?

    The type of surface will determine if you want a liquid base (wood decks and veranda’s, and concrete garage floors) or powder coating (metal siding, pipes, and automobiles).

    Let’s focus on residential use for the remaining steps.   Let’s say you have a deck and a garage floor that you want to apply a protective coating to.  For a wood deck, you may want to choose a liquid paint in either a cocoa, dark brown, or a burgundy color.  The exact color would be based on the type of wood.

     

    Wooden Deck
    Photo Source: Flickr.com

     

    For a patio floor, whether it’s a flat gray or stamped concrete, you could choose a concrete grey liquid paint, or even a clear coat.  If you are just looking to protect the patio from the elements, you could go with the grey paint option.  But if your patio is a stamped concrete or even some kind of stone work, then you will more likely want to choose the clear coat so the natural texture continues to stand out.

     

    Applying Your Surface Coating

    Preparation – For any surface you are going to apply your sealant to, the first step is to completely clean the surface of any dust and debris.  You may use a broom or some type of wet-dry vacuum to thoroughly clean the surface.  In some instances a cleaning agent or a pressure washer may be necessary, so be sure the surface is completely dry before applying your new protective coating.

    Mixing – Some surface coatings, such as aid based coatings, will have mixing instructions.  This may go without saying, safety first.  Follow the instructions precisely and always wear protective eye wear and clothing, such as gloves, to protect your skin.

    Application – Liquid paint surface coaters can be applied using standard paint rollers and brushes, where power coatings may require the use of a pressure sprayer.  Refer to product instructions for drying time, recommended number of coatings, as well as recommended wait time before allowing foot traffic.

     

    Enjoy Your New Protective Surface Coating

    With this information, you can be more assured that you’re prepared to decide on and implement the surface coating in our home or commercial property.  Longevity and durability combined with low cost and the ease of application makes a protective surface coating essential for all types of wood, metal, and concrete.  Stop by our videos page and see our protective surface coating in action.