Whether applying a metal coating for aesthetic or protective reasons, the processes involved are similar. You will need to expose your structure to a variety of conditions to induce corrosion. It is only with proper and regular exposure that you can prevent it or reverse the process. Otherwise, the process is irreversible.
Certain coatings are better than others. There are a variety of factors to consider, such as the physical and chemical properties of the metals to be coated, your budget, and your desired end result. Metal is often the material of choice, especially with paint coatings.
The reason is that metal is durable and corrosion-resistant. With proper care, paint coatings can last a lifetime. A variety of protective coatings are on the market today. They are typically available in liquid or powder form and can either be applied on or integrated into your structure.
Many industries utilize these protective coatings to provide a more durable finish. Applying a metallic coating is easy and can be done on a variety of surfaces. Some examples include:
Hot-dip galvanizing is the most common form of hot-dip galvanizing and offers excellent corrosion protection. Hot-dip galvanizing is also known as galvanized steel coating and is used to coat steel surfaces.
The protective coating bonds with the galvanized steel and creates an impermeable barrier. This method is commonly used on railroad tracks and other heavy materials that are exposed to salt spray. The benefits of this method include the ability to treat broad areas and to control the chemical interactions between the coating and the steel.
There are many different types of spray coatings including hot-dip galvanizing, thermally sprayed aluminum, and zinc coating. Zinc is a popular option as it can be applied in a variety of applications. It is available in powder form and can be incorporated directly into steel structures.
The thermally sprayed metal coating is often used to protect steel surfaces from the effects of moisture intrusion. It is commonly used on railway tracks and other underground constructions. The heat-hardening feature of the material allows it to be effective in situations where hot-dip galvanizing cannot be utilized due to thermal breakage.
The spray coating can also be incorporated directly into the structure. As with zinc coating, there are options for hot-dip galvanizing and thermal spraying. Hot-dip galvanizing is a form of direct bonding that uses high temperatures to fuse the zinc coat to the structural steel.
This process is similar to hot-dip galvanizing but requires the use of higher temperatures (typically 400-degree Celsius or higher). This method provides a hardening effect similar to that of hot-dip galvanizing. It is commonly used to bond zinc to steel structures.
However, it does have an additional benefit in that hot-dip galvanizing can be combined with low-voltage electrical sprinklers to provide a more rust-resistant structure. Thermally Sprayed Coated Structures offer a range of advantages over hot-dip galvanizing.
A key advantage of using thermally sprayed coatings like MIL DTL 5541 is that they can be applied to a wide range of temperate and weather conditions with little to no risk of surface damage. Moreover, they are environmentally friendly as well as cost-effective.
Lastly, they are easily implemented into a wide range of projects requiring steel features and are very convenient to work with. Using a protective coating when building or renovating a commercial or residential property is one of the most financially sound decisions you can make.
In most cases, buildings will require a certain level of corrosion resistance to withstand harsh external conditions. However, the extent of this protection can vary depending on the application.
For instance, most steel structures will undergo corrosion throughout their useful life; however, structures made from materials such as aluminum or iron are at a much higher risk of developing corrosion in specific areas.
Thus, it is important to pay special attention to your building’s vulnerable areas to ensure that a sufficient level of protection is provided. For best results, regular blast cleaning is recommended for all structure surfaces.
As a rule of thumb, clean all flat surfaces with a high-pressure jet of water and a fine grit abrasive cleaning cloth. Also, flat surfaces should be prepped for blasting with a high-pressure air blaster or spray gun.
After the area has been cleared, your job can begin by energizing your blasting equipment and spraying the entire surface. Regular dusting is required after the spraying to ensure that you are getting a smooth finish. Once the surface has dried and been cured, your work is complete.
If you need further assistance with the techniques and tools needed for applying the metal surface coating, contact a professional today. Professional coating companies provide a comprehensive range of services designed to meet your particular needs.
For additional information, contact one of your local corrosion protection service providers today. They are ready to answer any questions you may have and can often take care of all the necessary surface preparation tasks for you.