Industrial painting contractors use a variety of methods to coat surfaces with paint. Unlike home decorators there are many more ways to lay down a layer of paint than just by applying it by brush or roller. In addition, the surfaces in industrial painting tend to require a lot more thorough preparation.
Preparation is usually the key to proper long lasting paint applications. If the surfaces to be painted have not had paint applied previously, then the process is somewhat easier. If a previous coat exists, then its removal is usually required, and this in itself is a skill that needs an expert touch.
Surfaces can be prepared by using ultra high pressure water jets, or water jetting as it is also known. This has both a washing and a blasting effect, which can remove grit and dust as well as any other loose particles. Water jetting leaves a surface cleaner than any of the other methods of preparation. It can be used in all weathers and it has no adverse environmental effects.
Abrasive preparation is also used by industrial painting contractors. This can be dry, wet, or a combination of wet and dry. In this way rust, grit, dust and chemicals can easily be removed to leave a virgin surface ready for the paint application. When sufficient care and attention is taken over the preparation process, the painting process is made easier with a greater likelihood of a successful outcome.
In industrial painting, applying the paint with a brush or roller is not the only option. Powder coating, for example, is a process where particles of dry paint have an electrostatic charge applied before being positioned on a grounded surface. The particles are held on the surface by electrostatic attraction. Heat is then applied, which allows the powder coating to flow together and be cured in place.
For powder coating to work it is of course necessary for the surface being treated to be electrically conductive. Originally this meant only metal surfaces. However, recent technological advanced have meant that other surfaces, including such unlikely ones as plastic and wood, can now also be treated in this way.
Coil coating, also known as roll coating, is a high speed method of applying a coating of paint to a metal surface. It is a continuous process, which is why it is a fast method. It is also the most cost-effective and energy-efficient method of getting paint on to a metal surface, as well as being extremely kind to the environment.
Spray coating is a more common way to apply paints on to a surface, and as such it is extensively used by industrial painting contractors. This method can also deliver resins and sealants effectively under pressure. The inherent messiness associated with this kind of delivery through overspray can be greatly minimised by applying an electrostatic charge to the spray.
Industrial painting contractors have to keep on top of all the latest developments. They need to be versatile and flexible, being able to offer a wide range of preparation processes, as well as a wide range of coating techniques and methods.