7 Special Considerations When Painting Heavy Industrial Equipment 

December 4, 2024

In a recent study in the Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology, researchers discovered something “astonishing” about industrial equipment coatings. When applied to micro-milling tools, specialized ceramic coatings increased the lifespan of the smallest-diameter tools by over 35,000%!

How? By decreasing friction and increasing durability.

Don’t let the benefits of industrial painting and equipment coatings pass you by. While not all results are as striking as those in the study, the upsides are consistent. 

Yet, painting heavy industrial equipment is no easy task—and getting it wrong can be lethal. Fortunately, the experts at McLean Company have developed this smart start guide. Discover seven crucial considerations to weigh when painting heavy industrial equipment. 

 

Painting Industrial Equipment: Considerations By Type

Certain considerations apply across the board: the machine’s environment, the coating’s properties, and appropriate surface repair or caulking material are always key factors.

Yet, in addition to these notes, different types of industrial equipment require painters to make different categorical choices. 

1. Cutting, Grinding, and Milling Machines 

To paint or coat a coating, grinding, or milling machine, it’s wise to engage equipment-specific steps, including:

  • Power-off the machine 
    • Power down the spindle
    • Remove and secure any mounted tools
  • Disassembly 
    • Take the equipment apart 
    • Secure/clamp all components as needed
  • Pre-paint inspection 
    • Cleaning with non-aqueous solution or air/brush
    • Blade and gear damage assessment

Considering how to apply these stages prior to painting or coating a cutting machine is vital. 

2. Tanks and Vats

Tanks and vats demand consideration of their external environment, and what they contain. Both will impact the best coating choice. 

Painting a tank also requires dealing with its lining, which is often a polyurethane, polyurea, or epoxy material. Lining repair may be necessary before paint can be applied.

Safety, Prep & Painting Considerations

Consider the best strategies to deal with material hazards when working with industrial equipment. At a minimum, use OSHA-compliant personal protective equipment: hearing protection, goggles, gloves, anti-slip footwear, and, when working with risky materials, a full-body paint suit. 

3. Ensure Safe Ventilation

Consider the best tools and equipment to establish appropriate ventilation for your painting work. Your space, materials, and environmental hazards are all factors. Your chosen ventilation options must:

  • Ensure the space enables the appropriate number of air changes per hour 
    • Calculate ACH using the formula ACH = 60Q/Vol
      • Q = the flow rate of 1 cubic foot of air per minute in your location
      • Vol = your workspace in cubic feet
    • Bring fresh air in high
    • Vent (exhaust) used air out low
      • Use exhaust fans with OSHA-compliant hazard capture
  • Open windows, doors
    • Keep area fully ventilated for 72 hours after the job is complete
  • Reduce risk with low-VOC or no-VOC paint

4. Deal With Hazardous Metals and Materials Safely

Heavy industrial equipment may put you into contact with hazardous materials, including lead particulates. Consider the practical strategies available to deal with hazards safely, including:

  • Optimal isolation and hazard containment
  • Utilize negative air pressure to vent toxins away from breathing range
  • Vent local exhaust appropriately (capture hazard; do not let it out into broader environment)

Of course, personal protective equipment is mandatory. 

5. Optimize Your Prep of Metal Machinery Surfaces

Industrial equipment surfaces must be optimally prepared before priming or coating. This includes:

  • Disassembling, removing accessory components
  • Cleaning
  • Removing grease, rust
  • Media blasting
  • Surface repair  

Consider the nature of your equipment to choose the right blasting media and repair materials.

Most industrial equipment surfaces benefit from metal substrates. They’re strong, durable, corrosion-resistant, and are compatible with a range of primers and coatings. Consider the properties of the most-used metal substrates:

  • Steel (galvanized, stainless, cold rolled steel)
  • Cast iron
  • Copper
  • Brass
  • Aluminum (anodized)
  • Magnesium
  • Composite metals

More rarely, equipment may require a non-metal substrate, such as a porcelain or ceramic, polymer, or wood/glass composite material. 

6. Choose The Best Coat of Paint

When considering the best coating for your equipment, factor in the machine’s:

  • Function
  • Environment 
    • Temperature
    • Climate
    • Typical hazards
  • Component parts
  • Materials 
    • Surface
    • Sub-surface
  • Vulnerabilities

At a minimum, the right coat should improve the machine’s function. Consider whether it should also provide other benefits, like protection from water, corrosion, microbes, or acids and oils. 

7. Coating System Considerations

Coating system considerations can include the relative durability or fragility of the equipment, environmental risks, and the equipment’s size. For example, dip coating is only viable for small components, while roll-to-roll coating is solely for large surfaces. 

Popular coating system options include:  

 

  • Electrostatic
  • Airless sprayers
  • Dip coating
  • Powder
  • Roll-to-roll coating

McLean Company: Equipment Painting By The Experts

Painting industrial equipment and machinery delivers plenty of benefits. But it’s also a task that comes with risks. Don’t leave it up to chance. Talk to one of our professionals today!

Just call 978-774-4330, and enjoy a free consultation on your commercial or industrial project. Or, fill out the online contact form to get more information. 

 

Posted in Painting