We’ve come a long way in the world of paint. What was once just a nice aesthetic bonus is now a powerful tool in the protection and maintenance of both residential and commercial properties.
One of the biggest advances we’ve made is in coming up with different kinds of paint for different applications, and one of the best examples of this is industrial maintenance paint.
Specifically designed for industrial settings, applying this paint can be a really smart way to protect your property and reduce overall maintenance needs.
Here’s everything you ever needed to know about industrial maintenance paint.
When is Maintenance Paint Needed?
Industrial maintenance paint is a special kind of paint that is particularly resistant to a number of different things you normally find in factories and other industrial settings.
In general, you may need industrial maintenance paint if:
You Notice Corrosion
Painting metal can be a good way to prevent it from corroding, or rusting. But if the metals in your commercial space are exposed to a lot of moisture or other chemicals, then you may need to up your protection by coating these surfaces with industrial maintenance paint.
This is especially true if you happen to notice any excessive corrosion appearing somewhere in your shop.
You’re Dealing with Uncommon Chemicals
Another reason to apply industrial maintenance paint is if you have surfaces that are going to be exposed to particularly harsh chemicals. Regular paint will protect you against some things, but the more intense the chemicals you use, the stronger the paint you will need to protect your property and machinery.
In some cases, you may need to have special paint designed for you so that it can withstand the chemicals present at your facility.
You’re Having to Constantly Repaint
Another tell-tale sign that you might need industrial maintenance paint is if your current paint is eroding too quickly. If you frequently notice peeling, bubbles, discoloration, or corrosion, then it may be that your current paint is simply not up to the task.
Downsides to Maintenance Paint
Although industrial maintenance paint can better protect your surfaces, there are some downsides to using it that you should keep in mind before painting, such as:
More Expensive
Due to its protective qualities, industrial maintenance paint is usually going to be a bit more expensive than other types of paint. However, if the alternative is property damage or having to constantly repaint your surfaces, then the extra expense of using industrial maintenance paint is going to be well worth it.
Less Aesthetic
Let’s get one thing clear: maintenance paint is meant to be functional. It is not typically associated with aesthetics. Therefore, when it comes time to get some, you may not have many choices when it comes to color. Black, white, blue, gray. That might be it. Some places may be able to mix something else up for you, but they may have to do it on special order, which will cost more.
In the end, you don’t get industrial maintenance paint because of the way it looks. You get it to protect your property, and nothing is quite as attractive as that.
Not Always Available
Another downside to maintenance paint is that it’s not always available. Different types of paint are made to protect different types of materials from different substances. Therefore, the exact type of paint you need might not always be available.
However, by planning ahead and working with an experienced industrial painting company, you can make sure you have the supplies you need to paint your facility and keep it protected.
Industrial Maintenance Paint Versus Coatings
When you start looking out for maintenance paint, you will no doubt come across a number of other things you can do to protect your commercial property, specifically coatings.
Here are some of the more effective ones that you should consider alongside or instead of industrial maintenance paint.
Moisture Barriers
If you have an area that is subjected to lots of moisture, it may be worth it to install some barriers underneath the flooring or in the walls. These will help keep the underlying materials dry, even when they are exposed to constant moisture.
If these aren’t already installed, consider doing it when you go to paint. This will make the project easier, and, in the long run, you will be able to protect your property even more effectively.
U/V Absorption and Reflection
Depending on how much sun exposure your property gets, you may want to consider adding a coating that helps with U/V absorption or reflection.
For properties that don’t get a lot of sun, absorption coatings can help trap heat from the sun and will reduce heating costs. Reflection coatings can have the exact opposite effect, helping to keep your property cool and A/C costs down.
Corrosion Protection
Although maintenance paint is designed to protect against corrosion, depending on the underlying material as well as the corrosive agent, you may need even more targeted protections. Work with your contractor to decide if there is something specific you need to protect against.
Non-Skid
One very practical coating for industrial and commercial properties is non-skid. As the name suggests, this applies an adhesive layer to your surfaces that prevents slipping and sliding. Used more so on floors, it can be applied to anywhere people walk and will help make your workspace safer.
Choose the Right Protection for Your Property
Although modern industry makes use of a lot of damaging and corrosive substances, there are also a number of protections you can use to keep your property safe and functional. Industrial maintenance paint is a great option for many, but there are also all sorts of other coatings you can use.
If you want to make sure your property is fully protected, get in touch today so that we can help you determine your needs and update your paint today.