Coating life and its selection for industrial applications

A thorough approach to selection, preparation and application helps to ensure that decorative coatings provide long-term satisfaction Prof. A. S. Khanna, Retd. IIT Bombay, Chairman SSPC India

- Prof. A.S.Khanna,

Introduction 

One of the easiest techniques of material protection is paint and coating, which serves primarily two purposes: aesthetics and corrosion prevention. Based on this, paint coatings can be broadly categorised into two terminologies: decorative coatings and industrial coatings. The primary purpose of decorative coatings is to improve the aesthetics of a surface while also making it look attractive and colourful. In some instances, other advantages such as increased strength and durability may also be realized.

A thorough approach to selection, preparation and application helps to ensure that decorative coatings provide long-term satisfaction. Just to give one example the inside walls and external surfaces of buildings and structures have quite distinct requirements. Water proofing, a glossy finish, and anti-graffiti protection are some needs for indoor surfaces, whereas exterior walls and roofs need paint coatings that are longlasting, anti-fungal, UV lightresistant, hydrophobic, antidust-pickup, and quickly changing colours.

Now let's examine several criteria needed to select a decorative finish. It is crucial to realize that selecting paint only based on colour is not the greatest option. Instead, decorative paint should be selected first based on the substrate, which can be either concrete, steel, plastic, or wood. The second crucial decision is whether to choose an inside wall or an external wall, depending on where the object is located. Even inside walls, it makes a difference if they are the main drawing room, bedroom, kitchen, or bathrooms. In terms of colour, atmosphere, and durability, all may have a slightly different option. For example, bathrooms and kitchens may have more moist environments than other walls.