WHEN EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS , BARE STEEL WILL BEGIN TO RUST AND DEGRADE UNTIL IT CAN NO LONGER SERVE ITS PURPOSE .
• They provide the same barrier thickness and corrosion protection as traditional three-coat systems ( testing reference , National Transportation Product Evaluation Program ).
• They eliminate the labor associated with the application of a third coat .
• They offer significant enhancement of shop efficiencies due to improvement in dry-to-recoat / handle times .
• They provide accepted or reduced emission level options to many traditional coatings .
Multicoat systems are utilized primarily because some materials may handle one aspect of corrosion very well but fail in others . While zinc coatings are effective at preventing corrosion , they may not provide the aesthetics desired , for example . Likewise , epoxies offer barrier protection but are susceptible to UV degradation .
Regardless of the type of coating , the timing is typically the same in terms of application . Structural steel is most accessible for inspection and coating prior to being erected . Over time , coating operations in fabrication facilities have evolved along with the coatings themselves , making shop coating much more common . At the same time , inefficiencies of the coating procedures have helped to drive the advancement of the coatings .
Coatings , understandably , need to last a very long time . Once structural steel is erected , an inspection is done to locate and touch up any damaged areas . Beyond that , annual maintenance is common , even if it is only in the form of a visual inspection . If there are no issues , nothing is done . If anything is found during the visual inspection , that is when remedies must be applied in the field . Given the purpose and use of structural steel , it cannot be taken down once it is erected , so maintenance is done regularly and on an as-needed basis to the coatings . As the technology advances , one of the goals is to gain longer and longer life cycles out of them . There are any number of variables which can affect how long a life cycle is , but regular maintenance will extend all of them .
The application of structural steel coatings , regardless of type , comes down to a combination of the project , the application , and the budget . No two projects are the same , and most projects will have varying requirements for what the steel will be exposed to ( and the associated tolerances ). Sherwin-Williams formulates coatings that provide the maximum amount of corrosion protection , that enhance aesthetics and maximize efficiencies in fabrication shops , and that strive to maintain the minimal environmental footprint possible .
Selecting the right coating for the right job is an essential part of the construction and fabrication process . That selection can vary widely depending on the specifications each job requires . It pays to consult an expert to find out which coating system is right for your job . +
For more information about structural steel coatings or to speak to an expert , contact :
Sid Oakes at ( 336 ) 324-0614 Sid . Oakes @ Sherwin . com or
Tim McDonough at ( 704 ) 564-9870 Tim . McDonough @ Sherwin . com
or visit Sherwin-Williams Protective online at industrial . sherwin-williams . com / protective
Sid Oakes has been employed by The Sherwin-Williams Company for 40 years , working on the Protective Coatings side of the business for most of that time . Sid has held numerous Sales & Marketing positions within the organization including Manager , Coatings Specialist , Regional Account Executive , Global Strategic Account Manager , and since 2012 has been in some version of his current role , overseeing Business Development and Strategic Account management for Steel Fabrication and High Value Infrastructure in North America . Sid ’ s practical experience has led him to be involved in product development as well as being a sought after training and technical resource both internal and external .
STEELPLUS . COM IMPORTANCE OF COATINGS
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