From epoxy coatings to elastomeric, intumescent and FDA coatings, understanding the basics of the different kinds of coatings can help you better assess what your project might need. We’re here to help you learn the essentials of coating types.

Epoxy Coating

An epoxy coating is a type of thick protective material. Epoxy is hands down some of the toughest coatings on the market. Steel structures, parking decks, factory production floors and machinery are the typical places you will find an epoxy based coating.

Epoxy coatings are known for their high durability, superior adhesion, resistance to heat and chemicals, good-to-excellent mechanical properties, and high electrical insulation properties. When properly applied, epoxy paints can take a beating, and still look good.The secret behind a high-quality coating is the epoxy resins, a chemical also know as polyepoxides. This coating is very durable, and is also resistant to rust and corrosion.

Epoxy coatings have played a large part in the building industry for that last half century. Epoxy coatings are extremely versatile, and when combined with other materials their performance will be heightened.  The material actually starts off as a concentrated liquid or powder, and then gets blended into other material. Epoxy floor coatings are either waterborne, high-solids, or solvent-borne.

Epoxy floor coatings perform at a high level and are extremely versatile, making them one of the most sought-after coatings in the industry.

Elastomeric Coating

An elastomeric coating is a rubberized coating used for waterproofing surfaces, mostly in exterior applications. It is used in many different commercial settings, and is made with acrylic resin. This water-based coating is preferred by commercial painting contractors because it provides a protective barrier against elements and has an aesthetic appeal.

The coating can be tinted to be almost any colour, and because of the durability and color preservation abilities of elastomeric coating, it can help commercial spaces hold on to color decades longer than they could without it. In addition, elastomeric coatings are extremely flexible. They’re able to stretch as buildings expand and contract under temperature changes.

Although elastomeric coating is quite flexible, it’s important to work with an experienced contractor. A professional will understand what the best choices will be for each individual project, and can help apply the coating with the precision it needs.

Intumescent Coating

An intumescent coating contains a substance that helps protect against fire damage, making it fire resistant. If the coating is exposed to a high temperature it will start to foam, protecting the building from heat since the foam, also known as char, doesn’t conduct heat well. This allows the structure to be kept cooler. It’s important to note that this is only a delay process, and can wear off between 30 minutes and three hours, depending on the coating’s specified fire rating. Intumescent coatings can also provide aesthetic benefits to steel and other spaces. Used the right way by painting contractors, this type of coating can keep a space safe without sacrificing color choices.

FDA Coating

Floor, and other surface coatings in a food manufacturing facility are specifically defined in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Establishment Plan Review Guide – the FDA’s design, installation and construction recommendations for food facilities. It is needed for all food preparation and storage rooms, as well as waste disposal and washing areas in food manufacturing facilities. The use of any materials other than what has been outlined must be submitted to the FDA for evaluation and approval.

Commercial painting contractors know that the food processing industry has specific requirements in regards to flooring and any food contact surfaces, although the FDA regulations do not cover any specific floor coating formulation per se. The material composition of the coatings is what is considered in determining food-safe floor coatings. To learn and understand what is preferred, we highly recommend working with experienced contractors.

Commercial Painting Contractors

The coating or coatings that your project requires will depend on your facility and local code and regulations. Get the conversation started by calling Raider Painting today to get the expert opinion of our team of experienced coatings contractors.