When it comes time to repaint your facility you are faced with a multitude of choices. Paint is no longer simply paint. There are many different kinds of coating systems and each one has specific application strengths and weaknesses. You will want to work with a professional painting contractor to determine which coating best fits your needs. You will also want to help that contractor understand what your needs are, and to do that you want to give them comprehensive information. At a minimum, you want to think about the following issues before you have a conversation.
Are you painting interior surfaces, exterior surfaces or both? This one is so obvious it almost doesn’t need to be said, except for one important fact: the final coating system you choose will almost certainly not fit both applications. One size does not fit all when it comes to coatings. It is important to understand that interior and exterior surfaces require very different coatings.
What are the conditions the coatings will encounter? Consider the temperature variations and operating conditions of the surfaces being painted. Are there humidity issues that need to be noted and addressed? What about chemical usage within the facility that may impact the coated surfaces (think chlorine in an indoor pool facility)? Is ongoing exposure to water or severe weather an issue? Are there unique considerations within your facility you need to take into account, such as food preparation or a strong commitment to green painting?
What circumstances will impact the application of your coating? Is your application going to be on a previously coated surface? If so, you will have some additional expense and downtime to ensure proper preparation. You will also need to consider how to minimize the impact on your current operations. Are you painting walls, steel supports, roof, machinery or some combination of those surfaces? Recognize that each of those will require different coatings and application techniques. Are you contracting for new construction? Make sure your general contractor and/or your painting contractor fully understands your coating needs well ahead of time.
Do you need protective coatings? Coatings today can go beyond simply providing aesthetically pleasing materials. They can provide waterproofing, mold and mildew resistance, corrosion protection, resistance to bacterial growth and much more. Consider your unique needs when you enter into discussions with industrial painting contractors. Make sure you get everything you need in a coating by making sure they have all the information they need to provide it.
By taking a little time to explore these considerations, you can ensure that your coatings job meets your needs. Your painting professional will be better able to meet your needs when given complete and comprehensive information before the job starts.
