Surface Prep for Steel Structural Components
Environmental damage to your steel structural components can take a toll on your industrial or commercial facility. A professional painting contractor can fix, or even reverse, this damage before it becomes extensive enough to require replacement of the components.
It’s essential to find a commercial painting company with the necessary experience and knowledge to complete the job correctly the first time around.
Why surface preparation matters
With any substrate to be painted, including steel structural components, preparation is an essential step. Many industrial painting contractors don’t place enough emphasis on this phase of a project, which can be a very costly mistake.
Proper surface prep ensures that the coating will adhere properly to the surface. If care is not taken during the prep process, the paint will flake or crack, negating the protective benefits of the coating. With strong surface prep, steel structural coatings will continue to protect your investment for years to come.
Surface prep techniques
Steel requires thorough preparation to ensure adhesion with the coating. Once the rust and corrosion damage is removed, commercial painting contractors may use an abrasive blasting technique to eliminate any remaining rust and surface contaminants. Sand blasting is a commonly used technique for steel. The surface should then be cleaned, either with chemicals or water blasting.
Following this step, the surface must be primed. If epoxy coating will be used on the structural components, a rust-inhibiting primer may be applied prior to painting. There is also Direct To Metal (DTM) acrylic coating, which does not require a prime coat.
What to look for in a contractor
To truly protect your investment with steel structural coatings and corrosion control, you need a commercial painting company that is experienced with industrial and commercial applications, and knowledgeable in the type of surface preparation necessary for long-lasting results.
Be sure to ask a commercial painting contractor for samples of their work on similar projects, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their knowledge and experience. A good contractor should be willing to provide you with the reassurance you need to make sure you’re protecting your investment wisely.
