Posted on February 6, 2023 by Brent Phillips

When deciding on the most suitable primer, coating, or sealant for your water tower, you should consider the type of substrate that needs to be protected and the environmental conditions, like weathering and human interaction. To assist in this process here is some information about different types of protective coatings that commonly get used on metal substrates:

• 100% Polyurethane Coatings
• Epoxy Coatings
• Zinc-Rich Coatings
• Acrylic Coatings
• Metalized Coatings

100% Polyurethane Coatings

Industrial polyurethane paint finishes are outstanding at erosion resistance and get utilized to shelter applications from stern external factors and everyday destruction. Aromatic polyurethanes get used for metal pieces that will be plunged into the water but are less common in potable tanks.

Besides stirring, pumps also get used to warmup coatings, which can activate or stimulate the particles so the layers have a faster cure time. An advantageous effect is that components can shift within 60 minutes instead of pausing 4-12 hours beforehand.

Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy coatings are optimal for steel applications occupying harsh operating conditions to fend off erosion, wear and tear, and weathering.

Furthermore, these coatings can tolerate very high-temperature thresholds. That allows the utilization of containers storing hot commodities or with extraordinary heat.

A downside of epoxies is that they face fading when exposed to direct sunlight. That’s why epoxies typically get applied for sunken or interior purposes, such as the interior of water towers.

Industrial epoxy coatings get frequently applied in three steps. The first step is the primer, a durable zinc coating implemented to provide abrasive protection. Epoxy coatings get sprayed on a surface, followed by an epoxy glue or polyurethane topcoat to complete the coating layers.

Zinc-Rich Coatings

Using zinc dust combined with polyurethane or epoxy binders can create a high-performance protective coating for steel components that need abrasion and corrosion resistance. The galvanic barrier offers superior protection and durability.

Acrylic Coatings

In industrial settings, acrylic coatings have become the preferred choice for automotive and architectural materials because of their corrosion-proof attributes and glossy finish. However, these coatings are less popular for applications such as tanks, reservoirs, and penstock.

Metalized Coatings

Metalized Coatings are a technique of liquefying metal wire, disintegrating the liquid material, and afterward atomizing (spraying) it on a product surface to fabricate a robust shell. A powerful coating protection created from a blend of aluminum, bronze, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, tungsten, and zinc. 

Furthermore, metalized parts are frequently protected with a seal coat to increase their rust immunity. In addition, some organizations are capable of creating anti-slip surfaces for metallic coatings can ensure the safety of workers and keeping you fully compliant with OSHA Regulations.

Contact the Experts in Coating Applications

No matter what type of water asset your municipality looks to protect, the future of that vital resource is best protected by the team of NACE inspectors and coating experts at Cunningham. To get the very best in protective coatings for your municipalities water asset, contact the team at Cunningham today by calling (620) 848-3030.

Their team of NACE Inspectors can comprehensively assess the state of your municipalities water tower–inside and out. Afterward, they will leave you with an SD card that contains full-length video footage taken from their remotely operated vehicle for internal inspection of your water asset.
If your tank coatings are in need of repair due to excessive corrosion, let the coating experts at Cunningham perform the epoxy coatings inside your water tower. In addition, they can apply an external protective surface coating that is eye-catching to function as the community billboard for your municipality.