Posted on July 17, 2024 by Brent Phillips

When it comes to applying protective coatings on surfaces, one crucial factor that often gets overlooked is the condition of the surface itself. Surface preparation is vital to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of protective coatings, especially in industries like water management, where assets like water tanks and towers are constantly exposed to corrosion damage.

In today’s blog, we explore how surface conditions significantly impact the successful application of protective coatings, considering:

• Surface Texture
• Relative Humidity and Dew Point
• Temperature Changes
• Job Site Elevation
• Controlling Surface Conditions

Importance of Surface Preparation

Before delving into the specific surface conditions, it’s important to understand why surface preparation is essential in protective coating applications. Properly preparing the surface ensures better adhesion and bonding of the coating material, enhancing its protective properties.

Failure to adequately prepare the surface can lead to coating failures, reduced durability, and increased maintenance costs. For instance, a poorly prepared surface can result in the coating not adhering properly, leading to concrete spalling and the need for frequent reapplications, significantly increasing maintenance costs.

Surface Texture – Finding the Right Balance

Achieving the ideal surface texture is crucial in protective coating applications. Surfaces that are too rough may lead to inadequate coverage and decreased protection, while surfaces that are too smooth may hinder proper adhesion. Factors such as the job site’s surface control and the specific coating must be considered to strike the right balance in surface texture.

The Role of Relative Humidity and Dew Point

Relative humidity and dew point are critical factors to consider during surface preparation. High humidity levels can affect coating application by slowing down drying times and increasing blistering or delamination risk. Monitoring and controlling humidity levels is crucial to prepare the tank surface to create optimal conditions for coating application.

Weather and Temperature Changes

Weather conditions, including temperature changes, can significantly impact the success of protective coating applications. Extreme temperature variations can affect the coating material’s viscosity, making it challenging to achieve consistent coverage. However, these challenges can be anticipated and managed effectively with proper preparation and climate controls.

Site Elevation

Factors such as site elevation or altitude can also influence surface conditions. Variable elevations often experience temperature and dew point changes, for instance:

• Temperatures drop 5.4° Fahrenheit (F) [3.0° Celcius (C)] for every 1,000 feet (ft) of gain
• Dew point temperature drops by 1° F (5/9° C) for every 1,000 ft of gain

Controlling Surface Conditions

Implementing proper controls is crucial to mitigating potential issues arising from surface conditions. These include using dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels, monitoring and adjusting surface temperature, and implementing climate controls in enclosed spaces.

For example, a dehumidifier with a built-in hygrometer can help maintain the ideal humidity level for coating application. Similarly, monitoring the surface temperature with a digital thermometer and adjusting it as needed can ensure the coating material maintains its optimal viscosity. By controlling surface conditions, coating applicators, like the coating experts at Cunningham Inc., can optimize protective coating adhesion, durability, and overall performance.

Contact the Tank and Tower Experts, Cunningham Inc.

Surface conditions are paramount in protective coating applications. From surface texture to relative humidity, temperature changes to site elevation, understanding and controlling these factors is crucial for successful coating applications.

By prioritizing surface preparation and implementing appropriate controls, water asset managers can protect their water tanks and towers from corrosion damage, prolonging their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Contact the tank and tower coating experts at Cunningham Inc. at 620-848-3030 to schedule your next water tower inspection and coating application.