How To Use Marine Paints
Marine paint is a waterproof paint which is applied on the surface of the body of any equipment. They protect the layer of the property from rusting. Marine paints are commonly used on ships, submarines, boats, barge and all other marine vessels. This paint is used for those goods which are commonly exposed to water.
They provide a durable surface to the exterior of the boats when immersed into the water. This paint can not only be used for the water-crafts but also can be used for Outdoor furniture’s, cabinets, doors, wood floors etc, because marine paints have the power to repel water.
Some added benefits of marine paints are: They are durable. They have a resisting power towards cracking, peeling, chipping etc. It works as a self-leveling agent. It can play the role of both primer and paint. It also has the potential of stability and excellent hardness. Marine paints are durable but it takes long time to dry.
In a marine environment, pitting corrosion and bacterial corrosion are most likely to occur. Marine corrosion has a significant impact on sea carriers and their longevity. Every year, billions of dollars are spent to protect against marine corrosion. Therefore, effective corrosion control strategies should be chosen with the appropriate selection of coating for a marine environment. Marine coatings have special functionality to protect marine vessels and other carriers above and below the waterline. Marine coated surfaces are easily cleanable.
Types of Marine Coatings
Like other types of protective coatings, marine coatings differ in terms of performance, properties, and chemistries. Marine paints include epoxy fairing compounds, epoxy primers and sealers, and wood finishing systems. Marine coatings come in four types:
- Anti-fouling coatings
- Anti-corrosion coatings
- Foul release coatings
- Others – self-cleaning and self-polishing coatings
Marine coatings can be categorized according to technology and are usually designed for specific substrate materials. Technologies include film drying and air setting, laser fusing and laser marking, multi-component systems, reactive or moisture curing, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Thermoplastic marine coatings melt repeatedly when heated and solidify when cooled. Thermoset marine coatings undergo a chemical reaction during the cure cycle when heated. Depending on the technology, marine coatings may be used with substrates made of aluminum, steel, or other metals; fibers or fabrics; asphalt, bitumen, or coal tar; plastics, rubber, or elastomers; and concrete or masonry.
Tips on How to Apply Antifouling Coatings
The method of applying antifouling is to use a small-medium pile roller with an extension handle. This keeps you at arm’s length from the paint and reduces the amount of bending and stooping necessary. It can be tempting to use a larger roller, but these absorb a large amount of paint and with antifouling being expensive the time saved rarely justifies the additional cost.
Professional application can also be by spraying, but specialist facilities are essential to avoid the risk of inhaling harmful vapours and toxic particles. As well as accurately masking the waterline; do not paint zinc sacrificial hull or shaft anodes, as this will wreck their performance. Similarly, note that aluminium outdrives may need a different type of anti-foul to the hull.
It is important to note that when applying antifouling a face mask, overalls, gloves and goggles are needed to protect against contact with the paint. If your overalls don’t have a hood it is worth wearing a hat as it is surprisingly easy to rub your head against the underside of the hull, with embarrassing and toxic results.
Tips on How to Apply Anti-corrosion Coatings
Coating steel used in marine environments helps to protect it from the damage which prolonged contact with water can cause. Not only can water damage weaken components, it can also compromise performance, increasing the likelihood of failure at a crucially unknown moment.
Three types of anti-corrosion coating
1.Barrier Coating:
Barrier coatings form a shielding non-porous layer over a substrate that prevents the surrounding environment from affecting the base metal. If a barrier coating is applied to the base metal without any other coating or film and is damaged by impact or chemical attack, the substrate is then unprotected. Film thickness and solid content significantly affect the lifespan of the protection.
2.Sacrificial Coating
Sacrificial coatings act as an additive over a substrate which sacrificially corrodes to protect the material below. Unlike barrier coatings, sacrificial coatings remain effective if the film is damaged, however the level of protection offered is dependent on the additive content level and type of paint binder used.
3.Inhibitive Coating
Inhibitive porous coatings form a passive layer on a substrate that reacts with metal and humidity as it penetrates the film. The corrosion protection offered by inhibitive coatings significantly reduces over time and is why these coatings are regularly used in primers that are over-coated.
Considerations for Anti-corrosion Coatings
– Are there sufficient facilities to cope with the size and geometry of your components?
– Are barrier, inhibitive and sacrificial coatings all available?
– Are there suitable technical support to understand the challenge to be solved and recommend the best type of anti-corrosion coating?
– Does the potential supplier have the flexible capacity to cope with your volumes and process within your timescales?
These few tips will elongate the lifespan of your marine vessels. Feel free to contact Us for more information, questions, professional advice on procurments and services of marine paints.
About Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited
Epoxy Oilserv Limited is an indigenous Nigerian company with an International status that manufactures, distributes and retails cleaning and maintenance chemicals, oilfield chemicals, lubricants, welding consumables, industrial consumables, epoxy chemicals, and related services.
To know more about marine paints and coatings, contact Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited, we strive to be the best in all we do with the best intentions for value creation.
You can also buy our Marine Paints from GZ Industrial Supplies online shop.