Most marine applications are manufactured from steel or other metals. When a boat has to face environmental and dangerous natural extremes, it needs to be safely protected. There are many different types of coating applications, and coatings used for different types of industries and metals. Their differences will be discussed below.
Urethane Coatings
Moisture cured urethane coatings are used for mainly long term corrosion protection. The technology of this new coating technique has been proven beneficial. They give superior corrosion resistance to the well known traditional 2 component marine epoxy coatings and polyurethane marine paints, from salt corrosion. MCU coatings use only 5 or less than five layers to protect the whole appliance or offshore steel structure from corrosion. The main intention of such steel coatings is to protect and restore all the surfaces of marine craft from salt water, pollution and UV degradation from the sun.
Action
It gives high chemical and UV resistance. Apart from the UV resistance, it provides abrasion resistance and blister resistance. Steel coatings are more flexible and make the substrate impermeable to moisture. It protects stainless steel as well as brass, copper and chrome from oxidation, corrosion and prevents staining above and below deck.
Advantages
These coatings are single components although it might require addition of solvents in some cases. There is no restriction to dew point. They can withstand up to 99% of the weather’s humidity. It is tolerant to damp substrates as well. They additionally cure fast at -12 degree Celsius.
Reasons Why Steel Coating is Your Best
Steel, iron, aluminum, stainless steel and concrete are protected from corrosion and rust by urethane coatings. These protective coatings have been proven two outperform 2 component coatings in many ways. Steel coatings give a couple of benefits. Apart from protection, they have other merits. Steel coatings give you the assurance that there will be no re-blasting of flash rusted substrates. You can apply in up to 99% humidity. There is no induction time required before painting.
Paints
There are primers, intermediate or finish coats and anti-fouling or bottom coatings.
In primers, you have Simprime-112, Simprime-98, Polyguard-3002/3003 Primer and many others. They all are multipurpose, rust inhibition, high quality marine primers used for steel exposed to a mildly corrosive environment. Simprime-98 is alkyl based and a lead and chromate free marine primer suitable for use on steel surfaces. Polyguard-3002/3003 is a high standard primer created to protect steel in a chemically aggressive environment. No matter the environment there is a steel coating developed to protect your equipment from all types of corrosion.
Some intermediate coatings include Safeguard-660 and Solo-Kote-2500. The former one is a non skid coating best for all weather deck areas of ships, barges, drilling platforms and anywhere to minimize slipping hazards. The latter steel coating is a single coat, quick dry, unmodified chlorinated rubber coating with anti corrosive pigments designed for usage directly on a steel surface. It is resistant to sea water and salt exposure. It is recommended to use as a finishing coat for shipping containers.
There is literally a steel coating for any type of steel-based metal and almost every type of other metal as well to prevent corrosion in different environments and usages. This includes Marine applications for boats and deep oil rigs as well as other industrial applications such as foundries, petrochemical and power generation stations, for use in rail and even in mining operations.
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