How Weather Conditions Can Impact Industrial Protective Coatings

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Industrial protective coatings have many benefits. They can protect surfaces from corrosion, chemicals, salt attacks, extreme temperatures, and more. However, to get these benefits, coatings have to be applied using the right methods and at the right time.

Weather conditions have a huge impact on industrial protective coatings. Many coatings are sensitive to environmental factors in the beginning. They don’t actually become “all-weather” until the initial curing process is over. However, not all protective coatings are designed for all-weather.

It’s crucial that you ask questions, do your research, plan, and launch your project when the weather is right for your application.

Impact of Temperature
Colder temperatures are more likely than warmer temperatures to cause issues with coatings, especially where it involves the adhesion of the coating to the substrate being treated. Most coatings are formulated to be applied at temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

Anything below 50 degrees, you run the risk of slowing down the chemical reactions between the hardener and base.

Colder weather can also affect the evaporation of solvents in the coating. This could cause a wide range of aesthetic issues such as discoloration, blushing, and loss of gloss.

Before you apply a protective coating, check to make sure that temperatures will not fall below the recommended range. You should also keep in mind that several hours of curing will need to take place after the application.

Your protective coating should spend at least 24 hours within the recommended temperature range. To be on the safe side, always go a little longer. 48 hours is ideal.

Extreme heat can also affect the application process of protective coatings. Heat can cause protective coatings to peel over before the bottom layer has had enough time to dry. Drying too fast can also lead to imperfections on the surface such as bubbling and blistering.

Impact of Humidity
Like temperatures, humidity also has an effect on protective coatings. Humidity can cause the drying process to be prolonged, especially for acrylic and latex paints.

Impact of Rain
As you can imagine, rain also has an impact on protective coatings. You cannot apply protective coatings when it rains. You also have to let your coatings dry for a full 24+ hours without it raining. This can be challenging as you have to plan around the rain.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the application process for protective coatings, contact the professionals at D&D Industrial Coatings. You can contact us at 262-637-0686 or by visiting our website.