Introduction Most industrial and marine protective coatings rely on a mechanical bond to the substrate to remain attached while in service. This bond is generally provided by a surface profile or anchor pattern that is imparted into the surface prior to application of the coating system and effectively increases the surface area of the substrate […]
Measuring Peak Density Using Optical Grade Replica Tape Read More »
Proper surface preparation is one of the most critical steps towards maximizing the life of a coating system. If coatings are applied to improperly prepared surfaces, the system is much more likely to fail prematurely. Abrasive blast cleaning is the most common and productive form of surface preparation. Abrasive selection is a key component to
The Importance of Monitoring Abrasive Cleanliness Read More »
“Do I have to maintain inspection gage calibration and certification? Why don’t they retain their calibration over time? Do I need to verify gage accuracy on a regular basis? How often? What is the difference between calibration and verification of accuracy?” These are common questions in the coatings industry. A simple answer is that without
New SSPC/NACE wet abrasive blast cleaning (WAB) standards were approved in August 2015. The standards define five degrees of cleaning that are created using a mixture of abrasive and water. The mixture is created in one of three ways: water is injected into the dry abrasive blast stream, abrasive is injected into a pressurized water
New SSPC/NACE Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards Read More »
Welcome to the KTA Coating Failure Analysis Video Learning Series! This is a six-part video series that demonstrates the field and laboratory methods that were used to determine why a new coating system applied to a previously painted concrete floor had failed. Each part is standalone, addressing a different aspect of the evaluation, but when viewed
Coating Failure Analysis Learning Series – Part 1 of 6 Read More »
In commercial buildings, the uncontrolled intrusion of moisture into concrete and masonry walls may have costly consequences. Moisture supports the growth of mold, and causes wall coatings to blister and peel. It also saturates insulation, reducing energy efficiency. In extreme cases, moisture intrusion leads to spalling and could even necessitate wall replacement. Coatings and water
Mitigating Moisture in Concrete and Masonry Walls Read More »
Positive Material Identification has become a convenient and reliable way to determine the alloy compositions of materials. One of the greatest advantages of using a PMI unit is its portability, weighing approximately 5-8 lbs. with the battery loaded into the unit, it can be easily transported and used in confined areas or field applications. With the
Positive Material Identification (PMI) Read More »
Using project specs and standards to achieve surface cleanliness before coating application is the focus of the newest installment in the PaintSquare Video Learning Center series. “Surface Cleaning” is one of 19 videos in the original instructional series, which explores multiple aspects of protective coatings work. “Surface Cleaning,” part of the PaintSquare Video Learning Center
Surface Cleanliness – Knowing When It’s Clean Enough to Coat Read More »
An ounce of inspection may be worth a pound of do-over. Cleaning and painting commercial buildings comes with extensive challenges. The paint does not always perform as expected. In some cases, poor performance is caused by problems with the building itself. In others, it is caused by a failure to comply with the specification and
Spot Assessments of Ongoing Cleaning and Painting Projects Read More »
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) conducted a one-day seminar on bridge maintenance painting strategy and project design in May of 2013. One outcome of that seminar was the realization that MnDOT needed a more uniform method to rate the condition of coatings statewide during biennial bridge safety (in conjunction with the new AASHTO Manual
MnDOT’s Approach to Improving Bridge Maintenance Painting Operations Read More »
