When you begin an industrial or commercial painting project, you have plenty of paint options. But the paint you choose isn’t just about aesthetics. Industrial and commercial painting projects require specialized paint formulations that can resist corrosion and stand up to wear and tear.
We’re going to provide an overview of the most common types of commercial and industrial paints, and discuss their unique properties and uses, to help you decide which type of paint is right for your project.
What’s the Difference Between Industrial and Commercial Paints?
Commercial paints and industrial paints have one key difference: durability. Commercial paint varieties are typically designed for color and finish, while industrial paints are formulated to provide heavy-duty protection for structures and be able to withstand tough environmental conditions.
Common Types of Industrial Paints
Industrial paints need to be strong enough to endure high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and humid environments. Industrial classes of paint include polyurethane paint, zinc-rich coatings, acrylic coatings, intumescent paint, and specialty coatings.
Polyurethane Paint
Polyurethane paint — sometimes referred to as “PU paint” — is an industrial coating that’s commonly used in the marine industry. Polyurethane paint is created by combining a polyol resin with a poly-isocyanate hardener. After curing, polyurethane creates an attractive glossy finish, along with providing resistance to chemicals, water, abrasion, and ultraviolet rays. Polyurethane is most-commonly applied to solid foam and surfaces that get a lot of wear and tear like flooring, handrails, and industrial machinery.
Zinc-Rich Coatings
Zinc-rich coatings are a type of paint that contains a high concentration of zinc dust, which helps prevent corrosion. When applied to steel, zinc-rich coatings will protect the underlying steel from cathodic corrosion. In this process the zinc will slowly lose negative ions, preventing the steel from rusting. Zinc-rich coatings are durable and are used in industrial settings like offshore structures, marine equipment, pipelines, bridges, and transmission towers.
Acrylic Coatings
Two-part catalyzed acrylic coatings are a popular type of industrial coating because they’re corrosion-resistant and create a shiny, high-gloss finish. Because they’re resistant to ultraviolet rays and the elements, acrylic coatings can be applied to surfaces like metal, wood, plastic, and asphalt either indoors or outside. Known for its durability and flexibility, acrylic coatings are also applied to outdoor signage, roofing, and industrial equipment.
Heat-Resistant Intumescent Coatings
Intumescent coatings are a specially-formulated type of paint that expands in the presence of fire. Intumescent paint acts as a passive fire protection system and is used in both commercial and industrial buildings. When exposed to flames, the intumescent coating swells up and refuses to ignite, protecting any surfaces or support beams beneath it. This barrier stands between the fire and any load-bearing walls or structural beams, giving occupants up to two hours to escape from a burning building before it collapses. Intumescent paint prevents fire from spreading, and can keep a building from collapsing for up to two hours, providing extra time for a building to be evacuated and for firefighters to arrive.
Specialty Coatings
In an industrial setting, normal paints often aren’t up to the task. Corrosive elements like extreme heat and cold, high humidity, and exposure to harsh chemicals would strip away normal paint. Specialty coatings are formulated for high-performance like fire-resistance, waterproofing, abrasion-resistance, and chemical-resistance. The enhanced protection of specialty coatings helps them last far longer in the industrial setting than regular paint.
Common Types of Commercial Paints
When it comes to commercial paints, you have plenty of options. Water-based or oil-based, latex or acrylic, and epoxy paint or epoxy coatings. These are the most common types of commercial paints, and the benefits they provide.
Water-Based Paints
Water-based paints are a category of paints that include acrylic and latex paints. This type of paint uses water as its primary solvent. After the water has evaporated it leaves behind the now-dried pigment. Water-based paints are popular for commercial painting projects on both interior and exterior surfaces. Because they contain water, water-based paints aren’t appropriate for metal surfaces like stairs, handrails, or machinery as it will cause the surface to rust.
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints are a type of paint that includes alkyd and enamel paints. Oil-based paints are more durable than water-based paints. Oil-based paints contain a high amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which causes them to give off a very strong odor during application. Oil-based paints are used for furniture, cabinets, and building exteriors.
Latex Paints
Latex paint is long-lasting, quick-drying, and affordable making it a popular paint option for medium and large-scale commercial projects. Because of its durability, latex paint can be applied to both the interior and exterior of buildings. Latex paint is easy to clean and can be scrubbed with sponges and detergent making it a popular option for kitchens and bathrooms.
Epoxy Paints
Epoxy paints are typically an acrylic latex paint with an epoxy additive. Before application, the paint and epoxy are mixed together. After epoxy paint dries, the result is a tough and durable finish that’s both stain-resistant and chemical-resistant. Epoxy paints are often used to paint garage floors, metal surfaces, commercial kitchens, and areas that receive frequent foot traffic.
The paint is then used in epoxy coatings to create a transparent surface that’s extremely durable. An epoxy coating is a two-step coating that consists of an epoxy resin and hardener. These two components are mixed together and then spread on a surface, typically a concrete floor. After the epoxy has cured, the result is a clear surface that can withstand chemicals, stains, and heavy vehicles. Due to its strength and longevity, epoxy coating is used for both industrial and commercial flooring.
Alkyd Paints
Alkyd paints use a synthetic resin as a binder, making it resistant to scuffs and abrasion. In a commercial setting, alkyd paints are often used to paint high traffic areas like floors, doorways, and cabinets. The resin is also water-resistant making it a good option for areas with high humidity like bathrooms and kitchens.
Industrial Paint Considerations
Selecting the right type of industrial coating involves the consideration of a number of factors. These include the type of surface that’s being painted, the desired finish, the durability required, the corrosion and chemical-resistance needed, along with your budget.
Specialty coatings were developed because normal paints won’t last in an industrial setting. Industrial painting projects require coatings that can withstand high humidity, cold and hot temperatures, and harsh chemicals. Polyurethane, alkyd, acrylic, zinc-rich and intumescent coatings were developed for industrial painting projects.
Surface Type
For industrial painting projects, you’re often painting metal, or objects that are outdoors, which means that any water-based paints can’t be used. You also have to consider what types of surfaces are being painted. Materials like steel, concrete, and wood require different paints for optimal adherence. Selecting paint for an industrial painting project requires finding a paint that will be durable in harsh conditions and is compatible with the material being painted.
Durability
Industrial coatings are by definition going to be durable, but only if you select the right type of coating for your needs. Make sure you select coatings that are rated for the specific environment it will be used in. Determine your specific needs and ensure that the industrial paints you select have the qualities that will help them last in the given environment.
Corrosion and Chemical Resistance
Coatings are formulated to protect against corrosion from the elements and from caustic chemicals. Selecting the right industrial coating for the corrosive elements in that workspace will ensure that they’ll last for a long time. Whether it be saltwater, chlorine, or solvents, picking the right industrial coatings for the job will prevent them from quickly wearing down. Make a checklist of the corrosive chemicals you’ll be working with and match them up with coatings that were designed to withstand their corrosion.
Budget
For an industrial painting project, you can’t cut corners. A cheaper paint option may sound good now, but if you needed to spend more money for fireproof paint and opted for regular paint to save money – it could wind up costing you a lot more down the line. Always keep your budget top of mind, but remember that industrial coatings are there to protect your biggest investment; your company’s assets.
Commercial Paint Considerations
Selecting paint for a commercial building can be a struggle. You need to balance performance with aesthetics while representing your brand and creating a welcoming place to work and visit. You’ll have to consider the surface type, desired finish, durability required, washability, and your budget.
Surface Type
Understanding the surface to be painted is crucial when selecting the right paint for your commercial painting project. A paint that will adhere properly to wood, may not adhere well to a metal surface. Another consideration is whether the surface is indoors or outdoors. Some paints won’t last very long in an exterior setting, so choosing which paints to use is essential. Knowing which paints are right for which surfaces will spare you frustration down the road.
Finish Options
The paint’s “finish” or sheen determines how it will look after it’s dried. With finish options like satin, flat, eggshell, gloss, and semi-gloss each paint type brings its own distinctive finish. The paint’s finish will determine if the surface will be shiny, flat, or somewhere in between. Each type of finish has its own advantages and disadvantages so consider the look you want your commercial project to have before selecting a paint finish.
Durability
When considering durability, ask yourself how much wear and tear this space is expected to receive. If it’s an extremely high traffic area like a hallway or reception area, opt for a paint like epoxy that can stand up to constant foot traffic and protect against scuffs and stains. If it’s an area of a building with reduced traffic, you can save money and select a latex paint instead. By selecting paints based on your durability needs, you can save money on your commercial project.
Washability
As a general rule, paints that have a higher sheen are more washable as they are smoother and less porous. Washability may be an important factor in areas where children are present like a child care center, nursery, or cafeteria. If you expect stains or graffiti might be an issue, select a paint like latex that’s washable, allowing you to clean it off in the event of spills or stains
Drying Time
For projects with a quick turnaround, like an office or venue that needs to be used within a few hours, drying time can be an important factor. Quick-drying paint options include: latex, acrylic, and water-based paints. Keep in mind that environmental factors like low temperatures and high humidity can increase drying time. When selecting paint for your project, consider your schedule and the necessary drying time before making a decision.
Budget
When selecting a paint option, your budget will always be a critical factor. If you’re painting a large area, selecting a slightly more expensive paint can add up quickly. For smaller areas, a more durable paint may cost more, but will save you money by lasting longer. Purchasing large quantities of paint is a big financial decision, so be sure to take all of the factors into consideration before choosing an option.
Contact Alpine Painting & Restoration Services
When you select a paint for your industrial painting or commercial painting project, there are a number of different options. If you need help deciding which paints are right for you, or if you’re ready to get started, contact the team at Alpine Painting & Restoration Services. We’ve been proudly serving Philadelphia-area businesses for three decades, and we’re ready to show you why we’re the best choice for your commercial or industrial painting project. Contact us today to learn more and to receive a free estimate.
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