Industrial companies are undergoing an increasingly pronounced shift toward the use of sustainable materials. While this transition is happening gradually, many facility managers have reservations about new solutions, such as water-based coating technologies. But what exactly are these coatings, and why are they so popular?
These are eco-friendly, high-performance protective systems in which water replaces chemical compounds, making them an ideal choice for all types of surfaces. However, there are some misconceptions about its use. We’ll discuss them here.
Myth 1: Water-Based Coatings Lack the Durability of Solvent-Based Options
In fact, these are high-performance industrial coating solutions.
Advances in Acrylic, Polyurethane, and Epoxy Resins
This is a myth that has unfortunately persisted over time. The reality is that water-based coatings were not durable enough decades ago, but today the situation is different. Modern chemical engineering has led to significant advancements.
Currently, there are formulations that incorporate high-performance acrylic resins, polyurethanes, and epoxies. All offer advanced properties. With these technologies, it is possible to develop durable industrial coatings capable of withstanding various typical challenges. These include abrasion, impact, and exposure to harsh chemicals.
Superior UV Resistance and Weathering Performance
Another important factor to consider is structural durability. For example, you can find abrasion-resistant coatings in Utah that provide complete protection against UV radiation. This prevents common problems found in this area, such as cracking, color fading, or even yellowing.
Today, water-based coating technologies are used on many exteriors in Utah. There, exposure to the sun is constant, and extreme weather conditions can arise. However, these coatings hold up perfectly, ensuring total durability.
Myth 2: Extended Drying and Curing Times Delay Projects
These processing times, while not exactly the same, are nearly identical to those of traditional coatings:
Understanding the Difference Between Drying and Curing
It is important to clarify that drying and curing are two distinct processes related to coatings. Both are very important, but they serve different purposes:
- Drying: In this process, water evaporates from the applied surface. Under normal conditions, this can take between 30 and 60 minutes. This is what is known as water-based paint drying. At this stage, the coating already feels dry to the touch.
- Curing: Here, the coating hardens as much as possible, providing the characteristic mechanical strength that ensures complete protection. The difference is that this process takes longer than drying. However, it is necessary to guarantee high performance.
Once you understand this difference, you can better plan any industrial project in the best possible way.
Factors That Accelerate the Curing Process
Thanks to chemical engineering, modern water-based coatings have an excellent curing process. The curing time is influenced by internal factors in the product formulation, such as:
- Fast-curing technology: Current efficiency is high because the time required to reach maximum strength is short.
- High-performance resins: whether polyurethane or epoxy is used, uniform, high-quality curing is achieved.
- Formulation optimization: Manufacturers have achieved industrial coating cure times that are much more competitive compared to traditional systems.
These innovations have made it possible to maintain cure times that are virtually the same as those offered by solvent-based coatings.
Myth 3: Poor Surface Adhesion and Bonding
Lack of adherence is a common concern. However, the reality is that they deliver outstanding results.
High-Performance Hybrids for Multi-Surface Bonding
Current formulations are designed to provide excellent coating adhesion to concrete and other substrates such as metal or wood. There is no difference in performance compared to traditional systems.
In fact, hybrid systems provide strong, long-lasting adhesion. They are effective even on high-traffic surfaces, such as those found in industrial settings.
The Critical Role of Proper Surface Preparation
Generally, adhesion problems are not caused by the product itself, such as industrial concrete coatings in Utah. In fact, they are usually due to improper surface preparation.
There are mistakes you should always avoid. Some of them are:
- Always remove oil or grease. Otherwise, these contaminants will prevent the coating from adhering firmly to the substrate.
- Do not leave any traces of old paint. Basically, if you do, adhesion will be reduced because you will be applying the material over damaged layers.
- Clean off dust or debris. Avoid leaving dirty particles behind, as they can create a barrier between the surface and the coating you’re applying.
As you can see, with proper planning, water-based coating technologies will work perfectly.
Myth 4: Limited Aesthetic and Finish Options
The fact is that water-based coatings offer many aesthetic options. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Achieving Custom Gloss Levels and Color Matching
There are countless options for water-based coatings, offering something to suit virtually any preference. For example, you can find water-based coating finishes in matte or high-gloss options.
Myth 5: Unsuitable for High-Traffic and Heavy Industrial Environments
On the contrary. They are ideal solutions for heavy-duty industrial environments.
Engineered Chemical and Abrasion Resistance
Durability is non-negotiable in industrial settings. Any coating must be formulated to withstand constant heavy traffic while also resisting exposure to a wide range of harsh chemicals.
Modern water-based coatings offer all of this. For example, solutions such as industrial floor coatings in Utah can deliver excellent performance in facilities like warehouses or industrial plants.
In other words, water-based formulations can be ideal for high-traffic floor coatings, where the highest standards are required.
Myth 6: “Eco-Friendly” Means Sacrificing Industrial Strength
That’s not the case, since technology has advanced to the point where both are possible at the same time.
Low VOCs and Strict Regulatory Compliance
Water-based coatings comply with strict environmental regulations. Specifically:
- Significant reduction in VOCs: When formulated with a water base, they are low-VOC industrial coatings.
- LEED Certification: They can be an excellent option for earning credits in sustainable construction projects, provided they are used.
- GREENGUARD Standards: These standards help improve indoor air quality, a goal these coatings can help achieve.
By choosing environmentally friendly industrial coatings in Utah, you also ensure top-notch performance.
Improved Indoor Air Quality and Worker Safety
It should be noted that these products also improve indoor air quality, as they are flame-retardant and do not emit gases that are harmful to health. This is key to maximizing worker safety while significantly reducing health risks—all without compromising performance or durability.
Upgrade Your Facility’s Protection with Modern Coating Solutions
You probably thought some of these myths about water-based coatings were true. Now that we’ve debunked them, you’ll know that they can be a viable alternative that guarantees performance, durability, and sustainability.
But how do you choose the best option? That’s where you need to turn to industrial coating specialists.
For example, you can rely on our team, which has over 80 years of experience. At Bowers Industrial, we can help you avoid costly mistakes so you can make the most of these coatings’ properties.
Just get in touch with our team, and we’ll advise you on your options. Contact us now!
Bowers Industrial Coatings & Linings
2381 S 2700 W, Unit B
West Valley City, UT 84119
Tel: 801-977-0508
Email: [email protected]
