Coating Application

Objective

To understand and how to measure relative humidity and dew point, and their effect on coating application and cure.

• Relative humidity and dew point have an effect on surface preparation and coating application.
• Relative humidity and dew point have an effect on coating, overcoating, cure and long-term performance.
• Protective coatings personnel should know the implications of relative humidity and dew point.

Objective

To understand how to measure and assess steel temperatures and the effect on paint application

• Steel temperature is related to the overall environmental conditions.
• Steel temperature is generally specified within the paint specification.
• Too high or low steel temperature can affect coating application, drying, cure and performance.

Objective

To understand how, where and when a brush can be used in the industrial coating industry. To understand the advantages and disadvantages of brush application

• The protective coatings applicator will almost certainly use a brush during coating operations.
• The most simple of application tools.
• Various types and sizes available.
• Used with most coatings for full coatings, stripe coatings etc.
• Limited application thickness.

Objective

To understand how, where and when a roller can be used for the application of heavy-duty coatings. To understand the advantages and disadvantages of roller application.

• The protective coatings applicator will use a roller in their duties.
• A common form of coating application for large areas.
• Rollers can be used with various coatings.
• The process is simple to use.
• The equipment is relatively inexpensive.

Objective

To give the protective coating applicator an appreciation of airless spray painting and its use for the application of industrial coatings.

• One of the most common forms of coating application.
• Must be conducted by trained operatives.
• Ideal for factory and site application.
• Capable of large volume application.

Prior to conducting any spray painting the protective coatings applicator must successfully complete the spray painting training units.

Objective

The objective of this training segment is to give the protective coating applicator an appreciation of air-assisted including conventional and HVLP spray painting and its use within the industrial coatings.

• Air-assisted spray painting is a common method of coating application, especially factory applied coatings.
• Air is required to assist coating application.
• Air-assisted spray painting is restricted to selective coatings.
• Air-assisted spray painting generally applies thinner coats as opposed to an airless spray.

Objective

To measure the wet film thickness of an applied coating. With a knowledge of the target dry film thickness and the volume solids of the paint, the applicator can calculate the required wet film thickness at which the paint must be applied.

• The protective coatings applicator should be able to calculate the wet film thickness of most applied coatings.
• Most coatings have a different wet film thickness from the dry film thickness.
• The film thickness at the applied stage cannot be calculated without knowing the required wet, and ultimately, the dry film thickness.
• The calculation and process is a simple method.

Objective

To measure the dry film thickness of applied coatings by non-destructive testing methods.

• Only method of dry film thickness that can be obtained without destroying the dried film.
• There is a direct correlation between the wet film thickness and dry film thickness.
• Tests are usually conducted by Supervisors, QC or Managers.
• Dry film thickness assessment is a simple test method but procedures do differ.

Objective

To understand the drying and recoating process of industrial coatings.

• All coatings have some sort of a drying process.
• The drying and recoating times are different.
• The drying and recoating times will be defined on the product data sheets.
• The drying and recoating periods are affected by temperature and environmental conditions.

Objective

To understand why and when stripe coats should be applied in a protective coating system.

• The protective coatings applicator will conduct stripe coating in their application role.
• Stripe coating is always recommended for steel protection.
• Stripe coating is generally applied by brush.
• Stripe coating provides additional protection to vulnerable locations.

Objective

To understand the cleaning requirements prior to paint application.

• Paint coatings require clean surfaces to ensure the correct level of adhesion is achieved.
• There are numerous types of surface contaminants which could have an adverse effect on coating adhesion.
• The protective coatings applicator will be required to recognise and remove surface contaminants prior to coating application

Objective

To understand remedial paint application procedures for damaged coated surfaces. Coatings may be damaged:

• During handling and transportation.
• During site erection.
• By other trades.
• By general wear and tear in service.

The protective coatings applicator will almost certainly repair damaged coatings/conduct coating maintenance.

Objective

To understand the basic handling procedure during paint operations.

• The protective coatings applicator will handle various materials during their duties.
• Materials could be heavy, awkward, flammable or toxic.
• Plant and general application equipment may have to be delivered, moved and stored on a daily basis.
• You will not necessarily find handling instructions with equipment.

Objective

To give the protective coatings applicator an understanding of the shop painting process and the duties that may be expected from the protective coatings applicator.

• Majority of items are prepared and coated in factory facilities.
• The size, type and location of paint shops varies considerably.
• Paint shops can be independent or part of a fabrication facility.
• Temporary paint shops are available for specific contracts.

Objective

To understand the implications of conducting site painting activities.

• The protective coatings applicator will generally conduct some site painting in their duties.
• Site painting has more Health, Safety and Environmental issues than shop painting.
• Most industrial work-painting is conducted on site.
• Every site can be completely different to the next site.

Objective

To understand the requirement for general maintenance of plant and equipment in the coatings industry.

• The protective coatings applicator will use a number of items of plant and equipment during their duties.
• Major maintenance is usually conducted by trained fitters or electricians.
• Plant and equipment are used for preparation, coating application and associated activities such as cleaning, grit removal etc.

Objective

To understand the requirement for cleaning plant and equipment following coating application.

• The protective coating applicator will conduct equipment cleaning as part of their duties during paint application.
• Cleaning equipment correctly will extend the life of the equipment.
• Cleaning equipment will ensure minimal contamination on the future use of the equipment.
• General equipment consists of brush, roller and some spray equipment.

Objective

This training unit will review the elements of maintenance painting.

The unit specifically relates to external onshore steel structures.