What Are The Industrial Paint Options For SMEs?

If you're running a small-to medium-sized industrial business of fewer than 250 employees, you'll probably need to use industrial paint from time to time. Industrial paint can be used to coat ceilings, walls, floors, and manufactured items alike. Industrial paint used in SMEs differs from household, art, and decorative paint mixes in that it's usually of a higher grade. Industrial paint is extremely durable and can be used as a protective, anti-corrosive coat on wood, metal, and (some) polymers.

How Is Industrial Paint Applied?

Industrial paint is usually applied in three stages - a primer, an intermediate coat, and a finishing surface paint. Primers prepare the base surface for further layers of paint and contain basic anti-corrosive chemicals. They are typically highly pigmented, resulting in a vivid first coat. Primers are abrasive yet easy to paint on top of. Intermediate/Under coats are like primers. They add additional thickness and strength to an existing layer of paint and are often colour matched to avoid clashes. Intermediates are much thicker than other industrial paints in composition. Finishes are usually topcoats used for aesthetic and protective reasons. Closer to household paint than any other industrial type, they offer both a strong over-colour and a high degree of fluid, scratch, and chip resistance. Satin, matt, and gloss finishes are the most common types. Some special industrial paints come in a 'one-coat-and-done' variety with no need for surface preparation (beyond cleaning) or treatment afterwards. These are sometimes referred to as direct coating paints. They're usually used on metal or flooring.

Which Industrial Paint Is Right For My Business?

It really depends on what you're planning to paint, where you're planning to paint it, and in what quantity. Consider whether this is a one-off job or a repeating, ongoing process. The size, purpose, and cost-to-benefits of painting different items should also be considered. Manufacturers will always have a vast colour palette to pick from, regardless of your choices. However, this range may be limited if you need industrial paint for a special purpose, such as for maritime metals, galvanised steel, floor coverings, or for use on machines used in a high-temperature environment (i.e. up to 700 centigrade). Are looks or practicality more important to you? Manufactured household metal items and interior furniture benefit greatly from the shine that standard industrial acrylics provide, adding further value to your products. Commercial interiors can also benefit greatly from this sort of standard painting. Aesthetic, low impact paints are often cheaper and easier to apply than wall and floor mixes. If you're manufacturing steel items for use outside, consider using professional metallic paints. Industrial-grade primers and finishers can add a level of rust protection that greatly extends the lifespan of steel benches, railings, and statues. Epoxy mixes help to reduce damage and increase the durability of high-traffic, high-contact items and surfaces, such as handrails and walkways.

Speak To Us

Talk to TA Industrial Paints today. We'll advise you on what's best for what you want to do with your paint. Looking to bulk buy? Shipping is completely free on orders over £200.

Image source: Pixabay