Protecting metal from corrosion can be done in various ways. For industrial use, common methods include hot-dip galvanizing, electrolytic galvanizing (also known as electroplating), thermal spraying (TSA or TSZ), painting and coatings, or a combination of these techniques.
In this article, you will discover the added value of paints and coatings in protecting metal against corrosion.
Coatings and paints can be relatively easily applied or touched up on-site without the need for specialized equipment, which is often required for most galvanizing methods. Liquid coatings and paints are applied using a brush, roller, or spray, after which they cure through processes such as air-drying, physical drying, or 2K reactive curing.
Imparting corrosion-resistant properties through traditional hot-dip or electrolytic galvanizing methods is far more complex. In these processes, pre-treated steel is immersed in a zinc bath, creating a protective layer. While it is a proven method to protect metal against corrosion, its labor-intensive nature makes it less suitable or cost-efficient for every steel application.
Thermal spraying is applied using a flame spray gun and comes closest to coatings and paints in terms of application methods. In addition to a zinc layer (TSZ), this method can also apply an aluminum layer (TSA). Its corrosion behavior is comparable to galvanizing through immersion.
As mentioned earlier, one form of corrosion protection does not exclude the other. In fact, a combination is often preferred. For optimal corrosion protection, galvanizing and TSA are frequently combined with coatings and paints. The galvanized base layer is naturally resistant to damage. The paint or coating applied on top is more susceptible to damage but much easier to repair when needed. (If a paint or coating is damaged, it can generally be touched up quickly without the need to retreat the entire surface.)
The paints and coatings from Korthals are a smart choice for various industrial applications. Would you like to know more about the application possibilities (whether or not in combination with other corrosion protection methods)? We’re here to help! Rely on professional paint and coating advice from Korthals.
Contact us via our contact form or send an e-mail to office@korthals.nl for more information. You can also reach us by phone at +31 255 533 554.
Publication date: 2024-10-11
Category: News
