3 Step Industrial Paint Process For Machinery & Equipment

The industrial paint process involves three distinct steps. By using a layer of specialist paint primer, along with a substantial build coat and then a final topcoat, the lifespan of industrial surfaces, machinery, and expensive equipment can be increased significantly.

While machinery paint can certainly add an uplifting color to a surface, it can also contain beneficial properties that can protect equipment and materials from dust, debris, oil, chemicals, water, and general wear and tear. Whether you’re searching for high-quality industrial paint to protect your factory from exposure to extreme temperatures, or industrial paint to make a vessel water-tight and looking smart while at sea, our team has a wealth of industry knowledge to help empower our clients when it comes to painting surfaces.  

So, without further ado, let’s explore the 3-step industrial paint process that keeps so many industries working to maximum capacity and supporting economies around the world.

Step 1: Paint Primer To Seal & Protect

The first step in the industrial paint application process starts with one or several coats of high-quality paint primer. The type of paint primer used will depend on a number of factors.

Surface material: The material of the surface being painted first must be identified and considered. Some paint primers are best for metal and will help prevent rust, whereas others have been carefully developed to coat plastic or concrete.

Quality and age of the surface: The strength of the primer and the number of coats needed will typically reflect the condition of the material being painted. Some old machinery and equipment will first need to be prepared before the paint primer is used, and then a number of layers might be needed to ensure high-quality coverage. Other new and modern surfaces might only need a thin coat of high-quality industrial-strength paint primer to provide an adequate seal before the build coat is applied.

Intended purpose: The main reason why the machinery or equipment is being painted in the first place. For example, it will be exposed to oil and dirt, or it will need to withstand additional pressure or significant stress due to friction, force, or gravity. However, it could be as simple as a factory needs to be modernized with machinery given a fresh coat of paint in a bold or bright new color-scheme.

Step 2: Intermediates Or Build Coats

The second stage of the industrial paint process is all about the build coat. This is often an epoxy-based paint that can be pigmented and provide additional benefits such as being highly resistance to solvents, water, and chemicals.

Similar to choosing a paint primer, the intermediate machinery paint needs to match the material in which it is being applied for the best results. Plus, this step is when the exact color, shade, tone, and texture is defined. To ensure you achieve a high pigmented finish that will stand the test of time, several layers may be needed. That’s why you’ll often find fast-drying intermediates, to allow for several industrial paint applications to be used in one 24 hour period.

Step 3: Durable Topcoat & Finish

Finally, once the paint primer and build coats are completely dry, the final coat(s) will give the surface additional durability, strength and generally increase the lifespan of the material being painted, as well as the build coat pigment.

The finishing touch, an industrial-strength topcoat can also add a specific texture or finish such as matt, gloss or high-gloss. A top coat will help to minimize paint chips or paint flaking, and curling due to temperature changes, and also help to prevent fresh paintwork from being scratched or scuffed.

Some machinery paint topcoats can also be UV protective too, to prevent paint pigments from being damaged due to extensive UV exposure. Others are designed to be extremely heat resistant, giving paintwork a tough and flexible final coat.

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team about our specialist industrial paint coating services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We help clients worldwide and provide bespoke coating services from decorative and protective, to marine, plastic, industrial, and even floor coatings. You can also request a free quote online.