At Hydro Tech, we’re proud to specialize in providing top-notch, high-quality industrial coatings and pressure washing services for businesses throughout Vancouver, BC and across a wide range of industries. That means that whether you’re looking to protect your floors, machinery, or infrastructure, we’ve got you covered. And another way we’ve got you covered? By answering some of the most common questions we receive about industrial coatings to help you better understand what they are, how they work, and why they’re essential for your business.
What Are Industrial Coatings Used For?
Industrial coatings serve as protective barriers designed to safeguard surfaces and equipment from damage due to environmental factors, chemical exposure, and general wear and tear. They’re often applied to floors, machinery, pipelines, and structural components to prevent corrosion, abrasion, and chemical deterioration. Whether you operate a factory, warehouse, or commercial facility, these coatings extend the lifespan of your assets while maintaining safety and operational efficiency.
Our mobile industrial coatings also play a role in improving aesthetics, making industrial environments look more polished and professional. But the main goal remains protection and performance—preserving the integrity of the surfaces they cover.
What Are the Most Common Industrial Coatings?
There are several types of industrial coatings, each tailored to meet specific needs and conditions. Some of the most common coatings we work with at Hydro Tech include:
- Epoxy Coatings – These are popular for their toughness and resistance to chemicals, making them ideal for floors, walls, and heavy-duty industrial equipment. Epoxy coatings are often used in warehouses, factories, and even automotive service stations.
- Polyurethane Coatings – Known for their flexibility and UV resistance, polyurethane coatings are commonly applied to outdoor surfaces or areas where the coating will face significant wear due to sunlight or environmental exposure.
- Zinc-Rich Coatings – Zinc-rich coatings are used primarily for their anti-corrosive properties. They are typically applied to steel structures and equipment to prevent rust and corrosion over time.
- Acrylic Coatings – These coatings are more environmentally friendly and are used in applications that require faster drying times. They’re often used for floors, machinery, and equipment in light industrial environments.
Additionally, each type of industrial coating has specific advantages, so we work with our clients to determine the best option for their particular application.
How Do Industrial Coatings Interact With Different Floor Systems?
Different types of floors require different approaches to coating application. At Hydro Tech, we assess your existing floor system to ensure the best possible result. Here’s how industrial coatings interact with various floor types:
- Concrete Floors – Industrial coatings, particularly epoxy and polyurethane, work exceptionally well on concrete surfaces. They seal the porous concrete, making it resistant to chemicals, moisture, and heavy traffic. This is one of the most common flooring systems we coat.
- Wood Floors – Although less common in industrial settings, wood floors can be coated with specialized coatings to prevent damage from moisture and physical wear. Polyurethane tends to work well for wood floors, as it offers durability and flexibility.
- Metal Floors – For metal surfaces, we often use coatings designed to resist corrosion, such as zinc-rich primers followed by a topcoat of epoxy or polyurethane. This type of coating system ensures that metal floors maintain their structural integrity and resist rusting over time.
So no matter what type of floor system you have, we’ll ensure that the right coating is applied to maximize longevity and performance.
How Are Industrial Coatings Priced?
The cost of industrial coatings can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Type of Coating – Different materials have different price points. For example, epoxy coatings tend to be more affordable than polyurethane or zinc-rich coatings, but each offers distinct advantages that might make one more suitable for your needs.
- Surface Area – Larger surfaces naturally require more material and labor, which will increase the overall cost of the project.
- Surface Preparation – Before we apply any coating, we must prepare the surface. Floors that require significant cleaning, crack repair, or leveling will add to the project’s overall cost.
- Complexity of Application – More intricate spaces, such as those with heavy machinery or unique architectural features, may require additional time and precision, influencing the final price.
And at Hydro Tech, we offer competitive pricing and will work with you to find a solution that fits your budget while providing high-quality, long-lasting results.
How Long Does It Take to Perform a Complete Industrial Coating Project?
The time required to complete an industrial coating project depends on the size of the area being treated and the type of coating being applied. Typically, our projects take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
- Surface Preparation – This can take one to three days, depending on the condition of the floor or surface being coated.
- Coating Application – Each layer of coating typically takes between 12 and 24 hours to cure, and multiple layers may be required for optimal protection.
- Final Curing – After the final layer is applied, we recommend waiting a few more days for the coating to fully cure before resuming regular use.
Our team will also work with you to minimize downtime and disruption to your operations, ensuring that your industrial coating project is completed efficiently and effectively.
How Can You Maintain Your Industrial Coatings Over Time?
To get the most out of your industrial coatings, regular maintenance is key. Here are some tips to extend the lifespan of your coatings:
- Routine Cleaning – Regularly clean your coated surfaces to prevent the build-up of dirt, chemicals, or debris that could damage the coating over time.
- Inspections – Periodically inspect your coatings for signs of wear, such as cracks, chips, or fading. Catching these early can help you address minor issues before they escalate.
- Touch-Ups – In high-traffic or high-use areas, touch-up coatings may be necessary to maintain full protection.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines – Each type of coating comes with its own set of maintenance guidelines. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to preserve the coating’s integrity.
By following these simple maintenance steps, you can ensure that your industrial coatings will continue to provide protection for years to come! Contact us today if you have any additional questions!