paint (p³nt) n. 1.a. A liquid mixture, usually of a solid
           pigment in a liquid vehicle, used as a decorative or protective
           coating. b. The thin, dry film formed by such a mixture when
           applied to a surface. c. The solid pigment before it is mixed with
           a vehicle. --paint v. paint·ed, paint·ing, paints. --tr.

Types Of Paint - Puget Sound Coatings sprays a variety of common paint types including Alkyds, Zinc Primers, Epoxies and Polyurethanes, along with a variety of other types such as Acrylic Enamels, 100% Solids, Plural Components, Non-Skids, and Waterborne. Each of the different coating types are engineered to be the most proficient for their intended environment and substrate for which they are designed.

Each of the different materials left alone or in combination with others can achieve multiple looks and/or protection depending on how thick or thin it is applied, this is measured in mils or 1/1000s of an inch here in the United States (For Further Explanation of Paint 'mils' Click Here). Below are some brief descriptions about some of the more common material types that we use.

Alkyd - This material is considered single component (one can) which is normally a blend of synthetic materials and various vegetable oils (linseed, soya, tung, etc.) usually thinned with Mineral Spirits as the reducer. Once applied, they can withstand heat up to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Alkyds are available in a wide range of colors and sheens, both as primers and finish coats, and can be used both indoors and out. They are durable, but do not hold up to UV nearly as well as the polyurethane finishes described below.

Zinc Primer - These primers are available in both organic & inorganic types. Depending on the manufacturer, they can be single component, two component or three component materials. The zinc, in dust form, is often times the third component. Zinc primers usually come in gray or greenish-gray color and are usually used as a base coat under epoxies and urethane topcoats. It's common to use zinc coatings as a barrier for the steel because of it's characteristic of sacrificing itself rather then letting the steel substrate below rust. Depending on the formulation, zincs can handle heat ranging from 150 degrees to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. When applied up to one mil thick, it works very well as a 'weld through' primer.  In some cases near or on the water, zinc primers have been applied as a one coat barrier without a top coat applied.       

Epoxy - This is a two component material, whereas it uses a base portion and a converter portion (sometimes called Catalyst or Hardener) The converter reacts chemically to produce an extremely hard, tough film. Once the two materials are mixed there is a limited pot life generally between four and sixteen hours. Epoxies are engineered for both primers and finish coats. They are available in a wide range of colors and sheens, have outstanding chemical resistance, and are able to withstand heat up to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit. They will chalk and yellow in time with exterior applications because they do not have UV stabilizers.

Polyurethane - This is a two component material similar to epoxy. They also have a Component 'A' base, which typically has the color, and Component 'B' catalyst, when combined will start a chemical reaction for curing. Polyurethanes are available in extensive choices of colors and sheens. They are abrasive and chemical resistant and can withstand temperatures up to approximately 225 degrees Fahrenheit. They also are extremely suited for UV protective finish coats for exterior exposure.
 

Application - The more common types of paint equipment to apply the coating materials described above are Airless, HVLP (high volume low pressure), and Conventional. Most of these paint materials are applied by us with an Airless Systems. Airless is best suited for large projects, high solids type of paint materials, and high paint film thickness type of projects. Typically, the paint material is premixed prior to it being applied with an airless paint system. A specialized type of an airless system is a Pluralized Pump system. This type mixes the components of the paint material in the correct ratio so no pre-mixing is required. An airless pump sucks the coating from a container and, under high pressure, pumps the material down the hose and to the gun. Conventional type paint equipment has a Pressurized Pot or cup, and delivers the paint to the Gun with air pressure. Each paint material type will be best suited for a different type of spray equipment. The production rate, size of the project, type of paint material, environmental considerations, and desired finish will all be determining factors in deciding which type of spray equipment to use.

Puget Sound Coatings has a full time Quality Inspector on staff. Our inspector uses Wet & Dry Film Gages to determine the film thickness, Spark Testers to determine if defects are present, Profile Gauges to determine the surface condition prior to painting, and Environmental Instruments to check for the correct ambient conditions. All of these tools and more are used to meet the high standards we have set for our goals.

We regularly work with project engineers and inspectors to help achieve the desired result. Quality control before, during and after coatings have been applied is essential for a successful painting project.       

For a full page of Painting pictures Click Here

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