About chemical resistant coatings

Chemical resistant coatings are specialist protective systems used where surfaces are exposed to chemicals, cleaning agents, process liquids, oils, fuels, acids, alkalis or aggressive working conditions. They are designed to protect substrates more effectively than standard decorative coatings.

These systems are commonly used in factories, laboratories, food production areas, plant rooms, workshops, bunds, storage areas and process environments. The correct coating depends on the chemicals involved, the exposure level and how the area is used.

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Where chemical resistant coatings are used

Typical areas include:

• Plant room floors and walls
• Bunded areas
• Chemical stores
• Washdown areas
• Production areas
• Laboratories
• Workshops
• Food and beverage sites
• Maintenance areas
• Industrial floors
• Walls exposed to cleaning chemicals

The service is suitable where surfaces need better resistance to spills, splashes, cleaning cycles or operational wear.

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Understanding chemical exposure

Chemical resistant coatings must be specified around real exposure. A coating suitable for mild cleaning chemicals may not be suitable for acids, solvents, fuels or repeated process exposure.

Before recommending a system, Refurbs considers the chemical type, concentration, contact time, temperature, cleaning routine, substrate and traffic level. This helps avoid under-specifying the coating.

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Suitable substrates

Typical substrates include concrete, steel, masonry, render, bund walls, floors, kerbs and previously coated surfaces. Existing coatings must be assessed carefully because chemical exposure can quickly expose weak adhesion or poor preparation.

Moisture, contamination, oil, old coatings and surface damage can affect performance. These conditions are reviewed before the project starts.

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Surface preparation

Preparation may include degreasing, mechanical abrasion, grinding, corrosion removal, cleaning, crack repairs, patch repairs, dust removal and priming. Contamination must be controlled properly before coating.

For floors, preparation may include creating a mechanical profile to help the coating bond. For steel, corrosion treatment and suitable primers may be needed.

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Application process

Chemical resistant coatings are applied according to the required system build-up. This can include primers, intermediate coats and protective topcoats. Film thickness, curing time and environmental conditions are important.

The area may need to be taken out of use during application and curing. Refurbs agrees programme, access and return-to-service expectations before work begins.

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Benefits of chemical resistant coatings

Chemical resistant coatings can help:

• Protect substrates from chemical exposure
• Improve cleanability
• Support safer operational areas
• Reduce deterioration of floors and walls
• Protect bunds and plant areas
• Extend the life of existing surfaces
• Reduce maintenance disruption
• Improve site presentation and control

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Why choose Refurbs

Refurbs approaches chemical resistant coatings through specification, preparation and structured delivery. We provide RAMS, safe working practices and clear communication, supported by NuColour Ltd management systems, CHAS accreditation and GBP 10 million public liability insurance.