Chemical Resistant Coatings

What chemical resistant coatings do

Chemical resistant coatings form a protective layer between a surface and the substances it encounters. They are used on industrial floors, walls, kerbs and bunds where ordinary decorative finishes may be unsuitable. The aim is to reduce damage to the underlying material and provide a surface that can be maintained within an agreed cleaning regime.

Refurbs works with property teams and site operators to establish what each area needs. A washdown wall, a workshop floor and a chemical containment bund can face very different conditions, even within the same building.

Start with the actual exposure

A useful specification begins with the chemical names, concentrations and operating temperatures. We also need to understand whether exposure involves occasional splashes, repeated spills or prolonged contact. Product safety data sheets and details of cleaning agents help build that picture.

No coating is resistant to every substance in every situation. Resistance information must relate to the proposed system and actual service conditions. Where the published data does not cover an exposure, manufacturer advice or further assessment is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Traffic, abrasion and changes in temperature also matter. These factors help determine whether a coating, a thicker resin system or another specialist lining is appropriate. A description such as “epoxy” alone does not establish chemical suitability.

Assess and prepare the substrate

Concrete, steel and previously coated surfaces require different preparation. The survey considers surface strength, moisture, cracks, corrosion and contamination. Existing paint is checked because a new coating depends on the soundness and compatibility of the layers beneath it.

Preparation may involve degreasing, controlled mechanical abrasion, grinding, removal of failed coatings and local repairs. Oil or chemicals absorbed into a substrate can require additional treatment. Coating over unresolved contamination risks poor adhesion and early failure.

Joints, corners, upstands and penetrations are considered as part of the system. In a bund, the integrity of these details matters alongside the broad coated surfaces. A lining does not correct inadequate containment capacity or significant structural defects; these need separate assessment.

Apply a complete coating system

The specification identifies preparation requirements, primers, coating layers and the required thickness. Application follows the selected manufacturer's instructions, including mixing, working time, recoating intervals and environmental limits. These details influence how the finished system performs.

Floor texture can be considered where spills or wet cleaning occur. The choice needs to balance slip resistance, cleaning and the substances present. Walls may have different finish requirements, so a single product is not automatically used throughout the area.

Plan downtime and ongoing care

Preparation, application and curing are separate parts of the programme. Readiness for foot traffic can differ from readiness for vehicles, washdown or chemical exposure. Refurbs agrees these stages with your site team before work begins, including any phased access or temporary relocation of stored materials.

Once in use, the coating needs suitable cleaning and inspection. Prompt spill management, attention to damaged areas and maintenance of joints help preserve the protective layer. Changing the chemicals or cleaning process should trigger a review of suitability rather than an assumption that the existing finish will cope.