A variety of protective coating systems are referred to as specialty coatings. These coatings and paints are designed to offer improved performance, durability, and protection of a building’s surfaces. Specific advantages of specialty coatings include corrosion resistance, waterproofing, and weather resistance.
Commercial painting contractors, engineers and consultants use specialty coatings to raise the overall quality and longevity of their interior and exterior building renewal projects.
What is the difference between a specialty coating and standard paint?
Speciality coatings, often known as high-performance coatings, are designed to outlast regular paints in terms of durability, protection, and performance.
Their composition is one important distinction. Advanced additives and resins in specialty coatings make them more resistant to conditions such as abrasion, and corrosion. Specialty coatings are designed to provide better usefulness and long term protection in challenging settings, whereas regular paint focuses on aesthetics and short to medium term protection of a surface.
| Comparison | Specialty Coatings | Standard Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed for specific applications: provides superior resistance against abrasion, corrosion and fire resistance. | Used for general-purpose applications typically residential applications. |
| Performance | Enhances durability, protection, or functionality long term | Offers limited durability and basic protection. |
| Surface Preparation | May require a specialized preparation like vapor blasting, stripping and grinding. | Standard surface preparation like washing and sanding. |
| Application Methods | May require application techniques like powder coating, troweling and advanced spray techniques. | Common application methods Brush or roller application. |
| Finish and Color Options | Can be limited. | Wide range of finishes. |
| Resistance to Elements | Offers superior resistance to UV, moisture and weather. | Moderate resistance to UV and moisture. |
| Chemical Resistance | Provides protection against chemicals or stains. | Limited chemical resistance. |
| Cost | More expensive than standard paint but offer more value long term. | More affordable than specialty coatings short term. |
Why use Specialty Coatings?
Specialty coatings as opposed to standard paints are used on commercial structures and strata buildings for a number for a number of reasons. Most common uses include:
- To prevent corrosion, degradation, and premature wear of a substrate
- To increase the lifespan of a building and save maintenance costs.
- To increase usability of a surface or substrate
- To waterproof and prevent leaks
- To fireproof a substrate
Where are Specialty Coatings applied?
Specialty coatings are used in commercial and multi residential buildings to increase protection, durability, appearance and to preserve the overall value of a real estate asset. Here are a few typical uses:
Exterior Surfaces
Exterior surfaces of commercial buildings’ are commonly coated with specialty materials to protect from damaging weather, UV rays, and pollutants. They can be used for waterproofing, corrosion resistance, and color retention on surfaces made of concrete, masonry, metal, and wood.
Roofing Systems
Roof coatings are applied to the roofing systems of commercial buildings to increase their durability and performance. Roof coatings can extend the life of the roof and lower energy consumption by providing waterproofing, UV protection, and thermal insulation. They are frequently used with asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and flat roofs.
Flooring
Flooring coatings are applied to commercial and residential floors to improve their durability, aesthetic appeal, and safety. Coatings for concrete, or other flooring materials can offer abrasion resistance, anti-slip qualities, waterproofing and ease of maintenance. They are frequently employed in high traffic areas, warehouses, parakades, and commercial structures.
Metal Surfaces and Substrates
Commercial buildings frequently have coatings applied to metal surfaces and structures to prevent. corrosion, improve aesthetics, and increase longevity. They can be used on metal railings, roofs and structural steel.
Fire-Proofing
To strengthen fire resistance and comply with safety regulations, surfaces can be coated with coating systems that resist fire.
Examples of Specialty coatings
Epoxy Specialty Coatings
For high-performance flooring in commercial and industrial applications, epoxy coatings are frequently employed. They provide a surface that is waterproof, anti-slip , chemical-resistant, and robust enough to withstand continuous foot and vehicle traffic.
PPG Amerlock 400 is a specialty coating manufactured by PPG Industries, a global leader in paints, coatings, and specialty materials. Amerlock 400 is a two-component epoxy coating that is designed for commercial building renewal where durability and corrosion resistance are crucial. It allows fast drying and PPG Amerlock 400 is available in low-VOC formulations, which helps meet environmental regulations.
Waterproofing Specialty Coatings
These coatings are used to protect and lengthen the lifespan of concrete surfaces, such as exterior floors, balconies and walls. Waterproofing coatings protect building surfaces from deterioration caused by moisture and water infiltration. They are widely used on roofs, foundations and other exposed substrates
Sherwin Williams Loxon XP is a high-performance masonry coating designed for exterior surfaces. It has outstanding weather resistance, durability, and adherence to a variety of masonry substrates. Loxon XP breathes, preventing moisture buildup and potential harm. Its mildew-resistant qualities aid in the prevention of mold and mildew growth. This coating is often used to protect and beautify concrete, stucco, brick, and block surfaces.
Roof Specialty Coatings
In order to reflect sunlight and lower heat absorption, reflective roof coatings are put to the roof surfaces. They reduce heat transfer into the building’s interior, which lowers cooling expenses, and they also lengthen the lifespan of the roof by lowering thermal stress.
GacoFlex S20 is a silicone-based roof coating solution. It offers seamless protection for a variety of roofing substrates. This coating provides exceptional UV protection, minimizing premature deterioration and increasing the roof’s lifespan. GacoFlex S20 is exceptionally robust and flexible, allowing for natural roof movement. It forms a continuous membrane that efficiently seals and prevents water ingress. This system is often used for commercial, industrial, and residential roofs, and it provides long-term waterproofing as well as energy savings.
Membranes and Anti-slip Specialty Coatings
Anti-slip materials are applied to floors and surfaces that need to be highly slip-resistant, such as stairways, walkways, and ramps. They promote safety as addition to traction by reducing the risk of slips and falls, particularly in high-traffic areas.
MasterSeal Traffic 2500 HD is a crack-bridging liquid-applied traffic deck waterproofing product based on sophisticated polymeric ingredients. It is made up of a primer, an elastomeric polyurethane waterproofing membrane that is spray-applied, a fast-setting polyurethane wear coat, and a polyaspartic or polyurethane topcoat. The seamless coating provides an appealing, slip-resistant, UV-resistant, and weather-resistant surface that is simple to clean and maintain. It is not affected by petrol, diesel oil, battery acid, deicing salts or alkaline cleaners.
Anti-corrosion Coatings
These coatings are designed to protect metal surfaces from the corrosive effects of moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive substances. To prevent corrosion and deterioration, a barrier was built between the outside environment and the metal substrate.
PPG SigmaGuard 750 is a two-component epoxy primer intended for use in corrosive settings such as offshore platforms, pipelines, and petrochemical plants. It has high adhesion and corrosion resistance, preventing rust and degradation of the substrate. This coating is resistant to chemicals, moisture, and UV radiation and has a long lifespan. SigmaGuard 750 is used as a primer prior to the topcoat to improve the overall corrosion protection system.
Fire-resistant Coatings
Paint that resists fire is applied to surfaces and building materials to boost fire resistance and prevent the spread of flames. In the case of a Paint that resists fire is applied to surfaces and building materials to boost fire resistance and prevent the spread of flames. In the case of a fire, they can widen the escape window and reduce the likelihood of structural damage.
Sherwin Williams FIRETEX® FX2003.It is a thin-film intumescent coating that protects structural steel against fire. Depending on the application thickness and design, this coating provides up to 120 minutes of fire resistance. It is often used to improve fire safety in commercial and industrial facilities such as airports, stadiums, and high-rise constructions.
What is the lifespan of a Specialty coatings?
The type of coating, the surface it is applied to, the environmental conditions, and the quantity of maintenance given can all affect the durability of specialty coatings. Compared to regular coatings, specialty coatings are typically developed to offer long-lasting performance and protection. Here are some estimated time frames for popular specialty coatings.
| Specialty Coating | Lifespan Range |
| Fire-resistant Coatings | 15 years |
| Insulating Coatings | 10 – 15 years |
| Membranes | 10+ years |
| Epoxy Floor Coatings | 5 – 10 years |
| Elastomeric Coatings | 8+ years |
| Anti-corrosion Coatings | 5+ years |
Who Applies Specialty Coatings?
Specialty coatings are typically applied by certified professionals who follow specific application techniques and guidelines. WCP boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced contractors who specialize in the application of specialty coating like epoxies, membranes, elastomerics and anti-corrosion coating systems. Our experienced project managers and technicians possess in-depth knowledge to specify the correct coating systems and then apply it correctly.
We offer a diverse range of specialty coating solutions, including epoxy, membranes and waterproofing coatings. Our coatings systems offer long-lasting protection and improve the durability of various surfaces with an emphasis on decreasing building maintenance costs
If you are thinking about hiring a professional to install a specialty coating, WCP can help. Contact us for free consultation and assessment of your buildings needs
If you have any questions about your next Building Renewal and Commercial Painting Project we can be reached at [email protected] or 604.420.5552.
