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Coatingpedia

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Guided learning paths through the encyclopedia — for new applicators, inspectors, specifiers, facility owners and business owners.

Beginner · 11 articles · about 65 min

Coatings fundamentals

Anyone new to the industry — sales, estimating, new hires, students.

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  1. 1 Anatomy of a Coating SystemBinder, pigment, carrier and additives — plus the primer, intermediate and topcoat layers that…
  2. 2 How Coatings CureHow coatings dry and cure — evaporation, coalescence, oxidation, two-component, moisture, heat and UV…
  3. 3 Corrosion Science BasicsThe electrochemistry of corrosion explained: anodes, cathodes and electrolytes, common corrosion forms, and how…
  4. 4 Film FormationThe physical and chemical routes from wet coating to solid film: evaporation, latex coalescence,…
  5. 5 Epoxy CoatingsHow epoxy coatings cure, the main resin and curing-agent types, where they excel, why…
  6. 6 Polyurethane CoatingsAliphatic vs aromatic polyurethanes, two-component and moisture-cure types, where they are used, and how…
  7. 7 Surface Profile (Anchor Pattern)What surface profile (anchor pattern) is, how deep it should be for different coatings,…
  8. 8 Abrasive BlastingHow abrasive blasting cleans steel and cuts an anchor profile: blasting methods, abrasive choice,…
  9. 9 Volume Solids & Coverage ExplainedVolume solids explained: the 1604 coverage formula, its metric m²/L equivalent, wet film thickness,…
  10. 10 Environmental Conditions: Dew Point, Humidity & TemperatureDew point, relative humidity and temperature limits for coating work, the 5 °F (3…
  11. 11 How to Choose a Coating SystemHow to choose a coating system: define exposure, substrate and prep limits, application constraints…

Intermediate · 12 articles · about 55 min

The applicator’s path

Painters, sprayers and crew leads who want first-time-right film builds.

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  1. 1 Mixing, Induction Time & Pot LifeHow to mix two-component coatings correctly, what induction (sweat-in) time and pot life mean,…
  2. 2 Thinning Coatings CorrectlyWhen and how to thin protective coatings: choosing the right thinner, staying within data…
  3. 3 Airless Spray ApplicationHow airless spray works, how to choose tips and pressure, proper technique, air-assisted airless,…
  4. 4 Airless Spray Tip SelectionHow to read airless spray tip codes, choose orifice size and fan width for…
  5. 5 Spray Gun TechniqueCore spray gun technique for protective coatings: gun distance, angle, speed, 50% overlap, triggering,…
  6. 6 Stripe CoatingWhat stripe coating is, why edges, welds and fasteners need it, how and when…
  7. 7 Wet Film Thickness MeasurementHow to measure wet film thickness with notch and wheel gauges, convert WFT to…
  8. 8 Recoat Windows & Intercoat AdhesionWhat minimum and maximum recoat times mean, how temperature shifts them, why missed windows…
  9. 9 Coating in Cold WeatherHow cold temperatures affect coating application and cure, minimum temperature limits, low-temperature products, and…
  10. 10 Coating in Hot WeatherHow heat affects coating application: maximum surface temperatures, short pot life, dry spray, outgassing…
  11. 11 Sags & RunsSags, runs and curtains in coatings: causes like excess wet film, over-thinning and cold,…
  12. 12 Dry Spray & OversprayDry spray and overspray: what causes rough, porous films and wayward coating, why they…

Advanced · 12 articles · about 60 min

Becoming a coating inspector

QC staff and inspectors preparing for certification or a first project.

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  1. 1 The Coating Inspection ChecklistA practical coating inspection checklist: pre-job review, surface prep, environmental checks, application, DFT, holidays,…
  2. 2 Environmental Monitoring InstrumentsEnvironmental monitoring instruments for coating work: sling psychrometers, digital hygrometers, surface thermometers, dew point…
  3. 3 SSPC, NACE & ISO Surface Preparation StandardsSSPC-SP, NACE and ISO 8501-1 surface prep grades explained, with an approximate equivalence table…
  4. 4 Surface Profile Measurement MethodsComparing surface profile methods — comparators, depth micrometers, replica tape and stylus — with…
  5. 5 Soluble Salt Testing MethodsField soluble salt testing explained: Bresle patch, sleeve and swab extraction, conductivity and chloride…
  6. 6 Dust Contamination on Blasted SteelHow residual blast dust undermines coating adhesion, how the ISO 8502-3 tape test rates…
  7. 7 Dry Film Thickness (DFT) MeasurementHow to measure dry film thickness: gauge types, calibration, SSPC-PA 2 and ISO 19840…
  8. 8 Adhesion Testing (Pull-Off & Cross-Cut)Pull-off and cross-cut adhesion testing explained: ASTM D4541, D7234, D3359, ISO 4624 and ISO…
  9. 9 Holiday (Pinhole) Detection TestingHoliday testing explained: low-voltage wet sponge vs high-voltage spark detection, NACE SP0188 and ASTM…
  10. 10 Testing Coating CureHow to test coating cure: dry-time stages, solvent rub tests (ASTM D5402, D4752), pencil,…
  11. 11 Daily Coating Inspection ReportsWhat to record in a daily coating inspection report, from dew point and batch…
  12. 12 Coating Inspector CertificationCoating inspector certification explained: AMPP (legacy NACE CIP and SSPC), FROSIO, ICorr and other…

Advanced · 10 articles · about 45 min

Specifying a coating system

Engineers, architects and owners’ representatives writing or reviewing specs.

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  1. 1 ISO 12944 Corrosivity CategoriesISO 12944 corrosivity categories C1–CX and Im1–Im4 explained, with durability ranges L to VH…
  2. 2 How to Choose a Coating SystemHow to choose a coating system: define exposure, substrate and prep limits, application constraints…
  3. 3 Zinc-Rich PrimersHow zinc-rich primers provide galvanic protection, inorganic vs organic types, surface prep needs, topcoating…
  4. 4 Life-Cycle Cost of Coating SystemsHow to calculate the life-cycle cost of a coating system — cost components, discounting,…
  5. 5 Product Data Sheets ExplainedHow to read a coating product data sheet: volume solids, coverage, DFT, mix ratio,…
  6. 6 Writing Coating SpecificationsHow to write a clear, enforceable coating specification: structure, surface prep, coating system, application…
  7. 7 Coating Quality Control PlansCoating QC plans explained: QC vs QA, inspection and test plans, hold points, test…
  8. 8 Contractor Qualification ProgramsContractor qualification programs explained: SSPC/AMPP QP certifications, manufacturer approvals, owner prequalification and how to…
  9. 9 Pre-Job ConferencesCoating pre-job conferences: who attends, a typical agenda, technical points to settle, how to…
  10. 10 Coating WarrantiesHow coating warranties work: manufacturer vs contractor coverage, defining failure, common exclusions, documentation and…

Intermediate · 13 articles · about 65 min

Concrete floor coating pro

Flooring contractors and facility teams installing resinous floors.

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  1. 1 Coating ConcreteHow to coat concrete — porosity, alkalinity and moisture, testing and CSP surface preparation,…
  2. 2 Concrete Moisture TestingHow to test concrete for moisture before coating: ASTM F2170 RH probes, F1869 calcium…
  3. 3 Concrete Surface Preparation & CSPHow to prepare concrete for coating: ICRI CSP 1–10 profiles, grinding vs shot blasting,…
  4. 4 Shot Blasting ConcreteHow shot blasting prepares concrete for coatings: how the machines work, CSP ranges, shot…
  5. 5 Diamond Grinding ConcreteHow diamond grinding prepares concrete floors for coating: grinder types, tooling and bond selection,…
  6. 6 Epoxy CoatingsHow epoxy coatings cure, the main resin and curing-agent types, where they excel, why…
  7. 7 Polyaspartic CoatingsWhat polyaspartic coatings are, how they relate to polyurea, their speed and UV stability,…
  8. 8 Broadcast Flooring SystemsHow broadcast floors are built: aggregate types, broadcast-to-refusal technique, single and double broadcast, and…
  9. 9 Trowel & Squeegee Floor ApplicationTools and technique for placing resinous floors with notched squeegees, gauge rakes and trowels:…
  10. 10 Urethane Cement FlooringWhat urethane cement flooring is, how it handles thermal shock and chemicals, typical grades…
  11. 11 Amine BlushWhat amine blush is, why it forms on epoxies in cold, humid conditions, and…
  12. 12 Pinholes & OutgassingWhat causes pinholes, bubbles and outgassing in coatings over concrete and zinc primers, and…
  13. 13 Floor Coating FailuresWhy concrete floor coatings peel, blister, pinhole, crack and wear — how to diagnose…

Intermediate · 10 articles · about 50 min

Polyurea & spray elastomers

Spray contractors moving into plural-component elastomers and linings.

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  1. 1 Polyurea CoatingsWhat polyurea is, how pure and hybrid systems differ, how it is sprayed, where…
  2. 2 Plural-Component Spray EquipmentHow plural-component spray rigs meter, heat and mix fast-curing coatings, impingement vs static mixing,…
  3. 3 Plural-Component Proportioner TroubleshootingDiagnosing plural-component proportioner faults: pressure imbalance, off-ratio material, heat loss, cavitation, crystallization and gun…
  4. 4 Spray Equipment MaintenanceRoutine care for airless, air spray and plural-component rigs: flushing, filters, packings, hoses, grounding…
  5. 5 Isocyanate SafetyIsocyanate hazards in polyurethane, polyurea and polyaspartic coatings — health effects, regulations, controls, PPE…
  6. 6 Respiratory Protection for Coating WorkChoosing and using respirators for coating work — programs under OSHA 1910.134, APFs, cartridges,…
  7. 7 Spray-On Truck Bed LinersSpray-on truck bed liners explained: polyurea vs polyurethane, high- vs low-pressure systems, prep, application…
  8. 8 Secondary Containment LiningsSecondary containment linings explained: regulations, choosing epoxy, novolac or polyurea, concrete prep, detailing and…
  9. 9 Liquid-Applied Waterproofing MembranesLiquid-applied waterproofing explained: chemistries, below-grade vs. plaza deck use, thickness control, detailing, flood and…
  10. 10 Spray Polyurethane Foam RoofingSPF roofing explained: closed-cell foam and protective coatings, substrate prep, weather limits, foam surface…

Beginner · 9 articles · about 40 min

Protecting your assets

Facility managers and asset owners responsible for maintenance budgets.

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  1. 1 The Cost of CorrosionWhat corrosion costs the global economy, direct and indirect costs, why prevention pays, and…
  2. 2 Coating Condition AssessmentHow to assess existing coatings: survey planning, standard rating methods for rust and blisters,…
  3. 3 Coating Maintenance PlanningCoating maintenance planning: building an asset inventory, ranking condition and criticality, choosing spot repair,…
  4. 4 Overcoating Existing CoatingsWhen and how to overcoat aged coatings — condition assessment, adhesion and compatibility checks,…
  5. 5 Life-Cycle Cost of Coating SystemsHow to calculate the life-cycle cost of a coating system — cost components, discounting,…
  6. 6 How to Choose a Coating SystemHow to choose a coating system: define exposure, substrate and prep limits, application constraints…
  7. 7 Contractor Qualification ProgramsContractor qualification programs explained: SSPC/AMPP QP certifications, manufacturer approvals, owner prequalification and how to…
  8. 8 Coating WarrantiesHow coating warranties work: manufacturer vs contractor coverage, defining failure, common exclusions, documentation and…
  9. 9 How to Investigate a Coating FailureA step-by-step method for investigating coating failures: records review, site survey, field tests, sampling,…

Beginner · 9 articles · about 40 min

Starting a coating business

Entrepreneurs and crew leaders launching their own contracting company.

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  1. 1 Starting a Coating Contracting BusinessStarting a coating contracting business: choosing a niche, licensing and insurance, equipment, hiring and…
  2. 2 Estimating Coating JobsHow to estimate coating jobs: area takeoffs, material from volume solids and loss factors,…
  3. 3 Bidding Coating ProjectsHow to bid coating projects: go/no-go decisions, reading bid documents, RFIs and addenda, clarifications…
  4. 4 Marketing a Coating BusinessMarketing for coating contractors: know your buyer, build proof with case studies, local search,…
  5. 5 Coating Quality Control PlansCoating QC plans explained: QC vs QA, inspection and test plans, hold points, test…
  6. 6 Reading Safety Data Sheets (SDS)How to read the 16-section GHS safety data sheet for coatings, thinners and abrasives…
  7. 7 PPE for Coating ApplicatorsHow coating applicators choose and use respirators, gloves, coveralls, eye, hearing and foot protection,…
  8. 8 Contractor Qualification ProgramsContractor qualification programs explained: SSPC/AMPP QP certifications, manufacturer approvals, owner prequalification and how to…
  9. 9 Coating WarrantiesHow coating warranties work: manufacturer vs contractor coverage, defining failure, common exclusions, documentation and…

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