What to Consider When Selecting a Paint or Coating System
Posted Apr 26, 2021 by Dave Scaturro
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right paint or coating system starts with understanding the surface, the environment, and what the coating needs to protect against.
- Coating performance depends on more than the product itself. Application method, number of coats, and installer quality all affect long-term results.
- Budget matters, but selecting a system based on price alone can lead to coating failure, added labor, and higher costs later.
How do you choose the right coating for your project? There’s no simple answer because it all depends on the actual project. Selecting the best coating system is a matter of performance, application, and budget. To help guide you, we compiled a list of details to consider:
What is being coated and why
Although coating systems can be complex, understanding something as simple as what exactly needs to be painted — and why — is the first crucial step. The pre-established purpose of an area is an essential factor that determines the type of paint required. While regular semi-gloss or gloss paints are used in different painting projects, specialty coatings are sometimes best for certain applications. For instance, interior paints cannot provide the level of protection required by exterior surfaces.
Knowing what to buy
Coating system recommendations are largely dependent on the climate and type of surface in need of painting. Unless you’re an engineer familiar with this specific industry, chances are you might be confused during the purchasing process and the complexities of your specific needs. So if possible, ask your vendor about warranties (get them in writing) and do your research before placing your order.
Application process and durability
It’s a commonly accepted fact that most coating failures are due to application error. The more coats of paint, the greater the likelihood of a visible mistake. And that risk applies every single time you add a coat of paint. Another problem with additional coats? The cost. The greater number of coats, the more expensive the job as the contractor has a labor cost associated with the application. Overall, single-coat systems are oftentimes better than multi-coat systems. But if you’re unsure about what coating to use, ask for references. Give Alpine a call and we will show you the best way to select a paint or coating system.
