If you have a large water tank inside your industrial building that provides cooling fluid for your machinery, then this tank probably has an outer coating. You may need to invest in a new tank coating once the old one starts to wear down. Most water tanks are made out of steel, and replacing the coating can help to reduce the amount of corrosion that can and will build on the exterior of the tank. There are a wide variety of tank coatings that can be applied, and it may be difficult for you to choose the right one. Keep reading to learn about a few coatings that are available to you.

Polyurethane 

Polyurethane is an extremely common plastic material that is used to make a range of products like building insulation, shoe soles, and certain types of glues. Polyurethane is also utilized to create coatings, paints, and sealers. If you have a fence or a deck, then it is likely covered with a layer of water-resistant polyurethane sealer. The same type of polymer is used in many different types of tank coatings, and the coating material is one of the most cost effective coatings you can buy.

Polyurethane is a flexible material that can withstand some stress. However, the material will sometimes bubble up or blister if your tank is kept in an area with high humidity or high heat. If your industrial plant is humid or hot, then polyurethane may not be the best choice. However, if the space is dry and cool, then a polyurethane tank coating may be the best option for the money. The coating will need to be applied in an area where temperatures are moderate and humidity is low. This is necessary for the polyurethane to cure properly. 

Polyurea

Ployurea tank coatings are polymer blends that contain synthetic resin materials. Polyurea is a polymer that is similar to polyurethane in its chemical makeup. However, polyurea can withstand extreme temperatures and high humidity levels. It can also remain strong against chemicals that may spill or come into contact with the water tank. Polyurea can be built up to create a thicker coating than polyurethane. The material will also cure much more quickly and it will not bubble or blister.

Polyurea is more expensive than polyurethane. This is one reason why polyurea is chosen only if water tanks are placed in extreme conditions. If conditions in your manufacturing plant are not extreme, but are more hot and humid than normal, then you can opt for a tank coating that is a mixture of polyurethane and polyurea. This will help to reduce your costs and allow you to have a coating that is more resilient than a plain polyurethane variety.

Fluorourethane

Fluorourethane is a fluoropolymer that is extremely resistant to high and low temperatures, chemicals, abrasion, and friction. This type of polymer is much more durable and longer lasting than polyurea, but it is also more expensive. Fluorourethane has the benefit of being high gloss, and it does not require the placement of a primer over your water tank. This helps to reduce the work involved when the coating is applied. This is ideal if water tanks are big. The longevity of the fluorourethane is also advantageous if you do not want to have larger water tanks recoated every few years.

Large industrial water tanks need to be treated to protect their steel surface from corrosion. You have several different coating options to choose from. If you are unsure about the type of coating that is best for your business needs, then make sure to speak with a tank coating specialist, such as those at RSR Industrial Coatings Inc.