Chemical Resistant Coatings Australia
Chemical resistant coatings for protecting a wide range of substrates
Almost all coatings will be exposed to chemicals and acids at some point, whether cleaning products, spills, or fumes. However most of these are mild, and the coating does not need a special formulation. Chemical resistant coating or acid resistant paint is designed to provide protection from the harshest of substances. They need to perform safely and consistently under punishing conditions, and so need to be highly resistant. Without proper protective coating, solvents, acids, alkalis, salts, and other substances can be absorbed by the substrate, causing deterioration and contamination.
The right chemical resistant coating is the one that satisfies the requirements of the chemical, as well as the needs of the substrate. Choosing correctly requires fully understanding both. In this article we will explain the different chemical resistance coatings options, and provide a guide to help you choose the right one as well as where to find products and contractors in Australia.
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5 factors to determine the most suitable chemical resistant paint
Substrates and environments which require heavy duty protection from chemicals include flooring, storage or holding tanks, pipelines, bunds, buried metal and concrete structures, treatment plants, laboratories, cooling towers, factories, machinery and equipment, just to name a few.
Containers and tanks are a common application of chemical resistant coating.
You might need a hydrochloric acid resistant coating, or a fuel resistant coating, or a chemical resistant coating for steel. The range of substrates, environments, and chemicals is matched by the range of chemical resistant coatings. To choose the right chemical resistant paint you need to know:
- Chemical(s) – each coating has different strengths, and may provide protection from one chemical but not another.
- Concentration – the strength of the chemical will obviously affect the coating’s resistance.
- Temperature – a heated chemical adds an extra factor for the coating to deal with.
- Degree of exposure – will the substrate be immersed, or is it just contact exposure?
- Duration of exposure – how long will the coating need to withstand the chemical?
Choose the right type of chemical resistant coating
Chemical resistant coatings are available in a wide range of formulations, suited to different applications. The main types are polyurethane, epoxy, phenolic, and fluoropolymers. The choice of coating is further complicated by extra requirements such as high abrasion resistance, or sufficient lack of friction.
Epoxy-based chemical coating
Resistance
Epoxy coatings are a go-to for chemical resistance. They provide protection against acids, alkalis, solvents, caustic fluids, fuels, fatty acids, salt or sugar solutions, chemical cleaning detergents and more.
Applications
An unprotected concrete floor can quickly deteriorate through exposure to chemicals, particularly flooring in the food and drink industry, garages, factories, and plants. Having a floor that can withstand these exposures is important to prevent bacterial contamination. Epoxy coating is suitable for metals, concrete and wood.
Disadvantages
The drawback with epoxy coatings is a tendency to weaken with high or fluctuating temperatures, and it is not as flexible as polyurethane. They are also not good with UV radiation (which causes it to chalk and fade), and can be stained by chemical attack.
Phenolic coating
Resistance
These are the heavy duty chemical resistance coatings. A phenolic coating is one where a phenolic resin is used to cure an epoxy (as in the case of a phenolic epoxy) or a novolac. They resist 98% sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, transmission fluid, gasoline, formaldehyde, phenol, and numerous other chemicals. Perform well at higher temperatures than polyurethanes and epoxies.
Applications
Protective coating for tanks, ducts, piping, immersion service for most acids, solvents, and salts (chemical storage). Applicable for flooring in healthcare, science, technology and electronics industries, as well as chemical and waste treatment plants, pulp and paper mills, and power generation plants.
Disadvantages
Not recommended for exposure to some strong organic acids and solvents, and the less epoxy used in the makeup of the coating, the less resistant to chemicals it is.
Polyurethane-based coating
Resistance
It is resistant to organic caustic fluids, acids and alkalis, fuel and hydraulic oils, and solvents.
Applications
Where greater flexibility and an ability to deal with high temperatures is needed, polyurethane is the traditional alternative to epoxy. Polyurethane is also the preferred choice in the dairy industry where there is exposure to lactic acids.
Disadvantages
Softer than epoxy coatings, polyurethanes are more likely to abrade. Extremely sensitive to humidity at application. Less resistant than epoxies.
Low-friction Fluoropolymer coating
Resistance
Fluoropolymers are most known for being the non stick coating (including Xylan and Teflon). However, they also provide very high chemical resistance at high temperatures. They can withstand a maximum use temperature of 300°C. Fluoropolymers are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including concentrated sulphuric, nitric, hydrochloric and phosphoric acids.
Applications
Normally used where a low coefficient of friction or a lubricious surface is required. Suitable for use on concrete or metal in secondary containment linings, acid plants, fertiliser plants, oil refineries, and more.
Disadvantages
Fluoropolymers have poor weather protection characteristics, and cannot withstand acetone, esters, ketones, and acetic acid.
Find chemical resistant coating products and Australian contractors
With so many different environments and surfaces that require chemical resistant paint, it is no surprise that the range of products and services is extensive. There are the coatings above, but there are also specially formulated coatings like methacrylate, which cures at low temperatures and is used for cold-store and freezer rooms. Below is a table outlining some of the available products, with price indications (subject to change and variation). It is these coatings from reputable coatings manufacturers like AkzoNobel that contractors trust.
| Chemical resistant coating type | Chemical resistant coating product | Product suitability | Price indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two component epoxy | Jotun Jotafloor Topcoat | Ideal for industrial floors, laboratories, hospitals, food and beverage plants, kitchens, warehouses, factories, and manufacturing facilities. | $110.00/5L at 10m² per litre |
| Two component epoxy phenolic | International Interline 850 | Tank and pipe lining for steel storage tanks and pipes containing a range of products including crude oil, gasoline, caustic solutions, potable water, and solvents. | $1,200.00/20L at 6m² per litre |
| Two component epoxy novolac | Sherwin-Williams Nova-Plate 325 | For use on steel and masonry surfaces in industrial and marine environments such as oil storage tanks, secondary containment, ethanol storage tanks, and more. | $410.00/5L at 2m² per litre |
| Two component novolac vinyl ester | International Interline 955 | Reinforced with glass flake to increase chemical and abrasion resistance. Intended for use in internal lining of chemical storage tanks and vessels for hot media (up to 90°C) or acids. | $1,400.00/20L at 2m² per litre |
Get chemical coating applied by a professional contractor
A chemical resistant paint (or acid proof paint) should be applied by a trained professional to ensure an effective and flawless application. Fortunately there are many coating installer companies operating in Australia specialised in various chemical coating applications. Here below you can find a small selection of these contractors. If you have a project that needs chemical resistant coating, our experts are here to help! In cooperation with our partners we can provide you with a tailor-made quote, and connect you with the right coating solution. Just get in touch via email or the request a quote- button at the bottom of this article.
| Chemical resistant coating contractor | Address | Specialisation |
|---|---|---|
| AMCG Australian MArine Contractors Group | 3/43 Burlington St Naval Base WA 6165 | Chemical resistant flooring and acid bund lining for cargo and storage containers |
| Ascoat COntracting | 80 Industrial Drive, Braeside, VIC 3195 | Chemical coatings for industrial floors |
| Neumann Contractors | Nuban Street Currumbin, Queensland, 4223 | Industrial chemical resistant coatings for various applications |
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