The Purpose of Water Tank Paint and Coating

Water storage tanks are a vital part of most water distribution systems. These tanks ensure constant hydrostatic pressure at optimal levels, as well as a plentiful supply of drinking water. However, if these tanks do not get the routine maintenance they need, they can become safety liabilities, primarily through leaks caused by corrosion and other sorts of service interruptions.

Fortunately, coatings and water tank paint in Colorado have evolved to the point where they are able to significantly reduce corrosion on water storage tanks, keeping them in great condition for longer. These coatings are environmentally friendly after they are applied and offer some significant quality and durability advantages over more traditional solvent-based coatings.

Today’s tank coatings

Regulations limit VOC emissions of coatings used in industrial settings, so there is an entire line of protective coating systems that has been developed since these regulations were implemented that control corrosion in potable water storage tanks. These coating systems include mastics, acrylics, waterborne epoxies, urethanes and high-solids epoxies.

Most of these coatings now on the market are at least as durable as traditional high-solvent products. However, it is important to choose coating systems that have the right properties for the specific conditions of each tank.

Exterior coatings

Here are a few examples of some of the types of coatings most commonly used in water tanks:

• Direct to metal (DTM) acrylics: DTM acrylics have become more popular in exterior tank applications. They also have a wide range of performance capabilities and are extremely easy to apply. This has made them an economical choice for many operators of water storage tanks.
• Water-based epoxies: These epoxies offer the convenience of water-based coating systems while also providing the same level of performance you would expect out of a standard solvent-based system. By crosslinking waterborne polymers with monomers that have carboxyl or hydroxyl groups, these coatings can create dense films that provide better protection against corrosion and a stronger level of adhesion. Epoxies are also extremely resistant to moisture, acid and alkalinity and are able to withstand a significant amount of abrasion.
• High-solids epoxy mastics: Mastics provide outstanding resistance to chemicals, salts, acids and moisture, which makes them ideal for coating tank exteriors. They can be used with old paint films that are already intact on tanks, and offer excellent adhesion on top of substrates that are either dry or have been marginally prepared. As such, these mastics are easy to apply while providing outstanding protection.
• High-solids polyurethanes: Polyurethanes can come in hard or soft varieties. They are extremely stable and are able to resist a wide range of chemicals and solvents, and stand up to abrasion and impact extremely well. Their color and gloss retention keeps the exterior of the tank looking great for many years to come.

This is just a brief overview of the importance of water tank paint in Colorado and some of the types of exterior coatings you’ll find on the market for water tanks. Contact DJC Enterprises Inc. with any questions.

Categorised in: Water Tank Paint

This post was written by Writer