The open sea can be a tumultuous and turbulent space. Thousands of sea plants, animals and corrosion from salt water threaten steel or wooden surfaces. This can affect the durability of the hull of ships, pier platforms and other water faring transport systems. Fortunately, industrial marine paint is a sound solution that can alleviate the harmful effects of salt and fresh water damage. More than just aesthetically pleasing colours, marine paint provides a protective coating on many levels that resist metal deterioration. There are some key aspects that marine paint can help sustain which will be explained.
Steel is the metal of choice for the majority of sailing ships, whether commercial or military, steel is the toughest material that can easily be bent and shaped according to desired schematics. As a result, steel has certain properties that make it prone to rust, and structural attacks. Chemical interactions involving salt and fresh water animals and other hazardous substances can corrode the surface of a ship. This requires a high strength marine coating to ensure long term safeguarding for a vessel.
Multiple Applications & Protections
Marine paint can be applied to body of both commercial and military ships. This protective coating works against erosion from salt and fresh water. The characteristics of the paint can be mixed depending upon use for above and below water. Drying depends on the amount of coats desired; however, it can be completed in as little as eight hours. Specially formulated mixtures can also be used against fouling. Fouling is the growth of sea animals and plants along metal or wooden surfaces in the water. Typically adult plant and animal life create larvae that grow on the underside of sea ships and piers. This growth can further erode or damage the hull and cause catastrophic damage.
Central Characteristics
General-purpose marine paint for use above water can be comprised of two-component polyamide epoxy primer. Multiple coats of primer are generally layered to provide a defensive coating. It immediately bonds on a cellular level with the galvanized or standard steel of a ship or dock. It protects against water and corrosive elements and can be touched up and repaired quickly and cheaply. It can be applied using various air machines, or paint rollers. Most paint supplies are in general accordance with New Zealand environmental standards; however manufacturers should be checked for quality and composition of materials.
Great care should be taken not to get marine paint on the human body. Risking skin exposure to industrial marine coatings can leave rashes, or other possible negative physical reactions. Eyesight and respiratory health can also be affected by the powerful vapours released from industrial marine paint. Adequate precaution must be taken to allow proper ventilation of painting areas.
The protective qualities of industrial marine coatings are far reaching. Decorative designs and colours are used to protect the hull of industrial naval ships. With the advances in technology, quicker drying and more versatile blends of paints are available to protect industrial ships.