Specialty Coating Applications Guide

Advanced coating solutions for unique commercial challenges and specialized performance requirements

Modern commercial facilities often require specialized coating solutions beyond traditional paint systems. From antimicrobial surfaces to anti-graffiti protection, specialty coatings address unique challenges while delivering enhanced performance and functionality.

Antimicrobial Coating Systems

Technology Overview

Silver Ion Technology

Releases silver ions that disrupt bacterial cell walls and viral proteins, providing continuous antimicrobial action

Copper-Based Systems

Natural antimicrobial properties of copper ions eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact

Photocatalytic Coatings

Light-activated titanium dioxide breaks down organic contaminants and pathogens

Applications and Benefits

Ideal Applications

• Healthcare facilities: Patient rooms, operating theaters, laboratories
• Food processing: Production areas, packaging facilities, storage
• Educational facilities: Classrooms, cafeterias, restrooms
• Public buildings: Transit stations, government offices, airports
• Senior living: Common areas, dining facilities, wellness centers

Performance Benefits

• 99.9% pathogen reduction in laboratory testing
• Continuous protection between cleanings
• Reduced healthcare-associated infections
• Lower maintenance and cleaning costs

Anti-Graffiti Protection Systems

System Types and Applications

Sacrificial Systems

Function: Complete removal with graffiti

Reapplication: Required after each cleaning

Cost: Lower initial investment

Best for: Low to moderate vandalism areas

Permanent Systems

Function: Multiple cleaning cycles

Durability: 10-15 years service life

Cost: Higher initial, lower lifecycle cost

Best for: High vandalism, repeat targets

Semi-Permanent

Function: 5-10 cleaning cycles

Balance: Cost vs. performance

Flexibility: Moderate durability

Best for: Mixed vandalism exposure

Surface Compatibility

• Masonry surfaces: Brick, concrete, stucco applications
• Metal substrates: Steel, aluminum, painted surfaces
• Composite materials: EIFS, fiber cement, panels
• Glass and glazing: Windows, curtain walls, storefronts
• Historic structures: Compatible preservation treatments

Economic Benefits

• Rapid removal: 5-15 minutes vs. hours of scrubbing
• Reduced labor costs: 80-90% cleaning time savings
• Property value protection: Maintained aesthetics and image
• Deterrent effect: Easy removal discourages repeat vandalism
• Insurance benefits: Lower premiums and claims

Fire-Resistant and Intumescent Systems

Intumescent Technology

Heat activation: Expands 20-50 times original thickness when exposed to fire

Insulating char: Forms protective barrier maintaining structural integrity

Fire ratings: 30 minutes to 4 hours protection available

Application Requirements

• Surface preparation: Near-white blast cleaning required
• Environmental controls: Temperature and humidity critical
• Application thickness: Precise measurement and verification
• Quality control: Inspection and testing protocols
• Certification: UL listed systems and procedures

Code Compliance and Applications

Building Code Requirements

• IBC requirements: Structural steel protection mandates
• NFPA standards: Fire protection system integration
• UL testing: ASTM E119 fire resistance standards
• Local amendments: Municipal fire code variations

Critical Applications

• High-rise building structural steel
• Hospital and school fire protection
• Airport and transit facility safety
• Industrial facility compliance
• Historic building preservation

Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) Coatings

ESD Protection Principles

Static Control Range

• Conductive: < 10^6 ohms/square
• Static dissipative: 10^6 to 10^12 ohms/square
• Insulative: > 10^12 ohms/square
• Target range: 10^6 to 10^9 for most applications

Protection Mechanisms

• Controlled charge dissipation
• Ground path establishment
• Static charge prevention
• Equipment protection

Critical Applications

• Electronics manufacturing
• Data centers and server rooms
• Pharmaceutical cleanrooms
• Aerospace facilities

System Components

• Conductive primer: Establishes ground plane connection
• ESD topcoat: Provides controlled conductivity surface
• Grounding system: Connects coating to building ground
• Testing protocols: Verify and maintain conductivity
• Maintenance program: Preserve long-term performance

Performance Requirements

• Initial testing: ANSI/ESD S4.1 compliance verification
• Ongoing monitoring: Regular conductivity measurements
• Environmental stability: Humidity and temperature effects
• Durability testing: Wear and cleaning resistance
• Documentation: Compliance records and maintenance logs

Non-Slip and Safety Coating Systems

Slip Resistance Methods

Aggregate broadcasting: Silica sand, aluminum oxide, or polymer beads

Textured additives: Mixed into coating for integral slip resistance

Profiled patterns: Rolled or molded surface textures

Testing Standards

• ASTM D2047: Static coefficient of friction
• ANSI A137.1: Dynamic coefficient of friction
• OSHA requirements: Minimum 0.5 COF for walkways
• ADA compliance: Accessibility standards
• Wet condition testing: Simulated use conditions

Safety Applications

High-Risk Areas

• Loading docks: Wet conditions and heavy traffic
• Ramps and stairs: Inclined surfaces requiring traction
• Pool decks: Continuous wet exposure
• Food processing: Wet, greasy conditions
• Industrial walkways: Chemical and oil exposure

Performance Benefits

• Reduced slip and fall incidents
• Lower insurance premiums and claims
• OSHA compliance and safety records
• Improved worker confidence and productivity

System Selection and Implementation

Selection Criteria Matrix

Application	Primary Need	Recommended System	Key Benefits
Hospital OR	Infection control	Silver ion antimicrobial	99.9% pathogen reduction
Transit Station	Vandalism protection	Permanent anti-graffiti	Multiple cleaning cycles
High-rise Steel	Fire protection	Intumescent coating	2-hour fire rating
Electronics Lab	Static control	ESD dissipative floor	Equipment protection
Loading Dock	Slip prevention	Aggregate broadcast	High-traction surface