An Industrial Guide to High-Heat Commercial Paints

commercial painting companyCommercial painting companies in Houston face a significant challenge – working in high-heat environments for industrial applications. When it comes to these high-heat industrial settings, standard paint typically doesn’t quite fit the bill and can often lead to problems, including corrosion, safety hazards, and even expensive, unexpected maintenance. At Keeton Construction Services, we recognize that our industrial clients require specific materials in order to give them the best, most efficient, and long-lasting results possible. Because of this, we acquire and use high-heat-resistant commercial paint products that get the job done right.

Use this guide to help you understand the vast importance of commercial paints for high-heat, high-pressure industrial applications and what makes them more durable than other paint materials on the market. 

Why Heat Destroys Non-Commercial Quality Paint

Industrial settings are a harsh environment, to say the least, so they demand products for all aspects of the facility that can withstand unyielding, extremely high temperatures. This works as far more than just a minor inconvenience that might slightly increase wear-and-tear over time – it serves as a constant, unwavering force that is actively seeking to destroy every layer of paint. You can see this destruction in non-commercial paint in a variety of ways, including:

  • Thermal expansion and contraction cause the paint to crack and peel.
  • Discoloration and the paint turning yellowish or fading.
  • The paint film is breaking down, exposing the beginning of significant corrosion.

Operational Risks Associated with Non-Commercial Paint in High-Heat Settings

While non-commercial paint breakdown can play a huge role in lessening the aesthetic appearance and communicative clarity of many elements within your facility, paint breakdown can also pose major safety risks for your team and product. One huge hazard could be the compromised layer of paint, leading to material leakage from pipes or storage vessels. In many Houston industrial facilities, this could be highly dangerous since many manufacturing materials are highly toxic and even flammable. 

In many cases, paint serves as a protective layer for your facility’s metal. When the layer is damaged, it can cause structural degradation due to corrosion under insulation (CUI). This is a weakening of vital equipment that can cause detrimental harm and expenses down the line. 

Lastly, paint coverage can play a crucial role in insulating specific aspects of your system. Damage to the coating can cause energy loss and ineffective insulation, which could be detrimental to your industrial facility’s output. Because of this, working with an expert Houston commercial painting company like Keeton Construction Company is a non-negotiable for keeping all facets of your facility running at full capacity. 

The Golden Formula: How Commercial Paint Beats the Heat

The real difference between regular paint and commercial paint lies in the chemical composition of the formula. Using complex chemistry and specialized pigments and resins, people engineer commercial paint to be far more durable in extreme environments.

When it comes to the specific chemistry differences, the biggest ingredient that separates commercial from non-commercial paint is the base ingredient. Conventional paint relies on organic polymers, such as acrylics or polyurethanes, which are known for breaking down under heat. However, inorganic or hybrid resin products make up commercial paint. These use silicon and ceramic resins, which are extremely stable regardless of the heat they might encounter. These ingredients are resistant specifically to expanding and contracting when the temperature rises; instead of becoming stiff, they are able to continue flexing naturally even in heat. 

The biggest performance differences that this unique formulation offers include:

  • Temperature resistance: Different commercial paint companies can formulate different types of commercial coatings for your exact industrial facility’s heat requirements.
  • Corrosion protection: Commercial paints are able not only to fully withstand the heat, but they can also efficiently protect your facility’s vital insulation. 
  • Thermal shock resistance: Besides just immense heat, commercial paint can face intense and rapid temperature changes in industrial facilities without failing due to thermal shock. 
  • Adhesion: Commercial paints are formulated specifically for strong, long-lasting adhesion. In many industrial facilities, where high heat is involved, this is one of the most important factors.

Types of High-Heat Commercial Coatings for Industrial Applications

There are dozens of different high-heat-resistant coatings available for every sort of industrial application. We can typically break them down into four key categories based on the desired level of heat resistance and unique role in your facility. The first type of high-heat commercial paint is silicone-based coatings. Silicone-based commercial paint can withstand temperatures up to 1000°F. This makes it an ideal material for exhaust stacks, manifolds, or industrial machinery, and its top-tier color stability and corrosion-resistant formula are excellent.

Ceramic coatings can withstand extremely hot environments that even exceed 2000°F. Because of this attribute, they are ideal for furnaces, kilns, or combustion chambers in industrial settings. They are the best commercial paints for heat resistance.

Epoxy-Phenolic coatings resist heat and excel at deterring chemical corrosion when exposed to hazardous materials. While only able to withstand moderate heat up to 400°F, this formulation is ideal for chemical tanks or pipelines where exposure to toxic, corrosion-causing chemicals is common. 

Commercial Paint Application for Optimal Durability

Regardless of what formulation you decide is best for your industrial application, it is worthless without a skilled, seasoned commercial painting company’s expertise. At Keeton Construction Services in Houston, we strive to provide flawless, efficient service from the beginning to the end of every project. This is no different when it comes to commercial painting, as the application is one of the most essential steps for ensuring optimal performance. 

The most vital element of applying commercial paint is the site preparation. Your commercial painting company should be sure to fully remove all old paint, grease, rust, and other harmful contaminants from the surface. Additionally, people also sandblast or “rough up” the surface before painting. This gives the paint something to grip, making for better, stronger adhesion.

When it comes to the actual application process, airless spray is the industry standard. It is fast and delivers the most even, thick coat of paint possible. Heat cures most types of chemical paints, ensuring they dry hard and form a protective shell around the layered surface.

The True Value of a Commercial Painting Company Partner

When it comes to high-heat painting applications, working with a professional commercial painting company is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity. At Keeton Construction Services in Houston, we understand the vast importance of the science behind your paint, as well as meticulous preparation and application. If you don’t believe us, check out our Google reviews:

“Highly highly recommended. This company has great leadership and has the client’s best interests in mind. We have done 3 projects with KCS and more in the pipeline. Working with educated professionals in a team atmosphere is enjoyable.” – Bryson James

At Keeton Construction Services, we value our clients and aim to find the perfect commercial painting solution for your company’s specific and unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a free commercial painting consultation for your company!