Raider Painting

Water-Based, Zero-VOC, Green Painting Alkyds

2012-05-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Designing water-based and high-performing green painting alkyds was not an easy task to do for paint designers. The harmful solvents in oil-based alkyd formulations were the most critical component of the old product's successful applicability. Coatings systems failure is imminent when the very basic act of applying paint is not done correctly. To solve this, designers introduce an emulsification process in water-soluble alkyd paints, making paint dispersion possible without the help of solvents.

Manufacturers further added VOC-free colorants to these formulations, making the new chemistry achieve the same performance and durability as before, but this time more appropriate for green painting applications.

In turning alkyd paints into water-borne green painting solutions, the primary problem encountered by paint designers is the technical limitation of engineering materials with water, which is not a problem in harmful oil-based formulations. To solve this, they have come up with hybrid solutions, which use alkyd resins in water suspensions.

Hybrids emit little noxious fumes and are easily cleaned with water. They are being used as primers suitable for exterior and interior green painting applications. They also come in a range of glossiness and tints, making them a good option for enhancing the look of surfaces.

The hybrids perform well technically -- achieving good surface penetration, application and curing. They are also capable of withstanding damage like oil-based formulations.

Beautiful Industrial Floor Coatings

2012-05-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Industrial floor coatings bring beauty to utilitarian areas. Good aesthetics enhance the appeal of any room and present a good image of the facility. It can also uplift workers' spirits and drive productivity even in manufacturing shop floors.

Industrial coatings can bring a clean and polished look to surfaces while protecting and repairing any sustained damages. Most flooring solutions are water-based epoxies that provide long-lasting performance and enhance the look of ordinary factory decks, storage areas, and warehouses.

Because they come in many colors and thickness formulations, industrial floor coatings can cater to almost all kinds of facility requirements.

Facility flooring's last much longer and remain in good condition when regular cleaning is done on them, preventing dirt and stains from doing more serious harm, such as lodging on surface cracks and providing opportunities for disease-carrying bacteria to grow. Chemical and toxic spills that often occur in manufacturing shop floors can lead to safety risks.

When cleanliness is a major priority, epoxy resins-based industrial floor coatings are the popular choice. They are highly-resistant to stains and dirt, promoting good hygiene by keeping surfaces clean for longer periods of time. These coatings also make the areas easier to clean and in less frequent need for maintenance.

How to Choose Coatings for Beautiful Floors

2012-05-13T14:36:00.001-07:00

For facility floor make-overs, industrial concrete floor coatings bring back their original beautiful look. For floor beautification, some options for coating products are below:

1. Clear and glossy epoxies. The standard choice for enhancing the look of facility floors, colorless industrial concrete floor coatings hide the tiniest imperfections.

2. Shark-grip satiny coatings. Grips mixed with industrial concrete floor coatings provide an easy-to-clean and skid-resistant rough texture to floors. It also brings out a satin sheen to the top coat, hiding minor floor damages.

3. Multi-colored chips. Freshly-applied top coats are broadcasted with a measured amount of colored chips. The result is a beautiful floor finish.

Industrial concrete floor coatings bring facility floors back to their top condition and former beauty. They revive the floors from physical and chemical damages inflicted by daily operations and traffic. In choosing the coatings to use, facility managers must stick to the true requirements of the project. When it comes down to a choice between cost and performance, the latter should not be sacrificed at any cost.

Critical Issues for Ecosystem-Friendly Storage Tank Painting

2012-05-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a few risk-critical issues that should be addressed in storage tank painting near water and natural habitats:

1. Lead containment. Lead testing should confirm the presence of lead in the coatings. Even trace amounts should be treated with caution, with the storage tank painting crew observing stringent lead-sensitive measures and laws.

2. Old coatings removal. A containment system should be installed to keep old coatings and other debris from spreading into any water source nearby. An uneven terrain, common to these locations, may make total containment impossible. Partial containment can be achieved using a movable system of canvas and scaffoldings. The crew removes old coatings and cleans the surface using this method. This may be a tedious process, but it makes the work environment-friendly.

3. Inclement weather. Working in poor weather conditions in remote areas and away from proper shelter can be inhospitable. When the weather turns rough, the crew may have to work on the tank interior, away from the wet and mucky exterior surroundings. Only when the weather improves can exterior work continue. The weather is major factor when planning the time of completion of the project.

For the sake of environmental protection, the storage tank painting crew has to be considerate of the environment as they handle machines and materials of the project. This can lengthen the time spent on the project, but this is a small price to pay for ecosystem preservation.

Environment-Friendly Storage Tank Painting Crew

Upholding the safety of the environment is added to the work description of the painting crew tasked to repair or maintain a containment tank surrounded by or near natural habitats. The crew should be knowledgeable in green coatings, green primers, and green coating materials. They must know about VOCs, environmental standards, toxic greenhouse emissions, to name a few.

The storage tank painting contractors must update their green learnings either through formal classes, on the job, or in industry events. Their green technology know-how, skills and methods can be upgraded by keeping pace with OSHA, E.P.A. and state environmental laws and building codes.

The deliverable required of the storage tank painting crew are a combination of quality performance but lesser harm to the environment. This can only be possible with a green mindset on the part of the storage tank painting contractors.

Consider Limitations of Polyurea Elastomeric Coatings

2012-05-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Some of the beneficial properties offered by polyurea elastomeric coatings also pose certain disadvantages in certain cases. Below are some of these limitations:

1. Since polyurea coatings have a fast reaction and curing time, the target substrate may not achieve proper surface wetness. This can result in poor coatings adhesion.

2. Polyurea elastomeric coatings are reactive to UV radiation. Using them as top coats may lead to surface discoloration and chalking, not suitable for aesthetic applications.

3. Polyurea coatings cannot be applied directly in underwater applications. Despite their good performance in moist environments, direct application in water-logged conditions will result in coatings failure.

4. Specialized skills and equipment are required to apply polyurea elastomeric coatings. Only special sprayers that work in high temperature and pressure can be used during coating application. The use of these special equipment requires the right degree of application skill, which can be gained from training.

Painting Contractors and the Future Forward

2012-05-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

To adapt to the new trends in the industry, painting contractors are changing their methodologies, techniques and mind sets:

1. Painting contractors increase their familiarity of paints and finishes, particularly the newest released products in the market.

2. Painting contractors deepen their skills to support nearly all requirements of building construction, repair and maintenance. They cross-train personnel on tasks like interior and exteriors renovations, carpentry, wood-working, and wallpaper-work, among others. A wide expertise in just about every aspect of the job allows them to deliver complete quality service to clients.

3. Painting contractors comply with industry standards and certify themselves in industry regulating bodies to increase their competency.

4. Painting contractors establish relationships with their trade partners to deliver more benefits to clients.

Various research is being conducted to advance the state of the painting technology. The aim is keep in step with environmental goals of energy efficiency and lesser environmental toxicity.

The paint of the future will roll out from these research labs and into painting contractors' hands thanks to a variety of research initiatives done today. These areas are not limited to:

1. Improved paint application efficiency

2. Better paint curing and drying

3. Paint disposal and recyclability

4. Smart self-cleaning paints

5. Better paint monitoring and control

4 Tips for Concrete Floor Coatings Selection

2012-05-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

To select the best industrial concrete floor coatings for your facility, the first thing to consider is the criteria to be used in your selection. Nearly all types of flooring requirements can be addressed by various industrial concrete floor coatings systems. Identify the requirements for your specific floors, which can be any of the following:

1. For repair and protection. Many floor coatings options cater to floor maintenance, repairing damaged surfaces, and offer protection from various types of floor abuses, such as chemical spills, abrasive impacts or physical loads, to name a few.

2. For quality performance and durability. Industrial concrete floor coatings contractors can install high-performance floors that last for long periods of time. The thickness of coatings used, plus the type of coating product applied, can vary the strength and durability of installed floor coatings systems.

3. For beautifying drab-looking floors. Industrial concrete floor coatings can transform floors in any areas of the facility -- employee lounge, shop floors, loading bays, among others.

4. For cost effective and practical floor solutions. When you're after a minimum amount of expenditure for your industrial floor project, this is possible with industrial concrete floor coatings that are less expensive but still perform well, fitting your budget and project requirements at the same time.

Concrete Coatings for Floor Make-Over

2012-05-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Industrial concrete floor coatings transform facility floors back to their original look. You can choose from any of the following, based on your unique requirements:

1. Glossy coatings. Clear epoxy gloss is standard choice for floor beautification. The colorless formulation can hide tiny floor imperfections.

2. Satin coats. Shark-grips mixed in industrial concrete floor coating lend a rough texture to the floor, leaving the top coat with a satin sheen that hides minor damages, and makes for easy-to-clean and skid-resistant surfaces.

3. Colored chips. Multi-hued chips applied on still-wet top coats can enhance the look of floors. The chips are broadcast in measured amounts and certain distances from each batch, or applied using a pail with holes in the bottom, to achieve the right chip density and appearance on the surface.

The choice of the most appropriate coating product has to be a careful balance of monetary considerations and practical or functional requirements.

When cost is the biggest factor in coatings selection, facility managers must remember to insist on quality and good performance. Cost-savings that sacrifice quality is useless, due to further repairs and rework needed in the future.

Top Benefits of Effective Waterproofing Systems

2012-05-09T09:50:00.001-07:00

Moisture damage is one of the most common headaches of facility managers and building owners. Moisture continuously seeks a way to gain entry into the building. It can come in common liquid form, or enter the property through the air. It can be brought by wind, rain, or seepage from underground. An effective waterproofing system can keep water out, and even drive it out when it does come in.

Waterproofing contractors install effective barrier systems in buildings and facilities to:

1. Prolong building life

2. Improve indoor air quality

3. Increase energy efficiency

4. Comply with existing building codes

Waterproofing for Longer-Lasting Structures

Waterproofing contractors consider the various ways that moisture enters the property in designing effective waterproofing systems. The presence of moisture should be managed properly to avoid water-borne damages. There is constant danger of water erosion taking place undetected. Water can continually weaken the building's foundation through time.

Waterproofing contractors install water barrier systems that prevent moisture or water vapor from coming inside the building or above ground. They also design barrier systems that allow the building to "breathe" or channel any moisture out of the building.

What are the Obstacles in Large-scale Waterproofing?

2012-05-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Setting up an effective waterproofing deck coating system for facilities of immense dimensions is often a formidable task. The sheer size brings many challenges that need to be met because of the massive structural elements.

Here are some of the problems, issues and challenges involved in waterproofing large structures:

1. Coverage

The scope of a waterproofing deck coating project for, say, the recent Beijing Olympic Games, is nothing less than vast. The entire area needs waterproofing for roofs, basements, floors and decks. Keeping the area of a large facility safe from water penetration requires extensive skills, techniques, and a large volume of coating not normally encountered in standard-sized projects.

2. Coatings Selection

Although the process of selecting the best waterproofing deck coating products for large structures is no different from paint selection for regular-sized buildings, the project size undeniably introduces complications in the selection process. The barrier system will need appropriate coatings that suit the building's function and the environmental conditions surrounding the building. The exception is that the coatings will be needed in large quantities to cover larger surface areas.

3. Ease of Installation

A large-scale waterproofing deck coating project needs above-average resources in its implementation. More manpower is needed. The quantities of tools and equipment increase with the size of the project area. And of course, the paint volume is large. All of this because the project has to follow a time schedule, which is the only variable that may not increase despite the scope of the project. For these unique requirements, every resource should be of top quality -- from paint, tools, and personnel -- to deliver an error-free and on-time project.

Skilled applicators should be onsite, high-performing tools should be used, and coating products should be easy to store, mix, apply, cure and dispose of, so as not to disrupt the project's timeline.

Energy-efficient Waterproofed Building Insights

2012-05-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that 40% of a building's energy consumption is spent on cooling or heating the building alone. When air leakages introduce moisture to the building, the work load of HVAC systems is increased. Un-vented moisture changes the temperature of the building, making HVAC systems work harder to maintain the right room temperatures and consuming more energy as a result.

Waterproofing contractors install waterproofing systems that prioritize the walls as the first line of defense. The structural material of the walls dictates the barrier to be installed -- whether heat, moisture, air, vapor, or a combination of these barrier types. These barriers prevent moisture in the form or rain or wind from coming in, resisting the loss of thermal energy, conserving energy as a result.

Compliance to Existing Building Codes

Waterproofing buildings and facilities is one of the requirements for compliance to existing building codes such as the International Building Code (IBC), and in state and local jurisdictions. Building codes address the need for waterproofing systems to keep the buildings safe from air and moisture damages. Waterproofing contractors use compliant products, materials and practices to adhere to these building codes.

Advantages of Roof Overhangs

2012-05-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

Roof overhangs are not just mere extensions of the roof system. These architectural features found in building entryways and windows not only enhance the exterior look of the building, they shelter building occupants caught outside the building in sudden gusts of rain.

Roof overhangs also keep rain water away during foul weather. They control rain water runoff and prevent it from directly entering through doors and windows. Roof overhangs are therefore an important part of the exterior commercial waterproofing system.

The appropriate size of overhangs also shields exterior walls and building foundations. The larger the overhang, the better the protection it provides to walls, doors, and windows in the building.

Drainage Planes

Despite the installation of the most appropriate exterior commercial waterproofing system, it is unavoidable that water may still penetrate the building's barrier system. When there is moisture intrusion, it is not often easy to remove it and dry the area.

Since the walls are commonly the first to take the onslaught of water, they may remain wet for long periods of time. This leaves the walls vulnerable to rotting, rusting and possible growth of microbial organisms. The worst case is when the walls decay and compromise the building integrity.

To prevent moisture from being trapped and unable to leave the building, the exterior commercial waterproofing system must include a drainage plane system.

Facility Managers Choose Epoxy Floor Coatings

2012-05-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

Facility managers often rely on brand reputation and first-hand experience in selecting the best epoxy coatings products to use. Cost consideration is also a major deciding factor.

They also choose based on the particular flooring needs. If the facility floor is used in manufacturing, chemical spills may be common. The product to use should be highly-resistant to toxic substances, abrasions and corrosion damages. For warehouse floors, strong and durable epoxy coatings may be appropriate. This helps the floors withstand the heavy physical activities and traffic common to warehouses.

Often, too, facility managers choose between solvent-based or water-based epoxy systems. Water-based products are cheaper but less durable than solvents. The latter may be stronger, yet it is more expensive and is known to be harm the environment.

Epoxy Coatings Experts

The key to a successful flooring system installation is proper surface preparation and application. Facility managers should keep this in mind when faced with the decision of whether to have an in-house crew do the job or not.

Although application of epoxy coatings systems is easy, it involves the correct execution of many tasks. A large floor area can magnify the work scope. To assure the successful coatings application, facility managers often chose to work with a professional coatings company.

Their expertise and experience guarantee quality application. They identify the most appropriate preparation methods, coatings and colors for the floors. For low-downtime floors, they provide quick delivery of the job. Expert painters often pull the job at more reasonable costs than when the job is done in-house.

Epoxy Floor Coatings Solve Many Types of Floor Problems

2012-05-08T09:28:00.001-07:00

Facilitymanagers often use epoxy floor coatings to solve many types of floor problems,such as those below:

1. Floor Damage

Dailyhuman and vehicular activities can cause flooring to deteriorate. Dropped loads can impact floors. The caustic sting of spilled chemicals canbring damage and produce floor cracks and tears.

2. Protection Breakdown

Whenthe floor’s protective coatings layer breaks down, the floors are exposed togradual deterioration. Floors get moreslippery when waterproofing protection detiorates. The onset of corrosion is possible, and evendirt and stains become harder to remove, when protective coatings are no longereffective. .

3. Aesthetic Deterioration

Hard-to-removestains, fading colors, or normal wear and tear are visually unappealing andcontribute to floor deterioration. Thisnegative appearance affects the facility's image and reputation.

Flooring Solutions UsingEpoxy Coatings

Facilitymanagers invest in epoxy coatings to assure good performance of facilityfloors. The correct application ofhigh-quality epoxy coatings provides the following benefits:

1. Damage-resistant floors

Epoxycoatings repair floor damages and provide long-lasting protection againstfuture damages. They protect floors frommoisture intrusion and chemical spillage. They are also highly-resistant to damages brought by corrosion or airpollution.

2. Long-lasting floors

Epoxiesact as excellent barriers against constant traffic, physical impact or toxicspills. Epoxy-coated flooring systemsoften possess a long useful life with minimal repairs.

3. Beautiful floors

Epoxycoatings create stylish-looking floors out of ordinarily drab and gray concretesurfaces. Tired-looking floors can berefurbished with interesting colors to inspire visitors, tenants and workers.

What Does it Take to be a Concrete Contractor

2012-05-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Concrete work to support construction projects requires some unique personal traits and work ethics from concrete painting contractors. Most important of these personal traits is that concrete contractors should be physically and mentally fit for this kind of job. Muscles are needed for tasks like lifting heavy weights. Mental alertness is essential to perform certain jobs to specifications.

Although strength is important, a careful attitude is also required of concrete painting contractors. This is to avoid the occurrence of untoward accidents and prevent injuries while working. Aside from being all hard work, concrete construction is also potentially dangerous. Concrete contractors should possess the ability to follow instructions and do the job accurately. Since many concrete-related tasks require team work, concrete painting contractors should also be good and reliable team players.

Contractors should also have the technical skills for the job. This includes a deep knowledge of concrete and its applications. Proficiency in basic mathematics is also required to deal with the different grades, mixes, types, and ways that concrete are used.

Concrete painting contractors must have the practical skills needed for concrete applications, from pouring, laying, finishing, among others. A good knowledge of tools and equipments, and the ability to drive large vehicles, are also essential.

Concrete Contractors – How Do They Do It?

2012-05-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

The concrete painting contractor turns concrete into useful materials for building projects. The team of concrete workers is often involved in every process of concrete handling -- from mixing, pouring, spreading and finishing. Concrete applications may be required in stairs, driveways, decks, parking lots, or wherever the building design requires.

Concrete painting contractors are often busy at any of the following tasks:

1. Preparation of the form work or “boxing”. The boxing holds the freshly-poured concrete in place. It prevents the mixture from spreading in a mess.

2. Mixing. Concrete painting contractors work with cement, sand or rock aggregates, and water to create concrete. The mix varies based on the desired strength and performance, and the type of concrete application specified.

3. Pouring, spreading and leveling. The concrete painting contractor pours concrete following the shape of the boxing. The mixture is spread slowly and carefully, tamped to compact it, and screed to level the surface.

4. Create reinforcing and expansion joints. Reinforcing steel controls cracking, in cases of an uneven sub-grade settlement. Concrete also expands and contracts during temperature changes. Painting contractors create expansion joints with flexible materials to allow this movement.

5. Finishing. Concrete contractors perform finishing when required. This gives the concrete surface a smooth and level appearance.

Commercial Facility Exterior Waterproofing

2012-05-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Weather changes like rain, wind, or snow can bring water into commercial buildings, enough to cause damage to the structure and gradually lead to interior deterioration through time. This is the reason why roofs and walls, and entry points like windows and doors are built strong. They need to withstand the harsh elements and protect the building interior. But these exterior features need the help of effective exterior commercial waterproofing to make them more durable and able to endure the constant weather exposure.

Air Sealing

An exterior commercial waterproofing system utilizes air sealing barriers to ward off water intrusion. Walls are caulk-sealed at the bottom plates and inner corners. Caulking and spray foaming are also done on joists, sub-floors and door thresholds to seal other possible points of water entry.

The rough openings in door and window exteriors can also be air-sealed with the use of backer rods or latex-based spray foams. In air sealing, exterior commercial waterproofing contractors often take steps not to void any existing warranty.

Air sealing is also done to the electrical and plumbing systems, such as wires, boxes, or sheathings. Any damage in these fixtures must be repaired first before air sealing. Other entry points like lighting fixtures, cable wire holes, and the like, are also sealed.

A Day in the Life of A Concrete Contractor

2012-05-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

A concrete painting contractor goes anywhere that the construction project takes him. The location can be a regular building site in an urban area, such as a commercial or industrial zone. It depends on the nature of the project. Sometimes the project may be for road or bridge construction or repair. Sometimes a high-rise building or a major infrastructure needs to be built. In these cases, the concrete painting contractor must be unafraid of heights and willing to face possible dangers. In a nutshell, contractors are up on their feet all the time on the job.

Concrete work is almost often done outside and in good weather. But the downside to this is that the work areas are often messy and dirt-filled from the bustle of workmen handling equipments and materials all the time. Painting contractors simply do not work in office-like settings. This is no job for a person who is squeamish and doesn’t want to dirty his hands.

The work hours are fairly regular. But there are times when the hours can start very early in the morning, or late into evenings. Sometimes it entails some weekend work. In these work hours, concrete contractors normally come in contact with other construction workers, engineers and builders. Often, too, there is a need to deal with concrete and aggregate materials suppliers.

Above all these, contractors deal with clients and the most important stakeholder of all -- the public. This is basically the snapshot of a concrete painting contractor’s daily work life.

The Cost and Benefits of Going Green

2012-05-07T09:25:00.003-07:00

At the beginning of the Green Building Movement, there has been a general perception that green buildings are more expensive to build than conventional buildings. That was primarily due to the initial inexperience of the building experts -- designers, architects, engineers, painting companies and contractors. Green building design was highly-experimental in those days, with designers taking more time to incorporate the new green features.

Furthermore, green materials such as the coating systems used by painting companies cost higher then, because these products were not very abundant. In those days, few manufacturers produced low- or zero-VOCs emitting formulations.

At present, however, environment-safe buildings are less costly to build, because the green building technology has improved greatly. Builders have more experience in environment-friendly construction, manufacturers have enhanced the science of green products formulations, and painting companies have grown in knowledge and expertise of green applications.

Financial Benefits of Green Building

At each green building successfully built, builders learned important lessons and gained new knowledge that allowed the sector to gradually decrease the costs involved in building and maintaining green buildings. Below are a few of the cost benefits in maintaining a green building:

1. Reduced energy costs

Better natural lighting and heat circulation within the facility lowers electricity and gas consumption. The adoption of renewable power sources also reduces energy expenses.

2. Lower maintenance costs

Green buildings implement sustainable systems that ensure longevity of the structure, from non-toxic and resistant protective coating systems installed by painting companies, to improved thermal systems for better air circulation and ventilation.

3. Health benefits

Lesser toxic emissions and lower pollution levels increase the environmental quality of within the facility. With cleaner air, building occupants and workers are less likely to contract pollution-related illnesses that drive up health care costs.

4. Increased productivity

Green building employees and occupants spend their indoor hours in healthier and more comfortable environs, increasing the sense of well-being that boosts productivity.

Steps to Take for a Greener Commercial Building

2012-05-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

The commercial building industry is embracing the Green Building movement in many ways to show its support in saving the environment from harmful VOC emissions. Here are the steps that can turn commercial buildings green:

1. Green Design for Commercial Buildings

The effort to green commercial buildings start early in the drawing boards, where teams of architects and designers are infusing green ideas to their schematic designs even before the building's construction began. They look for ways to conserve on energy, preserve water, dispose waste properly, and lessen VOC emissions coming from construction materials to be used in building construction.

Building planners analyze the building site, and then look for ways to enhance energy efficiency, such as using natural shading to save on cooling and lighting costs, or implementing only green commercial building painting applications. The designers aim to use only the right technologies, tools and materials that increase the quality of the building but do little to harm the environment. Commercial building painting based on green schematics has been subjected to the architects' rigorous greening considerations, and only the least toxic and low-emitting coatings will be used in a green-designed commercial building.

2. Green Commercial Buildings and the EPA

The US Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has a comprehensive knowledge base that can transform existing commercial buildings and even new ones green. At the forefront of the EPA-led initiative for green commercial buildings are four (4) "flagship" green campaigns. The first of these is the Energy Star program for energy-efficient commercial buildings, which urges commercial buildings to embark on goal-setting, energy policy creation, and continuous improvement and monitoring of energy utilization. This focus necessitates the adoption of green commercial building painting tools and methodologies as one way to make the building energy-efficient.

The Indoor Environments Program defines the indoor air quality (IAQ) and indoor environment quality (IEQ) focusing on improving indoor ventilation and eliminating pollutants, such as hazardous emissions from commercial building painting products, to avoid the risk of safety and health problems for building tenants.

The Water Program focuses on water conservation at offices, and covers the need for a committed team to champion the program, the use of the proper equipments to conserver water, and encourage the mindset of water conservation in tenants.

The reduction, reuse and recycling program for construction and demolition materials involve guidelines on proper waste disposal, and a listing of local recycling plants and waste haulers. This applies to commercial building painting waste disposal as an important post-painting activity to prevent the release of VOCs to the atmosphere.

3. Green Paints for Commercial Buildings

Commercial building painting products are the most visible aspects of a building, and therefore they must be green before the whole building can ever be considered green. The practice of using only low- to zero-VOC commercial building painting products is necessary. The handling, mixing, painting application and even end-of-life waste disposal should also be done properly so as to lessen harmful environmental impacts.

Recycling of leftover commercial building painting products is also a good green practice, and the use of water-based low- to zero-VOC paints will ensure lesser carbon footprints released to the atmosphere. Avoidance of paints with heavy metal components is also essential to prevent health risks to tenants.

The green commercial building idea is fast becoming a reality across the nation, and it starts with green commercial building painting initiatives as one of the drivers of this change.

Facility Managers: Industrial Coatings Applications and Solutions

2012-05-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Facility managers often prefer simple yet effective industrial coatings applications in repair and maintenance issues, solutions that assure the safety of workers, building inhabitants and visitors alike.

A common wish list for industrial coatings applications include oin-site repairs to eliminate the time spent in removing, transporting, and re-installing structural parts. Often, too, facility managers avoid solutions that involve risky activities, such as heat-processing solutions, complex industrial coatings applications techniques, or environmentally-detrimental products. And when faced with a choice between refurbishing instead of replacing, facility managers would often go in favor of the former to save time and money.

Industrial Coatings Applications and Products

The role of industrial facilities in upholding the quality of life of people in the community behooves facility managers to define a win-win solution in maintenance and repair activities. This solution is based on a clear understanding of the forces that cause industrial coatings applications to fail. Erosive and corrosive damages are the common reasons for deterioration, as well as actual physical damages due to daily interaction between maen and machine.

Industrial coatings applications must then involve the identification of coatings products that reduce labor costs, maximize application, observe health and environmental safety, but in no way diminish quality. Metallic polymers for machineries and heavy equipments, abrasion resistant elastomeric polymer linings, water proofing systems, and environment friendly polymers are some of the diverse products that can be used for industrial coatings applications.

What you need to know about Waterproofing Systems

2012-05-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

The waterproofing materials and methodologies to use depend largely on the ground conditions and the way water is infiltrating the structure. The goal of waterproofing is to create a watertight structure that is impervious to water seepage and pressure. A skilled waterproofing contractor can implement the right waterproofing system which may include a variation of cementitious polymer-based coatings or multi-coat renders, mastic asphalt or liquid-applied membranes, slurries, or even the creative use of epoxy coatings.

Some waterproofing contractor companies prefer to fortify their waterproofing systems with the construction of non-linked cavity walls and bund walls, and even establish drainage channels and pumps to remove excess water. To add "breathability" the waterproofing contractor also installs ventilated flooring to the underground chambers.

Waterproofing of deck and flooring require the application of cementitious coatings with chemical, skip or slip resistance. These coatings are impervious to water and dry quickly, ready for the onslaught of traffic in a matter of hours.

Waterproofing Contractors

Waterproofing engineering structures require a highly-skilled waterproofing contractor to deliver a feasible design and installation of the waterproofing system. Needless to say, experience matters in hiring a waterproofing contractor, and certifications and credentials should also be a big reason for choosing one.

The right waterproofing contractor can assess the facility's needs for waterproofing through site inspections, which then allows them to specify the best waterproofing system for the particular project. Their technical expertise should cover the right methods to use in surface preparation, thinning, mixing and application, among other activities that are necessary in setting up a waterproofing system.

Stunning Decorative Coatings Attract Customers

2012-05-04T06:29:00.001-07:00

To and boost sales, commercial businesses often rely on strategic advertising to spread word about their products and services.

They devise customer-friendly pricing plans and improve their products and services to keep ahead of the competition, all as part of their customer engagement efforts. Facility managers know that maintaining an attractive and high-performing commercial building is also one important strategy to increase the customer base and make repeat visitors out of them.

To make commercial buildings appealing to clients, facility managers turn to the painting company with a successful track record in implementing decorative concrete coating systems. Beautiful concrete finishes create a welcoming atmosphere at any shopping mall or hotel that appeal to tenants and visitors alike, making an unforgettable and long-lasting impression.

Innovative concrete coating products turn commercial buildings into eye-catching works of art. Concrete coatings today have more color selections, and vibrant colors that add beauty to surfaces. The painting company with a wide product knowledge database and proven workmanship can choose from various formulations of epoxy and elastomeric coatings to apply to the facility. A high degree of experience in concrete staining and application procedures will produce creative concrete textures in halls and lobbies to delight the customers.

Exterior Painting Issues: Heat and California Sunlight

2012-05-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

Weather can dramatically impact your exterior painting job. Heat, sunlight, rain and wind all create conditions that require extra care during the application phase to produce a professional quality coating.

Excessive heat or sunlight can cause a fresh coat of paint to develop blisters known as temperature bubbles. These blisters can pop up relatively quickly following application of the exterior paint. Thick coats of paint are more prone to developing temperature bubbles. Dark paints are also more susceptible to the phenomenon. The remedy for heat blisters is simple. A scraper is used to smooth off the affected area. Once smoothed over the damage to the coat is repaired.

When a professional painting company does an exterior painting project in the summer heat, they constantly check for temperature bubbles in the coat and take care of the problem as they form, so the blisters have no chance of ruining the coat.

Another sun related exterior painting problem is chalking. This occurs when old stains, paints, or other coatings atomize and dry over time due to the sun’s UV radiation. Chalking is only the first part of the problem. The real damage only becomes visible when wind, water, ice, or snow absorbs or washes away the chalk, leaving a patchy or uneven mark on the surface.

How Epoxy and Chemical Resistance Interact

2012-05-03T04:21:00.000-07:00

Chemical resistance is another virtue of epoxy that opens up many industrial and commercial uses. Epoxy stands up to the abuse that many common industrial substances dish out. Epoxy coating systems are resistant to acetone, alcohols, solvents, and many hydroxides and chlorides across a wide range of temperatures. Epoxy is often used in industry because the hard plastic coating is impervious to many common industrial acids and fuels.

The same chemical process which gives epoxy its hardness also makes it very chemically resistant. In fact, vinegar and acetone, which can be used as solvents for uncured epoxy, are largely ineffective against epoxy that has had a chance to cure.

When you think chemical resistance, sea water does not readily come to mind as a reactive substance. However, sea water is highly reactive. For marine use, epoxy coatings are a standout choice as a primer for metal surfaces.