Importance of Surface Preparation for Steel Coatings in the Maritime Industry

Steelpaint GmbH, a protective coatings innovator based in Germany, is emphasizing the importance of proper surface preparation for steel assets in the maritime industry. They are advising shipowners, shipyards, and port authorities to prioritize this crucial step in the application process to avoid premature coating failures, costly repairs, and safety risks. The company recently encountered a situation where their single-component, moisture-cure Stelcatec coating was requested for a steel structure that had not been adequately prepared, with high levels of rust and contamination still present. Without proper surface preparation tools to remove rust and corrosion, applying the paint would be ineffective.

According to Dmitry Gromilin, Chief Technical Supervisor at Steelpaint, inadequate surface preparation can lead to accelerated corrosion, costly reapplication, and wasted investments in advanced corrosion protection systems. Many companies have experienced coating failures due to insufficient surface preparation, as contaminants like rust, grease, salt, and moisture create a barrier between the steel and the coating, compromising adhesion. Gromilin stressed the importance of thorough preparation to prevent structural weaknesses, safety risks, and additional costs.

Steelpaint has observed instances where asset owners used low-pressure water jet washing for preparation, which is insufficient for heavily corroded areas. Gromilin recommended ultra high-pressure water blasting of at least 2000 bar for effective corrosion protection. Environmental conditions like saltwater environments, high humidity, and fluctuating temperatures can also impact coating application, especially with traditional two-component systems. Director Frank Mueller highlighted the significance of proper preparation in maximizing corrosion protection investments, emphasizing that cutting corners in preparation leads to greater costs in the long run. The company’s Stelcatec system is designed to be applied to the minimum SSPC SP2 standard using non-powered hand tools, providing longer corrosion protection at lower film thicknesses and tolerating light flash rust and damp surfaces.

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