- Types of Architectural Coatings
- Common Types of Equipment Used with Architectural Coatings
- Factors and Features to Look for with Coating Equipment
- Architectural Coatings Market: Best Manufacturers to Consider
Nearly all structural surfaces require specialty coatings to be protected from general wear and tear, corrosion, and natural elements. Architectural coating equipment is commonly used by the construction industry to apply these protective materials, ensuring that the surface remains durable, visually appealing, and long-lasting.
Finding the right equipment for architectural protective coatings is a challenge for many businesses and contractors. This guide serves as a roadmap to keep you informed on the various options available and help you choose products from a reputable manufacturer and dealer.
Types of Architectural Coatings
Architectural coatings are used in a wide variety of industries and are used to cover numerous different surfaces. From civil structures like bridges and high-rise steel frames to residential drywall and deck staining, their applications are extensive. Coatings come in three main forms:
- Liquid Coatings: Liquid architectural coatings are often used to enhance the visual appeal of a surface and make it waterproof. Common scenarios include interior/exterior painting and concrete coating.
- Powder Coatings: The main purpose of a powder coat is durability and wear resistance. These are often used in architectural applications that have quite a bit of exposure, such as the civil structures mentioned above.
Common Types of Equipment Used with Architectural Coatings
Many pieces of equipment are required for the proper application of architectural coatings. Your choice of equipment will depend on the type of materials you're working with, as well as the scope of the job. Overall, the essential coating application tools used include a handheld spray gun, a spray machine, and various accessories like hoses, material reservoirs, supply pumps and heaters.
Liquid coating spray machines and spray guns are beneficial for materials such as paint and protective coatings. They can be either single or plural component and come in varying flow rates and pressures for different material viscosities. Machines can be air powered (pneumatic), electric powered or gas-powered sprayers. Powder coating equipment uses an electrostatic spray gun and typically an air powered spray machine to apply dry coatings to surfaces that are then cured for maximum durability.
Factors and Features to Look for with Coating Equipment
High-quality architectural coatings are achieved by investing in high-end equipment and following professional architectural coating techniques. It's essential that you choose a system that adequately suits your operation's needs and budget. Coating equipment comes at different price points and has various features that can be advantageous to contractors. Keeping the following in mind will ensure that you purchase high-end equipment that's suited to your project:
- Durability and Reliability: Many job sites are environmentally demanding and require heavy-duty spray equipment that can function in adverse weather, temperatures, and under high workloads.
- Equipment Efficiency: Efficient use of spray materials is beneficial from a cost-effectiveness and an environmental standpoint.
- Ease of Use: Depending on the complexity of your spraying needs and the skill level of the operator, you may want equipment that is easy to use and requires minimal maintenance.
- Adaptability: Adjustable settings like spray pressure and volume can be very versatile and beneficial on the job site.
- Material Compatibility: It's very important to find equipment that's specifically rated to handle your intended coating materials. Material incompatibility can cause significant issues with clogging and flow.
How to Maximize Architectural Coating Equipment with Maintenance
No matter what type of equipment you purchase, keeping up with maintenance is essential to optimize architectural coating equipment and enjoy top-rated performance out of your system. Be sure to do frequent visual inspections to check for loose fittings, frequent cleaning and flushing to keep the hoses clear from debris and buildup, and component replacement when necessary. Additionally, always follow safety protocols to ensure that your equipment is being properly used and that the technician is never in harm's way.
Architectural Coatings Market: Best Manufacturers to Consider
Above all else, the most important thing that you can do when buying an architectural coating system is to obtain your equipment from a reputable equipment supplier. This ensures that you'll receive durable coating equipment that's packed with user-friendly features as well as the top rated customer support and technical service to keep you spraying. The brand carried often provide warranty protection for your peace of mind.
Some of the top brands on the market today and their main selling points can be seen in the table below.
Brand | Selling Points |
Graco |
|
Titan Tools |
|
Gema |
|
Sames |
|
Blastall |
|
Gusmer |
|
PMC |
|
Piranha Tools |
|
WIWA |
|
Find Quality Equipment Online at Bolair Fluid Handling Systems
When the time comes for your business to invest in new architectural coating equipment, rely on our expert team at Bolair to equip you with the best. Our online selection is superior to nearly all in-store inventories and we have the dedicated customer support staff that you need for finding your desired spray equipment. We're proud to stock all of the leading brands listed above and are available to discuss your unique product requirements so that we can help you find the perfect solution. Contact us today to learn more about our product features and to receive an accurate estimate.
