All your tools and machinery, including even the sturdiest industrial equipment, will require some care and attention at some stage in their lifecycle. New Zealand presents business owners like you with a unique challenge. The humid climate, saline air, harsh UV rays, and all-around changeable climate can wreak havoc on machinery, steel, or even equipment designed for the outdoors. This is where coating protection services come into play.
To some, this might seem like just another piece of maintenance that can potentially be put off. But after years in this very same industry, we have a different take: coating protection is the key to keeping your equipment around for a very, very long time, which means it’s one of the most vital pieces of maintenance you can do.
This blog is dedicated to exploring all the reasons that coating protection is essential. We’ll break down what it is, how it works, and the many benefits of regularly blasting and re-coating your assets. Let’s get into it!
What is Coating Protection?
Essentially, coating protecting services apply a layer of specialised material in a fine mist or coat to protect the surface beneath. You’ll often see paints, varnishes, sealants, or specialised industrial coatings designed to shield surfaces from particular types of damage that they might be vulnerable to.
Think of a new coat like a barrier that keeps moisture, rust, corrosion, and wear at bay. It’s not just about aesthetics (though a fresh, protective coat does look good); it’s about keeping your equipment healthy and functioning smoothly for as long as possible.
Why are coating protection services so important?
New Zealand has a unique environment that presents a mix of challenges, each accelerating damage to unprotected surfaces in unique ways. While there are a variety of things that can damage your equipment or surfaces, let’s stick to reviewing the top four:
Harsh UV Rays
New Zealand has much stronger levels of UV radiation than most other places around the globe. Those high levels cause paint and materials to degrade faster, leading to cracks, peeling, and fading. Applying high-quality UV-resistant coatings prevents colours from washing out early and seals paint against early peeling.
Coastal Exposure
Surrounded by the ocean as we are, most Kiwi businesses have to contend with salt-laden air in one way or another. Salt in the air can corrode metals quickly, moving faster the closer your business is to the coast.
This is particularly true for businesses that operate on the water, where the effects of saltwater are concentrated. Marine-grade coatings keep boat hulls and other marine equipment from rusting prematurely, thanks to their particularly powerful formulation.
Frequent Rain
Moisture creates the perfect environment for rust and other forms of damage, and we all know that New Zealand has no shortage of rain! Waterproof coatings provide the extra layer needed to keep surfaces dry and resistant to water ingress.
Industrial Wear and Tear
Finally, in manufacturing or heavy industries, vital equipment and vulnerable surfaces face constant abrasion and chemical exposure. Industrial-grade coatings protect these surfaces from daily wear and tear in this harsh environment, ensuring your machines don’t give up before their time.
In short, coatings will extend the life of any surface they’re applied to, but it’s important that experts select the right coating for your unique environmental needs.
The Benefits
For one, proper coating protection services can drastically increase the life of your machinery, infrastructure, and other equipment to save you (and your wallet) from frequent replacements.
For another, the right coatings will reduce the amount of upkeep your equipment requires to prevent it from malfunctioning. Corroded or damaged equipment can pose some serious safety risks, so any treatment that helps you keep your equipment in tip-top condition should be deemed essential.
Finally, there’s no denying that well-coated equipment looks great. A high-quality appearance does more than set your mind at ease; it reflects a high level of professionalism that can seriously boost your business’s image.
But to receive all these benefits, you need to be sure you’re partnering with an experienced coating protection services provider. Poorly applied protective coatings can do more harm than good, allowing rust to spread unchecked while you’re not looking for it.
At the end of the day, coating protection services are more than just a cosmetic upgrade. They’re an investment in your business, a guarantee that your equipment and machinery will last for as long as possible. This is particularly important in New Zealand’s demanding climate, where humidity, UV rays, and a constantly shifting temperature can wreak havoc on all sorts of equipment.
If you’re looking for ways to minimise your costs, reduce the maintenance headache, and extend the life of your business’ equipment, now’s the time to look into having your surfaces professionally blasted and coated.
Talk to the team at Hamilton Blast & Paint for a free estimate.
At Hamilton Blast & Paint, we’re excited to provide a high-quality coating protection service. Can’t shift your equipment off-site? Our experienced team can come to you thanks to our mobile blasting and painting rig servicing the greater Waikato area.
Get in touch with us today for your free estimate.