Epoxy Solutions

Epoxy coatings are the workhorse of the industrial protective coatings industry. Composed of an epoxy resin and a polyamine or polyamide hardener, these two-component systems cure through an exothermic chemical reaction rather than solvent evaporation, creating a tightly cross-linked polymer network.

Key Characteristics

The fundamental advantage of epoxy formulations lies in their mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Facility managers specify epoxies to prevent corrosion in aggressive environments.

• Exceptional Adhesion: Epoxies bond aggressively to properly prepared steel and concrete substrates.
• Chemical Resistance: Highly resistant to alkalis, acids, solvents, and petroleum products.
• Moisture Tolerance: Specific formulations (surface-tolerant epoxies) can be applied to damp surfaces or cure underwater.
• High Film Build: Many epoxies can be applied in single coats exceeding 200 microns (8 mils) Dry Film Thickness (DFT).

Limitations

While structurally robust, epoxies possess a distinct weakness: UV degradation. When exposed to direct sunlight, epoxy coatings undergo "chalking"—a process where the surface degrades into a fine white powder. While this rarely affects the anti-corrosive properties of the underlying film, it compromises aesthetic appearance and reduces total film thickness over decades. Therefore, exterior epoxies are almost always overcoated with a UV-stable polyurethane.