Paints are so ubiquitous that no one ever leisurely
looks up their definition or wonders about their varied applications. From
cars, homes, cabinets to pipes, motors and machinery; almost everything we see
around us, is painted. Industrial paints are indeed different from paints used
at home and that is the reason that paint manufacturers use these as broad
classifications to divide the industry. But to understand how, we however, need
to delve deeper into the subject.
Paint as materials, are made up of three main
ingredients- pigments, binders and solvents. They are usually in either a
liquefiable or already liquid form, which when applied to a surface, solidifies
into a thin film, forming a protective layer. Pigment lend colour to paints,
binders are instrumental in the paint turning hard on drying and solvents help
in smooth application. In developed countries, the split between decorative
paints and industrial paints is 50:50. However, in developing countries, the
decorative paints occupy 70% to 80% of the market size. Here’s a look at both these
types of paints.
Decorative Paints
Paints for aesthetic purposes have been used
for centuries. From natural materials like limestone & dyes, paints have
evolved into commercially manufactured synthetic materials. Due to low barriers
of entry and simpler technological requirements, there are multiple players in
the decorative paints industry.
Decorative paints enhance the look of a place,
help in identification through colour coding and enhance the appeal of metal
& wood. Of course, they also perform a protective function of preserving structural
material from corrosion, weather onslaughts and wear & tear. However, given
their mild nature, they need frequent upkeep and re-application.
The paint manufacturing industry divides
decorative paints into interior paints and exterior paints. Interior paints
comprise of wall paints (emulsion & distemper), paints for metals and wood
finishing materials. Exterior paints used on outside walls and structures, are
sturdier, capable of withstanding sunlight and are water proof. They are
usually oil based or latex based.
Industrial Paints
Industrial paints are specialised paints which
are used mainly for industrial strength protection and less so, for aesthetic
purposes. Also, known as commercial paints, they include high performance
coatings, automotive paints, marine paints, coil coatings and generic
industrial usage paints.
The manufacturing of industrial paints demands
advanced technological proficiency. Hence the barrier to entry in this industry
is usually high. In developing countries, especially, the trend is form mergers
with established industrial paint manufacturers from other nations to
manufacture these high-performance paints.
The most basic application of industrial
paints is for prevention of corrosion in steel and other industrial materials.
The demand for industrial paints is spread across sectors with the largest
consumer being general industries followed by the automotive sector. Automotive
sector comprises of OEMS and auto manufacturers. personal protective equipments
In general, industrial application, such
paints are used on steel, glass, iron, aluminium, composite materials, plastic
and even wood. These materials make up the body of transformers, machineries,
containers, equipment, industrial furniture, pipes, nuts and bolts. Further,
the automotive industry uses industrial paints for painting the body of
vehicles which is the largest painted surface area. Down the supply chain,
there is also a requirement for vehicle refinishes which is the ‘touch up’
paint used in the event of accidental damages caused to a vehicle. multi
purpose power tool
The marine usage of industrial paints is
interesting, as apart from basic corrosion protection, they also perform the
function of anti-fouling which means reduction of the boat’s drag in water. The
specifications of such marine paints need to be as per pre-determined
standards.
Another differentiated usage of industrial
paints is in the food industry where internal coating of tins & cans may be
painted. Here the paint should be food grade. Industrials paints are also used
as aircraft & military coatings, coil coatings, intumescent coatings etc.
As one can see from above, there is indeed a
difference between industrial paints and paints used at home. The main
difference between the two, is in their functional application. This results in
the other differences i.e. chemical properties, ingredients, manufacturing
technology, packaging and distribution. new
electrical products
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Focus keyword – industrial paints
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