Have you ever thought much about the finish on your mining equipment? If not, it’s time you did. The paint job on your heavy-duty gear is more important than you might realise. A professional spray-on finish isn’t just for looks – it provides essential protection from the elements, which can eat away at metal and cause expensive damage if left unchecked. As a mining professional, you know better than anyone how harsh the conditions can be. Between humidity, chemicals, abrasive materials and extreme temperatures, standard paint doesn’t stand a chance. It will start to break down in no time, leaving your equipment exposed. A proper industrial finish, on the other hand, is specially formulated to withstand all that the mining environment can throw at it.
The Importance of Proper Surface Preparation for Mining Equipment
Proper surface preparation is key to ensuring your mining equipment has effective and long-lasting corrosion protection. Spray painting requires meticulously cleaning and sanding the surface to provide “tooth” for the new paint to grip onto.
Professionals, like APT Spray Painting, use abrasives to rough up the surface and strip away the existing coating, be that an old paint system that needs a touchup or a powder-coated covering.
We then thoroughly degrease and clean the entire area to remove built-up grime, grease, and dirt that can prevent paint adhesion. Any rust is sanded away, and imperfections are smoothed out.
Priming the bare metal areas is essential. The primer acts as a foundation for the finish coat of paint to bind to. Professionals choose a primer specifically designed for the metal type, like steel or aluminium. The primer is applied in thin, even coats and allowed to dry as directed.
Multiple finish coats of paint are then applied, with adequate drying time between coats. This results in an attractive, durable finish that protects your equipment from the elements. The paint is buffed and polished to a smooth finish.
Proper surface prep and application of primer and finish paint by professionals is worth the investment. APT’s experience and expertise ensure the best results using high-quality products designed for mining equipment. The end result is a durable, uniform, polished finish and maximum corrosion protection to extend the working life of your valuable investments.
Choosing the Right Coating System for Corrosion Protection
Choosing a high-performance coating system designed specifically for mining equipment is key to ensuring maximum corrosion protection and uptime. The harsh conditions your machines face require heavy-duty coatings that can withstand extreme impacts, abrasion, and exposure to chemicals.
Epoxy coatings
Epoxy coatings are highly durable and chemical-resistant, ideal for the demanding needs of the mining industry. Epoxies can withstand exposure to solvents, acids and alkalis without breaking down. They’re also impact and abrasion-resistant, helping prevent damage from heavy use and debris. For the ultimate defence against corrosion, choose a high-solids epoxy coating with zinc phosphate primer.
Polyurethane coatings
Polyurethane coatings offer exceptional toughness and elasticity. They resist cracking, even when repeatedly impacted or stressed. Polyurethanes also provide excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion and weathering. For mining applications, a high-gloss polyurethane topcoat provides an easy-to-clean finish that sheds dirt and spills.
Professional application
Professional spray painting contractors have the proper equipment, ventilation, and training to apply high-performance coatings correctly. APT Spray Painting can properly prepare surfaces, mix coatings to exact specifications, and apply multiple coats for optimal coverage. Professional spray painting also comes with warranty protection, giving you peace of mind that your equipment will be shielded from corrosion for years to come.
In summary, for maximum protection of your mining equipment, invest in a professional-grade, 2-pack, coating system and professional spray painting services. The upfront cost will be quickly recovered through reduced maintenance, downtime and replacement costs. Your machines will run stronger for longer, maximising profitability.
The Benefits of Hiring Professional Spray Painting Services
Hiring a professional spray painting service for your mining equipment provides several key benefits over doing it yourself.
Superior finish and durability
Professional spray painters have the proper training, technique, and equipment to apply an even, high-quality coat of paint that will last longer. They know the right paints and primers to use for mining equipment to withstand harsh operating conditions. An uneven DIY paint job is more prone to chipping and weathering, requiring frequent touch-ups and re-painting.
Corrosion prevention
Mining equipment is exposed to factors like moisture, chemicals, and abrasion that can lead to rust and corrosion if not properly protected. Professional spray painting services use specialised coatings and paints designed specifically for mining applications to create an durable barrier against corrosion. They are also skilled at properly preparing the surface through sanding, priming, and applying sealants.
Cost-effectiveness
While professional spray painting services require an upfront investment, they save you money in the long run. DIY paint jobs often need re-doing within a couple of years, whereas a professional paint finish can last 5-10 years before needing a touch-up. Professionals also have the proper equipment, training, and experience to get the job done efficiently without wasted materials or time. Your mining equipment is a major capital investment, so protecting it with a professional paint finish just makes good business sense.
Overall, for superb results and maximum return on your equipment investment, professional spray painting services for the mining industry can’t be beat. When it’s your business on the line, you want the job done right the first time by experienced professionals using quality products designed for the task.
What to Look for in a Reputable Mining Spray Painting Company
When it comes to spray painting your mining equipment, it pays to hire a reputable company that specialises in industrial coatings. Here are some things to look for:
Experience
Look for a company with at least 5-10 years of experience painting mining machinery and equipment. They will understand the specific requirements and challenges that come with the job, such as the need for heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant coatings that can withstand extreme conditions. An experienced company will also have the proper equipment, ventilation, and certifications to handle the industrial paints needed for mining applications.
High-Quality Coatings
The coatings used should be specially formulated for mining equipment and conditions. These include epoxy primers, polyurethane topcoats, and other coatings that provide maximum rust and chemical resistance. Cheaper, inferior paints will not last and you’ll end up paying more in the long run for frequent touch-ups or repainting. Ask about the specific brands and types of coatings the company uses to ensure they are high-quality and suitable for mining.
Thorough Surface Preparation
For the best results, proper surface preparation is essential. This includes abrasive blasting to remove rust and create a rough surface for the new coatings to adhere to. Look for a company that will thoroughly clean, degrease, and abrasive blast the entire piece of equipment to provide the best foundation for the new coatings. Without proper surface prep, the coatings won’t last nearly as long.
Experienced Applicators
Well-trained and certified spray paint applicators will help ensure an even, professional-looking finish that provides complete coverage. Look for a company that requires ongoing training for its applicators and check if they have certifications from coatings manufacturers.
Warranties and Touch-Up Services
A reputable mining spray painting company will stand behind their work and offer warranties on both labour and materials. They should also provide complimentary touch-up services if needed to fix any defects or flaws that appear within the warranty period. These services show the company’s commitment to a high-quality, long-lasting result.
Maintaining Your Mining Equipment’s Painted Surfaces Over Time
To keep your mining equipment properly protected, maintaining the painted surfaces is key. After the initial professional spray painting treatment, regular maintenance and touch-ups will be needed to avoid corrosion damage.
Wash and Inspect
Every few months, thoroughly wash down your equipment to remove built-up dirt and grime. Closely inspect the painted surfaces for any signs of damage like scratches, dents, or rust spots. Touch up these areas as soon as possible with matching spray paint to prevent corrosion.
Re-coat When Needed
The protective clear topcoat applied by the professionals will start to break down over time with exposure and weathering. Check for visible wear and tear like dulling, cracking or peeling. If significant, you’ll want to lightly sand the area and re-coat it with a few layers of fresh clear coat spray. This renews the protection and brings back the glossy, wet-look finish. There’s no harm in a DIY touchup, but once you’ve noticed this has been done across the machine several times, it’s best to call APT Spray Painting up again and see if it’s time for a complete, new spray system to be applied.
Prevent Rust
Areas where moisture collects like joints, seams and hollow sections, are prone to rusting if not properly sealed. Inspect these spots regularly and treat any rust by scrubbing off loose particles, then priming and re-painting the area. For prevention, you can spray cavity wax or rust inhibitor into openings.
Professional Touch-Ups
For major dents, dings or corrosion damage, it’s best to call in the professionals for spray painting services. Their equipment and experience will ensure an even, durable finish that properly adheres and protects your mining equipment. They can also re-coat the entire piece if the original spray paint job is showing significant wear after a few years.
Proper maintenance and professional touch-ups when needed will keep your mining equipment looking its best while safeguarding it from the elements. With regular spray painting care and servicing, your equipment will have a long, productive working life.
At APT Spray Painting, we routinely spray paint a range of heavy machinery items, providing a protective coating that improves the functionality and appearance of mining equipment. If you have any questions about our spray painting services, be sure to get in touch with our friendly team.
