What Are Specialty Coatings?

Paint mainly serves two purposes: enhancing the appearance of a surface and protecting that surface from damage and deterioration.

Some paint products simply don’t cut it, though. Certain surfaces require additional protection that standard coatings can’t provide. In these instances, experienced interior and exterior painting services will apply specialty coatings instead.

But what are specialty coatings, exactly? What makes them special? And what are they used for?

Uncovering Specialty Coatings

Specialty coatings refer to adhesive products that are tailor-made to protect and improve the appearance of a given material. If this definition sounds similar to that of normal paint, you’d be correct. However, the key distinction between specialty coatings and regular paint is customization.

For instance, the formula of a specialty coating might include additives designed to increase resistance to heat or other environmental conditions. There are also specialty coatings designated for various types of surfaces, like concrete floors, industrial equipment, pavement, roofs, and more.

In other words, specialty coatings hone in on the needs of a specific material to deliver optimal protection and aesthetic value.

What Are Some Examples of Specialty Coatings?

There are several types of specialty coatings out there, and new formulas are constantly developed to adapt to new challenges. Two of the most common specialty coating materials are epoxy and urethane, which are like hybrids of glue and paint primarily used to coat concrete floors.

Roof coatings often include materials such as acrylics, asphalt, butyl, coal tar pitch, polyurea, and silicones. Some specialty coatings also feature paint additives for both decorative and functional purposes (i.e. anti-slip floors), such as sodium, silicate bases, and quartz aggregate.

The list doesn’t end there. An exterior painting contractor might use specialty coatings containing fungicide to keep mold away, while other coatings may contain ceramic or special powder to resist heat. In short, if a surface needs protecting one way or another, there’s probably a specialty coating out there that can provide a solution.

Who Needs Specialty Coatings?

Many industries rely on specialty coatings to protect their facilities, grounds, and expensive equipment, as well as to mark certain areas to promote greater safety and efficiency. Manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, medical facilities, and more, all benefit from specialty coatings in some way.

Specialty coatings are also useful in homes, whether a homeowner wants epoxy coatings for their garage or basement floors, elastomeric roof coatings to guard against leaks, or something else.

Who Applies Specialty Coatings?

Properly applying a specialty coating often requires special knowledge and experience, so it’s best to hire a contractor to coat your surfaces. While not all exterior or interior painting contractors provide this service, some are equipped to apply all kinds of specialty coatings. Look for reputable local painters who offer specialty coatings for businesses and residences.

At Nash Painting, specialty coatings are a part of our exterior painting services. No matter your needs, we will find the right solution to protect your surfaces. We’re a proud Nashville painting company with over 15 years of residential and commercial painting experience and more than 400 jobs completed. To learn more about us, our services, and our values, call us at (615) 829-6858 today!