When selecting a finish coat, it is very important to consider both the coating application and the service environment the finished item will be placed in. Columbia offers several types of Industrial Finish Coats:

Enamels. Single-component coatings that can be solvent-based or water-based.

• If a quick return-to-service is essential to your project, choose a quick drying coating.
• For projects where a more conventional dry time is acceptable, you gain added durability and performance with slower drying, higher-solids enamel products.
• In exterior applications, water-based, acrylic fortified enamels have the longest color and gloss retention.

Epoxies and Urethanes. Two-part coatings consisting of an A (color) and B (activator) component. Epoxies are available in both water-based and solvent-based versions; most urethanes are solvent-based. These coatings provide superior film hardness and chemical resistance as compared to enamels.

• Epoxies are resistant to many chemical compounds and are much more moisture tolerant than enamel products.
• Primarily for interior applications as they tend to lose color and gloss when exposed to the sun.
• Urethanes are frequently used as a finish coat over an intermediate coat of epoxy and have excellent chemical resistance and color and gloss retention.
• An epoxy/urethane system provides the best combination of chemical resistance and exterior weatherability.

FLOOR COATING SYSTEMS

Columbia offers a variety of high performance coatings that are designed for use on concrete floors in numerous service environments and exposures. From light foot traffic to automotive, tow motor and forklift traffic to exposure to chemicals, acids or petroleum products, we have the solution you need.

Industrial or Polyurethane Enamels. Single-component coatings that provide an economical, hard, durable, high gloss or semi-gloss paint film.

• Best suited for use on light to moderate use foot traffic floors and stairwells in light commercial use buildings where frequent recoating is possible and initial product cost is of primary concern.

Epoxies. Two-component coatings provide a paint film that is harder, denser, more abrasion resistant, and more chemical resistant than single-component enamels.

• Outstanding durability and protection for the most difficult floors.

Acrylic Aliphatic Polyurethanes. Two-component urethane coatings that cure to a tough, durable, more chemically resistant surface than epoxies and are more resistant to staining or softening when the floor comes under chemical attack. Also provide superior exterior weathering abilities and excellent color and gloss retention.

• Ideal for use as a top coat over epoxies or as a stand alone two-coat floor system, and the coating of choice in the most demanding applications such as airplane hangar floors.

Proper surface preparation, thorough evaluation, and selection of the right coating for your particular application are the three keys to achieving a long-lasting and durable floor coating system. Please contact the store nearest you for a specific recommendation designed to meet your floor coating needs.