Acid Resistant Paint
Protection from acids on any surface
Acid proof coating is designed especially for industrial environments which frequently deal with acids in forms of immersion or occasional contact. The applications take place for instance in acid storage areas on walls and floors, and in acid containers internally and externally. There are different coatings suitable for many substrates either on large surfaces or smaller objects such as machinery parts. The most common substrates include metals (e.g. steel and aluminium) and concrete. If you are looking for an acid resistant coating system, make sure to know your project and provide the supplier with sufficient information. Here you will discover what the coating options for your substrate are, and what you should know before making the coating choice!
Acid resistant paint can be applied to:
- Cargo and storage tanks
- Packaging
- Battery rooms
- Acid storage areas
- Garages
Choosing the right acid proof paint
When choosing an acid resistant coating or paint, there are several important factors to define prior to making the decision. The questions you should ask yourself and answer to the acid resistant coating supplier are:
- Which specific acid(s) the coating must be resistant to?
- What is the concentration of that chemical?
- How long will the coated surface be exposed to the chemical before cleaning up?
- Does the exposure take place in high temperature? If so, what is the temperature and duration of exposure in that temperature?
You should also consider the general environment regarding other properties the coating should provide. For example degree of abrasion resistance is important; coatings for areas of foot traffic and vehicle traffic differ from each other.
Give acids no chance by using acid proof coating
Steel is a material which often need protection from acids of different kinds. The acid proof paints for steel are applicable on all surfaces including small objects and large substrates such as walls, floors and doors. The following table introduces the coating types and gives an idea of their acid resistance. All these coatings are applicable on steel; but some of them are also suitable for other substrates such as concrete.
| Acid proof paint | Resistance | Non resistant to.. |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxies | Moderate; require fast removal of stains and spills | Nitric and sulfuric acids |
| Epoxy novolac | Excellent; the only nitric and sulfuric acid resistant epoxy | – |
| Vinyl esters | Good; most acids | Propionic acids and nitric acid fumes |
| Polyurethanes | Moderate; only mild acids; require fast removal of stains and spills | Aggressive acids |
| PTFE | Good | Fuels and oils |
| PSS (polyphenylene sulfide) | Good; most acids such as phosphoric and sulfuric acids | Strongly oxidising substances such as nitric, hydrochloric and peroxy acids. |
| FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) | Excellent; also high concentration in temperatures up to 100°C | – |
| Kynar PVDF | Excellent; most acids, including acid fumes | Fuming sulfuric and nitric acids |
| Halar ECTFE | Excellent; most acids, also high concentration in high temperatures | High concentration nitric and picric acids in high temperatures |
The right coating for your project
You might now have an idea of which of the acid proof coating types is the most suitable for your project. However, if you require any further information or are searching for products and suppliers, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our coating experts’ expertise is at your disposal!
The best protection from sulfuric acid
Sulfuric acid is an acid highly corrosive to metals; it additionally causes damage on many other materials. Therefore, objects and surfaces which might be in touch with sulfuric acid, require a special protective coating. The acid is used for example in:
- Lead acid batteries
- Domestic acidic drain cleaners
- Chemical industry: mineral processing, fertilizer manufacturing, wastewater processing, chemical synthesis etc.
- Production of sulfuric acid
To protect from the acid, surfaces can be treated either with sulfuric acid resistant sealant or paint. As a floor coating, (more about: floor coating) epoxy novolac is recommended; it is the most acid resistant floor coating, and the most durable epoxy. It can also endure exposure to sulfuric acid for several days before cleaning up.
Protect concrete from acids and chemicals
Concrete is a common floor material but it is also porous by nature; this means that it absorbs acids and other substances, which leads to deterioration of the surface. Some aggressive acids even flow right through the concrete and may contaminate the soil.
Therefore, concrete surfaces, such as floors and walls, should be provided with proper acid proof paint which, thus protects the surface and the environment from the harmful effects of acids. The acid proof paints suitable for concrete floor protection include:
- Epoxies
- Polyurethanes and urethane mortar
- Vinyl esters
The acid proof coating for concrete is common for example in creating acid resistant flooring for factories, laboratories or warehouses. However, these coatings are also suitable for domestic applications for example in garages. The most common application, nonetheless, is on the floors of battery rooms.
Battery room protection with acid proof paint
In lead acid batteries lead and lead dioxide react with sulfuric acid. Sometimes some of the acid leaks on the floor corroding it fast. This phenomenon usually takes place in a battery room but can also occur in charging areas of forklifts and golf carts. In these areas, it is not always possible to clean up the floor immediately after exposure; they thus require an acid resistant paint which allows longer exposure.
Battery rooms are exposed to hazardous lead acid and require protection from its effects.
Battery acid resistant paint should not only be acid resistant but also resistant to:
- Abrasion
- Impact
- Chemical spills
5 measures to take when acid proofing battery rooms
- Install drip pans
- Chooses battery stands with acid proof coating
- Keep Spill Kits close to the Batteries
- Add an additional layer of protection by acid neutralizing pads
- Make sure the topcoat of your battery room floor is treated to resist electrolyte
Coatings – Ireland
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