Why do we need paint?

This simple question can be answered in many ways, but the importance of paint lies in the beauty and protection it provides. Although a common consumer might not be able to notice the difference between paint and high-performance coatings, architects, engineers, and property owners greatly appreciate the long-term protection industrial-grade coatings provide to their structures.

The philosophy of formulating.

High-performance coatings must be designed to withstand a variety of environments, sometimes severe. Tnemec’s attention to detail embodied in the company tagline, “innovation in every coat,” ensures that Tnemec produces coatings only of the highest quality and formulated to meet the demands of the exposure environment. The best way to confirm each coating will meet those rigorous standards is to run extensive testing on every product before it is commercialized. This makes for a lengthy testing process but showcases Tnemec’s intent of quality over quantity. In addition, Tnemec spends significant resources researching and obtaining innovative raw materials in order to keep coating formulas up to date and top of industry. Not only has the Tnemec brand become associated with performance, but the labor, love, and energy poured into every gallon is what makes Tnemec unique.

Why are primers so important?

Primers are responsible for adhering the coating system to the substrate, but they can also act as an important defense against corrosion. Primer options vary from simple, easy-to-use alkyds, to epoxies that exhibit outstanding adhesion. Zinc-rich primers offer outstanding corrosion resistance and can greatly extend the maintenance cycles on steel structures.

The importance of a finish coating.

Coating systems are often comprised of three "layers"; the primer, intermediate, and finish coat. The role of the intermediate coat is to build thickness and act as an additional barrier that protects the substrate. The selection of the finish coat is tailored to the exposure conditions. It may be designed to provide chemical or abrasion resistance, or it may be formulated to withstand the combined weathering effects of sun, rain, or high humidity. In many cases, the finish coat helps to protect the underlying primer and intermediate coats, therefore extending the service life of the entire coating system.