Do you need help with a tank painting project? This blog will help address important points to help improve any tank painting project.
One of the most frequent questions we field as a high-performance coatings consultants is, "How do I get my tank painted correctly?". It often surprises me that some municipal owners, engineers and contractors still struggle with the basics of what it takes to ensure a tank project is completed successfully. Below are some important questions to consider when undertaking a tank project.
1. Was there a proactive and comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the tank? While this might seem like an obvious step, many tank projects are bid or completed without anyone thoroughly reviewing the tank. Some owners, engineers, and contractors simply reuse the specifications from their previous tank project. A seasoned and knowledgeable tank expert should always inspect a tank before defining the scope (and should be involved in quality control efforts throughout the project). Items that may need attention include tank locations and surroundings, necessary upgrades or repairs, structural concerns, existing coating conditions (such as generic type, mil thickness, adhesion, film issues, etc.), and associated tank components that may be affected or need rehabilitation. Addressing these items can help in developing the scope, painting options, budget, and schedule for a tank project. High-Performance Coatings consultants are always available to assist you in evaluating your tank needs.
2. How will the tank project be awarded? There are several approaches to managing tank painting projects. Some owners handle the bidding and management themselves, others hire an engineer, some contractors offer maintenance programs, and some projects are negotiated. Each method has its pros and cons. Regardless of the chosen procurement method, it is crucial to include a thorough tank evaluation and a robust project quality control program in the scope.
3. What are the expectations for the tank? Each tank is unique and therefore will have different budget, lifecycle, aesthetic, and performance requirements. Key questions to address before undertaking a major tank rehabilitation include: What is the budget? What are the timeframe and schedule requirements? Will the interior, exterior, or both be addressed? Is an overcoat sufficient, or is a complete rehabilitation necessary? How many coats are required—one, two, or three? Which materials will be used—acrylic, epoxy, fluoropolymer, urethane, or zinc? What type of signage, logo, or mural is needed, and in what colors? Are there any other special requirements for the tank?
4. Which coating systems will be used? Once the tank conditions and expectations are assessed, an appropriate coating system can be chosen. There are numerous options for both interior and exterior coatings. It is advisable to design your coating system based on product performance and overall lifecycle cost. Initial "cheaper" options may not always be the most cost-effective in the short or long term. Additionally, ensure that the selection aligns with the owner's requirements and needs. When evaluating specific coating systems, most tank projects now employ zinc-rich primers, high-solids epoxy linings, and fluoropolymers for optimal performance and to extend the lifecycle.
5. What quality control measures are in place? Too often, tanks are completed with minimal quality control, often just a cursory visual inspection once the work is done. To ensure the tank is properly completed according to project specifications, someone must verify that surface preparation and application processes meet the required standards. This can be performed by a qualified employee of the owner, an engineer, a third-party inspector, a tank contractor, or a coating manufacturer. The key is that quality control and inspections are conducted transparently and in real-time with the project team. Any discrepancies, shortcomings, or non-conformances should be addressed and corrected immediately before proceeding to the next phase. Upon completion of each tank project, a formal final inspection should be conducted with all project team members to review and discuss the tank. Additionally, an annual inspection should be performed one year later to ensure the workmanship and coatings are performing as intended.
While there isn't a straightforward solution for every tank project, applying the key points mentioned above can significantly enhance your next tank painting endeavor.
If you are planning a water tank project and need assistance from a High Performance Coatings expert to refine your current tank painting methods? Contact us at https://www.highperformancecoatings.org/contact.
Check out these other blogs concerning Potable Water Tanks:
Zinc Rich Primers in Potable Water Tanks
Check out these Potable Water Tank Project Profiles:
Washington State University Water Tank
West Columbia Pony Hill Water Tank
Do Bolted Steel Tanks Last as Long as Welded...
Bolted water tanks and welded steel tanks are...
Inspiring Designs from Tnemec Tank of the Year...
Discover how the Tnemec Tank Contest showcases...