Liquid coating
Liquid coating is the process of applying liquid paint to a surface through an industrial process. It is used to apply a protective and/or decorative coat of paint to metal, plastic, wood and/or other surfaces.
This process produces a uniform and durable coat of paint that is resistant and provides protection against factors such as corrosion, UV rays and wear and tear, among other needs. In addition, this coating method offers several advantages compared to other painting techniques, including the following:
Versatility:
Liquid paints are available in a wide range of colours, finishes and properties, allowing you to create a customised look for any part.
High quality and more precise finishes:
Liquid paint achieves uniform and flawless finishes, as it allows areas with defects to be puttied and polished. These intermediate operations give parts a more precise surface finish to meet the highest quality requirements.
Process
The liquid coating process is comprised of the following steps:
Surface preparation: The surface to be painted must be clean, dry and free of grease, rust and other contaminants.
Primer application: The primer provides a solid base for the paint and helps improve the adhesion and durability of the topcoat. One type or another is applied depending on the customer’s needs.
Correction of imperfections: It provides a completely polished base for proper treatment. These corrections are usually done with sanding or putty, among other solutions.
Application of liquid paint: At Mestres Pintura Industrial, we apply liquid paint using manual spray guns, electrostatic guns and/or membrane pumps depending on the technical data sheet for the paint used, which allows us to achieve more uniform finishes without imperfections.
Drying: Both the application and the drying of the paint is carried out in a pressurised booth. The drying process can be carried out in two ways: either air drying or forced temperature-based drying.
Treatments
During the painting process, treatments are applied in series to prepare the surface for painting. This helps ensure that the paint is applied correctly and that the result is uniform and high quality.
Before painting:
At Mestres Pintura Industrial, we have implemented our own methodology in order to achieve the best results. Thus, prior to the intrinsic treatment, we carry out different processes to prepare the parts for subsequent painting.
Manual or mechanical cleaning:
The surface is cleaned and sanded to remove dirt, grease, oil and other contaminants. Shot blasting can also be applied, which is a surface cleaning and preparation process involving the use of abrasive particles (shot) projected at high speed by compressed air or a centrifugal wheel. This method is used to remove rust, paint, contaminants and other residues from surfaces, leaving them clean and properly textured.
Primer:
The primer provides a solid base for the paint and helps improve its adhesion thanks to the high reticulation, which forms an impenetrable barrier that protects the part from corrosion.
After painting:
Once the painting process has been carried out, a series of necessary treatments is applied to achieve an optimal result. At Mestres Pintura Industrial, we work with different types of treatments according to the needs required of each detailed piece. Based on data such as location, conditions, measurements, design or geometry, we determine and analyse the type of treatment to be applied:
Curing:
Processes to ensure paint adheres properly and dries evenly, using ovens or other controlled methods.
Inspection and touch-up:
Verification of the quality of the finish and correction of any imperfections that may affect durability or aesthetics.
Sealing and finishing:
Application of seals to improve resistance to water and other chemical agents, as well as the application of topcoats to improve aesthetic appearance and overall durability.
Finishes
The final appearance of the part, as well as its properties are achieved with the final coat of paint applied. This can help protect the part, improve its appearance and extend its service life.
The finishes achieved with any industrial painting process are determined by the paint used and the needs required of each part. Each type of paint has certain physical and aesthetic properties which determine the behaviour of the part in the final environment. These properties include resistance to corrosion, impacts, UV rays, wear, heat and cold. Finishes also vary in colour, texture and gloss.
It should be noted that liquid paint finishes can be applied with greater precision and control than powdered paint finishes. Since it is a liquid substance (not to mention manually applied), the applicator can better control the flow and distribution of the paint, making it possible to create more uniform finishes without marks or irregularities.
What’s more, liquid paint can be more versatile as it’s available in a wide range of colours, finishes and properties.
At Mestres Pintura Industrial, we work with paints that have the following properties:
Anti-microbial
This paint is comprised of ingredients that inhibit the growth of microbes, making it ideal for applications where you want to protect the surface from bacterial contamination.
Anti-graffiti, Anti-vandalism and Anti-adhesive
These three types of paint are formulated to facilitate the cleaning of graffiti, the removal of adhesives and the protection and resistance to intentional damage such as scratches, bumps and vandalism.
Anti-slip
This paint provides a textured surface to increase traction and prevent slips and falls, which is ideal for high traffic and wet areas.
Anti-urine
This paint has chemical agents that resist the acids in urine, making it ideal for applications where you want to protect the surface from damage caused by constant contact with animal urine.
UV resistant
This paint contains polyester resin which protects it from UV rays, making it ideal for applications where you want to protect the surface from fading and cracking, and those subject to outdoor conditions.
Water-repellent
This paint prevents moisture, mould and water seepage by means of a barrier that prevents the filtration of water.
Flame-retardant
This paint has got ingredients that delay the spread of fire, thus preventing flames from spreading through the paint.
Photoluminescent
This paint absorbs light and then projects it into the darkness for a long period of time.
Food-safe
This paint is suitable for direct food contact, and is designed to meet strict safety and hygiene standards in food processing and storage environments.
How do we do it?
At Mestres Pintura Industrial, we have a 360º vision of the entire painting process. This is how we offer customised solutions with added value, meeting each customer’s specific needs way before the painting process begins and continuing months after any treatment is applied, thus ensuring optimal and excellent quality.
This 360º methodology, our focus on innovation and our more than 100 years of experience allow us to adapt to the needs of each part, providing each one with the corresponding treatments and finishes to achieve maximum efficiency and customisation, not only in the powder coating process, but also during preparation and post-painting.
What’s more, we want to be an extension of our customers and resolve even the slightest inconvenience associated with painting. That is why we carry out exhaustive follow-up of each part once the painting is finished and of any incident that may arise.
At Mestres Pintura Industrial, we standardise the entire liquid coating process with national and international certifications that demonstrate our daily commitment to excellence and ensure we follow the highest quality standards.
