Sandblasting Bay Area Tanks and Structures Before Applying Coatings

Coatings help tanks and other structures remain in service by warding off corrosion and additional types of damage. However, before a coating can be applied, abrasive blasting—commonly in the form of sandblasting—needs to take place in order to create a surface prime for coating. This post takes a look at what goes into abrasive blasting and why this service requires a professional crew.

When a New Structure or Tank Coating is Needed

According to the blog of Sponge-Jet, a blasting-equipment manufacturer, it is important to schedule regular inspections to identify when a new coating is needed. Without inspections, it is impossible to tell when a coating needs to be replaced with any sort of accuracy. Coatings can wear out within years, and in some unfortunate cases, they may fall into disrepair even more quickly. Additionally, if a tank is going to transition from holding one type of substance to another, it may need to have its coating replaced by a Bay Area coatings contractor. For example, a tank that is switching from holding water to holding a more corrosive liquid will need a heavier-duty coating.

Professional Abrasive Blasting and Sandblasting

Abrasive blasting plays an important role in preparing tanks for coating applications. However, this process requires a professional crew that can be aware of safety issues like ricocheting materials. The crew also needs to take measures to contain debris produced by the abrasive blasting.

Another factor that can affect the success of a Bay Area sandblasting service provider is the gap of time between the abrasive blasting and the application of the new coating. Waiting too long can allow problems like rust to take root. The maximum time gap varies from case to case, as pointed out by industry expert and coatings inspector Doug Reardon.

There is no standardized gap, meaning that workers need to evaluate each job individually. However, as a good rule of thumb, Reardon recommends waiting no more than 24 hours to coat a freshly blast-cleaned surface. (That advice applies to tanks in what Reardon refers to as “normal mild atmospheric conditions.”) Reardon also advises that it is absolutely unacceptable to allow rust to appear before the new coating is applied.

Weather and other factors may make it expedient to coat the surface more quickly. For example, in the case of Bay Area sandblasting, humidity may necessitate a shorter gap between blasting and coating. On the other hand, contracts in which the gap is too restrictive may lead to ballooning costs. The takeaway point is that it takes experienced professionals to handle this process in a satisfactory, cost-effective manner.