Industrial coatings take protection a step further than the paints you can find at your average hardware store. Military finishes, which have to keep troops and their equipment safe in actively hostile conditions, go beyond even the most rigorous requirements in the commercial realm. Yet how exactly do these differ from other, more common types of finishes?
Military-Grade Coatings and Finishes — What You Need to Know
Paints and powder coatings used on military equipment have to adhere to strict requirements for durability and corrosion prevention. The more durable they are, the better they can protect vehicles and other machinery from harsh weather conditions as well as the rigors of active duty. They help reduce the amount of time these items spend in maintenance or repairs and extend their overall life span.
Another critical area in which these coatings diverge from those found in the civilian world is their resistance to chemical warfare. Most paint and coating products used in these applications must be Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC). Characterized by a tough, nonporous surface, these coatings resist contamination from chemical, biological and radioactive weapons. Without them, these elements can penetrate the outer layer and contaminate the substrate underneath it. However, CARCs force chemical agents and other potentially dangerous materials to bead on the surface, where they can be washed away using decontamination agents.
Along with their physical properties, any finish used in a combat situation also must conform to the armed forces’ standards for camouflage. They have to provide adequate blending of colors and tones to disguise a vehicle, depending on the environment.
All of these qualities are crucial on the battlefield. When lives are literally on the line, these products and processes have to be at the highest standards to help ensure safety and performance. High-quality and rigorously tested defense paints protect the men and women of our armed forces as well as the assets they rely upon in the field.
What Makes Rhinehart Finishing Qualified?
We’re proud of the services we provide to the defense sector and our reputation as one of the leaders in mil spec painting and powder coating. We are certified as a TACOM-approved applicator of combat-grade powder coat, as well as qualified in applying CARCs.
Not only do we have the certifications for these finishes, but we also boast more capabilities than many of our competitors. For example, we can supply customers with complete cleaning and pretreatment that offers the highest-quality preparation for surfaces before any applications are made. Our zinc phosphate system is certified by the Department of Defense and guarantees optimal adhesion to all components.
No one understands the demands placed on these paints better than us. If you want to learn more about how we can leverage our expertise and capabilities for you and your customers, reach out today.