Manufacturers serving the military and defense sectors have some of the highest standards of any industry — and for good reason. Lives literally hang in the balance depending on the reliable performance of their products. As a leading mil-spec paint applicator, Rhinehart Finishing has earned a strong reputation for delivering the best-quality results for customers in the military and defense sectors. Our extensive expertise in the industry means we can deliver military coatings that protect equipment as well as the men and women in uniform who use it.
Our mil-spec painting services include chemical agent resistant coating (CARC), which resists absorption of chemical agents while offering the strongest protection against corrosion and wear. Our CARC defense coatings are in accordance with MIL-DTL-53039 specs, which means they are free of volatile organic and inorganic hazardous air pollutants (VOHAPs & HAPs) to meet environmental regulations without sacrificing performance. Our rigorous processes and superior quality are why we’re proud to be certified as a TACOM-approved combat-grade powder coat applicator.
Military Coating Standards and Compliance
Part of what makes us the leaders in military coatings is our strict adherence to the most stringent of standards. These include MIL-DTL-53039 specifications, which dictates the expected performance for coatings in terms of chemical resistance, durability and environmental safety. In addition, military paints and coatings also have to meet high standards for corrosion resistance, camouflage and decontamination capabilities as well as safety in expected field conditions.
We are proud of our TACOM-approved status, which means our combat-grade powder coatings meet or exceed these standards. This certification stands as proof of the quality and reliability of our services.
The Advantages of Military Equipment Coating
The equipment used in our national defense is tasked with overcoming some serious challenges. These include exposure to harsh environments and conditions that can lead to rust and corrosion. This puts military personnel at risk due to the danger of equipment malfunctions. Rhinehart Finishing’s expertise with defense coatings means we can protect this vital machinery so it can continue to serve its purpose of supporting the men and women of our armed forces. Our mil spec coatings help ensure the reliability and performance of this equipment by protecting it from the elements and keeping it clean. This is the main reason why we’re one of the top applicators of military coatings serving the defense sector today.
Our Military & Defense Painting Capabilities
Here is a summary of the many services we provide for our customers as a military paint supplier:
- Mechanical Cleaning/Pretreatment: Utilizing the most advanced manual and automated techniques, we can prepare surfaces for coating and finishing. Our zinc phosphate pretreatment system is certified by the Department of Defense and offers the highest-quality prep for surfaces before mil-spec coatings are applied. This ensures that the coatings have the best possible adhesion to the components and offer optimal military equipment corrosion protection.
- Liquid Spray Paint Services: We offer the most complete military-grade paint services in the industry, featuring environmentally friendly paint booths capable of handling part sizes up to 12’ X 3’ X 6’. Our state-of-the-art automated and manual lines can handle small, intricate parts as well as larger ones.
- Powder Coating: We ensure parts are completely protected against the elements as well as regular wear and tear. Our status as a TACOM-approved combat-grade powder coating applicator means we offer the most advanced and high-quality powder coating services in the industry.
The Coating Process for Military Applications
Choosing Rhinehart Finishing for mil-spec painting services means receiving the most thorough and detailed processes that ensure the best possible results. With our extensive expertise and comprehensive quality assurance processes, our customers can depend on what we provide to stand up to the harshest possible conditions and situations. Every stage is designed to maximize durability, corrosion resistance and operational readiness. Our typical process looks like this:
- Mechanical Cleaning and Pretreatment — We use DOD-certified zinc phosphate pretreatment to ensure the optimal adhesion for our coatings.
- Coating Selection — Depending on the specific mission requirements, we help customers choose CARC paint, powder coat or liquid spray coatings.
- Application — Our manual and automated systems ensure precision, and environmental controls provide enhanced consistency.
- Curing and Inspection — We verify that all coatings meet specifications for thickness, adhesion and finish. This includes environmental simulation tests for humidity, salt spray and impact resistance before deployment.
Choose Rhinehart Finishing Today
At Rhinehart Finishing, we never take shortcuts and use only the highest-quality defense coatings. That’s because we know how critical it is for military vehicles, weapons and protective gear to have the strongest level of protection. We bring the knowledge and expertise to help you select the military protective coating that is right for your specific application, working with you throughout the process to ensure all your requirements will be met. Contact us today to learn more about our processes and capabilities specific to the military and defense sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes CARC painting services different from standard industrial coating services?
CARC coatings are formulated to resist the absorption of chemical warfare agents, which makes decontamination easier. They also provide stronger resistance to harsh environmental conditions including exposure to saltwater, abrasion and extreme temperatures. Their low IR reflectance also enhances the camouflage capabilities of these coatings.
How long do military-grade coatings typically last in the field?
Service life depends on environmental exposure, usage intensity and maintenance schedules. Harsher field conditions including exposure to salt water or high-abrasion zones like the desert may call for periodic touch-ups. With the right application and attention, CARC and TACOM-approved powder coatings may last up to 10 years or longer without major degradation.
Can military coatings be applied to both small components and large equipment?
Absolutely — Rhinehart’s facilities can handle parts as small as precision fasteners or as large as vehicle panels or weapon housings. We use automated lines for relatively simple geometries and high-volume needs, with manual booths for intricate shapes.
What testing is performed on military coatings before delivery?
As mil-spec paint suppliers, our testing processes may include adhesion testing, salt spray corrosion tests, thickness measurement and/or visual inspections. We do whatever is necessary to ensure we deliver MIL-DTL-53039-compliant coatings and meet any other contract-specific requirements.