Protective coatings are a crucial line of defense for steel structures, pipelines, and offshore platforms. When applied correctly, they prevent corrosion, extend equipment lifespan, and reduce costly repairs. But when coatings fail, the damage can spread fast — especially in harsh onshore or offshore environments.
Most coating failures are not caused by the materials themselves but by what happens before and after application. Even the strongest paint system can break down if surface preparation, application, or curing conditions are not properly managed.
Common causes of coating failure include:
Poor surface preparation. Dust, grease, moisture, or rust left on the surface prevent proper adhesion, creating weak spots.
Incorrect environmental conditions. Temperature and humidity affect how coatings cure. Applying in unsuitable weather leads to blistering or peeling.
Inadequate coating thickness. A coating that’s too thin won’t protect against corrosion; too thick, and it may crack under stress.
Mechanical damage. Impacts, abrasion, or vibration can cause micro-cracks that expose the steel beneath.
Chemical exposure. Harsh chemicals or saltwater environments can degrade even high-performance coatings over time.
Regular inspection is the only way to catch early signs of coating failure before corrosion takes hold. Gridinta performs detailed coating assessments on industrial structures, wind turbines, and offshore platforms to evaluate coating performance and adhesion.
Typical coating inspection methods include:
Visual examination for blistering, cracking, or delamination.
Dry film thickness (DFT) measurements to confirm the correct application.
Adhesion testing to check bonding strength between layers.
Salt and pH tests to identify surface contamination.
These inspections ensure that maintenance teams act before corrosion compromises structural integrity.
Industrial coatings face different threats depending on where they’re used. Offshore structures battle constant salt spray, humidity, and UV exposure, while onshore installations endure temperature swings, dust, and mechanical wear.
Gridinta tailors protective coating systems to each environment — from marine-grade epoxy for offshore towers to heat-resistant coatings for refinery tanks. Matching the coating type to the operating conditions is key to long-term performance.
Effective prevention starts with planning and precision. Every successful coating system follows a few universal principles:
Thorough surface preparation. Sandblasting or hydro-blasting removes rust and contaminants, providing a clean base for adhesion.
Correct environmental monitoring. Coating application should only happen under controlled humidity and temperature.
Qualified applicators and inspectors. Certified professionals ensure consistency and compliance with technical specifications.
Routine maintenance. Even the best coatings degrade over time. Scheduled inspections and touch-ups stop small defects from growing.
Gridinta’s certified specialists combine coating application with rope access techniques to safely inspect, prepare, and repair surfaces at height without scaffolding or operational delays.
When coating fails, corrosion spreads quickly — but with the right planning and expertise, it can be fully prevented. Gridinta integrates coating inspection, surface preparation, and application into a single, efficient process that ensures durability and compliance with ISO standards.
Every structure we work on, from wind turbines to industrial tanks, receives the same precision, care, and commitment to long-term reliability.
Gridinta’s specialists deliver high-quality coating inspection, preparation, and application services — onshore and offshore. Contact our team to discuss how we can help protect your assets against corrosion and extend their service life.