Avoid Corrosion with Proper Boat Coatings
Put simply, corrosion is a boat owner’s worst enemy. Sadly, for naval operators, corrosion is a natural process that occurs when iron and oxygen react in water or react in moisture in the air. As a result of this occurrence, metal materials are weakened and deteriorate over time. Saltwater does not directly cause corrosion but speeds up the effects of corrosion on marine hardware parts. Saltwater is an electrolyte solution and contains more ions than fresh water, so the electrons can move more easily through the water, accelerating degradation.
There are various types of corrosion, each categorized in terms of the type of corrosive action a unit is exposed to. Though the name seems drastic, General Attack Corrosion is the most preferable type of degradation as it is the most predictable, and the easiest to treat. Localized corrosion such as pitting (the creation of small holes in the surface of a metal) can sneak up on you and become a difficult problem to fix.
To combat corrosion, protective coats act as a barrier against the damaging action of the water or air. Before applying any coat, the boat surface must be cleaned and clear of any remaining dirt or debris. Hydroblasting involves blasting the ship exterior using high pressure water jets. Any loose paint, salt, oil, or rust is successfully removed before the protective coat is applied. Abrasive blast cleaning is similar to hydroblasting; although, compressed air is sprayed rather than water. A differing preparation technique altogether would be the use of layers to remove any built-up dirt or oil. Whichever method you choose, the main objective is to prime the exterior of your boat for the protective coating. If the boat is not properly primed, the coating will most likely have a patchy application, perhaps leading to localized corrosion.
Working in a shipyard come with its own series of logistical problems. Temporary climate control systems help to combat any unwanted humidity or extreme temperatures that would adversely affect the preparation process. Though it may be tempting to skip this step when you’re in a clean, dry, shipyard, doing your due diligence at this stage will pay off later.
Knowing which metals corrode and the rate of corrosion is key to the proper maintenance of a boat. Pure iron corrodes quickly, whereas stainless steel, which combines iron and other alloys, has a slower corrosion rate. Galvanization involves applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent any rusting caused by a reduction and oxidation of iron and oxygen in the presence of water and oxygen. Hot-dipped galvanization is a popular and effective method for exterior ship part coating.
At Purchasing 3Sixty, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the marine coatings and marine equipment you need for the civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@purchasing3sixty.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.
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