6 Different Types of Coatings | Xometry

Author: Jessica

Jun. 23, 2025

6 Different Types of Coatings | Xometry

The coatings on industrial items are often integral to their material protection measures. Some of the most common industrial forms are resilient epoxy coatings, versatile polyurethane coatings, and advanced polysiloxane coatings. As an engineer or maintainer, you must understand how industrial coatings enhance the durability and performance of different surfaces.

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In this article, we’ll explore the multi-faceted world of coatings, focusing on six essential types found across several sectors.

1. Epoxy Coating

A rugged protection barrier known as an epoxy coating results from the mixing of epoxy resin and hardener. This is a two-component system that generates a chemical reaction when mixed. The result is a hard and durable film. Once they set, epoxies are strongly adhesive and serve as excellent glues.

While costly to apply, epoxy coatings often compensate with their long-term durability. A gallon of the two-part chemical costs $30-100 depending on the brand, quality, and quantity. Epoxy coatings are used extensively in the industrial, marine, and architectural fields in particular.

Though very effective, the item’s surface must be prepared well to get ideal results. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause yellowing, chalking, and surface degradation over time. By and large, though, epoxy is a durable and versatile option.

2. Polyurethane Coating

Polyurethane coating is a protective formulation derived from polyurethane polymers. Once set, this coating becomes firm but durable. It resists abrasion and provides moderate impact resistance, though it is less effective against heavy or sharp impacts.

The price of polyurethane coating varies based on formulation, pretreatment, and application methods. It usually falls between $40 and $150 per gallon.

A polyurethane coating presents remarkable abrasion resistance properties that make it suitable for surfaces that are subjected to excessive mechanical forces. Its elasticity allows it to accommodate thermal expansion and minor flexing without cracking. The disadvantage, however, is that the surface layer yellows with time. Nevertheless, polyurethane is quite common in the automobile, flooring, and marine sectors

3. Polysiloxane Coating

Polysiloxane is a very strong, waterproof polymer. This type of coating is made of polymers that form successive layers of tight films, making it highly resistant to environmental factors. Polysiloxane coating costs vary significantly depending on formulation, substrate treatment, and application methods. Presently, they cost between $50 and $200.

Polysiloxane coating has its advantages, including superior weather resistivity, ultraviolet stability, and chemical resistance, which makes it suitable during harsh conditions. These properties make it ideal for demanding industries such as aerospace, marine, and infrastructure. Despite their superior resistance, polysiloxane coatings demand careful attention during application.

4. Zinc-Rich Coating

A zinc-rich coating is a corrosion-resistant protective layer made, in large part, of zinc particles that act as sacrificial protection for the substrate. This coating works on the principle that zinc is more reactive than the underlying metal, so it corrodes sacrificially in place of the underlying steel when exposed to moisture and oxygen. The cost of zinc-rich coating is determined by aspects such as zinc content, mode of application, and the binder involved. It is presently sold for between $20 and $50 per gallon.

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Zinc-rich coatings offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for harsh environments. Unlike many others, its sacrificial protection endures even if the coating is scratched. Zinc-based coatings are common in industries that emphasize corrosion protection, such as marine, oil and gas, and infrastructure. The only con is the relative complexity of surface preparation and application.

5. Alkyd Coating

Alkyd is a versatile coating that is formed from alkyd resins, making it hard enough for changing climatic circumstances. This coating reacts with oxygen to form a film when exposed to moisture, air, and UV light. Alkyd coating is priced based on the type of resin, method of application, and surface preparation. Most such resins cost between $10 and $30 per gallon.

Alkyd coatings adhere well to many basic materials and work fine both indoors and outdoors. They see use in sectors like construction, automotive equipment, heavy machinery, and metal fabrication. Among the cons is the propensity for alkyd coatings to fade with age or long-term exposure to solar rays.

6. Metalized Coating

With metalized coating, you get a high-end protective layer made up of resilient metallic particles. Its efficacy depends on the reflecting and blocking qualities of the metal particles to protect the substrate against corrosion, UV rays, and excessive heat. The price of metalized coatings fluctuates depending on the type of metal, application process, and substrate preparation. They range between $80 and $250 per gallon.

Metalized coatings provide corrosion protection, durability, and reflectivity. They can be applied to such products as car parts or machines. The reflective character of this material can improve thermal management by reflecting solar radiation, potentially reducing heat buildup. Even though metalized coatings perform well, they’re not a cure-all and won’t work with all surface types.

What Are Things to Consider When Choosing Industrial Coatings?

While selecting industrial coatings, keep a few considerations in mind:

  1. Substrate Type: Choose an adhesive and protective coating based on the substrate material, be it metal, concrete, or wood. Coatings react differently to various substrates, and each substrate’s demands are unique. As an example, metals typically require anti-corrosive coatings, while concrete often needs moisture, chemical, and abrasion resistance.
  2. Environmental Conditions: Determine your item’s exposure to conditions like changing weather, temperature fluctuations, ultraviolet radiation, or caustic chemicals. Limit your coating options to those that defend against your expected conditions. That will keep both your coating and the underlying material intact longer.
  3. Application Method: Keep in mind practical considerations such as ease of application, drying time, and curing conditions. Some types of layers need special equipment or multiple applications. Allow sufficient time in your processes to avoid delays and wasted resources.
  4. Performance Requirements: Specify up front the corrosion, abrasion, impact, and other resistance factors that you expect. Each coating has its peculiar properties. The definition of specific needs will help you choose a coating that meets your goals.
  5. Cost Considerations: Assess the total cost, including material cost, application expenses, and any projected maintenance costs in the future. Some of these coatings are expensive but are highly durable and sustainable, leading to lower overall costs over time.

What Is the Best Type of Industrial Coating?

The best industrial coating depends upon the particular application requirements. Polyurethane coatings are popular for their abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and flexibility, making them suitable for heavily used surfaces. They are also flexible enough to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without cracking. Polyurethane coatings are versatile by nature, with applications ranging from automobiles to flooring to marine industries.

Nevertheless, your choice of the optimal industrial coating depends on different variables such as substrate types, ambient circumstances, and expected performance. Although polyurethane coatings are good for many conditions, other coatings might be more fitting for some applications. Evaluate your needs carefully before choosing one.

What Is the Coating Used for Steel?

Hot-dip galvanizing is one of the most common methods for protecting steel against corrosion. This process involves dipping steel into molten zinc, creating bonds that are extremely resistant to corrosion. Galvanized coatings are highly efficient as they provide steel with robust and long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion.

The reason steel is so often galvanized stems from the coating’s long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements. Even when the coating is scratched or damaged, the zinc layer continues to provide sacrificial protection for the underlying steel.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of chemical coatings supplier(ar,ru,bn). Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Table 5: Summary of advantages and disadvantages of chemical ...

Peracetic Acid/Hydrogen Peroxide
  • No activation required
  • Odor or irritation not significant
  • Materials compatibility concerns (lead, brass, copper, zinc) both cosmetic and functional
  • Limited clinical experience
  • Potential for eye and skin damage
Glutaraldehyde
  • Numerous use studies published
  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Excellent materials compatibility
  • Respiratory irritation from glutaraldehyde vapor
  • Pungent and irritating odor
  • Relatively slow mycobactericidal activity
  • Coagulates blood and fixes tissue to surfaces
  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Glutaraldehyde vapor monitoring recommended
Hydrogen Peroxide
  • No activation required
  • May enhance removal of organic matter and organisms
  • No disposal issues
  • No odor or irritation issues
  • Does not coagulate blood or fix tissues to surfaces
  • Inactivates Cryptosporidium
  • Use studies published
  • Material compatibility concerns (brass, zinc, copper, and nickel/silver plating) both cosmetic and functional
  • Serious eye damage with contact
Ortho-phthalaldehyde
  • Fast acting high-level disinfectant
  • No activation required
  • Odor not significant
  • Excellent materials compatibility claimed
  • Does not coagulate blood or fix tissues to surfaces claimed
  • Stains skin, mucous membranes, clothing, and environmental surfaces
  • Repeated exposure may result in hypersensitivity in some patients with bladder cancer
  • More expensive than glutaraldehyde
  • Eye irritation with contact
  • Slow sporicidal activity

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