If you have learned about thermal barrier coatings in the past, you likely have an idea of the benefits they can provide. However, you can’t expect to experience any of those benefits if you don’t have a clear understanding of the requirements necessary for thermal barrier coating use.
This article will help enhance your knowledge of thermal barrier coatings and their application process to ensure you get the most out of yours. In the sections to follow, we’ll cover the necessary environmental factors for application, the best tool to use, and much more.
What Materials Can You Apply a Thermal Barrier Coating To?
The first step in learning the application process for thermal barrier coatings is to know what materials you can apply these coatings to. Fortunately, there is a relatively long list of material types that can benefit from thermal barrier coating applications, including the ones below:
- Asphalt
- Brick
- Canvas
- Concrete
- Glass
- Masonry
- Plastic
- Steel
- Wood
While extensive, that list is not entirely exhaustive of the materials that benefit from thermal barrier coatings. However, those list items alone show how widely applicable these coatings are. If you want to enhance the performance and longevity of any of the above materials, applying a thermal barrier coating is right for you.
Environmental Factors for Thermal Barrier Coating Applications
Now that you know the key materials to which you can apply a thermal barrier coating, let’s talk about some important environmental factors that should be in place before starting the application process.
Temperature Requirement for Thermal Barrier Coatings
The first environmental requirement to consider for thermal barrier coatings is temperature. Without the correct temperature range, thermal barrier coatings can lose the proper texture that allows for proper drying and adhesion.
Ideally, you should only apply a thermal barrier coating in a space that has an ambient air temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Air temperatures colder than 55 degrees may interfere with the thermal barrier coating’s curing process.
How Humidity Affects Thermal Barrier Coating Application
Along with temperature, proper humidity is also a requirement for thermal barrier coatings. However, guidelines regarding air moisture are not as clear-cut as the temperature requirements we just mentioned.
The main factor to keep in mind is that it should not be excessively humid during your thermal barrier coating application. Excessively high humidity reduces the coating’s ability to adhere to surfaces, which can cause your application efforts to fail.
Can You Apply a Thermal Barrier Coating Indoors?
Another factor people often consider before applying a thermal barrier coating is whether or not it’s safe to use them indoors. The answer to that question truly depends on the quality of the thermal barrier coating product you choose to use.
The best thermal barrier coatings on the market today are not only safe for the environment but also come with certifications proving they are safe for indoor use as well. Assuming you use one of these certified thermal barrier coatings, you’ll have no issue applying your coating either indoors or outdoors.
Best Tool to Use for Thermal Barrier Coating Application
With the correct environmental requirements in place, the next aspect you should consider is the tool you use to apply your coating. In most cases, the best way to apply a thermal barrier coating is by using a sprayer.
For many of the best products, sprayers with an output of 2 gallons per minute usually work best. In addition to finding a sprayer with the ideal output, we also recommend removing the filters from your sprayer, as doing so will allow the coating to flow more smoothly, resulting in a more even application.
Do Thermal Barrier Coatings Require Re-Application?
Another question that commonly jumps to people’s minds regarding thermal barrier coatings is how often they will need to re-apply. Before we answer that question, it’s important to note that following the application requirements we outlined above leads to the best results with the lowest need for re-application.
With that said, with proper application, thermal barrier coatings last a significant length of time before needing re-application. For instance, most outdoor thermal barrier coatings will last for at least 10 to 15 years. Amazingly, since indoor thermal barrier coatings don’t have exposure to the elements, their lifespans are essentially limitless.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Thermal Barrier Coating
This article included plenty of helpful information about thermal barrier coating requirements. However, before we conclude, we’d like to highlight the primary reasons why thermal barrier coatings are worth using at all. Below are the top benefits you can expect from a high-quality thermal barrier coating:
- Reduced heat transfer
- Reduced corrosion
- Less condensation on surfaces
- Greater longevity and performance for a wide range of materials
- Increased energy efficiency for buildings and HVAC systems
Get the Best Thermal Barrier Coating You Can Find
Knowing the requirements for thermal barrier coating application is an excellent start. However, it’s equally important to find a thermal barrier coating product with a proven track record of outperforming other options on the market. At ThermaCote, we provide industry-leading thermal barrier coatings that provide fantastic advantages for a wide range of industries. We also share plenty of helpful information, like what you read above, to ensure you get the most out of our products. Contact us today to learn more about what ThermaCote can do for you.