Decades of accrued skills and experience begins with understanding which tools are best for the project, and how to use them effectively. Glavin Coating & Refinishing Ltd. has earned the reputation as a leader in industrial coatings for this very reason.

Each new project comes with unique considerations, whether it be large or small scale. Without a doubt, knowing which tools to use, and how to use them effectively, allows GCR to forward the benefits to their clients.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Abrasive Blasting
Depending on the substrate being prepared different abrasives can be used to obtain the best surface preparation results. Over the past 40 years we have used many different abrasives including: Garnet; Glass Bead; Recycled Glass; White Lighting; Copper Slag; Nickel Slag; Corn Cob; Dry Ice; Plastic; Steel Grit; and, Water Blasting. Along with the different types of media that can be used there are different degrees of blasting. The blasting standards GCR followings are written by The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) the 4 levels we mainly use are as follows:

Power & Hand Tool Preparation:
If a project requires a more delicate approach, such as when dust and debris can interfere with the operation of adjacent machinery, or when not all of the existing coating needs to be totally removed, the team at GCR aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and apply some elbow grease. The SSPC has:

For SP-11 a specialized tool called a wire bristle blaster is used. GCR has 2 MontiPower MBX tools on hand to complete this type of work.

High-pressure Washing:
Hot or cold, high-pressure washing techniques are extremely effective when preparing surfaces in all stages of restoration, on or off-site. The SSPC has 4 levels of washing to prepare substrates:

GCR has both hot and cold water machines in stock and access to high & ultra high pressure machines if needed.

SPRAY PAINTING

Airless Spray
Airless spraying is primarily used for projects with large surface areas such as bridges, structural steel, building walls and roofs. This type of application allows for the fast application of thick coat of paint. GCR uses Graco King Airless Sprayer with Graco Contractor PC Guns. Depending on the type of paint different paint tips must be used for application.

Pressure Pots
Pressure pots are best used on complicated, large scale projects that have a lot of corners and back to back metal. The precision of pressure pots comes from pressurized containers with compressed air that atomizes the flow of paint from the HVLP, Conventional or Compliant spray guns. This fine spray provides a smooth, glossy finish for industrial trucks, equipment and railings. GCR uses Binks 2.8 Gallon Tank with Binks Convential & Graco AirPro Spray guns.

Cup Guns
This tool is similar to working with pressure pots, but instead of being connected to large containers, cup guns have small paint containers attached. This allows precise, close range maneuverability necessary for fleet vehicles, large truck cabs and other smaller scale projects. GCR utilizes a Devilbiss Tekna Gravity Fed Cup Gun in our shop.

Roller/Brush Painting
When space limits the efficacy of spray painting, or when adjacent equipment is at risk of overspray, GCR will employ the precision of roller and/or brush painting. Although this may sound like a low-tech approach, it is at times the only way to apply primer and paint. It is also used in conjunction with spray painting but brushing areas with primer and paint that a spray gun can not fit.

Advanced Surface Protection: Metalizing & Thermal Spray Coatings

For assets operating in the most demanding environments, standard paint and coatings may not be enough. Glavin Inc. offers advanced thermal spray and metalizing solutions designed to provide unparalleled, long-term protection against corrosion, wear, and extreme temperatures. These processes create a metallurgically bonded layer that protects your critical infrastructure and equipment for decades.

Metalizing: Superior Corrosion Control

Metalizing, also known as Thermal Spray Zinc or Aluminum, is a highly effective alternative to hot-dip galvanizing for long-term corrosion prevention. The process involves melting metal wire (typically zinc, aluminum, or an alloy) and spraying it onto a surface that has been prepared by abrasive blasting. This creates a durable, sacrificial coating that protects the underlying steel.

Key Benefits of Metalizing:

• Decades of Protection: Metalized coatings provide a service life of 20+ years, even in harsh marine or industrial environments.
• Sacrificial Protection: Just like galvanizing, the coating corrodes in preference to the steel, protecting it even if the surface is scratched.
• No Heat Distortion: As a “cold” process, there is zero risk of warping or distorting steel components, making it ideal for structural steel and complex fabrications.
• Immediate Paintability: The surface can be sealed and top-coated immediately, providing the dual benefit of superior corrosion protection with a high-performance aesthetic finish.

Common Applications:

• Structural Steel Beams & Bridges
• Tanks, Vessels, and Pipelines
• Offshore Platforms & Marine Equipment
• Gates, Railings, and Infrastructure

Thermal Spray Coatings: Engineered for Performance

Thermal spray is a versatile technology that goes beyond just corrosion control. By spraying a wide range of materials, including high-performance metals, ceramics, and carbides, we can engineer a surface to resist specific challenges. This is an ideal solution for restoring worn components or enhancing the performance of new ones.

Key Benefits of Thermal Spray Coatings:

• Extreme Wear & Abrasion Resistance: Coatings can be applied to dramatically increase the hardness and lifespan of components exposed to friction and abrasion.
• Component Restoration: Worn-down shafts, bearings, and other critical machine parts can be restored to their original dimensions, saving significant replacement costs.
• Thermal Barriers: Specialized ceramic coatings can be applied to protect components from extreme heat.
• Electrical Insulation: Non-conductive coatings can be applied for electrical applications.

Common Applications:

• Hydraulic Rods and Shafts
• Pump Casings and Impellers
• Industrial Rollers
• Any component subject to aggressive wear and tear.

Protect Your Investment with Glavin

Our team has the expertise to recommend and apply the ideal thermal spray solution for your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we can extend the life and performance of your most critical assets.