Most manufacturers, perhaps in a bid to save costs, opt for sub-optimal coatings for so many of their products. What they don’t understand, however, is that there is an incredible variety of affordable yet high-quality coating options in the market.

Different coatings perform different functions; some are multi-purpose and quite versatile in their uses. Others are specific in their performance, allowing you to select the best coating for the specific protection you’re trying to achieve.

Here are a few factors you should consider before selecting a professional finish and contacting a liquid coating service.

1. What is the Substrate?

Before deciding on a coating option, you ought to think about the substrate you’re applying the finish to. Is it wood? Concrete? Stainless steel? Carbon steel?

This is an important question to ask yourself because different substrata need different types of protection. It’s also essential because it allows you to review whether or not your coating selection and substrate are compatible. Solvent-heavy liquid coatings, for example, have for a long time been used to finish metal parts and help in rust prevention and UV protection.

The surface you plan to coat will determine whether you’ll need to hire a liquid coating service or opt for a powder-based solution.

2. What is Your Application Process?

When looking for a professional coating solution, it’s essential to consider how it will be applied to the surface. Do you have the necessary equipment to spray? Will you require a brush or a roll?

Some coating options are specifically manufactured for spray, brush or roll applications. Before you go for professional powder coating or liquid coating, make sure you have the right equipment. Alternatively, you could consult a liquid coating service if you don’t want to spend resources on your own spraying rig.

3. What Environment Are You Working In?

High and low temperatures, exposure to chemicals, under-insulation, exposure to ultraviolet rays and many other factors play a huge role in determining how the coating you choose holds up. All these factors will affect your finish in different ways. Because of this, you ought to consider the environmental conditions to which your coating will be exposed.

Knowing this in advance will help you choose a coating option that can hold its own against these conditions. If you’re worried about rust, for instance, a liquid coating service will help you find a coating solution that can prevent it. This will lead to longer service life and fewer maintenance responsibilities and expenses.

4. The Performance of the Coating Option

Before going for powder coating or liquid coating solutions, it’s important to think about what you expect out of that option. How long would you expect it to last? Does it offer any features your substrate could actually use?

The performance of coatings depends on factors such as the smoothness. Color quality, gloss, adhesion, corrosion resistance, color retention, and many others. When hiring a liquid coating service, it may be a good idea to have them explain the performance requirements your coating should have. This will help you avoid buying an overpriced yet under-engineered option that keeps your products from reaching their full potential, especially in terms of quality and finish.

5. What’s Your Budget?

This is probably the most important, and sometimes most constraining, factor to consider when choosing a coating finish. Think about the options you have, eliminating them based on how much money is available to spend. This will ensure you go for an option whose price you’re comfortable with.

The Run-Down

Remember, coatings have two essential functions- decorating and providing protection. Picking out a solution that’s unsuitable for whatever project you’re handling is almost the same as providing it with no protection at all. This is why you must make an informed purchase.

Consider where the coating is going to be applied, the application process for each option, how much money you have to work with, and the environment your coating will be exposed to. Working with a liquid coating service will ensure you get it right the first time.