An Introduction to Coatings and Paints

J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI

Course Outline

1.  Selection of Coatings
            1.1  Selection Criteria
            1.2  Specifications for Lead- and Chromate-Free Coatings with VOC Limits
            1.3  Recommendations for Different Substrates
2.  Surface Preparation
            2.1  Introduction
2.2  Repair of Surfaces
2.3  Recommendations by Substrate
2.4  Standards for Condition of Substrates
2.5  Standards for Cleanliness of Substrates
2.6  Recommendations for Paint Removal
2.7  Methods of Surface Preparation

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will

• Learn the criteria to use in selecting coating and painting materials;
• Learn how to specify lead- and chromate-free coatings and paints with volatile organic chemical (VOC) limits required by regulations;
• Learn about the recommended coatings and paints for application to all of the typical construction material substrates;
• Learn how deteriorated surfaces should be repaired prior to application of coatings and paints;
• Learn the standards of condition for substrates prior to application of coatings and paints;
• Learn about the cleanliness standards for substrates prior to application of coatings and paints to assure a useful service life;
• Learn about recommendations for removal of existing paint and coating prior to application;
• Learn the methods for surface preparation prior to application of a new paint or coating;
• Learn the dry film thickness (dft) specifications for different painting and coating products;
• Learn about compatibility issues when using different coating and paint products;
• Learn about surface preparation and application of elastomeric waterborne acrylic coatings to concrete and masonry; and
• Learn how to apply alkyd coating systems to steel structures.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for all of the engineers, architects and construction professionals who are members of the infrastructure design and construction team. 

Benefit for Attendee

Quality painting and coating of buildings and other infrastructure construction is essential to an effective long-term service life.  This course will give engineers, architects and construction professionals the technical foundation they need to properly specify painting and coating materials, substrate preparation, material application, and inspection to provide these quality protective systems.

Course Introduction

This course will tell you about coating and painting systems for use in buildings and on other infrastructure construction.  It will tell you which systems work best with different substrate materials, and how to prepare the substrate and apply the coating and painting systems.

About Course Author

Paul Guyer is a registered mechanical engineer, civil engineer, fire protection engineer and architect with over 35 years experience in the design of buildings and related infrastructure.  For an additional 9 years he was a senior-level advisor to the California Legislature on infrastructure and capital outlay issues.  He has designed and supervised the design of hundreds of construction projects requiring the preparation of detailed working drawings and specifications for federal, state and local public agencies and private companies.  He is a graduate of Stanford University and has held numerous national, state and local positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers.

Course Content

The course content is contained in the following PDF file:

An Introduction to Coatings and Paints

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.

Course Summary

This course will tell you about painting and coating materials selection criteria, recommendations for different substrates, how to repair substrate surfaces, standards of substrate condition and cleanliness, and methods of surface preparation.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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