4P Paint System
Our paint system is one of most elaborate in the industry. Be sure to compare our paint system to that of our competitors.
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General
At Huge L Steel, we use one of the most elaborate paint systems on the market. When comparing prices, be sure to compare paint systems. Having a great paint job on your tank can save you tremendous amounts of money and frustration in the future.
"4P" stands for "Four Process".
The first process involves a blast, the second a primer, the third a top coat and the fourth and final process involves a series of protective measures that Huge L takes to ensure that your tank arrives in as good as shape as when it left our paint shop.
Picture on the left is of our "Large Tank" paint booth.
First Step - Industrial Blast
The first step in our painting process involves an industrial blast with environmentally friendly and safe blasting grit. This process induces an anchor profile into the metal surface which ultimately enables a superior bonding of the paint to the metal. It also removes any small metal slag or debris from the surface. And lastely, blasting is the ideal way to remove any oily or greasey marks from the surface; oil and grease can wreak havoc with any type of paint.
No matter what paint system is used, whether it is powder coating or liquid, the most crucial part of the process is the surface prep. At Huge L Steel you can be assurred that your tank will have the best surface prep of any product on the market. We don't simply phosphate wash our tanks, as most companies do to get their surface etching, we blast.
Second Step - Primer
The second step in our paint system involves the application of a 2-part high performance epoxy primer. Special attention is given to "at risk" areas, such as, around fittings, the edges of the heads, and behind the label holder.
Picture on right is of our "Automotive Down Draft" small tank paint booth.
Third Step - Top Coat
The third step of our paint system involves the application of a 2-part high performance polyurethane coating complete with high gloss finish. A generous mil thickness ensures sufficient coverage.
Our rigourous ISO 9000: 2008 quality system ensures that the mil thickness on every tank meets our requirements.
As an added feature, acrylic and ester components are used in our coating to protect against salt and gasoline/deisel.
When it comes to superior paint protection, Huge L Steel delivers.
Fourth Step - Protect
Our fourth and final step is actually a series of protective measures taken to ensure that the integrity of our paint system is maintained throughout the storage, shipment and utilization of our product.
1. All our tanks are fitted with plastic plugs
Because of the properties of plastic, the threads do not rust and subsequently stain the paint of the tank. This is an added expense, but one we take to ensure that our paint is protected well into the future.
All fittings, such as normal vents, where air and moisture can enter the tank and start the rusting process, are shipped separately.
These fittings should not replace the plastic plugs until the tank is put into service.
2. All our tanks are sufficiently cured
We use industrial heaters to cure the paint on our tanks prior to being shipped.
A hard and completely dried paint job is less likely to be damaged by straps and handling.
3. Our tanks are moved and handled via a lifting device
Our special lifting devices ensure that our tanks are ONLY handled by the lifting lug(s). This prevents unecessary paint damaged.
4. For all LTL (less than truckload) loads, all our tanks are professionally packaged for added protection
All corners and "at risk" parts of the tank are covered with cardboard. The entire tank is then shrink wrapped as an added measure.
5. For all large quantity shipments, our tanks are stacked with carefully engineered dunnage
Dunnage includes carpeted cradles. This dunnage protects the paint since no tank is able to physically contact another.
6. A high densisty foam is inserted under all shipped straps.
This eliminates unwanted strap marks.
7. A final, and extensive, quality check is performed once all tanks are loaded.
Any minor paint defects are touched up.
8. All our tanks are stored in our yard on industrial dunnage.
This dunnage is installed with separators to ensure that our tanks are not bumped against each other, scratched and dinged, when handled. It also protects against gravel and dirt.