Previously applied coatings that were intended to provide a slip resistant surface to the walkways a bars of the assault course has not adhered properly. This had allowed water to penetrate and rot the timbers and all surfaces to be treated were slippery presenting a safety risk in the wet.
Coatings had been applied to smooth and unprepared galvanizing, resulting in little to no adhesion.
We proposed the removal of all of the previously poorly applied slip resistant coatings, proper preparation of the substrates and application of a new slip resistant coating system. This project was further complicated by having to be conducted in the winter months when the climatic conditions with regard to relative humidity and dew point would not be correct for the application of conventional protective coatings.
Initially the client replaced all of the rotten timbers and we mechanically removed the thick failed coatings from the galvanized steel which had accumulated through years of reapplication.
All substrates to be coated were then prepared by method of abrasive blasting to raise a surface profile suitable for coating application. A recycled glass media was used in order to avoid removing excessive amounts of the zinc alloy galvanizing as this was providing excellent corrosion protection of the steel and was best left in place.
The surface profile was checked and recorded using a surface profile needle gauge as part of our standard quality assurance. All surface we dusted down and vacuumed clean to ensure optimum adhesion of the new slip resistant coating.
To overcome the climatic condition issues we proposed the application of Chemco International’s wet tolerant coating systems. This can be applied without humidity and dew point restrictions making them particularly suitable for winter external projects.
All surfaces were primed using Chemco RS500P solvent free wet tolerant epoxy primer. This was diluted 5% on the timber substrates to promote penetration into and subsequent adhesion. Into the wet resin kiln dried quartz aggregate was broadcast to provide the surface roughness required to provide the slip resistance required.
Following cure any excess aggregate was removed using soft brooms, brushes and vacuums.
The aggregate dressing was then sealed by the application of a coat of Chemco RA500M by method of brush and roller.
The use of Chemco Wet tolerant materials avoided any ‘hanging around’ and prevented the project from becoming a test of endurance.
