Painting for corrosion protection is a topic of immense, multidisciplinary proportions and with an enormous number of variables to consider. Environmental degradation can include electrochemical and chemical attack, radiation damage (UV, infra-red, visible), microbial effects, and physical damage (wear and tear). Only some basic concepts are described here - use the menu above for more information.

Appearance of red rust on steel, where the protective coating has failed.

The concept of "inspection / monitoring through paint" for informed decision-making is gaining momentum (considering potentially costly and environmentally harmful removal and replacement of coating systems). New techniques for monitoring paint degradation (and resulting corrosion) are emerging, in addition to the traditional approaches of basic visual assessment and adhesion testing - these include:

• thin film electrochemical sensors embedded under paint films;

• electrochemical sensors applied to the outer surface of paint films;

• microwave techniques

• thermography

• color and fluorescence changes (smart coatings)

• fiber optic sensing

• Chemical sensors for detecting surface contamination at the surface preparation stage

Also in the paint module at corrosion-club.com:

Avoiding Paint Failures

Reliability factors - paint coatings on steel