Types of Paint

In modern shipbuilding and ship repair facilities there are many different paints used to protect the various parts of a ship. The three most common types are: laxtes, enamel and epoxy.

Latex Paints

Latex Paints are made from synthetic resins and solvents. They can be used in low traffic areas such as cabins or the lounges. Latex paints have very good aesthetic qualities and can be easily touched up or "freshened" during maintenance periods. Adhesion is normally quite good if the surface material is clean; and once applied drying is rapid. The sprayers and brushes used to apply this paint are easily cleaned with warm soapy water and the waste is easily disposed of.

Enamel Paints

Enamel paints are also called alkyd paints or alkyd enamels. Enamel paints are oil-based and very durable. Enamel can be used for ships' sides, all interior compartments and most machinery spaces. Enamel was the industry standard for many years and is still used extensively. Enamels can also have different materials mixed into them such as walnut shell or sand and then applied as a non-skid coating on ladders, passageways, and outer decks. Enamel is easily touched up once disturbed.

When enamel paint is sprayed, it is necessary to use paint thinner so it will go through the equipment easily.  Thinners or varsol are required to clean out the equipment when the spraying is finished. The fumes from airborne enamel and the associated thinners are toxic, and full face respirators and other PPE must be worn when applying this type of coating with a spray gun. After enamel is applied, and depending on the temperature and amount of air moving over it, the paint can take up to 24 hours to cure.

Epoxy Paints

Epoxy paints are also referred to as plastic paints or two-part paints. These types of paints are used extensively throughout ships in many different applications. They are useful for corrosion protection in caustic or hostile atmospheres such as the inside of tanks.  They can also be used in machinery spaces where extreme temperature swings cause sweating and condensation. Epoxies can also be mixed with various rust, marine growth or fungicidal inhibitors for custom applications in different areas of the ships. It is also used to coat potable water (or drinking water) tanks, waste water tanks, or other holding tanks because of its corrosion resistant properties and the fact it has a low level of porosity. As noted earlier, these paints are called "two-part" paints because they have a base compound and an activator. Depending on ambient temperatures or desired cure times, they can also have special hardeners added that speed up or slow down the curing time of the paint. Similar to enamels, epoxies are labour intensive to clean up, they take time to cure, and the chemicals involved are not environmentally or human friendly.

Other High Performance Paints

Other high performance paints are available for other applications onboard a ship. Rubberized paint, silicone paint, heat resistant paint, and radar absorption paint for warship equipment can be procured through manufacturers that specialize in these coatings.