Find out more about how we can help you with the various stages of your specialist coating project. Everything we do is tailored to the specific requirements of you and your industry.
This is the essential first step in any project, and involves treating substrates before they are painted, coated or lined. Adequate surface preparation allows the material to form strong bonds with the applied protective coatings, enhancing durability and longevity.
Abrasive Blasting, also known as sandblasting, is a method of surface preparation which involves using a mechanical force to propel blast media at the surface to be cleaned. This must be carried out safely with the proper training, equipment, protection and techniques.
Abrasive blasting efficiently removes corrosion and other contaminants from various surfaces including metals such as steel, concrete, brickwork, and timber. Common applications of abrasive blasting range from bridge maintenance and graffiti removal to rejuvenation and fire damage restoration.
High and Ultra-High Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ and UHPWJ), also known as hydroblasting, is a very powerful surface preparation technique which removes contaminants, rust, and old coatings from surfaces to get them ready for the application of a new protective coating. It can be a good alternative when waste from abrasive blasting can have a negative impact on the surroundings.
Due to the hazards associated with this technique, it must be carried out by highly trained professionals. Proper training, equipment, and safety measures are paramount to ensuring a successful and effective process.
Our Mechanical Tool Surface Preparation services include methods such as grinding, sanding, scraping and wire brushing to remove irregularities, old coatings, loose materials, and rust, creating a surface ready for coating. Abrasive blasting and hydroblasting are also examples of mechanical tool preparation methods.
The choice of method depends on factors such as surface type, contaminants, and the specific requirements of subsequent treatments. Effective surface preparation is critical for ensuring the durability, adhesion, and longevity of coatings or finishes applied to a substrate.
Chemical Treatment services are ideal for preparing surfaces when mechanical methods are either impractical or insufficient for specific surfaces or materials. Prior to treatment, we will assess your assets to ensure the correct method is chosen.
Chemical treatment surface preparation methods include solvent cleaning and alkaline cleaning for the removal of organic contaminates, plus acid cleaning for inorganic impurities such as rust. Other chemical treatment services include phosphating for corrosion resistance and conversion coatings for improved adhesion.
Safeguarding against corrosion extends the lifespan of your assets, reducing maintenance and ensuring structural integrity. Different jobs require different coatings; we support our clients in choosing the most suitable.
Intumescent Coatings are a passive fire protection method used to improve safety in buildings and structures in case of fire. When exposed to heat, intumescent coatings expand to reduce the conduction of heat from the fire to the substrate, increasing the time it takes for the structure to weaken.
SCI has extensive experience in applying intumescent coatings to improve safety in both industrial and commercial spaces. Our SSPC-trained Fireproof Applicators install the coatings, which are inspected by certified Fireproof Paint Inspectors before sign off.
Airtight Coatings create a continuous seal around the surface of application, reducing or eliminating vapour and air leaks through cracks in the fabric of a building. They are suitable for both new builds and refurbishment projects, and can be applied to a large variety of surfaces including brickwork, concrete, membranes, render and PVC.
We only use BBA certified airtight coatings to meet Passive House’s airtightness standard which must be demonstrated with a pressure test before sign off. This ensures every airtight coating project is completed to the highest quality.
Resin injections provide a solution for any problems involving damp, water-leaking cracks and structural cracks. It is commonly used to reinforce retaining walls, abutments, tunnels, underground pipes, or any other concrete or masonry structures.
Depending on the application, we can use polyurethane, acrylic and epoxy resin injections to mitigate water seepage and provide structural repairs. To ensure you are always clear on scope, we will always advise you on the best method to use for damp-related issues and water damage prior to starting work.
We utilise a number of other Protective Coating technologies including polyurethane, epoxy, zinc-rich coatings, acrylics, alkyds and linings. This is not an exhaustive list and various environments may require coatings adapted to the application.
Most applications of linings aim to protect the inner surface of a structure and demonstrate superior properties reinforcing, enhancing and restoring structural integrity. This helps you return your assets back to service without the need to replace them.
It’s important to have a full understanding of the current condition of any assets you’re planning to have rejuvenated before you make decisions about methods, timescales, and scope.
Our Coating Inspection & Surveying service allows us to work closely with you to establish the current condition of your assets and create a plan for the remedial works, allowing you clarity on the scope of the project before we begin.
We also offer support in the development of inspection test plans (ITP), and provide third party inspections.
Our team includes ICORR L3 Paint Inspectors, SSPC L2 Fireproof Inspectors, and Coating Surveyors with experience working on highway structures to the requirements of BD87/05 and rail structures to Network Rail specifications.
For more information about coatings and inspection services