Why not make the temporary repairs during the inspection? It could slow or prevent any additional damage that might continue to progress until your planned project date.

Take a look at some options that will keep the surprises at a minimum when you open up that chest or pit down the road.

Chest and pit lining repair products:

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01. Understanding the Chemistry of Your Containment or Production Area

The first step in selecting a containment coating is understanding the chemical environment it will encounter. Not all coatings are created equal—some are engineered for acidic environments, while others are formulated to withstand caustic substances.

For example, sulfuric acid alone can require multiple coating options depending on its concentration, temperature, and potential exposure duration. If your containment area is shared by multiple processes or chemicals, this complexity increases. In such cases, it’s essential to consult chemical resistance charts and consider multi-layered systems or hybrid coatings to protect against a range of substances. Choosing the wrong coating can lead to degradation, contamination, and costly repairs, so investing time in this assessment is crucial.

Suggested Product: Stratarock Novolac Coating

02. Considering Abrasion Resistance for High-Traffic Areas

Containment coatings don’t just need to withstand chemical exposure—they must also endure physical wear and tear. Abrasion caused by forklifts, dragging pallets, steel totes, or other heavy equipment can significantly reduce a coating’s lifespan.

For production floors and areas prone to heavy traffic, coatings with enhanced mechanical properties, such as high compressive strength and abrasion resistance, are a must. There are specific options that can provide additional durability. Furthermore, regular maintenance and inspection schedules can help identify wear patterns early, enabling timely touch-ups to extend the system’s overall performance.

Suggested Product: Euclid Duralkote 240

03. Evaluating Thermal Resistance for Temperature Extremes

The temperature of the materials being handled is another critical consideration. High-temperature chemicals can cause coatings to blister, delaminate, or lose their structural integrity if they aren’t designed to withstand thermal stress.

To ensure your coating system is equipped for high-temperature applications, look for products specifically rated for thermal resistance. If the material temperature exceeds the coating’s threshold, you may need to incorporate cooling systems or pre-cooling processes before the material contacts the containment surface. Addressing this factor proactively helps prevent expensive system failures and downtime.

Why Choosing the Right Containment Coating Matters

Selecting the right containment coating is not just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding your operations, workers, and environment. The wrong choice can lead to system failures, chemical leaks, or contamination, all of which have costly implications.

An effective containment system extends beyond just the coating—it involves proper surface preparation, application techniques, and ongoing maintenance. Partnering with knowledgeable suppliers and leveraging industry expertise can make a significant difference in achieving a reliable, long-lasting solution.

Optimize Your Coating Selection for Success

Navigating the complexities of containment coatings doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering the chemical compatibility, physical demands, and thermal conditions of your containment or production area, you can make informed decisions that support your operations’ safety and efficiency. Investing in the right product now will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Give us a call to make sure the coating you choose is up to the task.

Don’t forget to check out our line sheet to see all we have to offer!

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1. What’s the Level of Difficulty?

The scope of the job matters. If you’re just refreshing an existing system — re-applying a compatible primer and topcoat — it might make sense to handle it in-house. With basic surface prep and the right materials, a crew with general maintenance experience can often manage the work.

But things change when the system is new or if the coating requires reinforcement at joints, transitions, or terminations. These steps add complexity and may need a professional contractor’s expertise.

Also consider the type of system:

Grout-based coatings: If your team has experience with grout installation or concrete repair, these may be manageable internally.

• E3 HCR
• Stratarock Novolac Polymer Concrete

Trowel-applied systems with reinforcement layers: These typically require trained applicators and specialty tools. Mistakes here can lead to coating failure and costly rework.

• Euclid Duralkote 250

Bottom line: Match the coating system’s demands with your team’s skill set. If you’re unsure, it’s worth bringing in a contractor for at least a consultation.

2. Do You Have the Right Equipment?

Most liquid-applied coatings are mixed using a drill and paddle and applied with rollers or brushes — standard tools for many maintenance crews. But more advanced systems can call for:

• Surface grinders or shot blasters for proper substrate prep
• Heaters or plural-component pumps for specialized formulations
• Coving tools and detail brushes for tight areas or vertical transitions
• Equipment for inter-coat abrasion or timed recoating

Even if you can source the equipment, think about the learning curve and cost. If you’re only doing this once, investing in specialized tools may not make financial sense.

Deciding whether to self-perform a secondary containment re-coat comes down to understanding the system requirements, your crew’s capabilities, and the equipment involved. While some projects can be handled in-house with the right preparation, others may call for experienced professionals to ensure the coating performs as intended. Taking the time to assess these factors up front can save time, reduce risk, and extend the life of the system.

Give us a call at 888-809-2365 if you have any questions about containment coatings or any other maintenance needs. And don’t forget to check out our line sheet to see all we have to offer!

Download Our Coating & Lining Repair Checklist

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But choosing the coating is only half the equation.

To ensure long-term performance, that coating or lining needs to bond effectively to the concrete surface. Without proper surface preparation and substrate repair, even the best coating will fail. The coating system must adhere to a sound, clean, and well-prepared surface — or it won’t last. And in many industrial environments, the concrete substrate you’re working with is far from ideal. It may be deteriorated, cracked, or contaminated with oils, chemicals, or dust. That’s why preparing and repairing concrete before applying coatings is a critical step in the application process.

Before you start applying your high-performance protective coating, here are five key factors to consider when choosing a concrete repair material:

1. Bond Strength

A strong bond between the repair material and the existing concrete is essential. If the repair doesn’t bond well, it can delaminate under thermal, mechanical, or chemical stress — compromising the entire coating system. Focus on surface prep to remove dust, grease, laitance, or chemical residues. Any contaminants left behind can act as bond breakers, preventing proper adhesion. Choose a repair product with high bond strength and follow recommended surface preparation guidelines.

2. Coating Application Method

The best repair material won’t help if it’s not applied correctly. Choose a method that ensures maximum contact with the concrete surface. Trowel-applied mortars may be faster but require experienced installers. If the geometry is complex or access is limited, form-and-pour techniques might be more effective. The goal is to achieve full contact without voids or cold joints. Always factor in your crew’s skill level, site conditions, and available tools.

3. Repaired Surface Preparation

Once the repair is complete, it must be prepped again before you can apply the coating or lining. Most protective coating systems require a specific profile — often achieved through abrasive blasting, scarifying, or grinding. The coating manufacturer’s data sheet will provide guidance. Consider how long the surface prep will take and how it fits into your shutdown schedule. If time is limited, fast-setting repair mortars may help you meet tight deadlines.

4. Cure Time

Repair materials must be cured to a certain state before they can accept a coating. Cementitious repair mortars typically need time to hydrate and release excess moisture before priming. If primed too early, moisture can get trapped and cause blistering or debonding. On the other hand, epoxy and polymer-based repairs usually need to reach a tack-free condition before priming. Cure times vary, so review the product data sheets carefully and plan accordingly.

5. Get Expert Coating Advice

New repair materials are constantly entering the market. Some are engineered to bond to damp concrete, cure quickly, or resist aggressive chemicals. Don’t rely on old solutions — talk to a manufacturer or distributor who understands the latest concrete repair technologies. They can help you find the right product for your job conditions, timeline, and coating requirements.

Proper concrete surface preparation and substrate repair are essential to the success of any industrial coating or lining project. Whether you’re lining a containment area, applying a tank coating, or protecting a processing floor, start with a strong foundation. A repair done right ensures your coating system performs as expected — protecting your investment and delivering long-term value.

Give us a call at 888-809-2365 if you have any questions about coatings or any other maintenance needs. And don’t forget to check out our line sheet to see all we have to offer!

The post The Right Repair Materials Can Save Your Next Coating or Lining Project appeared first on Indcon Inc..

OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction

Workers who are exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust are at increased risk of developing serious silica-related diseases. OSHA’s standard requires employers to take steps to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard Fact Sheet

OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica standard for construction requires employers to limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica and to take other steps to protect workers. The standard provides flexible alternatives, which OSHA expects will be especially useful for small employers.

More About Complying with the Construction Standard

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