I’ve noticed that many people choose structural steel coatings based solely on price. But paints bought this way often lack reliability. So, what’s the right way to choose?

First, choose a primer with long salt spray resistance, not one with short resistance time. Salt spray contains chloride ions, which are highly corrosive and can destroy the oxide film on steel surfaces, accelerating corrosion. A primer with high salt spray resistance can protect steel in harsh environments for a long time and prevent rust from spreading internally.

Second, choose a topcoat with strong UV resistance, not a weak one. Ultraviolet rays cause paint to age, chalk, and fade, eventually losing its protective function. A UV-resistant topcoat can effectively withstand sunlight exposure and maintain the integrity of the coating film.

Third, choose high-solids paint, not low-solids. High solids mean more effective film-forming materials remain after drying, while reducing the emission of organic solvents, making it more environmentally friendly.

Fourth, choose paint with a test report, not without. A test report confirms that the coating’s performance meets standards, providing quantifiable assurance. Without it, quality is hard to verify, and problems like poor corrosion resistance or excessive harmful substances may arise.

In short, keep these four points in mind when choosing anti-corrosion coatings for steel structures — they’ll help you avoid costly mistakes.