Product category:
Calibration and Testing Services, Consultancy and Learning
News Release from: STATS
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 18 December 2006
Seminar highlights paint and coating
investigation
Speakers at a recent seminar organised by consultancy firm STATS, highlighted the materials and techniques that can be employed to ensure the successful coating of both modern and historic buildings.
Speakers at a recent seminar organised by consultancy firm STATS, highlighted the materials and techniques that can be employed to ensure the successful coating of both modern and historic buildings As a consultancy STATS is heavily involved in both the avoidance of difficulties relating to coatings in the built environment and in the resolution of existing problems
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 Mar 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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STATS Director Dr Ian Sims opened the proceedings by welcoming Chairperson Thouria Istephan from Foster and Partners Architects, and by pointing out that careful planning before the application of coatings can help to reduce the likelihood of subsequent problems and he hoped that the seminar presentations would help in this regard.
Dr Nigel Whitehouse, a senior consultant with the PRA, set the scene by outlining the current market drivers including the Solvents Directive and the move to water based paints.
He then described the numerous coatings options available for each of the major building materials.
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In doing so, he highlighted the benefits and pitfalls of each option and made reference to the comprehensive array of British and International Standards that exist in this field.
Matt Gray from ICI Paints then provided a manufacturer's perspective.
In doing so Matt made it clear that his parents must have been fully aware of his intended career when they named him! Matt explained the process by which paint is specified for some of the major projects in which he has been involved.
He commented that paint itself is commonly blamed when problems appear, but emphasised that such issues can arise for a wide variety of reasons.
Not least among these is the correct paint specification taking into account the previous coating, the condition of that coating, any flaws in the substrate and the environmental conditions.
In Matt's experience, lack of surface preparation is a common cause of subsequent problems with coatings.
A recently applied coating with little or no breakdown will simply require a wash and rub down, whereas a ten year old coating is likely to need a more vigorous clean and thorough preparation and it may even need to be removed altogether.
Dr Torolf Hamm, Principal Scientist at STATS, gave a presentation outlining the lessons that have been learned from many years of paint failure investigation work.
Following a brief description of paint components and their function, Dr Hamm pointed out that paint failure can often be attributed to inadequate workmanship, incorrect specification or faulty paint.
Inadequate workmanship frequently includes poor surface preparation and/or paint application at low temperatures, which can result in surface condensation.
These workmanship issues can lead to inadequate paint curing, paint delamination, blistering and/or cross-contamination of the paint system respectively.
Dr Hamm described various types of paint failures and their likely causes.
He then provided detail of a typical paint failure investigation.
He explained that STATS is often sent samples of failed paint but emphasised that the potential success of a paint failure investigation is usually enhanced when it is possible to visually assess the failed paintwork and its substrate on-site and to support the visual assessment with index tests such as the 'cross-cut' in order to study the apparent paint system condition.
Laboratory techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared analysis (IR) and/or chemical analysis can be used to assess the composition and condition of the paint system and its substrate.
In addition, the condition and durability of paint can be studied by employing laboratory trial tests such as the 'weatherometer', which can be used to assess durability.
The UV light /condensation type weatherometer subjects paint samples to cycles of moisture condensation and UV light exposure that can mimic several months of weathering in a few weeks.
In conclusion Dr Hamm recommended that in order to avoid subsequent failure the following lessons should be applied: 1.
Allow sufficient time for application 2.
Use experienced paint contractors 3.
Employ precise and appropriate specifications 4.
If possible use paint with a good track record in comparable conditions 5.
Seek advice from a paint consultant if in doubt 6.
Incorporate paint trials in the specification Continuing the investigation theme, Lisa Oestreicher from Architectural Paint Investigations, gave a presentation describing the means by which architectural paint research (APR) can be used as a valuable conservation tool.
Lisa said that the techniques involved in this relatively new branch of conservation have allowed for a greater understanding of historic interiors.
This in turn has led to more informed decisions by conservators, curators and architects.
Lisa gave many examples in which APR has been employed in prestigious buildings such as the Apollo Theatre in London and the pagoda in Kew Gardens.
She described the investigation process highlighting the need for more information than just paint layer analysis.
For example, in order to develop a chronology for the site it is necessary to know both the architectural history and the precise location from which samples have been taken.
In summary Lisa said that APR can assist in the provision of: 1.
Decorative history 2.
Detailed information on one decorative scheme of particular interest 3.
Decorative materials information 4.
Information on historical decorative techniques The final speaker, Patrick Baty from Papers and Paints exploded many of the myths associated with the use of traditional and modern paints in the redecoration of historic buildings.
He urged delegates to keep in mind the ultimate objective before embarking on redecorative work.
For example, he questioned whether a 'traditional' paint is necessary and further questioned the precise nature of so-called traditional paints.
As long as close attention is paid to colour and application technique, Patrick suggested that renovation work can express a character of its own.
The final panel session was lead by Chairperson Thouria Istephan.
This addressed a wide range of issues including a discussion on the hazards and regulations associated with lead paint.
Dr Sims closed proceedings by thanking Thouria Istephan for her firm but charming control of the seminar, the speakers for sharing their expertise with such eloquence and the delegates for their attendance and active participation in the discussion.
Afterwards he explained "STATS is very pleased to arrange these biannual updates on important and often topical issues for the benefit of their clients and friends" adding "STATS has recently been involved with several high-profile coatings issues and was keen to bring together experience from different viewpoints." Personally, Dr Sims thought the seminar had "attracted a good audience with varied interests in the subject, each of whom had been rewarded with an afternoon of entertaining and informative presentations." The next STATS seminar will take place in Spring 2007.
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