Temperature resistance is achieved through a silicone-based resin system and other pigments and additives engineered for continuous or peak operating temperatures. Conventional components of industrial paint completely oxidize at high temperatures and the resulting exposed substrate invites corrosion.
High temperature paints are available in a range of temperature ratings, which should be considered when choosing a product. The pigments and binders are chosen to perform at specific temperatures. The siloxane bonds in high temperature paint crosslink when heated above 400°F. The result is increased scratch resistance when compared to the uncured product. Due to higher hardness or brittleness that comes with crosslinked molecules, the impact tolerance of the cured high temperature coating may be lower than an uncured coating. Impact and scratch resistance should be carefully considered when choosing a coating be used for mobile exterior applications such as exhaust systems, vehicles, or mobile machinery.
What are the performance characteristic ranges of an exterior high temperature paint?
The temperature resistance of exterior high temperature paint ranges from 600° F to 1200° F. Applications with temperature ranges exceeding 1200° F continuous temperatures should consider a ceramic coating technology or stainless steel.
Exterior exposure may limit the color and chemistry options available. In medium temperature exterior use cases that range from 300° F to 800° F, a wide range of exterior high temp paint colors are available. The colors available to exterior use cases above 800°F are more limited, but black and silver finishes are available that withstand up to 1200° F. Gloss finishes have difficulty maintaining even texture and shine as temperature increases.
Download the below guide for technical information about exterior high temperature paint options.
Why is zinc a common component of exterior high temperature paint?
Zinc is a sacrificial corrosion inhibitor. If a crack, scratch, or other compromise forms in the film integrity of the coating, the zinc component will corrode instead of the metal substrate. Many exterior high temperature paint formulations offer a zinc additive for extra corrosion prevention. You may also add a zinc based primer designed for temperature resistance to your coating system for extra prevention.
Most interior high temp paint formulations do not include this extra anti-corrosive element. These coatings are built to withstand frequent temperature changes and maintain appearance and functionality, but do not have the increased pressure of environmental factors.
Exterior High Temperature Paint vs. Exterior High Temperature Powder Coatings.
High temperature paint is available in both solvent-based formulations and high temperature powder coatings. Typically, a manufacturer will either have a liquid or a powder coating operation established. A coatings job shop may be equipped to apply both types of technology. Some benefits of solvent-based coatings are easy application with various types of spray equipment, dry to handle at room temperature, and more forgiving to poor substrate prep. Some particular benefits of a high temperature powder coating is durability and hardness as well as the regulatory boon of zero VOCs. Both high temperature powder coatings and high temperature liquid paint can be touched up with a high temp aerosol, which makes maintenance of either easy for the long term.
