Unlike architectural coatings, industrial coatings are not defined by their aesthetic properties but by their protective ones.
Industrial protective coatings are mainly long-lasting coating solutions which allow longer use of industrial facilities or other industrial applications exposed to extreme environmental conditions. Indeed, during their shelf life, industrial structures are used extensively and exposed to inner and outer workings from the elements. The role of industrial coatings is to protect structures against corrosion, abrasion, weathering as well as chemical abuse.
Polyurethane, polyester, epoxy and fluoropolymers are the main resins used in industrial coatings. Systems used today are mainly high solid solvent borne coatings, although for environmental reasons, waterborne systems are gaining market shares.
Depending on their final use, Industrial coatings are divided in three groups: corrosion-resistant coatings, high-temperature coatings, and coatings for immersion service (marine coatings...).
Compare to decorative coatings, industrial protective coatings are applied as thicker films (up to 4 mm) on steel structures, off shore oil rigs and equipments, chemical or petroleum plants, piping and other structures where anti corrosive and high resistance are required.
Plastic coatings, electronic coatings and aircraft coatings are also usually considered as industrial coatings.