Protective Coatings for Enhanced Form and Function

Protective coatings are substances used to protect different kinds of objects. By forming a protective layer over an object, a protective coating can prolong the object’s life, enhance its overall durability, and even enhance its aesthetic qualities. What’s more, a protective coating can also help improve the function of some objects. You can easily find objects with protective coating on them. For example, if you look at a motorcycle’s handlebar, you’ll notice that it has a shiny metallic finish. This finish, also known as chrome plating, is a form of protective coating. It keeps the handlebar from rusting or getting scratched, plus it makes the motorcycle look good. At home, protective coatings are also used to prolong the life of different materials. For example, epoxy coating on the floor makes the floor appear smoother and makes it resistant to scratches or cracks. In the kitchen, nonstick pans are coated with Teflon to prevent food from sticking to the surface, making it easier to cook food and clean up afterwards. Although they can be used on different materials, protective coatings are often associated with metal surfaces. This is because metal tends to rust when moisture develops on its surface, drastically affecting its appearance and function in the long run. Protective coatings help prevent rusting by keeping water from being in contact with the metal. This is excellent for protecting metal window frames, gates, and side rails. Sometimes, protective coatings are used not for their protective capabilities, but mainly for their restorative benefits. Protective coatings can restore old, worn out wood surfaces by applying a new glaze on them. Similarly, a new layer of paint can prevent rust spots from getting bigger. However, people must be careful when using different types of coating, as these could react negatively with the object, causing more damage instead. There are people who use protective coatings as an art medium. You’ll see a lot of cars with wonderful customized paintjobs. Houses are often painted with colors that go well with each other to make them look good. In a more urban setting, many people also cover things with coating, but they use different types to achieve fine looking pieces of art, like murals or graffiti.