Industrial Coatings for Oil & Gas | New Guard Coatings Aberdeen
The oil and gas industry operates in some of the most demanding environments for industrial coatings. Steelwork, tanks, pipework, valves, equipment and infrastructure can be exposed to moisture, chemicals, hydrocarbons, abrasion, temperature fluctuations and corrosive atmospheres.
A correctly specified industrial coating system can help protect suitable surfaces against corrosion and environmental deterioration while supporting the long-term performance of critical infrastructure.
New Guard Coatings supplies high-performance coating solutions for oil and gas applications across the UK.
Protective Coatings for Oil & Gas
Oil and gas facilities contain a wide range of steel and metal assets that may require protective coatings.
Potential applications include:
- Steel structures
- Pipework
- Storage tanks
- Valves
- Pumps and equipment
- Process equipment
- Electrical equipment
- Generator housings
- Platforms and walkways
- Handrails
- Support structures
- Fabricated steelwork
The correct coating system will depend on the substrate, environmental exposure, operating conditions and required durability.
Why Oil & Gas Equipment Requires Protective Coatings
Corrosion can present a significant maintenance challenge within oil and gas facilities.
Equipment and structures may be exposed to:
- Water and moisture
- High humidity
- Salt spray
- Hydrocarbons
- Chemicals
- Atmospheric pollutants
- Abrasion
- UV exposure
- Temperature changes
A suitable anti-corrosion coating can provide a barrier between the substrate and its surrounding environment.
Protective coatings can help:
- Reduce corrosion
- Protect exposed steel
- Improve chemical resistance where specified
- Improve weather resistance
- Reduce maintenance requirements
- Extend coating service intervals
- Maintain the condition of industrial assets
Corrosion Protection in Oil & Gas
Oil and gas facilities can contain extensive areas of structural and fabricated steel.
The appropriate corrosion protection system should be selected according to the conditions the asset will experience.
Consider:
- Environmental exposure
- Chemical exposure
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Salt exposure
- Abrasion
- Existing corrosion
- Required durability
- Project specification
A complete system may incorporate surface preparation, primer, intermediate coating and topcoat.
Surface Preparation for Oil & Gas Coatings
Surface preparation is one of the most important stages of any industrial coating project.
Before coating, surfaces should be assessed for:
- Rust
- Mill scale
- Existing coatings
- Oil
- Grease
- Dirt
- Dust
- Salt contamination
- Moisture
- Other contaminants
Depending on the substrate and coating specification, preparation may include:
- Cleaning
- Degreasing
- Mechanical preparation
- Power-tool cleaning
- Abrasive blasting
Oil and grease contamination should be thoroughly addressed before coating work begins.
Our surface preparation guide provides further information on preparing steel and metal surfaces before industrial coating.
Primers for Oil & Gas Steelwork
An appropriate industrial primer can form the foundation of a protective coating system.
Primer selection should take into account:
- Substrate
- Preparation standard
- Existing coating
- Environmental exposure
- Corrosivity
- Intended topcoat
- Required durability
Where a multi-coat system is specified, all components should be compatible and selected as part of the complete coating system.
Protective Coatings for Oil & Gas Pipework
Pipework can be exposed to a combination of environmental and operating conditions.
External pipe surfaces may experience:
- Moisture
- Atmospheric corrosion
- Chemicals
- UV exposure
- Temperature fluctuations
- Mechanical damage
- Industrial contamination
The coating system should be selected according to the pipe material, operating temperature, environment and required protection.
Particular attention should be given to welds, joints, supports, edges and areas where water or contaminants can collect.
Industrial Coatings for Oil & Gas Valves
Valves are an important component of oil and gas infrastructure and can require protection against corrosion and environmental exposure.
Coating applications may include:
- Valve bodies
- Supports
- Flanges
- Associated steelwork
- External components
Where chemical, hydrocarbon or elevated-temperature exposure is expected, the coating system should be selected according to the specific operating conditions.
Our industrial coatings for valves page provides further information on protective coating considerations for valve applications.
Coatings for Oil & Gas Storage Tanks
Storage tanks can contain large exposed areas of steel and may require carefully specified protective coating systems.
The coating requirements depend on factors such as:
- Tank contents
- Internal or external application
- Chemical exposure
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Atmospheric exposure
- Required durability
Internal tank linings and external protective coatings are different applications and should be specified according to the intended service conditions.
Where a coating will come into contact with stored products, compatibility and chemical resistance must be confirmed before specification.
Chemical Resistant Coatings
Oil and gas facilities can expose coatings to a wide range of chemicals and hydrocarbons.
Where chemical exposure is expected, the coating should be selected according to the specific substance and conditions.
Consider:
- Chemical type
- Concentration
- Temperature
- Exposure frequency
- Contact duration
- Cleaning regime
Chemical resistance varies significantly between coating systems, so the manufacturer's technical documentation should always be checked.
Abrasion Resistant Oil & Gas Coatings
Industrial equipment and infrastructure can experience mechanical wear from handling, maintenance, equipment movement and particulate exposure.
Where abrasion is a significant concern, the coating system should be selected with the expected level and type of wear in mind.
Abrasion-resistant coatings may be particularly useful for suitable areas exposed to repeated mechanical contact or aggressive operating conditions.
High-Temperature Coatings for Oil & Gas
Some oil and gas equipment operates at elevated temperatures.
Coating selection should therefore take the expected surface and operating temperature into account.
Not every industrial coating is suitable for high-temperature applications.
Before specifying a system, consider:
- Normal operating temperature
- Maximum temperature
- Continuous exposure
- Intermittent exposure
- Substrate
- Corrosion requirements
- Manufacturer temperature limitations
The relevant technical documentation should confirm suitability for the intended temperature range.
Offshore Oil & Gas Coatings
Offshore oil and gas facilities present particularly demanding conditions for protective coatings.
Steel structures and equipment can be continuously exposed to:
- Salt spray
- High humidity
- Moisture
- Wind
- UV radiation
- Temperature changes
- Industrial contaminants
Coating systems for offshore applications should therefore be selected according to the required level of corrosion protection and project specification.
Where specific offshore standards or requirements apply, product suitability should be confirmed against the relevant technical documentation.
ISO 12944 & Oil & Gas Coatings
ISO 12944 provides a framework for selecting protective paint systems for steel structures according to environmental corrosivity and required durability.
It can be relevant when specifying corrosion protection systems for suitable oil and gas steelwork.
The installation environment should be assessed carefully.
Consider whether the asset is located in:
- An indoor environment
- An outdoor industrial environment
- A coastal location
- An offshore environment
- A marine environment
- A high-humidity environment
Where a project specifies an ISO 12944 coating system, the proposed products should be checked against the relevant technical documentation.
Coating Systems for Oil & Gas Infrastructure
A typical protective coating system may consist of:
Surface Preparation → Primer → Intermediate Coat → Topcoat
The exact specification will depend on:
- Substrate
- Existing coating
- Environmental exposure
- Corrosivity
- Chemical exposure
- Temperature
- Required durability
- Project specification
The complete system should be assessed rather than selecting individual products independently.
Application of Oil & Gas Coatings
Industrial coatings should be applied according to the manufacturer's technical requirements and project specification.
Before application, check:
- Surface preparation
- Mixing instructions
- Application method
- Film thickness
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Surface temperature
- Recoat interval
- Drying time
- Curing requirements
Depending on the coating, application may be possible using brush, roller or spray.
For large oil and gas projects, controlled application and appropriate inspection procedures can be important for achieving consistent coating performance.
Drying & Curing
Environmental conditions can significantly affect coating application and curing.
Before and during application, consider:
- Air temperature
- Surface temperature
- Humidity
- Condensation
- Weather conditions
- Ventilation
The substrate should meet the manufacturer's specified conditions before application.
Always follow the specified drying, recoating and curing times.
Recoating Existing Oil & Gas Equipment
Existing oil and gas infrastructure can often require refurbishment rather than complete replacement.
Before recoating, inspect the existing coating for:
- Rust
- Peeling
- Flaking
- Blistering
- Cracking
- Poor adhesion
- Exposed steel
- Mechanical damage
- Oil contamination
- Chemical deterioration
If the existing coating remains sound and compatible, suitable preparation may allow a new coating system to be applied.
Where the existing system is extensively deteriorated, more substantial preparation or removal may be required.
Maintenance of Oil & Gas Coatings
Regular inspection can help identify coating deterioration before significant corrosion develops.
Inspect for:
- Rust
- Peeling
- Flaking
- Blistering
- Cracking
- Mechanical damage
- Exposed metal
- Chemical deterioration
- General coating breakdown
Particular attention should be paid to:
- Welds
- Edges
- Joints
- Supports
- Flanges
- Pipe brackets
- Tank bases
- Areas where moisture can accumulate
Early identification of coating breakdown can help inform planned maintenance and repair work.
Common Oil & Gas Coating Problems
Rust appearing through the coating
This can indicate corrosion beneath the coating, contamination or inadequate surface preparation.
Peeling or flaking
Poor adhesion can be associated with contamination, inadequate preparation or coating incompatibility.
Blistering
Moisture, contamination and unsuitable application conditions can contribute to blistering.
Chemical deterioration
Exposure to chemicals or hydrocarbons can damage coatings that are not designed for the specific exposure.
Mechanical damage
Handling, maintenance and equipment movement can damage coatings and expose the underlying substrate.
Choosing the Right Oil & Gas Coating
Before specifying an industrial coating system, consider:
What is the substrate?
Determine whether the surface is carbon steel, galvanised steel, another metal or an existing coated surface.
Where is the asset located?
Indoor, outdoor, coastal and offshore environments can have significantly different corrosion risks.
What will the coating be exposed to?
Consider water, salt, chemicals, hydrocarbons, abrasion and other contaminants.
What temperature will it experience?
Check both normal and maximum surface temperatures.
What preparation is required?
The existing condition of the substrate will determine the appropriate preparation method.
What level of durability is required?
Required service life and maintenance intervals should influence system selection.
Is chemical resistance required?
Identify any chemicals, oils or hydrocarbons that could come into contact with the coating.
What project standards apply?
Check whether ISO 12944 or other project-specific requirements apply.
Industrial Coatings for Oil & Gas Equipment
Oil and gas is one of the key high-performance markets supported by New Guard Coatings.
From steel structures and pipework to valves, tanks, equipment and associated infrastructure, protective coatings can help defend suitable surfaces against the demanding conditions found throughout the industry.
The right combination of surface preparation, primer, protective coating and topcoat can help provide durable corrosion protection when correctly specified and applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coating for oil and gas equipment?
The appropriate coating depends on the substrate, environmental exposure, chemical exposure, temperature, preparation requirements and required durability.
Why are coatings important in the oil and gas industry?
Protective coatings can help reduce corrosion and protect suitable steel and metal equipment from moisture, chemicals, weathering and general industrial exposure.
What coating protects oil and gas steelwork from corrosion?
A suitable multi-layer industrial coating system can provide corrosion protection. The system should be selected according to the specific environment and project requirements.
Can industrial coatings resist hydrocarbons?
Some coating systems are designed to provide resistance to specific oils, fuels and chemicals. Compatibility should always be confirmed against the manufacturer's technical data.
What coating is suitable for offshore oil and gas?
Offshore applications require coating systems appropriate for marine exposure, salt spray, humidity and the required corrosion protection level.
Can oil and gas pipework be painted?
Suitable external pipework can be coated where the coating system is compatible with the substrate and operating conditions.
Can existing oil and gas equipment be recoated?
Yes, suitable equipment can potentially be refurbished where the substrate and existing coating remain appropriate and are correctly prepared.
Are high-temperature coatings available for oil and gas?
Specialist coating systems are available for elevated-temperature applications. The manufacturer's temperature limits should always be checked.
Is ISO 12944 relevant to oil and gas coatings?
ISO 12944 can be relevant when specifying protective coating systems for suitable steel structures. Environmental corrosivity and required durability should be established for the individual application.
How long do oil and gas protective coatings last?
There is no universal service life. Longevity depends on the coating system, substrate, preparation, application, environmental exposure and maintenance.
Protecting Oil & Gas Infrastructure
Oil and gas infrastructure operates in environments where corrosion, chemicals, moisture and mechanical wear can all affect equipment and steelwork.
A correctly specified industrial coating system can help protect suitable assets and support long-term maintenance programmes.
New Guard Coatings supplies high-performance protective coating solutions for oil and gas, offshore power and other demanding industrial applications across the UK.