Industrial Coatings for Wind Energy | New Guard Coatings

The wind energy sector relies on infrastructure and equipment designed to perform in demanding environments.

From exposed steel structures and electrical equipment to supporting infrastructure and maintenance assets, surfaces can be exposed to moisture, UV radiation, corrosion, temperature changes and challenging weather conditions over extended periods.

New Guard Coatings supplies industrial and protective coating solutions for suitable wind energy applications, helping businesses protect and maintain equipment and infrastructure used throughout the sector.

Protective Coatings for Wind Energy Infrastructure

Wind energy projects can involve a wide range of equipment and infrastructure with different coating requirements.

Potential applications can include:

• Wind turbine components
• Steel structures
• Equipment housings
• Transformers
• Electrical boxes
• Generators
• Metal enclosures
• Supporting infrastructure
• Fabricated components
• Maintenance equipment
• External steelwork

The correct coating system should always be selected according to the individual substrate, environmental conditions and performance requirements.

Corrosion Protection for Wind Energy Assets

Many wind energy assets operate in exposed environments where corrosion protection is a key consideration.

Steel and metal surfaces can be affected by:

• Rain and moisture
• Humidity
• UV exposure
• Temperature changes
• Atmospheric contamination
• Industrial pollution
• Salt contamination in coastal and offshore locations

Without suitable preparation and protection, environmental exposure can contribute to corrosion and coating deterioration.

Protective coating systems can help provide a barrier between compatible substrates and the surrounding environment.

Understanding the Operating Environment

The location of a wind energy asset can have a significant influence on the required coating specification.

For example, an inland installation may experience different environmental conditions from infrastructure located in a coastal or offshore environment.

When selecting a coating system, it is important to consider:

• Indoor or outdoor location
• Inland or coastal exposure
• Humidity
• Salt exposure
• Temperature changes
• UV exposure
• Expected service requirements

The coating system should be selected around the actual operating environment rather than simply the type of asset being protected.

Coatings for Wind Turbine Components

Wind turbine systems contain a range of components manufactured from different materials.

Suitable coating systems may be considered for compatible:

• Metal components
• Fabricated steel
• Equipment housings
• Support structures
• External assemblies
• Maintenance infrastructure

Each component should be assessed individually before a coating system is selected.

The substrate, existing surface condition and expected environmental exposure can all influence the preparation and coating requirements.

Coatings for Fabricated Steel

Fabricated steel is used throughout wind energy infrastructure.

Potential applications can include:

• Support structures
• Platforms
• Equipment frames
• External infrastructure
• Fabricated assemblies
• Access structures

Before applying a protective coating, the steel should be assessed for corrosion, contamination and existing coating failure.

Depending on the specification, suitable preparation may involve cleaning, mechanical preparation or abrasive blasting before applying the selected coating system.

Coatings for Offshore Wind Energy

Offshore wind energy infrastructure can be exposed to some of the most demanding conditions within the renewable energy sector.

Assets may experience continuous exposure to:

• Salt spray
• High humidity
• Wind-driven moisture
• UV radiation
• Changing temperatures
• Atmospheric corrosion

Coating selection and surface preparation are particularly important in these environments.

Salt contamination should be identified and suitably addressed before applying a new protective coating system. Residual salts can contribute to corrosion and coating deterioration beneath an otherwise intact coating.

The appropriate coating system should be selected according to the location, asset type and expected environmental exposure.

Coatings for Electrical Equipment & Transformers

Wind energy infrastructure often relies on electrical equipment and associated metal enclosures.

Suitable applications may include:

• Transformers
• Electrical boxes
• Control cabinets
• Equipment housings
• Metal enclosures
• Supporting steelwork

Outdoor electrical infrastructure may be exposed to moisture, corrosion and UV exposure over long periods.

When carrying out maintenance work, existing coatings should be assessed for damage, corrosion and adhesion before a new system is applied.

Maintenance Coatings for Wind Energy Infrastructure

Coatings can deteriorate over time due to environmental exposure, mechanical damage and general wear.

A maintenance programme may involve:

• Inspecting existing coatings
• Identifying areas of corrosion
• Assessing coating damage
• Removing loose or failing material
• Cleaning and preparing surfaces
• Addressing contamination
• Applying a suitable maintenance system

The amount of preparation required will depend on the condition of the existing surface and the performance requirements of the new coating system.

Coating Existing Assets

Before recoating an existing asset, several factors should be considered:

• What is the existing coating?
• Is it still well adhered?
• Is corrosion present?
• Is the surface contaminated?
• Is there evidence of salt contamination?
• Is the new coating compatible with the existing system?

A detailed assessment can help identify the most appropriate preparation and maintenance approach.

Surface Preparation for Wind Energy Coatings

Surface preparation is one of the most important stages of a protective coating project.

Before applying a coating, the surface should be assessed for:

• Rust and corrosion
• Dirt and dust
• Oil and grease
• Loose coatings
• Moisture
• Salt contamination
• Surface damage

The required preparation method will depend on the substrate and coating specification.

For steel surfaces, this may include:

• Cleaning
• Mechanical preparation
• Power-tool preparation
• Abrasive blasting

Any contaminants should be suitably removed before coating.

A clean and properly prepared surface provides the foundation for good coating adhesion and long-term performance.

Salt Contamination in Coastal & Offshore Environments

Salt contamination can be a significant consideration for assets operating near the coast or offshore.

Chloride salts can remain on a surface even when it appears visually clean.

If these contaminants are not suitably removed before coating, they can contribute to corrosion beneath the protective coating system.

Where salt contamination is suspected, appropriate testing and cleaning methods should be considered as part of the surface preparation process.

This is particularly important for maintenance work involving previously exposed steel and metal infrastructure.

Supporting the Wind Energy Sector Across the UK

New Guard Coatings supplies coating solutions for suitable industrial and renewable energy applications across the UK.

Our experience across industrial sectors allows us to support applications involving:

• Protective coatings
• Anti-corrosion systems
• Industrial maintenance
• Fabricated steel
• Electrical infrastructure
• Equipment refurbishment
• High-performance coating systems

The correct coating solution should always be selected based on the individual asset and operating environment.

Choosing the Right Wind Energy Coating

There is no single coating suitable for every wind energy application.

Before selecting a system, consider:

The substrate

What material is being coated?

The location

Is the asset located inland, near the coast or offshore?

Environmental exposure

Will the surface experience:

• Salt spray?
• High humidity?
• Rain and moisture?
• UV exposure?
• Temperature changes?
• Atmospheric contamination?

Surface condition

Is the asset new, previously coated or affected by corrosion?

Maintenance requirements

How long does the system need to perform before future maintenance is expected?

Frequently Asked Questions

What coatings are used in the wind energy sector?

The appropriate coating depends on the individual application. Suitable protective systems may be available for compatible steelwork, equipment housings, electrical infrastructure and fabricated components.

Why is corrosion protection important for wind energy infrastructure?

Many wind energy assets operate in exposed environments where moisture, UV exposure and atmospheric conditions can contribute to corrosion and coating deterioration.

Can protective coatings be used for offshore wind infrastructure?

Suitable high-performance coating systems may be selected for compatible offshore applications, depending on the substrate and environmental conditions.

Why is salt contamination important before coating?

Salt residues can remain on exposed surfaces and may contribute to corrosion beneath a coating if they are not suitably removed before application.

Can existing wind energy infrastructure be recoated?

In suitable circumstances, existing infrastructure can be maintained and recoated. The existing surface should first be assessed for corrosion, contamination and coating condition.

Industrial Coatings for Wind Energy

Wind energy infrastructure requires carefully selected protective solutions capable of performing in demanding environments.

From exposed steel and fabricated components to electrical equipment and supporting infrastructure, surface preparation and coating selection are essential to long-term performance.

New Guard Coatings supplies industrial and protective coating solutions for suitable wind energy applications across the UK.

Contact New Guard Coatings to discuss your wind energy coating requirements.