The new year is when nearly half of the United States population set resolutions to improve their lifestyle. Typically, the most popular goals are related to improving an individual’s health or finances, although learning something new is also high on some people’s list of things to accomplish in 2022. You can potentially achieve the latter and protect your assets by enrolling in one of the following coating training courses taught by RFI Consultant’s NACE-certified consultants. 

Surface Preparation Standards

Before applying a protective coating, you will want to ensure the surface is sufficiently prepared, as this is one of the essential components of a successful long-term coating system. Various preparation methods will likely be used with other techniques to ensure the coating or paint adheres. Surface prep is critical for extending the longevity of the coating system, therefore, preventing system failure, not to mention repeat applications. Enhance your understanding of the different preparation methods and their standards during this course.

The Pros and Cons of Coating Selection

A pro and con list is an excellent decision-making tool that can be used anytime you must narrow down your options. It can prove to be of benefit in both your personal and professional life, like when selecting the best materials for your project, especially considering myriad coating types are being manufactured for use in today’s real-world environments. A NACE-certified consultant will discuss the pros and cons of the various materials so that you can gain a better perspective on acrylics, polyurethanes, silicones, and more during this course.

Understanding Coating Defects and Failures

Coatings are composed of various raw materials, such as inhibitors and solvents, formulated to protect a substrate. However, the coating must be applied to adequately prepared surfaces following all manufacturer’s guidelines for application and maintenance to ensure protection. Being proactive is one of the most critical things you can do to prevent many coating defects/failures and, therefore, any potential unwanted and unnecessary implications. Enrolling in this course will allow you to recognize the various causes of these defects/losses and prevent them.

Understanding the Economic Impact of Corrosion

Corrosion – described as the “deterioration of a material that results from a chemical or electrochemical reaction with the environment” – is a severe problem with an estimated cost of $2.5 trillion globally. Fortunately, facilities can protect their assets from this severe threat by using corrosion-resistant materials. NACE International adds that savings up to 35% of the cost of corrosion could be realized on a global scale by simply using corrosion control practices. During this course, you will learn more about this condition and how it affects various service environments. 

RFI Consultants is an Arizona-based, veteran-owned coating inspecting and consulting company, providing a full suite of commercial and industrial consultations and inspections throughout the Valley. We are committed to minimizing the risk of premature or catastrophic coating failures by promoting material compatibility in addition to ensuring they are applied under the correct specifications, conditions, and manufacturer’s guidelines. Experienced NACE-certified consultants perform all consultations, inspections, and training courses. For more information about RFI Consultant’s coating inspection and consulting services or to inquire about our coating training courses, we invite you to contact us today at (480) 560-7182.

Resources:

“Corrosion Basics.” The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).

“Economic Impact: Assessment of the Global Cost of Corrosion.” NACE International.

Milkman, Katy. “New Year’s Resolutions Are Notoriously Slippery, but Science Can Help You Keep Them.” Scientific American, January 11, 2022.

Stewart, Chrissy. “The Composition of a Paint Coating.” Corrosionpedia, February 14, 2019.