Protective Coatings
Anglia Decor are specialist protective coatings contractors applying anti-corrosion, chemical-resistant and intumescent fire protection systems to structural steelwork, pipework, tanks, gantries and industrial infrastructure across the UK. Corrosion costs UK industry an estimated £70 billion per year , protective coatings are the first line of defence.
For tendering enquiries, please email info@angliadecor.co.uk
Anti-Corrosion and Protective Coating Systems for Industrial Service Environments
Protective coatings is the broad category covering any coating system applied to prevent corrosion, chemical attack, fire damage, or environmental degradation of metal and concrete structures. The specification depends on the substrate (carbon steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium, concrete), the corrosive environment (atmospheric, immersion, chemical, marine), and the required service life. ISO 12944 classifies corrosive environments from C1 (very low , heated interiors) to CX (extreme , offshore, chemical plants) and defines the coating system thickness and type required for each category and target durability.
Anglia Decor applies multi-coat protective coating systems following ISO 12944 specifications. A typical C3 (medium , urban and light industrial) system comprises a zinc-rich epoxy primer at 60 to 80 microns, an epoxy midcoat at 100 to 150 microns, and a polyurethane topcoat at 50 to 80 microns , a total system thickness of 200 to 300 microns providing 15 to 25 years of corrosion protection. C4 and C5 systems for coastal, heavy industrial, and chemical environments increase total thickness to 320 to 500 microns using high-build epoxy primers and reinforced topcoats.
Specialist protective coatings include: zinc silicate primers for long-term cathodic protection of carbon steel; glass flake epoxy linings for immersion service in tanks, bunds, and secondary containment; intumescent coatings for structural steel fire protection; heat-resistant coatings for exhaust stacks, boiler casings, and high-temperature pipework; and anti-graffiti coatings for public-facing structures. Each system is specified to a recognised standard , ISO 12944, NACE, SSPC, or the coating manufacturer's data sheet , and applied by trained operatives with wet film thickness monitoring at every stage.
Protective Coating Application by Specialist Contractors
Surface preparation to the correct standard is the single most important factor in protective coating performance. ISO 8501 defines visual preparation grades from St 2 (thorough hand and power tool cleaning) to Sa 3 (white metal blast cleaning). Most C3 and above systems require Sa 2½ (near-white blast cleaning) , achieved by abrasive grit blasting to remove all mill scale, rust, old coatings, and surface contamination. Anglia Decor operates mobile blast units for on-site work and partners with specialist blast facilities for components that can be transported off-site. Where open grit blasting is not permitted , occupied buildings, sensitive environments, confined spaces , mechanical preparation using power tools, needle guns, and Bristle Blaster equipment achieves equivalent surface profiles.
Coating application follows strict environmental controls. Substrate temperature must be a minimum of 3°C above dew point to prevent condensation on the prepared surface. Relative humidity above 85% halts application for most epoxy and polyurethane systems. Each coat is checked with a wet film gauge during application and a dry film gauge after cure to verify thickness compliance. Inspection documentation includes surface preparation grade, environmental conditions at time of application, coating batch numbers, wet and dry film thickness readings, and recoat interval compliance.
Anglia Decor has applied protective coatings to bridge steelwork, factory roof structures, external fire escapes, chemical plant pipework, water treatment tanks, offshore platform components, telecommunications masts, and listed building ironwork. For end-of-lease properties where anti-corrosion coatings appear on the schedule of works, our dilapidation contractors coordinate protective coatings with the wider remediation programme. Every project is documented with a full coating inspection report that satisfies client, CDM, and third-party inspection requirements.
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Protect Your Steelwork?
Industry-approved protective coatings prevent corrosion and fire damage. Certified applications.
How It Works
Our straightforward process ensures you get the right solution with minimum hassle
Structural Survey & Assessment
Inspect steelwork for corrosion, damage, and coating requirements.
Specification & Planning
Select coating system and create application schedule.
Surface Preparation
Blast clean to remove old coating, rust, and contaminants.
Coating Application & Certification
Apply multi-coat system with quality control and certification documentation.
For tendering enquiries, please email info@angliadecor.co.uk
Why Businesses Trust Anglia Decor for Protective Coatings
Trusted by businesses across the UK for expert, reliable service
Industry-Approved Products
Use leading brands with proven corrosion and fire protection.
Corrosion Prevention Expertise
Deep knowledge of corrosion mechanisms and protection strategies.
Building Regulation Compliance
Fire protection meets all regulatory requirements with certification.
System-Specific Application
Match coating systems to specific environmental exposure and requirements.
Rapid Surface Prep
Efficient blast cleaning and coating application.
Warranty Backed
Long-term coating warranties with comprehensive coverage.
Case Studies
Real projects delivered by Anglia Decor. See the work we've completed for businesses like yours.
Trusted by leading brands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a protective coating?
A protective coating is a multi-layer paint or resin system applied to metal or concrete to prevent corrosion, chemical attack, or fire damage. The system typically comprises a primer, midcoat, and topcoat, each performing a specific protective function.
What standard governs protective coatings?
ISO 12944 is the international standard for corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems. It classifies environments from C1 (very low corrosivity) to CX (extreme) and specifies the coating system required for each category and target service life.
How long do protective coatings last?
Depending on the environment and system specified: C3 systems last 15 to 25 years, C4 systems 15 to 25 years, C5 systems 15 to 25 years. Higher-corrosivity environments require thicker, more chemically resistant systems to achieve the same durability.
What surface preparation is needed?
Most protective coating systems require Sa 2½ blast cleaning (near-white metal) to ISO 8501. This removes all mill scale, rust, and old coatings. Where blasting is not possible, mechanical preparation to St 3 standard using power tools is used.
Can protective coatings be applied on-site?
Yes. Anglia Decor operates mobile blast and spray equipment for on-site application to steelwork, pipework, tanks, and structures. Environmental controls (temperature, humidity, dew point) are monitored throughout.
Do you provide inspection documentation?
Yes. Every project includes surface preparation verification, environmental monitoring records, wet and dry film thickness readings, coating batch traceability, and photographic records. Reports satisfy CDM and third-party inspection requirements.
Ready to Start Your Protective Coatings Project?
Our protective coatings specialists will assess your facility and provide a tailored solution with minimal downtime.