Storage Tank Painting in Ohio & US Wide

Determining when tanks should be repainted depends a lot on these four factors: 

1. Condition of the existing coating system of the tank.
   • Cracking – peeling – flaking coatings 
2. The costs associated with a coating failure; (i.e. costs of tank downtime, costs of delays, costs of fines, and the cost of the liabilities that may come with a coating failure)
3. Tank Environment:
   • Where is the tank geographically located –  Environmental variables that can affect coating longevity are affects such as the amount of UV exposure from the sun, hold & cold temperature swings, salt water, proximity to salted roadways, proximity to sandy/dusty areas with frequent winds (could slowly erode coating), proximity to certain chemical plants/operations, etc. 
   • What contents are being held in the tank? The more corrosive the contents, the more likely you will have issues with corrosion and therefore will determine how frequently you will need to budget for another coating/lining application.
4. Quality of the prep & coatings chosen for the new paint job

The answers to these 4 questions will help in determining the frequency and the level of quality for each proceeding paint job. A good rule of thumb for you typical storage tank exterior is around 20 years after one of our coating systems are applied – SSPC SP6 commercial blast spec, has one coat of zinc-rich epoxy primer, one intermediate coat of epoxy, and a finish coat of polyurethane.

For example:

If a tank has issues with paint flaking every other year or every couple years and the way it was restored each time was a basic pressure wash and overcoat, it’s very likely from our experience that the reason for such a premature paint failure is due to improper prep and application from the previous paint job. A typical coating system on a tank exterior that has an estimated life of around 20 years is one that was sandblasted to an SSPC SP6 commercial blast spec, has one coat of zinc-rich epoxy primer, one intermediate coat of epoxy, and a finish coat of polyurethane. 

There are several safety variables and procedures to consider when working with storage tanks. When we first start a project, we start by identifying all Jobsite Hazards going through our JSA Forms. We go through all the tasks we’ll be performing throughout the project and assess the hazards for each task; i.e. confined space entry; checking gas monitors to make sure they’re calibrated, identifying entry/exit, identifying where to lockout/tagout, rescue plan.

We’ll do this for every task including tasks not directly related to the project such as forklift operation safety and laborer safety and consult with plant staff to see if there’s any additional hazards to consider.

In addition to the JSA forms, it’s necessary to conduct lockout/tagout/tryout on the tank throughout the project, confined space entry safety procedures (if applicable), fall protection and rescue plan, PPE check, respirator fit tests on personnel prior to arrival, equipment safety check; (verifying the date last certified for service on personnel lifts, checking for visual safety issues on all equipment types), clean breathing air filters and breathing air gas monitors, ventilation systems are properly setup to allow proper ventilation (if applicable).

In addition to the above we’ll also consult with plant staff on job-site specific plan for fire safety protocol and our Emergency Action Plan.

Absolutely! Painting can prevent corrosion by providing a protective barrier against corrosion causing elements: water, salts, chlorides, oxygen, etc. Proper surface preparation, along with using the right type of coating for your application, is crucial for effective corrosion protection and extending the service life of your tank or asset.

There’s a great degree of variance here as it all depends on these 3 things:

1. Condition of the existing coating system on the tank
2. Tank environment
3. Quality of prep and coatings chosen for the new paint job

Low quality paint jobs for a tank typically involve a basic pressure wash of the exterior, spot priming areas showing clear corrosion issues, then overcoating with a coat of oil based enamel paint. Typically these paint jobs will last 1-5 years with most averaging 1-2 years.

Good quality paint jobs for a tank typically involve sandblasting to a commercial blast spec SSPC SP6 and priming the entire surface with a coat of epoxy and a coat of high solids polyurethane. These paint jobs will typically last 15-20 years, with most averaging around 18 years.

Great quality paint jobs for a tank typically involve sandblasting to a near white blast spec SSPC SP10 and priming the entire surface with a coat of zinc rich primer, a coat of epoxy and a coat of high solids polyurethane. These paint jobs will typically last 25-30 years, with most averaging around 27 years.

At Markley’s Precision we offer only The Best paint jobs on the market, which involve sandblasting to a near white metal blast spec SSPC SP10 or for the best blast a white metal SSPC SP5. These tanks are then coated with a coat of zinc rich primer, 2 coats of epoxy with an additional stripe coat along the welds, and 1 coat of hydroflon polyurethane topcoat. These paint jobs have an anticipated life of 50 years. 

Yes, environmental considerations include:

• Choosing low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints to reduce air pollution – check with your local coatings rep or contractor to see what’s allowed in your state.
• Ensuring proper disposal of paint waste and cleaning solvents.
• Considering local weather conditions for optimal painting and drying times.
• Selecting coatings suitable for the specific environmental conditions (e.g., UV-resistant paints in sunny areas). 
• Also, environmental variables can affect coating longevity such as the amount of UV exposure from the sun, hot and cold temperature swings, salt water, proximity to salted roadways, proximity to sandy/dusty areas with frequent winds (could slowly erode coating), proximity to certain chemical plants/operations, etc.

In addition to the above, testing the existing coating for lead based paint is recommended, chat with your contractor or local coatings rep to see what coatings should be used based on where your tank is at or what it’s storing.

Darker colors absorb more heat, potentially increasing the tank’s internal temperature. Lighter colors (e.g., White, Light Gray, Beige) reflect more sunlight, keeping the tank cooler. This can be important for temperature-sensitive contents and in areas with extreme temperatures. Also the glossier the coating, the better it will reflect the sun’s rays and heat.

For small, non-industrial tanks, a DIY approach might be feasible. However, for larger, industrial storage tanks, it’s advisable to hire professionals due to the complexity, safety requirements, and need for specialized equipment and expertise.

For Tank Exteriors the maintenance includes:

• Regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris – Via a low psi pressure washer (3500 and below), outdoor bleach and a good surfactant such as Eaco Chem’s Cleansol BC or Simple Green – depending on height, this is something you may want to consider contracting out to a company familiar with tank cleaning at various heights. 
• Inspecting for and promptly repairing chips, cracks, or peeling.
• Monitoring for signs of corrosion or wear.
• Ensuring proper drainage around the tank to prevent water accumulation.

Proper painting and maintenance can significantly extend a storage tank’s lifespan. The protective layer of paint prevents rust and corrosion, which are primary factors in tank degradation. Regular repainting and maintenance are key to maximizing the tank’s lifespan.

Theoretically, a tank that has been coated with a textbook paint job since the beginning of its life, and with good care and textbook recoats in the future, its life can be extended indefinitely into perpetuity. 

For industrial tank painting, specific types of paints are used to ensure durability, corrosion resistance, and suitability for the stored substance. The common types include:

• Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy paints are widely used for their strong adhesion, chemical resistance, and durability. They are particularly effective against corrosion and are suitable for tanks storing water, petroleum products, and certain chemicals.
• Polyurethane Coatings: These coatings offer excellent weathering resistance, flexibility, and UV stability, making them ideal for outdoor tanks. 
• Zinc-Rich Primers: Often used as a primer coat, zinc-rich paints provide excellent corrosion protection by sacrificially corroding in place of the tank’s metal. 
• Alkyd Coatings: Alkyd paints are oil-based coatings that offer good resistance to moisture and relatively easy application. 
• Acrylic Coatings: Acrylic paints are water-based and offer good weather resistance and color retention. They are environmentally friendly due to low VOC levels and are often used where a quick-drying, easy-to-apply solution is needed.
• Vinyl Ester Coatings: These are highly chemical-resistant coatings used in tanks storing aggressive chemicals. 
• High-Temperature Coatings: For tanks exposed to high temperatures, specialized high-temperature resistant paints are used. 

The choice of paint depends on factors like the tank’s material, the substance being stored, environmental exposure, and regulatory requirements. Proper surface preparation and application according to manufacturer specifications are crucial for the effectiveness of these coatings.