Machinery, storage tanks and pipelines are where corrosion costs the most: in downtime, leaks and early replacement. Here is how to protect them with Prestige Epoxy Primer, and where its limits are.
Short answer: Prestige Epoxy Primer protects the external steel surfaces of machinery, storage tanks, pipelines, pipe racks and equipment frames. Its low-permeability epoxy film resists oils, greases and solvents, holds out water and moisture once cured, and has superior abrasion and impact resistance. Because it is surface dry in about 4 minutes and fully cured in 24 hours, a plant can prime and build the film during a short shutdown. Prepare the steel properly, apply two to three coats at least 6 hours apart, and check with Turbolux technical support before using it on tank interiors, in continuous immersion or on hot surfaces.
Why do machinery, tanks and pipelines corrode?
- Spills and splashes. Oil, coolant, grease and process chemicals soften weak coatings and strip them away.
- Condensation. Cold pipes and tanks sweat in humid air, so their surfaces stay wet for long periods.
- Wash-down. Regular cleaning with water and detergents attacks low-quality paint.
- Impact and abrasion. Tools, trolleys, forklifts and maintenance work chip coatings and expose bare steel.
- Hidden corners. Flanges, bolts, supports, saddles and the undersides of pipes trap water and are rarely inspected.
Where can Prestige be used on equipment?
Prestige’s technical data lists structural steel, storage tanks, pipelines, machinery, warehouses, chemical plants and industrial floors as application areas, for interior and exterior use.
| Equipment | Typical use | Why Prestige fits |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery frames, bases and guards | External steel surfaces | Holds out oil and grease, resists knocks and abrasion |
| Storage tanks | External shells, roofs, stands and ladders | Low-permeability film keeps moisture away from the steel |
| Pipelines and pipe racks | External pipe surfaces, supports and racks | Corrosion guard for humid and coastal plants |
| Pump and motor bases | Steel base plates and skids | Stands up to spills and wash-down |
| Chemical plant steelwork | Platforms, handrails, supports | High resistance to oils, greases and solvents |
| Concrete plinths and bunds | Equipment foundations and floors | Bonds to concrete as well as steel |
Built for structural steel, storage tanks, pipelines, machinery and chemical plants. Surface dry in 4 minutes, full cure in 24 hours, with high resistance to oils, greases and solvents.
Grey & Black · Interior & exteriorView Prestige →Where should you check before using Prestige?
Some surfaces need a coating system specifically rated for the job. Talk to Turbolux technical support before using Prestige on:
- The inside of drinking water tanks. Internal surfaces in contact with potable water need coatings certified for that use.
- Surfaces in continuous immersion, such as tank interiors holding fuel, chemicals or water.
- Hot surfaces, such as steam lines, exhausts and hot process pipes. Prestige’s data is given at normal ambient conditions.
- Galvanised or non-ferrous metals. Prestige is rated for steel, iron, other ferrous metals and concrete.
Being clear about these limits protects your equipment and gets the right result first time.
How do you prime equipment during a shutdown?
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| Before the shutdown | Inspect and mark corroded areas, order primer, plan access and isolation |
| Day 1, morning | Isolate equipment, clean off oil and grease, remove rust and loose coating |
| Day 1, midday | Stripe coat welds, flanges, bolts and edges, then apply the first full coat (surface dry in about 4 minutes) |
| Day 1, after 6 hours or more | Second full coat |
| Day 2 | Third coat on exposed or chemical areas, then allow 24 hours to full cure |
| Day 3 | Inspect, touch up and return to service |
As the Prestige data puts it, a weekend shutdown is enough to prime, build the film and hand the plant back. Allow more time in cold or very humid conditions.
- Degrease first. Remove oil, grease, wax and process residue with a suitable solvent or degreaser, before abrading, so contamination is not ground into the surface.
- Remove rust, mill scale and loose coatings by scraping, wire brushing, sanding or abrasive blasting.
- Repair defects. Fill pinholes and pits with a compatible epoxy filler.
- Make sure surfaces are completely dry. Wipe off condensation and wait for cold pipes and tanks to warm above the dew point.
- Apply thin, even coats. Brush or roller are the primary methods; spray at about 5% dilution.
- Ventilate and control ignition sources. Epoxy primers are flammable. Follow your plant’s hot-work and permit rules.
How often should industrial equipment be inspected?
- Monthly walk-round: look for fresh chips, leaks and spills that have damaged the coating.
- Every year, after the monsoon: check flanges, supports, saddles, bolts and the underside of pipes.
- Touch up immediately: clean the spot back to sound steel, spot-prime with Prestige and restore the finish.
- Plan a full recoat when coating breakdown spreads across the surface rather than appearing in isolated spots.
For the steel structures around your equipment, see our steel paint guide, and for floors, epoxy primer for concrete floors. Lighter steelwork such as guards and frames can also be primed with Pride; see Prestige vs Pride.
Frequently asked questions
Can Prestige Epoxy Primer be used on storage tanks?
Yes, on external tank shells, roofs, stands and ladders. For tank interiors, drinking water contact or continuous immersion, check with Turbolux technical support first.
Is Prestige resistant to oil and grease?
Yes. Its low-permeability epoxy film has high resistance to oils, greases and solvents, which stay on the surface and wipe clean.
Can I paint pipelines while the plant is running?
Only cold, isolated sections that are safe to work on. Hot pipes and live process lines should be isolated, cooled and cleared under your plant’s permit system before painting.
How long before primed machinery can go back into service?
Prestige reaches full cure in 24 hours at normal ambient conditions. Allow longer in cold or humid weather.
How many coats does industrial equipment need?
Two to three coats, at least 6 hours apart, with a stripe coat on welds, flanges and edges. Use three coats in chemical, coastal and wash-down areas.
Planning a maintenance shutdown?
Talk to your nearest Turbolux dealer about Prestige Epoxy Primer for your plant and equipment.
Find a Turbolux dealer →90728 26662 · [email protected] · Happy walls in just a stroke.
