3. Post-application cleaning: Maintaining the long-term performance of the coating.
Removing excess paint to ensure the quality of the appearance.
How it works: During the painting process, paint may drip onto non-painted areas (such as floors and connectors). Prompt cleaning is required to prevent corrosion and aesthetic degradation.
Specific impacts:
Uncleaned paint: Difficult to remove after drying, potentially damaging other components or affecting structural function.
Cleaning method
Wet film stage: Wipe uncured paint with a solvent.
Dry film stage: Sand with sandpaper or a dedicated remover.
Regular maintenance extends the life of the coating.
How it works: Over long-term use, the coating may flake off due to mechanical damage, environmental corrosion, or aging. Regular inspection and cleaning of damaged areas is necessary.
Specific impacts:
Localized flakes: Exposed steel is susceptible to rust, reducing overall fire resistance.
Maintenance measures:
Annual inspection: Use a tapping method or infrared thermometer to test the coating integrity.
Local repair: Sand and clean the damaged area before repainting.
4. The Direct Impact of Cleaning on Fireproofing Performance
Ensuring Uniform Thickness of the Fireproofing Layer
Mechanism: A cleaned surface ensures uniform coating coverage, preventing impurities from causing insufficient or excessive coating thickness.
Standard Requirements: According to the "Fireproofing Coatings for Steel Structures," the thickness of thin-film coatings should be ≥3mm, and that of thick-film coatings should be ≥15mm, with a tolerance of no more than ±10%.
Maintaining Fireproofing and Heat Insulation
Mechanism: Cleaning the surface ensures uniform distribution of fireproofing additives (such as intumescent flame retardants) in the coating, forming a dense carbonized layer at high
temperatures that effectively blocks heat transfer.
Experimental Data: Uncleaned surfaces can result in a 30% reduction in carbonized layer thickness and a 20% reduction in fireproofing effectiveness.
5. The Relationship Between Cleaning and Work Safety
Reducing Construction Risks
Mechanism: A cleaned surface prevents paint from slipping or splashing, reducing the risk of construction workers being exposed to hazardous substances.
Specific Measures:
Wear protective equipment: such as dust masks, goggles, and gloves.
Warning Signs: Post "Do Not Enter" signs in the cleaned area to prevent cross-contamination. Environmentally Friendly
How it Works: Waste generated during cleaning (such as rust and old coatings) must be sorted and disposed of to avoid soil or water contamination.
Treatment Method:
Metal waste: Recycled to a scrap steel processing plant.
Chemical wastewater: Dispose of by a professional organization for harmless treatment.
Click here to watch: What Is the Role of Surface Cleaning for Fire-retardant Coatings on Steel Structures (part 1)?
What Determines the Frequency and Duration of Cleaning?
