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Hi, I am trying to specify a protective coating for a steel frame in a swimming pool area. it will need protection from high levels of humidity. we are planning to clad the steel frame in an ok plank to make it look like solid wood. Would you be also able to specify a treatment for the wood. Steve


Providing the steel won't be subject to high levels of humidity during the cure process and assuming the steel does not require a decorative finish, you can use the below specification.

Environment (Defined in ISO 12944-2:1998) Category C4 -  Industrial Areas and Chemical Plants
Durability (Life to first major maintenance - see notes below) Up to 20 years
Surface Preparation Blast Clean to Sa2½ BS EN ISO 8501-1:2007
Surface Profile Within the range 50-75 microns typical
Coat Material d.f.t. microns
Primer / Buildcoat Sherwin-Williams Macropoxy C400V3 275

Notes on this specification;

  1. ISO12944 states that Durability is not a guarantee time. Durability should be considered as the coating design life, where regular minor maintenance should be scheduled to achieve the required life to first major maintenance
  2. Dry film thicknesses (d.f.t.) quoted are NOMINAL as defined by BS EN ISO 12944-5.
  3. The same material is used for site touch up following suitable cleaning and re-preparation of affected areas.
  4. All materials should be obtained from Rawlins Paints and must be applied in accordance with the technical data sheets.
  5. Coated steelwork should be protected to prevent prolonged contact with water, e.g. ponding.
  6. Limited range of primer shades.
  7. All epoxy coatings will discolour and chalk progressively. Later application (site touch-up) may be noticeable.
  8. Stripe coat all edges, welds and areas of difficult access, to ensure full film thickness.
  9. For fire protection systems, please contact the Technical Department.
  10. This specification is offered as guidance only. To ensure that the most appropriate materials are used please contact Rawlins Paints with the project details.

With regards to a woodcoating system for use on Oak cladded steel in a swimming pool environment the below issues need explaining to your client. 

  • High humidity which can lead to black tanning on oak.
  • Colour of translucent finish required (using a clear coating is not advisable)
  • Ensuring all end grain timber is sealed to minimize moisture ingress which will distort the timber and turn Oak black. 

We have sent you a seperate email with some further information attached which may be of use. We can provide a system but its important your customer is made aware of these issues.