How to renovate and sustainably protect diamond plates and safety gratings in an industrial environment ?

This solution explains how to renovate and durably protect checkered plates against corrosion, wear, traffic, chemical attacks, etc. in an industrial environment, whether indoors or outdoors.
Whether new or already rusted, the lifespan of tread plates made of steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel can easily be extended thanks to our high-performance paints.

Products presented

The problem

Because of the environment that can be sometimes very aggressive, rust can accumulate and begin to create deformations in the metal. Over time, the action of rust will weaken the structure to the point where it may need to be replaced. 

This process will be even quicker if the diamond plate is located outdoors or subject to an aggressive industrial environment, such as fumes or vapors. 

Checkered plates also tend to deform to the point where rainwater or other substances can accumulate and stagnate for some time, further accelerating deterioration. 

Therefore, our solution combines several performance criteria such as:

• Corrosion resistance
• Resistance to chemical splashes
• Resistance to sometimes aggressive fumes
• Traffic resistance
• Resistance to stagnant water

The solution

RD Coatings offers various systems depending on the condition of the sheets, their composition, the environment, and the desired performance.

These are generally paint systems that can be applied quickly and easily, in just two coats!

Our water-based products are non-flammable, virtually odorless, and contain very few volatile organic compounds (VOCs)! These properties make them highly appreciated in hazardous or busy environments, as well as in industries where hygiene measures are important.

Our solutions described in the "Systems" tab make use of the following products:

RD-Elastometal : A high-performance single-component elastomeric coating combining superior corrosion protection and waterproofing properties.

  • Ideal for surfaces already rusted and prone to water stagnation.

RD-Monoguard : A highly powerful single-component anticorrosion coating with exceptional adhesion properties.

  • Ideal for new sheets of steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

RD-Edeck Slurry : A single-component intermediate coating creating a thick, abrasion-resistant, flexible, and non-slip wear layer.

  • Ideal for platforms with heavy traffic.

RD-Hydrograff HP : A two-component polyurethane finish coating highly resistant to wear, abrasion, chemical attacks, and UV radiation.

  • It's the optimal finish in industrial environments.

RD-Monofloor PU : A single-component polyurethane finish coating with fast drying and UV resistance.

  • Ideal finish for sheets with low traffic and located in non-aggressive environments.

System(s)

1/ Rusted plates located in industrial environment

ProductConsumption Dry film
1st layer
RD-Elastometal0,40 kg/m²
130 s/f-g
175 µ
7 mils
2nd layerRD-Elastometal0,40 kg/m²
130 s/f-g
175 µ
7 mils
3rd layerRD-Hydrograff HP Glossy0,10 l/m²
390 s/f-g
50 µ
2 mils

A second RD-Hydrograff HP coat is recommended if the surface is subject to very heavy traffic.

Choose a color that is not prone to getting dirty or a safety color from our color palette !

2/ Rusted plates located in low traffic and non industrial environment

ProductConsumption Dry film
1st layer
RD-Elastometal0,40 kg/m²
130 s/f-g
175 µ
7 mils
2nd layerRD-Elastometal0,40 kg/m²
130 s/f-g
175 µ
7 mils
3rd layerRD-Monofloor PU0,20 l/m²
290 s/f-g
60 µ
2.4 mils

3/ Rusted plates located in industrial environment, ponding water, heavy traffic

ProductConsumption Dry film
1st layer
RD-Elastometal0,40 kg/m²
130 s/f-g
175 µ
7 mils
2nd layerRD-Edeck Slurry2,40 kg/m²
29 s/f-g
900 µ
36 mils
3rd layerRD-Hydrograff HP Glossy0,10 l/m²
390 s/f-g
50 µ
2 mils

4/ New plates or smooth surfaces located in industrial environment and/or with high traffic - ferrous and non ferrous metal

ProductConsumption Dry film
1st layer
RD-Monoguard0,20 l/m²
200 s/f-g
80 µ
3.2 mils
2nd layerRD-Hydrograff HP Glossy0,10 l/m²
390 s/f-g
50 µ
2 mils

5/ New plates or smooth surfaces with low to medium traffic & non agressive environment - ferrous and non ferrous metal

ProductConsumption Dry film
1st layer
RD-Monoguard0,20 l/m²
200 s/f-g
80 µ
3.2 mils
2nd layerRD-Monofloor PU0,20 l/m²
290 s/f-g
60 µ
2.4 mils
3rd layerRD-Monofloor PU0,20 l/m²
290 s/f-g
60 µ
2.4 mils

Application conditions and work preparation

Environmental conditions (general requirements):

• Minimum air and substrate temperatures: 10°C / 50°F for 24 hours.

• Maximum surface temperature: 55°C / 130°F.

• Maximum relative humidity: 90%.

• Surface temperature must be at least 3°C / 5°F above dew point.

• No threat of rain for 6 hours.

/!\ Notes

• There must be no condensation on the surface during application and drying. Caution when working at the beginning or end of the season!

• Overnight drying between coats is generally recommended. However, drying rates for water-based coatings depend on temperature, humidity and wind.

• From 15°C / 59°F, working conditions are comfortable and enable higher productivity. 

• If the project is located in a very hot area with very intense sunshine during the day, avoid applying the system when the sun is most intense on the surface, and prefer to work early in the morning, late in the afternoon or in the shade.

Surface preparation

The surface must always be clean, dry, free of grease and contaminants. Rust or loose paint must be removed.

Accepted methods and standards:

• Manual or mechanical derusting ST2 - ISO 8501-1 / SSPC SP2 or SP3.

• High-pressure cleaner with rotating nozzle angle of 0°, minimum 300 bar / 4400 psi or more, depending on the condition and degree of soiling.

Paint that has resisted to the cleaning process can remain in place. Depending on the nature of the project or the specific area to be treated, a combination of these methods is possible.

Hand cleaning or using an electric tool is also an option and is recommended when a more detailed surface preparation is required for objects located on or near the platform, such as access ladders and bolts/fasteners that may be heavily rusted.

Moss and mildew should be removed down to the roots using appropriate cleaners.

Direct environment

Observe the presence of any chimneys or ventilation units that may expel contaminants onto the surface to be treated. Neutralize their effects during work.

RD-Eco Powerclean

Use RD-Eco Powerclean just before application to ensure that the surface is clean and degreased. Particularly in the presence of stubborn dirt, oil, grease or pollution on the surface, or where there is a long lap of time between surface preparation and the start of the application.

Inspection of bolts/fasteners

Inspect the condition of the bolts securing the metal sheets to each other and to the wall structure. Defective bolts and fasteners must be repaired or replaced. 

Edges and corners

Check edges and corners. These are the areas most prone to corrosion. In case of corrosion or bare metal, apply RD-Elastometal with a brush.

Application material

RD-Eco Powerclean

Low-pressure sprayer. 

RD-Elastometal

Brush or roller
Airless device: minimum pressure 180 bars / 2600 psi. Nozzle opening: 0.015 - 0.023 in.

RD-Monoguard

Brush, roller or airless.
Airless: opening of nozzle 010 to 012 – pressure 70 to 150 bars / 1000 to 2200 psi.
Airless application is recommended and makes it easier to achieve the recommended thicknesses.

RD-Monofloor PU

Brush, roller or airless (nozzle size: 015–021)  

RD-Edeck Slurry

Brush, roller, notch squeegee, or metal trowel. 

RD-Edeck Slurry can also be spray-applied using the Graco TexSpray T-max 6912 (large jobs),TexSpray RTX 5000PI (medium jobs) or TexSpray FastFinish (small jobs).

RD-Hydrograff HP

Brush or roller
Airless: pressure +/- 70 bars / 1000 psi. Nozzle opening: 0.007 - 0.009 in.

Tool cleaning

Clean with clean water only.

Product application

RD-Eco Powerclean

Dilute between 5 and 20% in water, depending on degree of soiling. Spray on and leave for 15 minutes. Then rinse with a high-pressure cleaner.

RD-Elastometal

Ready-to-use product. Stir mechanically a few minutes before application. Do not dilute.

Drying time: (20°C - 68°F)
Touch-dry: +/- 3 hours
Recoatable: +/- 6 hours

RD-Monoguard

Ready-to-use product. Stir mechanically a few minutes before application. Do not dilute.

Drying time: (20°C – 68°F) 
Dry to the touch: +/- 1 hour
Recoverable: +/- 2 hours

RD-Monofloor PU

Ready-to-use product. Stir mechanically a few minutes before application. Do not dilute.

Drying time: (20°C - 68°F)
Touch dry: +/- 2 hours
Recoatable: +/- 4 hours

RD-Edeck Slurry

Ready-to-use product. Stir mechanically a few minutes before application. Do not dilute.

Drying time :
Touch dry: +/- 3-4 hours
Recoatable:
+/- 18 hours at 15°C – 60°F
+/- 12 hours at 26°C – 80°F
+/- 4 hours at 35°C – 90°F

RD-Hydrograff HP

Two-component product: just before application, add slowly component B to component A while mixing mechanically.

After mixing, allow to stand for approx. 5-10 minutes, until air bubbles disappear.

Mixing ratioColor versionClear
WeightB : 270gr / A : 995grB : 170gr / A : 850gr
Volume3,5:15,5:1

Pot-life: 2 hours at 20°C / 68°F

Drying time: (20°C - 68°F)
Touch-dry: 6 h
Recoatable: min. 8 h, max. 72 h, without sanding
Mechanical resistance: 3 days
Chemical resistance: 7 days

Tip !

Applying a coat of RD-Metal Unicoat or RD-Elastometal over each fastener after inspection will not only help visualize the progress of the inspection, but also add a first protective layer over these weak spots. This step is recommended in harsh environments or on heavily rusted surfaces.

Pictures

1/ Preparation

Surface métallique rouillée Nettoyage haute pression de la surface métallique

2/ Application

3/ Result

VERS. S29-240529