Industrial coatings A-Z

The VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content describes the proportion of volatile organic compounds in paints and coatings. A low VOC value is important for environmental and health protection and plays a central role in regulatory requirements, such as those under the EU VOC Directive. GEHOLIT+WIEMER relies on coating systems with practical, compliant VOC values—tailored to the application and substrate.

Iron mica (iron oxide with a platelet-like structure) is used as a pigment in high-quality anti-corrosion coatings. Its flake-like arrangement significantly enhances the barrier effect against moisture and corrosive substances. Iron mica coatings are particularly suitable for steel structures, bridges, industrial facilities, and demanding environments.

The European Union’s 1994 ATEX guidelines (Explosion Protection Directive) address equipment and protective systems in potentially explosive atmospheres.
To obtain CE marking approval for equipment and machinery intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, the following limit values for conductive and dissipative corrosion protection products must be met in accordance with DIN EN 60079-0 and the “Technical Rules for Operational Safety” (TRBS) 2153:

• A substance or material is considered conductive if its surface resistance (RO) is < 104 Ω
• A substance or material is considered dissipative if its surface resistance (RO) is < 109 Ω

GEHOLIT+WIEMER’s coating systems meet both the high requirements for dissipative properties and for corrosion protection.

For complex components, tight deadlines, or hard-to-reach geometries, the right coating strategy is crucial. Key factors include:

• appropriate pretreatment (e.g., blasting, cleaning)
• selection of the right coating system
• consistent film thicknesses, even at edges and seams

GEHOLIT+WIEMER will be happy to advise you on selecting suitable coating materials.

DB 703 is a commonly used iron mica color with a metallic finish.  The name and formula originally come from Deutsche Bahn (DB), which developed this color for the preservation and design of steel structures (such as bridges, railings, or train platforms). There is no direct 1:1 equivalent in the RAL system, as DB colors are based on their own color standards. Depending on the application, however, similar RAL colors may be recommended, or project-specific color samples can be created.

Single-coat systems provide reliable corrosion protection in a single application. This reduces coating time, material consumption, and application costs. Modern single-coat systems offer fast drying times, high film thicknesses, and protection up to Corrosivity Category C3-High. In addition, many systems are low in VOCs and therefore more environmentally friendly.

Each corrosivity category describes the extent to which steel is at risk of corrosion due to environmental factors. According to DIN EN ISO 12944, it is classified into categories C1 through C5—ranging from very low to very high corrosion exposure. This classification helps in selecting the appropriate corrosion protection system for the specific environment. For example, heated indoor spaces are usually classified as C1 or C2, while industrial facilities or coastal areas are often assigned to categories C4 or C5.

GEHOLIT+WIEMER offers corrosion protection products for all corrosivity categories.

All-weather technology in corrosion protection enables the reliable application of coatings even under challenging weather conditions, such as low temperatures down to -5° Celsius, high humidity, or light rain. Unlike conventional corrosion protection products, all-weather coatings are specially formulated to adhere optimally and dry quickly even under less-than-ideal environmental conditions.

This technology is primarily used in steel and plant construction, for outdoor maintenance work, and in bridge and infrastructure construction, where work interruptions caused by changeable weather must be avoided. GEHOLIT+WIEMER’s all-weather products thus help to implement projects more efficiently, reduce downtime, and ensure long-lasting, effective corrosion protection.

GEHOLIT+WIEMER offers industrial floor coating systems for a variety of requirements, such as:

• static-dissipative and conductive floors
• coatings resistant to chemicals and mechanical stress
• renovation of existing industrial floors