Amine Blush
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What is Amine Blush
Amine blush is a chemical reaction that occurs between water, carbon dioxide, and the amine component of epoxy coatings. Amines are hygroscopic, which means that they tend to absorb moisture from the air and are prone to react with available moisture and carbon dioxide. If appropriate conditions are not met or if the coating is susceptible to amine blush, a side effect of the curing reaction may appear on the coating surface. If the surface is to be overcoated, the presence of an amine blush can act as a bond breaker between the coating layers.
Aside from the serious issue of decreased adhesion of subsequent coats, amine blush can cause multiple other issues including aesthetics, an increased tendency to yellow, decreased stain resistance, lower gloss retention, softening of the coating, and reduced chemical resistance to mention a few. In addition, when the amine component reacts with water and carbon dioxide, it can leave the coating in an under-cured state.
Identifying Amine Blush
Amine blush can be described as a sticky, oily, or waxy appearance on the surface and can appear as greasy white spotting, or even salt-like, with crystalline deposits. Visually it can also be cloudy, milky, or gray colored, with opacity and dullness. A more troublesome aspect of blush is that it may not be evident or even visible. Not only is blush sometimes not evident, but the blush can also be a highly localized phenomenon because of uneven ventilation and/or many other factors. One area may be perfectly fine, while not ten feet away, a bond-inhibiting blush has occurred that will cause certain delamination of successive coats.
Preventing Amine Blush
The best way to prevent an amine blush is to monitor and control the environmental conditions before, during, and after application. Avoid
condensation by staying at least 5°F above the dew point before and throughout the application and cure. A very effective method for reducing moisture and lowering dew points is using dehumidification equipment. Coatings that are prone to amine blush should be noted on the Product Data Sheet and monitored more closely.
The Role of Trained Coating Inspectors in Preventing Amine Blush
Amine blush, a common issue in the application of epoxy coatings, can significantly affect the integrity and longevity of protective coatings if not properly addressed. This phenomenon occurs when the amine-curing agents in epoxy react with moisture and carbon dioxide in the air, forming a waxy layer on the surface of the coating. This can lead to adhesion problems, aesthetic issues, and ultimately, a reduction in the protective capabilities of the coating. Trained coating inspectors play a pivotal role in preventing amine blush through several key strategies.
Early Detection and Assessment
Trained coating inspectors are equipped with the knowledge and tools to identify the early signs of amine blush. Through thorough inspection processes, they can detect the presence of the waxy layer that characterizes amine blush, often before it becomes visible to the untrained eye. This early detection is crucial in taking timely measures to address the issue before it compromises the coating’s performance.
Optimal Environmental Conditions
One of the primary ways to prevent amine blush is by ensuring that coating application occurs under optimal environmental conditions. Trained inspectors are adept at measuring and monitoring temperature, humidity, and dew point before, during, and after the application of epoxy coatings. By ensuring that conditions are within the manufacturer’s recommended ranges, the risk of amine blush formation can be significantly reduced.
Application Techniques and Standards
Trained coating inspectors ensure that coating application methods adhere to industry standards and best practices. They guide the correct mixing ratios, application thickness, and curing times, which are critical factors in preventing amine blush. Their expertise ensures that the coating is applied evenly and cures properly, minimizing the chances of adverse reactions with moisture and carbon dioxide.
Post-Application Evaluation and Remediation
After the application of epoxy coatings, trained inspectors conduct detailed evaluations to ensure that the coating is free from defects, including amine blush. If an amine blush is detected, these professionals can recommend and oversee effective remediation techniques, such as washing the affected area with suitable solvents or abrasive blasting, to remove the blush before reapplying the coating. This ensures that the integrity and protective qualities of the coating are maintained.
Continuous Education and Awareness
Trained coating inspectors are invaluable in the prevention of amine blush, ensuring that epoxy coatings achieve their intended protective function and aesthetic appeal. Through their expertise in early detection, environmental monitoring, application standards, and post-application evaluation, they safeguard the integrity of coatings against the detrimental effects of amine blush, thereby contributing to the durability and performance of infrastructure assets.
Our process
our coating inspection process
We have a tried and true methodology for assessing and prevention corrosion through our ISO-standardized and client-customized workflow.
01.
Survey
A maintenance survey determines the coating conditions of a surface. Surveys are used to create a maintenance schedule for re-coating and touch-up applications.
02.
Testing
The Coating Inspector performs testing for a wide range of coating applications. We test for conformity, compatibility, performance, coat thickness, hardness, adhesion, and finishes.
03.
Recommendations
Once testing has been completed, we provide our detailed recommendations in a report. This ensures that all aspects of the survey are considered and addressed.
04.
Coating Specifications
All jobs are conducted according to industry standards: NACE/AMPP, ISO 9001:2015 and CSA/SSPC in Canada, ASTM and ISO for international clients.
05.
our team
The Coating Inspector works with contractors, owners, and engineers. We are a third party unbiased leader in the provision of professional coating inspection services.
06.
blasting & painting
The Coating Inspector provides supervision and project management in the sandblasting, painting and coatings industry.
Our Services
We check industrial equipment to ensure protective coatings were correctly applied to minimize corrosion risk. Our inspectors go through rigorous training to identify problems in coating applications. They can make recommendations for which types of coatings can best protect the materials from corroding.
A coatings survey provides a sense of how a coating is currently performing and identifies any problems that need to be addressed immediately. The survey provides the next steps to be undertaken. Surveys are a necessary part of an ongoing maintenance plan and should be performed on a regular basis.
This is the qualitative test of the adhesion coating system. This test will only give allow to ensure there is an adequate bond to the coated substrate. This test does not differentiate between levels of bonding. Adhesion testing is used to evaluate the adhesion to the substrate, in between coats, and internal film.
To determine the quality of the protective coating our inspector will measure dry film thickness or DFT. Considered one of the most important tests an inspector can make. DFT test serves as a foundation for the entire coating inspection,.
We create custom maintenance programs that identify areas to be surveyed, the level of detail required, and manpower that will be required to execute. We determine the data that will be taken and format to be used to ensure consistent judging criteria.
The Coating Inspector can conduct a non-destructive High Voltage Holiday Testing to find any voids and failures. This is possible due to electrical charge that flows through protective coating. Invest in hiring one of the top-rated AMPP inspectors in the world.
AMPP-certified Coatings inspectors
At The Coating Inspector, our AMPP-certified Coatings inspectors are trained in monitoring environmental conditions for prevention and
identifying amine blush. To find out how The Coating Inspector can help protect your assets get a consultation.
why us
Hire the Right Coating Inspector in Canada
Do you have existing corrosion, or are looking to prevent costly equipment failure? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today to get a consultation.
What sets the coating inspector apart?
The Coating Inspector is ISO certified, something few competitors can offer. We also have extensive reviews, decades of combined experience and the most highly trained coating inspectors in the industry.
What is an ISO Certification?
“Certification to ISO 45001 demonstrates an organisations commitment to a safer working environment and the protection of employees against injury at work.
ISO 45001 certified organisations have identified and operate to regulatory requirements through enforcing procedures for compliance with legislation. Improved identification of hazards and risk management, involving all levels of the organisation through setting objectives, targets and documented responsibilities are recognised by regulators as a commitment to safe working conditions and continuous improvement.”
Source: https://www.qas-international….
Compliance
QAS ISO certifies strict compliance procedures to legislative and standard compliances.
Service
We have been certified in continuous improvement and service to our compliance.
Commitment
We are commited to impeccable client service & employee safety.
What is nace/ampp?
The AMPP (Formerly know as The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)) is a globally recognized certification body to certify and train corrosion engineers.
With over 36,000 members globally, it is the most recognized trade association of corrosion inspectors to ensure industry standards in the coating inspection industry.
Established in 1943, it serves to train corrosion inspectors, enforce industry standards, certify engineers, publish and research corrosion inspection techniques and journals, as well as provide a standardized approach to corrosion inspection and prevention.
NACE “equips society to protect people, assets and the environment from the adverse effects of corrosion.”
How much does coating inspection cost?
Every project, business and industrial assets are unique. Depending on the scope of work, location and amount of inspectors or work hours required for your project, the cost can vary.
However, The Coating Inspector is committed to saving your business time, money and assets. The cost of equipment breakdown, shutdown or repair delays can cost your business far more resources than preventative maintenance, work and inspection.
what is the process?
Call, email or contact us via the form below with a bit more of information about your business. From there we’ll consult with you regarding your unique corrosion prevention requirements.
From there we’ll provide you a comprehensive quote and scope of work, and then begin working together with you to keep your facility and equipment in top working area.
what areas do you service?
Primarily all across Canada and globally (depending on the project).