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While some use the terms interchangeably, drying and curing are not the same. The two are distinct processes. Drying refers to the removal of water or a solvent by means of evaporation so that the final product is solid. Curing is a chemical process in which a polymer material toughens or hardens. Drying and curing happen simultaneously in several applications, like after the application of a protective surface coating on tanks. By knowing the science behind curing for surface coating applications, you’ll gain a greater understanding of how to optimize a tank surface’s ambient conditions.

Part of ensuring the successful application of a surface coating is preparing the substrate properly and maintaining ideal ambient conditions. Surface temperatures, however, often stay out of the spotlight, despite their vital role. Tank surfaces that require protective coatings are made of materials that respond to their surrounding environments. The best way to ensure that surfaces act predictably and maintain ideal temperatures is by using temporary climate control equipment.

A successful, lasting surface coating application requires the monitoring and control of specific ambient conditions, including relative humidity, air temperature, surface temperature and dew point. A lack of environmental control may result in oxidation on a surface’s substrate, as well as project delays, productivity losses and budgetary problems. When you have a better understanding regarding dew point and its role, you’ll gain better control over a project’s environmental conditions.

A surface coating is only as good as the surface coating preparation and the environmental conditions throughout the process. Without the ideal coating materials and ambient conditions, the coating material might fall victim to corrosion or fail to adhere to a substrate correctly. Since premature failures are generally the result of preventable circumstances, knowing what to monitor and consider will help ensure a successful coating application, prevent timeline delays and avoid budgetary problems.

An archive storage environment requires optimal conditions to preserve its stored artifacts. Otherwise, items degrade and might be vulnerable to mold damage, depending on the temperature and relative humidity levels. By knowing the signs of a poorly regulated archive storage environment, you can take quick action to remedy the situation and prevent costly damage.