Our coating: Plastisol
Plastisol is our preferred coating. It is a liquid compound made up of PVC particles suspended in a liquid plasticizer. When heated, the plastisol melts and fuses into a solid, flexible material that is often used in applications such as coating fabrics, making toys, and dip moulding. However, it is not a DIY solution. Skilled labour and a specific process are required to prepare and heat the tank evenly and to the correct temperatures.
When it comes to fuel tank coatings, Plastisol can offer several benefits. Some of these include:
- Chemical Resistance: Plastisol coatings are highly resistant to a variety of chemicals, including fuels such as gasoline and diesel. This makes them ideal for use in fuel tanks.
- Corrosion Resistance: Plastisol coatings can provide excellent corrosion resistance for metal fuel tanks, which helps to extend the life of the tank.
- Impact Resistance: Plastisol coatings are flexible and can absorb impact without cracking or chipping, which can help protect the fuel tank from damage.
Overall, Plastisol can be a good choice for fuel tank coatings due to its chemical and corrosion resistance, impact resistance, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness.
Here are some common types of fuel tank coatings and their pros and cons
Epoxy Coatings:
- Pros: Provides excellent corrosion resistance and good adhesion to metal surfaces. Can be applied in a range of temperatures and is available in a variety of colours.
- Cons: Can be sensitive to UV light and may degrade when exposed to sunlight. Can be brittle and may crack or chip over time. Requires careful surface preparation to ensure good adhesion.
Phenolic Coatings:
- Pros: Provides excellent chemical resistance and can withstand exposure to a variety of fuels and solvents. Provides good adhesion to metal surfaces and can be applied in a range of temperatures.
- Cons: Can be expensive compared to other coating types. Can have a strong odor during application and may require specialized equipment and ventilation to apply safely. Requires careful surface preparation to ensure good adhesion.
Polyurethane Coatings:
- Pros: Provides good chemical and abrasion resistance and is highly durable. Can be applied in a range of temperatures and is available in a variety of colors. Can provide a high-gloss finish.
- Cons: Can be sensitive to moisture and may not perform well in high-humidity environments. Can be difficult to remove once applied, requiring specialized equipment and processes. Requires careful surface preparation to ensure good adhesion.
Plastisol Coatings:
- Pros: Provides excellent chemical and corrosion resistance and is highly durable. Can be applied to a variety of surfaces and is available in a range of colours. Provides good impact resistance.
- Cons: May not be as heat-resistant as other coating types and may not be suitable for use in high-temperature environments. Requires specialized equipment and processes to apply.
What about red oxide as a coating?
Red oxide is a type of primer paint that is often used as an initial coating on metal surfaces, including fuel tanks. While it can provide some protection against rust and corrosion, it is generally not recommended as a long-term coating for fuel tanks.
Here are some reasons why red oxide may not be a good fuel tank coating:
- It is not specifically formulated for use on fuel tanks and may not provide sufficient protection against fuel exposure.
- It may not be as durable as other coating types and may wear or flake off over time, particularly if exposed to impacts or strong vibration.
- It may not provide adequate resistance to chemicals and solvents that are commonly found in fuel.
- It may not adhere well to smooth metal surfaces, requiring a textured surface or additional surface preparation to ensure good adhesion.
For long-term protection against corrosion and fuel exposure, it is generally recommended to use a coating specifically designed for fuel tanks, such as plastisol.
We often get requests to do red oxide coatings. Unfortunately, due to the unreliability of the coating we cannot provide this service.
