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Coil Coated Steel: Revolutionizing Self-Storage Construction

Coil coated steel is a versatile and durable building material widely used in the self-storage industry. This pre-painted sheet metal forms over 90% of structures, including roofs, walls, and doors. Commonly coated with silicone modified polyester (SMP), it offers excellent durability, UV resistance, and weathering. Its smooth surface can be challenging to repaint but ensures long-term performance.

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Anatomy of a Self-Storage Roll-Up Door: A Primer for Painters

A painter's perspective on a roll-up door and how this relates to painting slick, hard and glossy surfaces like Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP). Not prepping correctly can lead to catastrophic failure of new coatings.

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Part Failure Part 2: Other Causes, Testing & Wrap-Up

There are a lot of reasons why paint fails. We'll wrap up a few other causes here and then cover solutions and other topics in subsequent articles. Aged Paint: When paint ages past its life expectancy, it becomes brittle and prone to failure. Recoating over such a surface increases the risk of peeling, cracking, or flaking, as the old paint may not adhere well. Proper preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, is essential to ensure the new coating bonds effectively and lasts longer. We also touch on what can be done with a peeling paint job and wrap up with issues of worksmanship.ID#PF0001

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Paint Failure Part 1: Diagnosing the Root Causes

Paint failures due to a variety of preventable issues can lead to substantial material and labor costs, and in some cases replacement of roll-up doors. Understanding why common problems like peeling, chalking, fading, cracking, and blistering occur is crucial for facility operators and painting contractors. By identifying the root causes of these issues, such as improper surface preparation, inadequate application techniques, or environmental factors, these paint failures can be avoided. For paint contractors implementing best practices can yield better results, and help avoid problems that can cost you both money and reputation. A variety of resources are provided to help diagnose and avoid common paint failure situations. These resources include guides, frequently asked questions, tips with images to diagnose the cause of a particular failure, and recommendations. ID#PF0001

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More Articles

Coil Coated Steel: Revolutionizing Self-Storage Construction

Coil coated steel is a versatile and durable building material widely used in the self-storage industry. This pre-painted sheet metal forms over 90% of structures, including roofs, walls, and doors. Commonly coated with silicone modified polyester (SMP), it offers excellent durability, UV resistance, and weathering. Its smooth surface can be challenging to repaint but ensures long-term performance.

Read More

SMP Prep for Refinishing Roll-Up Doors & Metal Panels

Properly preparing an SMP (Silicone Modified Polyester) coated surface is crucial for achieving a lasting finish. This guide walks you through the essential steps of cleaning and abrading your substrate, from pre-rinsing to applying Zap-It! and inspecting the final surface. Ensure your next painting or clear coating job is a success with these expert tips on substrate preparation.

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Estimating Material Requirements

Estimating the correct amount of paint for roll door repainting projects is essential for profitability. This guide explains how to calculate the actual surface area, including factors like corrugation and overspray. By following these steps, you can ensure accurate bids, avoid waste, and complete jobs efficiently. A simple paint calculator is also available to streamline your estimation process.

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Things to Consider Before You Start Painting

Before starting a painting project, it's crucial to consider factors like worker craftsmanship, environmental conditions, tenant access, and the type of surface being refinished. Use this checklist to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to losing money on a job.

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Anatomy of a Self-Storage Roll-Up Door: A Primer for Painters

A painter's perspective on a roll-up door and how this relates to painting slick, hard and glossy surfaces like Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP). Not prepping correctly can lead to catastrophic failure of new coatings.

Read More

Part Failure Part 2: Other Causes, Testing & Wrap-Up

There are a lot of reasons why paint fails. We'll wrap up a few other causes here and then cover solutions and other topics in subsequent articles. Aged Paint: When paint ages past its life expectancy, it becomes brittle and prone to failure. Recoating over such a surface increases the risk of peeling, cracking, or flaking, as the old paint may not adhere well. Proper preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, is essential to ensure the new coating bonds effectively and lasts longer. We also touch on what can be done with a peeling paint job and wrap up with issues of worksmanship.ID#PF0001

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The Paint Files

This section features a variety of articles from our archive spanning several years. Some items will be expanded and updated into regular articles over time.

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Paint Failure Part 1: Diagnosing the Root Causes

Paint failures due to a variety of preventable issues can lead to substantial material and labor costs, and in some cases replacement of roll-up doors. Understanding why common problems like peeling, chalking, fading, cracking, and blistering occur is crucial for facility operators and painting contractors. By identifying the root causes of these issues, such as improper surface preparation, inadequate application techniques, or environmental factors, these paint failures can be avoided. For paint contractors implementing best practices can yield better results, and help avoid problems that can cost you both money and reputation. A variety of resources are provided to help diagnose and avoid common paint failure situations. These resources include guides, frequently asked questions, tips with images to diagnose the cause of a particular failure, and recommendations. ID#PF0001

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The Right Paint for Self-Storage Doors: Why Off-the-Shelf Isn't Enough

Choosing paint for self-storage roll-up doors can be tricky. While big-box hardware and specialty store brands might seem cost-effective, they often fall short in durability and longevity. These off-the-shelf paints may temporarily improve appearance but quickly fade, deteriorating your facility’s curb appeal and necessitating frequent repainting. Self-storage doors endure daily wear and tear, including flexing, dirt accumulation, and exposure to extreme temperatures and UV radiation. These conditions accelerate the breakdown of standard paints, leading to rapid color fading, chalking, flaking, and chipping. As a result, frequent repairs and repaints become necessary. Off-the-shelf paints are not designed to withstand such harsh conditions, leading to visible touch-ups and increased maintenance costs. High-performance self-storage paints are designed to address these specific challenges.

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