Electrostatic Coating Application

Revolutionizing the shipping industry with electrostatic coating application

Leveraging decades of experience in the aerospace and automotive industries PPG are the first to introduce electrostatic application of fouling control coatings to the shipping industry. Electrostatic application of paint provides an increased transfer efficiency compared to airless spraying, resulting in sustainability benefits including significant reductions in overspray and waste. PPG has optimized its premium fouling control coatings PPG SIGMAGLIDE^® 2390 and PPG NEXEON^™ 810 for this application technique.

Using an electrostatic spray gun, the charged paint droplets are drawn to the grounded hull surface like a magnet. This technique not only creates a uniform, ultra-smooth, long lasting film layer but also significantly reduces overspray and waste. It minimizes the need for masking the vessel and cleaning the dock post-application, saving both time and costs. Additionally, when paired with the low VOC emissions of PPG SIGMAGLIDE^® 2390, it ensures a cleaner operation and a better working environment for applicators compared to airless spraying.

Key benefits of electrostatic application

• Overspray reduction: Dramatically minimizes overspray. Read about the results at EDR Antwerp Shipyard.
• Waste reduction: Significantly cuts down on waste.
• Cleaner operation: Promotes better health and safety benefits for applicators, all while minimizing VOC emissions and waste.
• Enhanced performance: Improves quality in application processes, delivering superior and long lasting coating results.

Increased advantages for shipowners and shipyards

Applying a coating electrostatically offers numerous advantages for shipowners and shipyards:

• Minimal contamination: High transfer efficiency requires less masking and ensures cleaner decks, topsides and drydock floors, reducing the need to clean afterwards.
• Reduced VOC emissions: Significantly lowers VOC emissions, in particular when applying PPG SIGMAGLIDE, contributing to an improved work environment for applicators.
• Waste reduction: Generates less waste, promoting sustainability and cost-efficiency.
• Enhanced performance: Delivers superior application results, achieving a smoother and glossier paint film, boosting overall efficiency and operational performance.

Hit play on the video below and see the drydocking using electrostatic application of PPG SIGMAGLIDE^® fouling release coating on the Yuan Chun Hu, a 333-meter crude oil tanker at the Liuhengdao shipyard in Zhoushan, China. The underwater hull was treated with PPG SIGMAGLIDE 2390 coating, while the boottop received PPG NEXEON^™ 810 antifouling coating.