Fabrication & welding

Internal and external coatings for storage tanks

Choosing epoxy systems, film thickness, and surface prep for longer tank life.

Spraying epoxy coating on a steel tank shell
Read time6 min
PublishedMay 8, 2026
AuthorTank design unit
CategoryFabrication & welding

Choosing epoxy systems, film thickness, and surface prep for longer tank life.

Surface prep decides coating life

Even the best paint fails on oily or rusty steel. Blast cleaning to the specified grade, checking surface profile, and a short window before spraying are the three keys to durability.

Choosing a coating system

LocationCommon systemPurpose
Inside a potable-water tankCertified hygienic epoxyDirect contact with drinking water
Inside a fuel/product tankSolvent-resistant epoxyResists hydrocarbons
Outside, exposed to weatherEpoxy primer + polyurethane topcoatUV and weather resistance

After application, dry-film thickness is checked with a DFT gauge and coating continuity with a holiday test — a single pinhole is enough to start localized corrosion under the coating.

Tags:coatingcorrosion protection

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