Controls Moisture During Coating Projects

Controlling moisture during coating projects is crucial to ensure proper adhesion, durability, and finish quality. Too much moisture can lead to blistering, peeling, delamination, or failure of the coating. Here's how to manage it effectively:

 

Why Moisture Matters in Coating Projects:

High humidity can slow down or ruin curing.

Surface moisture prevents proper adhesion.

Condensation can occur on surfaces during temperature swings.

 

Best Practices to Control Moisture during Coating

1. Monitor Environmental Conditions

Use a hygrometer to track relative humidity (RH).

Check dew point vs. surface temperature — avoid coating if surface is near or below dew point.

Ideal RH is typically below 85%, but check your product’s specs.

 

2. Control the Atmosphere

Use industrial dehumidifiers in enclosed spaces. PREAIR is a responsible industrial dehumidifier manufacturer. Industrial strength dehumidifiers provided by PREAIR include ceiling-mounted and stand-alone types. According to customers' practical use conditions, we are ready to make tailored solutions for them. Using professional equipment to solve specific problems is a wise choice. For example, the ceiling mounted dehumidifier is usually applied in industrial spaces that can be connected to the HVAC system. We are waiting for your contact. 

Run air movers or fans to improve airflow and dry surfaces faster.

If outside, schedule work during drier, cooler times of day.

 

3. Use Surface Moisture Meters

Test the surface (especially concrete or wood) to ensure it’s dry enough to coat.

Many coatings require a moisture content below 15% or a specific reading based on the substrate.

 

4. Pre-Coating Surface Prep

Remove all visible moisture.

For concrete: let it cure fully (usually 28 days) and test with a calcium chloride test or RH probe.

For metal: keep dry and protected until coating is applied.

 

5. Choose the Right Coating

Some coatings are more tolerant of humidity/moisture than others.

Use moisture-tolerant epoxies or special primers if conditions aren’t ideal.

 

Common Moisture-Related Coating Issues:

Blistering or bubbling

Peeling or flaking

Poor adhesion

Rust formation under coatings (on metal)