Benefits of Epoxy Lined Paint Cans for Storage and Preservation

What Are Epoxy Lined Paint Cans?

Epoxy lined paint cans feature a specialized thermoset epoxy coating on the interior metal surface of the can. This epoxy lining serves as a formidable barrier between the metal and the paint contents inside.

The lining is applied as a powder coating and then thermally bonded to the interior metal surface at high temperatures in excess of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This creates an incredibly strong bond between the epoxy and metal.

Superior Corrosion Resistance

The dense cross-linked epoxy barrier provides stellar corrosion resistance by preventing moisture and oxygen from reaching the bare metal underneath. Without the epoxy layer, water droplets can collect inside the can and the metal begins corroding upon exposure to oxygen.

Unprotected bare steel undergoes oxidation and rusting when the relative humidity inside the can exceeds 60%. The iron in the steel reacts with moisture to form various iron oxides, hydroxides, and other compounds collectively referred to as rust.

The epoxy coating puts a stop to this reaction by providing a complete moisture barrier. Epoxy linings have zero permeability and do not allow water or oxygen to pass through. This keeps the interior steel pristine and free of corrosion.

Excellent Chemical Resistance

In addition to waterproofing, epoxy linings present a crossover chemical barrier between the metallic container and liquid contents. The highly stain-resistant epoxy protects against destabilizing interactions.

Common paint solvents like glycol ethers, ketones, esters, and alcohols will readily diffuse through unlined steel. These could react with metal ions or alter the intended chemical balance of the paint formulation.

Epoxy completely contains these solvents and additives within the coating, ensuring paints and coatings do not degrade or destabilize during storage.

Benefits of Epoxy Lined Cans

Let's examine the key advantages epoxy lined cans provide for paint storage compared to unlined metal containers.

No Rust Contamination

Rust poses a major contamination threat for quality paint products. As unlined cans corrode over time, rust particles flake off the metal walls and mix directly with the paint.

These particles create defects and textures once the paint is applied. They also block proper adhesion between the substrate and coating. No one wants to spend money on compromised paint containing chunks of rust debris inside.

Epoxy lining serves as an impenetrable barrier to prevent this rust bleeding. Paint remains pristine inside the can for multi-year storage spans without particle contamination.

Stable Shelf Life

Uncompromised epoxy lined cans give painters confidence they are getting factory fresh paint years down the road. Epoxy prevents negative chemical interactions that could destabilize additives or alter viscosity, color, and other properties.

Without epoxy protection, solvents readily penetrate through bare metal over weeks or months. These could react with metallic ions leached from the container walls and throw off intended chemistry.

The inert epoxy lining maintains stable storage conditions to prevent such undesirable aging issues during years of stockpiling paint.

Maximum Protection From Elements

Long term storage demands rugged dependability from paint cans sitting stacked in warehouses, construction trailers, garages and other locales.

Epoxy coatings offer unmatched protection against moisture, oxygen, chemicals, and mechanical abrasions or impacts compared to polymer linings. Only epoxy can endure years of harsh conditions while keeping paint in pristine condition.

These are also reusable cans perfect for accessing paint in the future without wasting containers after each use. Epoxy holds up to repeated opening/closing without signs of wear.

Choosing Epoxy Lined Cans

When selecting metal paint cans, look for "epoxy lined" printed certification on the exterior label. This indicates an epoxy powder coating was properly applied and thermally cured on the interior surfaces.

Reputable epoxy lining providers have strict quality standards to validate performance properties. Common test methods include scrape/mar resistance, solvent resistance, hot water immersion tests, and ongoing monitoring.

Not all linings are created equal. Do not settle for basic acrylic or oleoresinous coatings lacking the premium protective qualities described here. Seek third party issued lining certifications when available for further validation.

Professional Benefits

For professional painters and contractors buying inventory in bulk, the sheer durability and multi-year stability provided by epoxy lined cans offers major advantages.

Investing a bit more upfront for epoxy protection ensures paint will still be in prime usable condition years later when needed. This also reduces potential financial losses from compromised expired paint.

Environmental Advantages

Reusable epoxy lined cans are also more eco-friendly long term. Their unparalleled durability and corrosion resistance greatly extends the lifecycle of metal paint cans.

These do not get used just once and discarded due to rust or chemical bleeding issues like unlined cans. Epoxy linings transform cans into durable long term storage solutions.

This reduces the yearly waste footprint from paint container disposal. Properly managing and reusing epoxy cans is beneficial for the environment.

When selecting storage containers for paints, epoxy lined cans represent the pinnacle for preservation, stability, and long term return on investment. Their rugged dependability provides peace of mind paint will still be in like-new condition when cracked open years down the road.

FAQs

How does epoxy lining protect paint cans?

Epoxy lining protects paint cans by acting as a complete moisture and chemical barrier between the bare metal and liquid paint contents. This prevents corrosion of the interior metal surfaces and any destabilizing chemical interactions.

Are epoxy lined cans reusable?

Yes, epoxy lined cans are very durable and designed for repeated opening and resealing without damage or wear to the protective lining. Their rugged construction makes them ideal for long term repeated paint storage and access.

Why is epoxy better than other linings?

Epoxy is denser and more impermeable than other paint can linings like oleoresinous or acrylic coatings. It offers unmatched corrosion, chemical, and mechanical resistance for multi-year preservation abilities other linings lack.

Do epoxy lined cans cost more?

Yes, epoxy lined cans tend to cost 20-30% more than unlined cans. However, considering their long service life, reusable nature, and prevention of wasted expired paint, they offer superior value per use over time.