Coating Inspection
A protective coating only performs if it is applied to a properly prepared surface at the right thickness and free of defects. We check that, both before the coating goes on and after it has cured.
About coating inspection
Protective coatings and linings are the first line of defence against corrosion, and most premature coating failures trace back to poor surface preparation or an application that was never checked. A coating that looks sound can still be too thin, poorly bonded or full of pinholes that let moisture reach the steel.
Coating inspection provides independent quality assurance across the whole process. Before application we confirm the surface preparation, cleanliness and profile are right for the specified system. During and after application we measure film thickness, check adhesion and use holiday detection to find pinholes and discontinuities that would otherwise go unseen.
We work to the coating specification and to recognised standards, so the client has documented evidence that the coating was applied correctly and stands a proper chance of reaching its design life.
Inspection scope
Coating inspection can cover the full sequence from surface preparation through to the cured film, or focus on the stages that matter most for a given job.
- Surface preparation and cleanliness assessment
- Surface profile measurement
- Ambient conditions, including temperature, humidity and dew point
- Wet film thickness checks during application
- Dry film thickness measurement
- Adhesion testing by pull-off and cross-hatch methods
- Holiday and pinhole detection
- Inspection of coatings and linings against the specification
Why coating inspection matters
Preparation is the risk
Most coating failures start with poor surface preparation, so it is checked before anything is applied.
Thickness decides life
Dry film thickness that is too low or too high shortens coating life, so it is measured and recorded.
Find the pinholes
Holiday detection locates the discontinuities that let moisture reach the steel and start corrosion.
Documented evidence
The client receives a record that the coating met its specification, useful for warranty and audit.
Reporting and recommendations
Every coating inspection produces a clear record of the readings taken and the conditions on the day, set against the requirements of the coating specification.
Where a stage does not meet the specification, we identify it before work moves on, so a problem is corrected while it is still cheap to put right rather than after the coating has failed in service. The report gives the client documented assurance that the surface preparation, film thickness and finish were as they should be.
Related inspection services
Applying or renewing a protective coating?
Speak with our team about independent coating inspection before, during and after application.