by Mike Folta | Sep 23, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Elevated water towers should be formally inspected at least every five years per AWWA standards, with repainting typically triggered between 10 and 25 years depending on coating system, environment, and inspection findings. Florida’s heat, humidity, and...
by Mike Folta | Sep 22, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Potable water tank coatings must satisfy three overlapping frameworks: AWWA D102 (system selection and application), NSF/ANSI 61 (health-effects certification for water-contact products), and AMPP/SSPC surface preparation standards. Florida adds a state-level...
by Mike Folta | Sep 21, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Bridge coating maintenance is the planned process of surface-preparing and repainting structural steel to stop corrosion before it compromises load capacity or safety. Projects follow SSPC/NACE surface-preparation standards and typically use a three-coat...
by Mike Folta | Sep 20, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Lead paint on steel structures creates serious compliance, safety, and environmental obligations under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 and EPA hazardous waste rules. Removal method selection — abrasive blasting, wet blasting, vacuum blasting, or chemical stripping —...
by Mike Folta | Sep 19, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Abrasive blasting containment systems are engineered barriers and air-handling assemblies that capture spent media, dust, and hazardous debris at the source so they cannot reach workers, the public, or the surrounding environment. OSHA, EPA, and AMPP (formerly...
by Mike Folta | Sep 18, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Dry film thickness (DFT) measurement verifies that a cured protective coating meets its specified mil range — not too thin to leave steel exposed, not too thick to cause adhesion or curing failures. Governed by ASTM D7091 and SSPC-PA 2, DFT readings are a...