When it comes to protecting valuable assets in industrial environments, your coating system is only as effective as the specification sheet that outlines its application. Whether you're coating pipelines, equipment, floors, marine vessels, or vehicle fleets, a clear and complete industrial coating specification sheet ensures consistency, safety, compliance, and long-term performance.

At Marvel Industrial Coatings, we understand that success starts before the sprayer turns on. That’s why we’re breaking down exactly what your specification sheet should include — and why it matters.

Why Is an Industrial Coating Specification Sheet Important?

Think of a coating spec sheet as a blueprint for surface protection. It ensures:

• Consistent application across teams or contractors

• Regulatory and industry compliance (OSHA, USDA, FDA, MIL-SPEC, etc.)

• Proper surface prep and environmental controls

• Performance guarantees, including abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and durability

• Lifecycle cost savings through fewer failures and touch-ups

Without a proper spec sheet, projects risk premature failure, voided warranties, and costly rework.

1. Project Scope and Substrate Identification

Every good specification sheet starts with clarity. Include:

• Type of asset: Tank, fleet vehicle, manufacturing equipment, concrete flooring, etc.

• Substrate material: Steel, aluminum, fiberglass, concrete, wood, plastic composites

• Operating environment: Chemical exposure, UV, marine, high-abrasion, high-humidity, extreme heat/cold

• Functional goals: Corrosion resistance, anti-slip, waterproofing, impact protection, fire resistance

Tip from Marvel: Polyurea and polyurethane hybrid coatings can be customized based on specific use cases. Start with a clear definition of your environmental and performance demands.

2. Surface Preparation Requirements

Surface prep is the #1 factor in coating performance. Be specific about:

• Cleaning method: Solvent cleaning, degreasing, pressure washing

• Abrasive blasting standard: SSPC-SP 5 (White Metal), SP 10 (Near-White), or SP 6 (Commercial Blast)

• Moisture testing: Especially important for concrete surfaces

• Surface profile: Measured in mils, matches coating manufacturer’s recommendation

Common mistake: Skipping surface prep details leads to premature adhesion failures, especially on concrete or rusty metal.

3. Primer and Base Coat System

Primers ensure adhesion and prevent substrate corrosion. Your spec should detail:

• Type of primer: Epoxy, zinc-rich, moisture-cure urethane, etc.

• Dry film thickness (DFT) required

• Pot life and recoat windows

• Compatibility with topcoats

Not all primers are created equal — your environment dictates what will bond best.

4. Coating Product Details

This is the core of your spec. Include:

• Product name and manufacturer

• Resin system: Polyurea, polyurethane, epoxy, hybrid, etc.

• Application method: Spray (airless/plural-component), brush, roller

• Number of coats and minimum/maximum DFT per coat

• Cure times: Tack-free, recoat window, full cure

• Temperature and humidity restrictions

• Coverage rate per gallon

Marvel’s advanced spray-applied polyurea systems cure in seconds and can be applied in extreme temperatures, making them ideal for fast-turnaround industrial environments.

5. Physical and Performance Properties

Specify the performance metrics your coating must meet:

Include only the tests and benchmarks that matter for your project.

6. Application Equipment and Safety Requirements

Proper equipment and safety protocols prevent mishaps:

• Equipment needed: Spray rig specs, mixing equipment, PPE

• Mix ratios and temperature control

• Ventilation and confined space protocols

• Environmental controls: Dew point, wind, humidity

• Waste disposal and hazardous materials handling

Marvel partners receive training on how to safely apply high-performance coatings in accordance with spec sheets and regulatory standards.

7. Inspection, Testing & Quality Assurance

Define what success looks like:

• Visual inspection criteria

• Dry film thickness (DFT) measurement tools and tolerances

• Holiday testing (spark testing) for pinholes

• Adhesion testing (e.g., pull-off ASTM D4541)

• Final report or sign-off process

Include a checklist or QA form to standardize acceptance.

8. Maintenance & Warranty Information

Often overlooked, this section improves long-term ROI:

• Touch-up procedures

• Inspection intervals

• Expected lifespan in service environment

• Warranty coverage terms

Marvel provides ongoing support and product lifecycle guidance to partners and applicators.

Why Your Spec Sheet Is a Strategic Asset

Your industrial coating specification sheet isn’t just paperwork — it’s a strategic blueprint that protects your investment, ensures coating longevity, and minimizes downtime.

Whether you're protecting a concrete warehouse floor from forklift wear or lining a chemical tank, Marvel's team of experts can help you develop a tailored specification using cutting-edge polyurea and hybrid coating systems.

Need help drafting your coating spec? Contact Marvel Industrial Coatings today to speak with a technical advisor.