Coatings can be both decorative and have other functions. A pipe carrying water for a fire suppression system can be coated with a red (for identification) anticorrosion paint. Most coatings to some extent protect the substrate, such as maintenance coatings for metals and concrete. A decorative coating can offer a particular reflective property, such as high gloss, satin, matte, or flat appearance. A major coating application is to protect metal from corrosion. Automotive coatings are used to enhance the appearance and durability of vehicles. These include primers, basecoats, and clearcoats, primarily applied with spray guns and electrostatically. The body and underbody of automobiles receive some form of
underbody coating. Such anticorrosion coatings may use
graphene in combination with water-based
epoxies. Coatings are used to seal the surface of concrete, such as
seamless polymer/resin flooring,
bund wall/containment lining,
waterproofing and
damp proofing concrete walls, and
bridge decks. Compare with tradition coatings, moisture curing polyurethane has been widely used because of the excellent adaptability and ease of construction. The mechanical properties could be enhanced by introducing multiple hydrogen bonds and optimize the microphase separation structure. Most
roof coatings are designed primarily for waterproofing, though sun reflection (to reduce heating and cooling) may also be a consideration. They tend to be
elastomeric to allow for movement of the roof without cracking within the coating membrane. Wood has been a key material in construction since ancient times, so its preservation by coating has received much attention. Efforts to improve the performance of wood coatings continue. Coatings are used to alter
tribological properties and wear characteristics. These include anti-friction, wear and scuffing resistance coatings for
rolling-element bearings Architectural coatings or paints are used to paint the exteriors and interiors of buildings, often called or external masonry coatings. Clear
varnishes and
lacquers are generally excluded. Such products are usually designated for specific purposes such as roof coatings, wall paints, or deck finishes. Most masonry surfaces can be treated an exterior wall coating, such as render, pebbledash, stone, stucco or brick. Most coatings are designed to be microporous in nature, allowing captive moisture within the wall to evaporate outside, whilst not allowing the passage of water to be drawn inside the building, thus largely providing a secondary feature apart from decoration, and that is to weatherproof a wall, and to stop damp forming inside the building. These coatings are intended for on-site application and do not include "factory-applied coatings for building products such as
vinyl siding or aluminium window frames [that] may ultimately be used for architectural end-uses". •
Anti-microbial coatings. •
Anti-reflective coatings for example on spectacles. • Coatings that alter or have magnetic, electrical or electronic properties. •
Flame retardant coatings. Flame-retardant materials and coatings are being developed that are
phosphorus and bio-based. These include coatings with
intumescent functionality. •
Non-stick PTFE coated cooking pots/pans. •
Optical coatings are available that alter optical properties of a material or object. •
UV coatings ==Analysis and characterization==