When it comes to protecting assets, extending the life of equipment, and keeping facilities safe and compliant, industrial coatings are a maintenance team’s best mate. But achieving durable, long-lasting results isn’t just about choosing the right coating product, it also depends heavily on having the correct tools and consumables ready to go.
Whether you’re dealing with corrosion control, surface restoration, or routine touch-ups, keeping the right gear on hand ensures your team can respond quickly and maintain consistent quality across every job. Below are 10 essential industrial coating supplies that every maintenance crew across Australia should keep in their toolkit.
Airless spray guns
For large-area applications, nothing beats the efficiency of high-pressure, airless spraying. These systems deliver excellent coverage, reduce labour time, and ensure even film build. Having a reliable spray gun and spare nozzles on hand minimises downtime and helps your team tackle everything from structural steel to tanks and pipelines.
HVLP sprayers
For smaller or more detailed coating tasks, HVLP sprayers provide precision with minimal overspray. They’re particularly useful for maintenance teams handling fabrication components, small machinery, and repair jobs where coating accuracy is critical. With the right HVLP setup, teams can achieve professional finishes with far less waste.
Roller frames and covers
Not every environment is suitable for spraying, and sometimes rollers are the simplest and most effective choice. Keeping high-quality roller frames, solvent-resistant cores, and various nap thicknesses on hand ensures your team is ready for any touch-up or medium-sized coating task. They’re also ideal for applying primers, epoxies, and floor coatings.
Industrial paint brushes
Brushes remain essential for cutting in edges, coating bolts and flanges, and applying product in hard-to-reach areas. Opt for solvent-resistant, industrial-grade brushes designed to withstand harsh chemicals and heavy-bodied coatings. A range of widths should always be stocked to support different tasks.
Surface preparation abrasives
Proper surface prep is the foundation of any long-lasting coating job. Abrasives such as sanding discs, flap wheels, fibre discs, and wire brushes help remove rust, old coatings, and contaminants. Maintenance teams should keep a range of grits to ensure they can prepare surfaces to the correct specification, whether that’s a smooth finish or a profiled substrate for maximum adhesion.
Solvent cleaners and degreasers
Contaminants like oil, dust, and chemical residue can compromise coating adhesion and longevity. Having industrial-strength cleaners available allows teams to quickly prepare surfaces or wipe down equipment. Degreasers are particularly useful in high-traffic production facilities where machinery accumulates residue.
Mixing paddles and containers
Industrial coatings, especially two-pack epoxies and urethanes, require precise mixing. Dedicated mixing paddles, measuring containers, and solvent-resistant buckets help ensure coatings are blended consistently to manufacturer specifications. Poor mixing leads to curing failures, soft spots, and adhesion issues, so reliable mixing gear is non-negotiable.
Masking tapes and protective films
Accurate masking protects surrounding areas and ensures clean coating lines. Industrial-grade masking tapes, plastic sheeting, and protective films should always be stocked. These are particularly handy in workshops, warehouses, and production environments where overspray or accidental coating can create safety hazards or aesthetic issues.
PPE for coating applications
Coating tasks often involve solvents, particulates, and chemical compounds that require proper PPE. Essential items include respirators, gloves, coveralls, goggles, and hearing protection. Keeping spare PPE ensures compliance with WHS standards and protects team members from preventable health risks.
Moisture and film‑thickness gauges
Quality control is essential for any maintenance program. Moisture meters help ensure substrates, particularly concrete and timber, are dry enough for coating. Film-thickness gauges confirm that dry-film thickness meets specification. These inspection tools save money by preventing premature coating failure and ensuring warranty compliance.
Final Thoughts
Equipping your maintenance team with the right industrial coating supplies not only improves efficiency but also ensures safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting finishes. With the unpredictable Australian climate and the demanding environments across mining, manufacturing, transport, and infrastructure, having these essentials on hand is crucial.
A well-prepared maintenance crew can respond to issues faster, reduce costly downtime, and keep assets performing at their best. Whether you’re managing a small workshop or a large industrial site, stocking these coating essentials will help maintain professional standards across every job.
