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by Ron Joseph
May, 2005
Painting vs Coating Contractor Q. I have been apply coatings and waterproofing systems for fifteen years and
recently applied for my own license in Nevada.
I applied for a C-40 unclassified license " specialty coatings" since
they do not offer a true coatings training coarse and 90% of my competition
has that classification.
We apply mostly urethane waterborne systems and acrylic systems over plywood
decking as well as many below grade systems. Also epoxy and concrete overlay
flooring systems.
The state board has tried to classify me as a painter and require me to take
a painters trade exam that requires everything from drywall to shellacs. Areas
that I am not familiar with.
The board is going to discuss my issue this week 5/19 at their monthly meeting
and I am trying to find information that can point out the differences between
painting and coatings. So far the best I can find is the obvious difference
in mils. I know the basic differences but can not find some true hard facts
that can help my case. Can you help?
Thank you very much for your time. A. I have never seen a definition of a painting operation versus a coating
operation, because we use the two words interchangeably.
To me, the difference is between architectural and industrial applications.
In my mind the difference is more in the methods used to apply the paints/coatings.
A "painter" in the architectural sense, is someone who uses a brush,
roller or spray gun to apply paints to architectural surfaces, whereas a "painter"
in an industrial sense uses a spray gun to apply high gloss (and others) paints
for corrosion protection and excellent appearance. Industrial painters have
different skills from architectural painters.
Based on my interpretation of what you do, I would put you in the first category
and not in the second. In other words, even though you don't have much experience
with drywall and shellacs the way you described your job puts you in that category.
I'm not aware of any certification for industrial painters.
I hope this helps, but perhaps you should call the Master Painters and Decorators
Association http://www.paintinfo.com/assoc/mpda/
for a different interpretation.
Best wishes,
Ron Joseph
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