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Frequently Asked Questions

Coatings made easier to understand.

A beginner-friendly FAQ for customers exploring protective, marine, powder and floor coating solutions — from “What do I need to tell you?” to “How long will it last?”

UNF Tip

The more information you provide about the asset, environment and required performance, the more accurately UNF can recommend and quote a coating solution.

How to Request a Quotation

Seven things worth telling us.

01
What are you coating?Steel, concrete, wood, aluminium, galvanized surface, etc.
02
Where is it located?Indoor, outdoor, coastal, marine, industrial, chemical exposure, etc.
03
How much needs to be coated?Area in m², dimensions, number of items, or available drawings.
04
What is the current condition?New surface, existing coating, rust, peeling, cracks, contamination, etc.
05
What performance do you need?Corrosion protection, fire protection, abrasion resistance, appearance, floor durability, etc.
06
Do you have a specification?Product requirement, consultant specification, standard, DFT, colour or target durability.
07
Can you provide photographs?Clear photos of the substrate and surrounding environment are extremely helpful for initial assessment.
21 Questions

The questions we are asked most.

Getting Started

You can send a photo as a starting point, and it can help us understand the situation. However, a photo alone is usually not enough for an accurate quotation. We may also need the substrate, approximate area or dimensions, current condition, location, exposure, required performance and whether you need supply only or supply and application.
The most useful information is: what you are coating, the approximate quantity or area, where the asset is located, the existing surface condition, the intended use, the expected exposure, preferred colour or finish, and any project specification you already have. Drawings, photographs and previous coating details are also helpful.
Yes. You do not need to know the exact product before contacting us. Tell us what you are protecting, where it is located and what you need the coating to do. UNF can then help identify a suitable coating approach based on the substrate, environment, application and performance requirement.
Not always. Exact measurements are helpful, but an initial estimate can sometimes be prepared from dimensions, drawings, item counts or other project information. For more accurate pricing, the coating area and scope should ultimately be confirmed.
Yes. Drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), coating schedules and specifications are useful because they can provide dimensions, surface areas, coating requirements and other project details. Please share the latest revision so the quotation can be based on the correct scope.
Depending on the project scope, UNF can support coating material supply and, where applicable, coating application or project coordination. Please tell us at quotation stage whether you require product supply only, supply plus application, or technical support.
Do not assume that another coat should simply be applied on top. The existing condition should first be assessed to identify the cause of failure, the extent of deterioration and the required surface preparation. Photos and site information can help us determine the next step.

Choosing the Right Coating

“Metal” is a broad category. Steel, galvanized steel and aluminium can require different preparation and coating approaches. The right system depends on the substrate, indoor or outdoor exposure, corrosion risk, chemical or marine exposure, appearance and required durability.
Wood coating selection depends on whether the wood is indoors or outdoors, the timber species and condition, moisture exposure, desired appearance and required durability. Options may include clear finishes, stains, protective coatings or other systems designed for the specific wood application.
Floor coating selection depends on traffic, abrasion, chemical exposure, moisture, slip-resistance needs, cleaning requirements and the condition of the concrete. Epoxy and polyurethane-based systems are common options, but the final system should be selected for the actual operating environment.
Usually, no. A coating designed for an indoor decorative surface may not be suitable for a marine vessel, chemical area or heavy-duty industrial floor. Coatings are formulated for particular substrates and service conditions, so the complete application requirement should be considered before selection.
Yes, but indoor and outdoor exposure can be very different. Outdoor surfaces may face UV radiation, rain, humidity and temperature changes, while indoor environments may involve abrasion, chemicals, hygiene or cleaning requirements. The coating system should be selected according to the actual exposure.
Colour is important, but it should normally be the final selection factor rather than the first. The coating must first be suitable for the substrate and environment. Once the performance requirement is established, the appropriate colour, gloss and finish can be considered.
Yes. You can tell us the target durability or maintenance period you are trying to achieve, such as 2, 5 or 10 years. UNF can then assess the environment, substrate, preparation and coating system required for the target. A stated target period is not automatically a guarantee of actual service life; performance depends on the full system, application quality, exposure and maintenance.
There is no single lifespan for “metal coating” or “wood coating.” Service life depends on the substrate, environment, preparation, coating system, application quality, exposure and maintenance. A coating in a sheltered indoor environment may perform very differently from one exposed to marine, coastal or aggressive industrial conditions.

Quotation, Performance & Warranty

Pricing may include coating materials, surface preparation, number of coats, required film thickness, labour, equipment, access, site conditions, transport and other project requirements. This is why two projects using similar-looking paint can have very different costs.
It can be, but it should be clearly defined in the quotation. Surface preparation may range from cleaning and mechanical preparation to abrasive blasting or other specified methods. The required preparation depends on the substrate condition and coating system.
Not necessarily. Performance depends on whether the coating system is suitable for the environment, properly specified, correctly prepared and correctly applied. The objective is to select the right system for the required performance rather than simply choosing the most expensive product.
A performance warranty is a written commitment covering defined performance conditions for a stated period, subject to agreed terms. Warranty coverage can depend on the specified coating system, surface preparation, application method, inspection, environmental exposure, maintenance and other project conditions. Any warranty should be confirmed in writing as part of the project agreement.
Product warranties and project performance warranties are not necessarily the same thing. Product warranty terms depend on the manufacturer and the specific product. A project warranty may also depend on surface preparation, application, system specification, site conditions and maintenance. The applicable terms should be checked for each project.
UNF can discuss the technical information needed for a coating specification, such as substrate, environment, surface preparation, coating layers, target film thickness, colour, application method and performance requirements. Where a project has a consultant or tender specification, please share it so the proposed solution can be aligned to the stated requirements.
Need a Coating Solution?

The easiest way to start.

Send us the following and we can take it from there.

Reach Us
A few clear photographs
Approximate dimensions or area
Substrate and current condition
Location and exposure
Required performance or target durability
Any drawings, specifications or BOQ available
UNF Tip

Every coating project is different. Final recommendations and quotations depend on the actual substrate, environment, scope, specification and application conditions.