Sherwin-Williams, a renowned global paint and coatings manufacturer, has recently unveiled its latest groundbreaking product, Repacor SW-1000. This revolutionary volume solids coating is specifically designed to simplify and enhance the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of maintenance and repair work on steel structures.

The development of Repacor SW-1000 is the culmination of an extensive three-year research project aimed at creating an innovative coating solution for offshore wind steel structures, according to a top official.

Claus Ackfeld, the product manager at Sherwin-Williams, emphasised that the primary focus during the development of this product was the safety of the applicator. Ackfeld stated, "This innovative new product has been developed with the safety of the applicator at the top of mind, as potentially dangerous high-level rope access coating applications can be made easier."

Unlike traditional technologies that require 2-3 layers of coating, Repacor SW-1000 only requires a single layer coating, which can be easily dispensed using a simple application gun without the need for mixing, added Ackfeld.

Conventional coating systems typically necessitate multiple coats of anticorrosive coatings and durable topcoats. In contrast, Repacor SW-1000 incorporates all these properties into a single coat with a 500-micron dry film thickness.

Ackfeld further explained that despite being a single coat, Repacor SW-1000 is expected to match the performance of offshore wind structure coating systems that are typically applied in controlled conditions within paint shops.

One of the notable advantages of Repacor SW-1000 is its faster cure time, which is approximately four hours quicker than alternative aerosol systems. The unique cartridge application process allows the applicator to work effectively from a backpack, reducing the need for multiple trips and minimising waste packaging.

In terms of compliance, Repacor SW-1000 adheres to the Norsok M-501 standard, which is widely recognised in the offshore industry for selecting coating materials, surface preparation, application procedures, and inspection for protective coatings. This ensures that the product meets the highest standards of anti-corrosion protection.

Ackfeld highlighted that an effective coating regime can result in longer maintenance intervals, leading to cost reductions. As a company committed to eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints and coatings, Sherwin-Williams has developed Repacor SW-1000 with this objective in mind.

Ackfeld stated, "Repacor SW-1000 is entirely VOC-free, as well as being free of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substances. It is also 100 percent volume solid."

Neil Wilds, the global product director at Sherwin-Williams, expressed his enthusiasm for the transformative impact of Repacor SW-1000 on the maintenance and repair of wind turbines. He also highlighted its potential for use in onshore industrial environments, stating, "Although it is used predominantly offshore, it is also an excellent solution for onshore industrial environments if a simple to apply, high-performance, durable, and cost-effective coating is required."

Wilds further emphasised the game-changing nature of Repacor SW-1000, noting that its single coat provides the same level of anti-corrosion and durability performance as a two or three coat aerosol system.

Sherwin-Williams' introduction of Repacor SW-1000 represents a significant advancement in the field of maintenance and repair coatings for steel structures. With its simplified application process, enhanced safety features, and compliance with industry standards, Repacor SW-1000 is poised to revolutionise the way maintenance and repair work is conducted on offshore wind steel structures.