recoatcyclus

Recoatcyclus, or recoat cycle, is the planned sequence and timing for applying one or more additional coats of coating to a surface in order to maintain its protective or decorative function. The cycle defines when recoating should occur, how many coats are required, and the interval between coats, within the constraints of the coating system and service conditions.

It is a concept used in maintenance planning for industrial coatings, including ships, offshore structures, bridges, and concrete elements. The cycle is part of asset management and life-cycle cost optimization, ensuring that protective performance is sustained over the asset’s service life.

Key elements of a recoat cycle include surface preparation, compatibility between old and new coatings, and adhesion characteristics; curing conditions; environmental factors such as temperature and humidity; surface cleanliness; and adherence to the recoat window, which indicates the permissible time frame to apply the next coat. Film thickness targets and appropriate inspection and testing, such as dry film thickness measurements and adhesion checks, are also part of the cycle. Documentation and record-keeping support ongoing maintenance planning.

Factors that influence cycle length and timing include substrate material (steel, concrete, wood), exposure to weather and chemicals, corrosion risk, system design, and the overall maintenance strategy. Poorly planned recoats can lead to coating failure, such as delamination or corrosion, increasing lifecycle costs and reducing service life.