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Water storage tanks and silos are typically made out of steel. There are 4 main types of steel used in commercial buildings. The types of steel, also commonly referred to as CAST steel, are carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and tool steel.
These steel types can be further divided into over 150 recognized steel grades. If you want to paint your steel silo, there are some steps you must take to ensure your paint lasts a long time.
Steel structure painting requires preparation and planning by a professional painting crew. Some of the steps the crew will take to complete your storage tank painting include:
It’s important to complete each step of the steel structure painting process because improper painting will cause issues over time.
The wrong paint will fade quicker, cause structural damage, and even cause your structure to collapse. That’s why it’s imperative to hire a professional silo painting company.
An on-site inspection is necessary because the crew needs to know what type of steel they are working with, what materials are used in the storage tank system, as well as several other factors.
Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to steel structure painting. You don’t want to risk anyone getting injured or killed on the job site. OSHA-approved equipment and rigging must be used to keep the crew safe. Professional storage tank painting companies will bring their own equipment, which takes the liability of injury off your hands.
Another safety aspect is preparing for weather delays. If it is too hot, the crew can become overheated or dehydrated. If it’s too cold, the crew may make detrimental mistakes due to shivering or stiff fingers. The best time to perform silo painting is when it is a moderate temperature outside.
Before any painting begins, the steel surface must be prepared for coating. This may involve cleaning, sandblasting, pressure washing, and other approved techniques to clear away corrosion, dirt, mildew, and other foreign materials. Certain types of steel, like galvanized steel, must be prepped in a specific way. Incorrect preparation can lead to issues with the paint.
You want your paint to last, so using high-quality paint is the best thing you can use on your silo. Most paints need to be combined to create proper durability and avoid negative chemical reactions. The right crew will pick the best materials.
If your storage tank needs to be painted, contact Industry Painting, Ltd. today! We will paint your silo for an affordable price!
For storage tank painting, epoxy-based coatings are the most common choice for water tanks. They provide excellent corrosion resistance, chemical protection, and adhesion to metal or concrete surfaces. Many professionals also apply a polyurethane topcoat during storage tank painting projects to improve UV and weather resistance for long-term performance.
In storage tank painting, lighter colours like white, silver, or light blue are often preferred because they reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. Choosing a reflective shade helps maintain cooler water temperatures and extends coating life. During storage tank painting, the colour selection also depends on local regulations and visibility requirements.
The coatings used in storage tank painting typically include epoxy primers, polyurethane finishes, and, in some cases, zinc-rich coatings for steel substrates. These systems create durable protection against corrosion, UV exposure, and chemical attack. Industrial contractors performing storage tank painting select the paint type based on the tank’s contents and environmental conditions.
For storage tank painting involving fuel or chemical tanks, specialized epoxy or polyurethane coatings designed for hydrocarbon resistance are ideal. They create an impermeable barrier that prevents leaks, rust, and contamination. In exterior storage tank painting, an added UV-resistant topcoat helps maintain appearance and performance under harsh outdoor conditions.

