What paint do I have to use to paint a drinking water tank? Food Certified Paint

What is food paint?

In general, it is a special type of paint for surfaces that have direct or indirect contact with drinks and food. Unlike the rest, food paint is not manufactured with toxic components. In this way, the different phases of treatment and preparation of food will not be affected.

Its most outstanding feature is that it does not cause any type of harm to food or its conservation, since it does not alter its flavor. This is mainly due to the fact that it has zero toxicity and a maximum level of hygiene, which makes it essential in industries such as dairy, fruit and vegetable, meat, beverage production and others.

Factories related to these sectors are obliged to guarantee maximum protection and health in their facilities. For this reason, the use of this range of food paints in spaces where you work with foodstuffs or liquids suitable for human consumption is so important. In addition to the food sector, this special range is recommended for veterinary centers, slaughterhouses, municipal warehouses and cisterns, laboratories and warehouses.

  Broadly speaking, its most representative properties are:

- Quick drying, allowing you to add multiple layers in no time.

-Being 100% free of solvents, it is odorless, tasteless and does not lose color over the years.

-You have the possibility of applying food paint to machinery, floors, walls and tanks.

- Resists all kinds of chemical attacks (grease, smoke, soot, etc.).

-Can be washed. Undoubtedly, a very important aspect when it comes to daily disinfection in areas that have had contact with food. That is, it helps you fight microorganisms, bacteria or the transfer of flavors and odors. Also, thanks to its non-adherence, it is washed very easily and quickly.

-It is breathable.

Application of Food paint in water tanks

In addition to the spaces mentioned above, food paint can be used in tanks and pipes that carry drinking water. After all, this product is designed and manufactured to maintain prolonged contact without losing its properties. The liquid from these containers can be for human and animal consumption, but also for drinks or natural products, such as honey.

In the same way, the paint for cisterns is used in the tanks that are used for food processing and treatment processes. This is the case of the canning and fruit and vegetable industry for cleaning fruits and vegetables, as well as the agricultural industry. Therefore, it must comply with all the requirements that EU Regulation 10/2011 establishes for products in contact with food.

Among the main advantages of choosing paint for water tanks, the following stand out:

- Its epoxy composition makes it adhere well to the tank surface with good filling capacity and adaptability.

-Resists microorganisms and prevents the formation of mold, verdigris and algae that contaminate the water. Therefore, it helps to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and viruses that are capable of causing infections.

-It is shown to be unalterable to the alkali characteristics of cement and concrete.

-Does not produce residues that contaminate the liquid.

- Does not contain solvents, as well as being odorless.

-Withstands water temperature up to seventy degrees.

-Its maintenance is very simple and it is stain resistant.

How is food certified paint used?

Choosing a paint to be in contact with drinking water is essential to ensure that said liquid is suitable for any person or animal to drink safely. Now, if you want to achieve this result, you need to follow a series of steps to cover the inside of a water tank with food paint.

First of all, you must prepare the surface for the process to be more effective. Clean it thoroughly and sand it well to remove cracks or traces of rust if it is metallic. If it is a cement or concrete surface, close the holes leaving it firm and smooth.

This epoxy paint is two-component, so it needs a catalyst to get its final shape. When mixing both compounds, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind that the paint and the catalyst must only be mixed for immediate use and in the right amount, since, after the union, the product tends to harden and can no longer be applied. In general, the company details in its technical sheet how much time you will have from the moment you incorporate them.

In any case, the combination must be done with energy so that the two components come together well. Then, allow two to five minutes for the melt to set. After this interval of time, apply the paint on the surface.

During the treatment phase, cover yourself with eye and mouth protection, since in a water tank you will not have adequate ventilation. For a correct process, it is recommended to apply between two and four coats of paint, although it will also depend on the state of the area to be restored. Approximately 24 hours must elapse between each layer for an adequate primer.

In short, food-certified paint in a water tank or other area that is in contact with food will guarantee you full safety. It will be a completely protected space, without risks of poisoning and sanitized. To do this, always choose a certified product that meets all the approved requirements for its use and follow the marked steps to cover the area to be treated.