Corrosion protection and cathodic systems
Coating failures on steel structures such as wind turbines, bridges, offshore installations and tanks often arise from deviations during preparation or application. If contamination, incorrect film thickness or unsuitable climatic conditions are not identified early, this can reduce adhesion, accelerate degradation and lead to costly repairs.
FROSIO-certified and independent inspectors provide third-party inspection throughout the coating process based on relevant standards, customer specifications and project requirements. FROSIO is an internationally recognised coating inspector qualification, covering surface preparation, coating application, inspection methods and relevant standards. Inspection can also include assessment of existing coatings and subsequent repair painting. We also support customers in selecting suitable coating systems and balancing durability requirements against cost and execution. The service is part of our expertise area Corrosion protection and cathodic systems.
Challenges
Existing coating damage leads to uncertain repair scope
If the condition of existing coatings is not assessed before repair painting, defects, hidden corrosion or incompatible coating systems may remain undetected. This increases the risk of poor repair quality, repeated work and reduced coating lifetime.
Surface preparation errors reduce coating adhesion
Insufficient cleaning, excessive salt contamination, poor roughness after blasting or inadequate edge preparation reduce coating bonding and long-term durability. Defects introduced during preparation can remain hidden until coating failure occurs.
Uncontrolled climate conditions lead to coating defects
Temperature and humidity outside can affect curing, adhesion and coating performance. This is especially critical for outdoor work or in environments where climate conditions cannot be controlled.
Late defect detection increases repair cost and delay
If defects such as low film thickness, pinholes, dry spray or poor adhesion are identified after installation, repairs can become costly and difficult to perform. This is particularly challenging on offshore structures, wind turbines and other inaccessible steel constructions.
Need to verify coating quality, assess existing coatings or define the right specifications for repair painting? Speak with a FROSIO-certified specialist for independent inspection, coating consultancy and project-specific guidance.
Standards
Benefits
Enable immediate correction of defects during execution
Continuous inspection identifies defects and non-conformities while work is ongoing, allowing the surface treatment contractor to correct them immediately. This is significantly more cost-effective than repairs after installation, especially on offshore structures and other inaccessible assets.
Create predictable outcomes across projects and suppliers
Aligned inspection practices support consistent execution across contractors, projects and steel structures. This reduces variability in coating quality and provides a more reliable basis for long-term corrosion protection.
Support acceptance, compliance and handover decisions
Independent third-party inspection results provide trusted input for approvals, audits and project handover. Inspections are carried out against relevant standards and the customer's own coating specifications to ensure that execution and documentation match project requirements.
Improve lifecycle planning
Reliable inspection and early identification of defects reduces uncertainty around future maintenance, repair needs and coating lifetime. This makes it easier to plan inspection intervals, forecast costs and avoid premature degradation.
Service scope
Inspection begins before coating by evaluating steel surfaces for sharp edges, surface defects, cleanliness, salt levels, oil contamination and edge preparation. After blasting, the surface is checked to confirm that it is clean and that the roughness profile is suitable for good coating adhesion and long-term durability.
We also offer visual inspection for corrosion in materials and components.
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Reach out to Nana Eckhardt for more information.
