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Paint and protective coatings for facilities come in a wide range of formulations, prices and performance features. Too often, attention is focused solely on keeping first costs low. When given the option of buying a paint at $10 per gallon, or a higher-quality one at $30 per gallon, facility managers typically choose the less expensive paint. The same thing happens when facility managers consider protective coatings.
Are facility managers really saving money when they select paints or coatings based on first costs? What is the long-term implication of a lower-quality product being applied? Are premium paints and coatings worth the extra money? What benefits do they provide? Should premium products always be used, or are there circumstances when using something else is beneficial?
To understand these issues facility managers should focus on reducing the life-cycle cost of paint and coating options.
LIFE-CYCLE COSTS
By identifying the total cost of ownership, facility managers can evaluate options for practically any component. A standard can be used for calculating life-cycle costs: ASTM E-917, Standard Practice for Measuring Life-Cycle Costs of Buildings and Building Products.
For paint and coatings, the most common life-cycle cost calculation is the cost per year of service for the paint or coating.
Calculated on a square-foot basis, the cost per year of service provides a comparison of different options. Typical costs in the calculation include the cost of the paint, any consumables used during the application and the labor for the application. In facilities where painting disrupts operations, it is important to factor in the cost of the disruption, including lost time and temporary relocation costs.
For each paint option, facility managers should evaluate factors such as the paint's coverage, durability, ease of application and service life. These factors determine how much paint is needed for an application, how long it will take to apply the paint, how long the paint...