A coating can be defined as a substance spread over a surface to provide protection or to serve decorative purposes. This article discusses two industrial coating components, namely, nonvolatile components such as the resin or binder, pigments, and any additives that may be incorporated into the formulation; and volatile components such as solvents, or water in emulsions and their composition. It provides general information on volatile organic compounds. The article describes the film-forming mechanisms of various coating types, namely, lacquers, chemically converting coatings, latex coatings, alkyds and other resins, which cure by oxidation, moisture-curing polyurethanes and inorganic zinc primers, and powder coatings. The article concludes with a discussion on the functions of the primer, intermediate coat, and topcoat in coating systems.

Although aluminum alloys are inherently corrosion resistant, there are many operating environments where they require additional protection. This article describes the conditions under which aluminum is prone to corrode and explains how to prevent it through the addition of conversion coatings and paints. It addresses some of the more common corrosion mechanisms, including corrosion driven by pH extremes, pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and filiform corrosion. The article also describes in-plant as well as field application procedures for cleaning and coating, and discusses the advantages and limitations of the various materials and chemicals used.

This article focuses on the various coatings used on Department of Defense (DoD) systems. These include electroplated coatings; conversion coatings; supplemental oils, waxes, and lubricants; organic paint coatings; and other finishes such as vacuum deposits, mechanical plating, thermal spray coatings, and hot-dip coatings. The article also lists the test requirements and time to failure of the coatings.