This recent quote we did for painting silos in Vancouver shows how thorough our process is when it comes to silo painting in Vancouver.
Phase #1: 9 Silos:
Option 2. PPG. (Total contract price: redacted)
7 Year Warranty against fading, chipping or peeling.
STEPS
1) Power Wash
2) Hand Tool Cleaning (SSPC-SP2)
3) Power Tool Cleaning (SSPC-SP3)
4) Full coat of PPG Multi-Primer
5) 2 coats of PPG Pitt-Tech Plus
STEP #1: HIGH-PRESSURE WASHING — THE FOUNDATION OF A LASTING COATING SYSTEM
Before any primer touches steel, the integrity of the entire silo painting system depends on one thing: surface preparation. And that starts with professional high-pressure washing — the non-negotiable first step in transforming weathered, oxidized silos into clean, bond-ready surfaces.
At Canada’s Best Painters, we use industrial-grade pressure washers delivering 3,500+ PSI to blast away dirt, chalking, rust scale, old coatings, oil, and atmospheric contaminants. These silos have been exposed to everything — UV degradation, wind-driven dust, condensation — and without deep cleaning, even the best coatings will fail prematurely.
This isn’t a rinse. This is surgical-grade cleaning on a 60-foot canvas, designed to expose solid substrate and ensure maximum adhesion for the PPG Multi-Primer system that follows.
🛡️ CLEAN STEEL = STRONG COATING PERFORMANCE
By pressure washing each silo from top to bottom — including ribs, ladders, seams, and support rings — we eliminate the barrier between the steel and long-term coating performance. A properly washed surface:
- Enhances primer bite and film build
- Reduces the risk of future peeling or flaking
- Ensures even coverage and sheen in topcoats
- Uncovers hidden corrosion or areas requiring mechanical prep
When silo painting is done right, it starts with water, power, and precision. This phase sets the tone for every layer that follows — and ensures that the investment into industrial coatings like Pitt-Tech Plus pays off for years, not just seasons.
STEP #2 & #3:
SURFACE PREPARATION OVERVIEW – SSPC-SP2/3 FOR SILO PAINTING
SSPC-SP2/SP3 Surface Prep – Tailored for the PPG System
In Phase 1 of this silo restoration project (9 silos total), SSPC-SP2 and SSPC-SP3 surface prep methods have been selected to balance cost-efficiency with practical performance. These hand and power tool cleaning standards are officially recognized by the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) and serve as reliable methods when full abrasive blasting (e.g., SP10) is not feasible due to access, containment, or environmental limitations.
✅ SP2 – Hand Tool Cleaning
This involves manual removal of loose rust, mill scale, and failed coatings using scrapers, wire brushes, and chisels. It’s effective for touch-ups or areas where power tools are impractical, but tightly bonded coatings remain intact, which means we need a surface-tolerant primer that won’t fail under less aggressive prep.
⚙️ SP3 – Power Tool Cleaning
On these silos, the primary prep method is SP3 — using grinders, needle scalers, and rotary wire wheels to mechanically clean the surface. While it doesn’t produce a full blast profile, it provides just enough “tooth” for the coating system when paired with surface-tolerant primers like PPG Multi-Primer.
- Goal: Remove all loose rust, chalking, and weak coatings
- Finish: Slight surface roughness (<1 mil profile)
- Timing: Coating should follow promptly after cleaning to avoid flash rusting
🧱 Why This Prep is Ideal for the PPG Coating System
The PPG Multi-Primer was designed specifically for challenging jobs like this — steel structures with aging coatings and non-blasted surfaces. It’s a fast-drying alkyd primer that adheres exceptionally well to hand- or power-prepped substrates, making it a smart choice where full blasting isn’t cost-effective.
Paired with 2 coats of Pitt-Tech Plus, the system provides:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Good gloss and color retention
- Fast dry-to-touch for quicker turnaround
- Lower odor and safer for sites near population or agriculture
🏭 Maintenance Coating Strategy for These Silos
This system is optimized for ongoing maintenance:
- SP3 prep allows for localized touch-ups in future phases
- Pitt-Tech Plus topcoat can be recoated without full stripping
- Multi-Primer accepts a wide range of DTM acrylics for future layering
- Ideal for repeat maintenance schedules every 6–8 years
📌 Final Application Plan – Phase 1 (9 Silos)
- Prep: SSPC-SP3 full exterior mechanical cleaning
- Primer: 1 full coat of PPG Multi-Primer (Alkyd)
- Topcoat: 2 full coats of PPG Pitt-Tech Plus (DTM Acrylic)
- Application Method: Airless spray with spot brushing on seams and edges
- Expected Lifespan: ~7 years with proper maintenance
- Cure Time: Fast dry-to-touch to minimize silo downtime
Step #4. PRIMER
PPG MULTI-PRIMER (ALKYD): THE SMART CHOICE FOR SILO PAINTING & LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE
BUILT FOR REAL-WORLD CONDITIONS — SSPC-SP2 / SP3 PREP
When it comes to repainting large steel structures like silos, blasting isn’t always feasible. That’s why PPG Multi-Primer Alkyd stands out — it’s engineered specifically for marginal surface prep, including:
- Hand Tool Cleaning (SSPC-SP2)
- Power Tool Cleaning (SSPC-SP3)
This makes it perfect for silos that are cleaned by power-washing and wire brushing, saving you thousands in abrasive blasting while still achieving excellent corrosion control.
🛡️ RUST-INHIBITIVE & MAINTENANCE-FRIENDLY
This primer contains active corrosion inhibitors that seal in rust, protect the substrate, and make future maintenance touch-ups incredibly easy.
For ongoing maintenance cycles:
- Spot power tool clean rusted areas
- Spot prime with PPG Multi-Primer
- Topcoat as needed — without a full system restart
This system gives you a repeatable, affordable, and scalable way to keep these silos protected year after year.
⚙️ APPLICATION FOR YOUR PHASE 1 – 9 SILOS
- Steel Substrate: Previously painted or weathered bare steel
- Surface Prep: SSPC-SP3 (Power Tool)
- Application: Airless spray preferred; brush/roll for cut-ins
- Dry Film Thickness (DFT): 2.0–3.0 mils
- Topcoats: Compatible with both PPG Pitt-Tech Plus (waterborne) and Sher-Loxane 800 (high-performance polysiloxane)
🌡️ PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
- Touch Dry: 2–4 hours
- Recoat Time: 8–16 hours
- Temperature Tolerance: Apply between 40°F–100°F
- Coverage: Up to 500 sq. ft. per gallon
- Cleanup: Mineral spirits or xylene
💵 COST-EFFICIENT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE
What makes this primer incredible for ongoing maintenance is:
- No need for re-blasting
- Touch-up friendly
- One-component system = less waste
- Compatible with future coating upgrades
For a large facility with multiple silos, this approach creates a long-term maintenance plan that’s cost-effective, time-saving, and practical.
✅ CONCLUSION
PPG Multi-Primer (Alkyd) is more than just a primer — it’s a silo maintenance strategy in a can. You’ll get long-lasting rust protection today and a flexible, touch-up-ready surface for future upkeep.
It’s the backbone of any smart facility manager’s coating system — and a perfect match for your Phase 1 nine-silo project.
Step #5. TOP COAT
PPG PITT-TECH® PLUS: THE ULTIMATE MAINTENANCE-READY TOPCOAT FOR SILOS
ENGINEERED FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
PPG Pitt-Tech® Plus is a direct-to-metal (DTM) waterborne acrylic topcoat that delivers exceptional protection and a clean, professional finish — ideal for steel silos in agricultural, manufacturing, or utility environments.
For your 9-silo project (Phase 1), applying two coats of Pitt-Tech Plus over PPG Multi-Primer (Alkyd) creates a coating system that balances performance, affordability, and ease of maintenance.
WHY IT’S THE BEST CHOICE FOR SILO MAINTENANCE
1. Maintenance-Ready System:
Unlike solvent-based or multi-component systems, Pitt-Tech Plus is touch-up friendly. In future years, simply clean affected areas, apply spot primer (if needed), and recoat with Pitt-Tech — no stripping, blasting, or full-scale recoats required.
2. Fast Recoat Time:
You can apply the second coat in as little as 4 hours, meaning faster project timelines with less downtime.
3. VOC-Compliant & Water-Based:
Perfect for facilities near residential zones or environmental sensitivity — no harsh solvents and compliant with even the strictest air quality standards.
4. UV and Fade Resistant:
Available in a range of colors, including high-visibility safety tones. It holds its color and gloss even under full sun exposure — ideal for tall, outdoor silos.
5. Adhesion Over Marginal Surfaces:
Forms a strong bond over properly prepared steel, even if the underlying surface isn’t newly blasted — a key benefit when working with power tool-cleaned substrates like in your SSPC-SP3 prep.
🔬 PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
FeaturePerformanceFinishSatin / Semi-GlossRecoat Time4–6 hoursTouch Dry1–2 hoursCoverage~400 sq. ft. per gallonApplicationSpray, brush, or rollerCorrosion ResistanceExcellent (with primer)UV ResistanceHighChemical ResistanceModerate (acids, oils, detergents)CleanupSoap and waterTemperature ToleranceApply between 50°F – 100°F
DESIGNED FOR PHASED PROJECTS
With Pitt-Tech Plus, you can implement a maintenance-friendly system across all silos without disrupting operations:
- Phase 1 – 9 silos: Full primer + 2 topcoats
- Future Maintenance: Spot clean + recoat
This ensures a uniform look, lasting protection, and simple annual upkeep without large-scale shutdowns or rework.
💰 LONG-TERM VALUE FOR FACILITY MANAGERS
- Lower labor costs due to simple surface prep
- Quick drying = faster job completion
- Easily train in-house crews for touch-ups or minor repairs
- Recoat cycles extend service life without starting over
✅ CONCLUSION
PPG Pitt-Tech® Plus isn’t just paint — it’s a scalable maintenance solution built for real-world industrial needs. When applied over PPG Multi-Primer, you get a system that’s durable, maintainable, environmentally sound, and tailored for steel silos exposed to weather, UV, and daily wear.
If you’re managing silos and looking for maximum ROI on your coatings, this is your system.
Option 2. PPG. (Total contract price: redacted)
7 Year Warranty against fading, chipping or peeling.