The Science of Protecting Metal in Chicago
Why do standard paints fail on metal? The answer lies in the chemistry. Standard exterior paints are thin (typically 1.5 mils dry) and porous. They allow moisture and oxygen to pass through the film, reaching the metal substrate underneath. Once oxygen and moisture meet metal, oxidation begins. On aluminum, this looks like white chalky powder; on steel, it looks like red rust.
Rhino Shield is different. It is an industrial-grade ceramic coating system that creates a thick, impermeable shield.
1. Extreme Corrosion Resistance (ASTM B117)
Salt is the enemy of metal. In Chicago, salt isn’t just in the air near the lake; it’s on our roads and driveways all winter. Rhino Shield has been subjected to the rigorous
ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test. In independent laboratory testing, our coating was exposed to a continuous salt fog environment. The result?
No blistering and no rust breakthrough. This makes it the ideal aluminum siding paint coating for homes exposed to harsh winter elements.
2. Waterproofing Against Wind-Driven Rain (ASTM D6904)
Metal buildings often suffer from leaks at the seams and fasteners. Rhino Shield seals these vulnerabilities. In the
ASTM D6904 test, our coating withstood winds of 98 mph and heavy water saturation with
zero water penetration. By encapsulating your metal building, you aren’t just changing the color; you are waterproofing the envelope.
3. Flexible Durability (ASTM D2370)
Metal expands and contracts significantly as temperatures swing from sub-zero Chicago winters to scorching summers. Standard paint is brittle; when the metal moves, the paint cracks. Rhino Shield is an elastomeric coating with over
500% elongation capabilities. It stretches and moves with your metal siding, ensuring the bond remains tight and the seal remains unbroken.
Residential: Restore Your Aluminum Siding
If you own a home with aluminum siding, you are likely facing a dilemma. The siding is structurally sound, but the finish is faded, chalky, and outdated. You might be considering tearing it all off and replacing it with vinyl or expensive fiber cement.
Don’t replace it—Shield it.
Rhino Shield is the ultimate solution for aluminum siding restoration. Here is why savvy Chicago homeowners are choosing our ceramic coating over replacement:
- Cost-Effective Restoration: Coating your aluminum siding with Rhino Shield costs significantly less than a full tear-off and replacement project. You keep the durability of the metal while gaining the aesthetic of a brand-new home.
- The “Chalk” Solution: That powdery residue on your hand when you touch old siding is oxidation. Our process involves a thorough chemical wash to remove this oxidation, followed by a bonding primer that locks into the metal, preventing future chalking.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Aluminum siding doesn’t have to look industrial. Rhino Shield can be tinted to any of 1,500 colors. Whether you want a modern slate grey, a classic white, or a bold architectural tone, we can transform the curb appeal of your home.
- Noise Reduction: Because Rhino Shield is applied 8-10 times thicker than standard paint and contains ceramic microspheres, it adds a layer of insulation that can help dampen outside noise—a nice bonus for aluminum-sided homes which can sometimes be “tinny.”
Commercial: Industrial Protection for Metal Buildings
For business owners and facility managers, a metal building is an asset that needs to be protected. Rust is not just an eyesore; it is a structural liability. Rhino Shield provides a commercial-grade solution that halts corrosion and improves energy efficiency.
The “Cool Wall” Effect for Metal Buildings
Metal is a conductor. In the summer, a steel building absorbs heat from the sun, radiating it into the interior workspace. This forces your HVAC system to work harder, driving up utility costs.
Rhino Shield is packed with
ceramic microspheres that reflect UV rays. With a high
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), our coatings can lower surface wall temperatures by up to 21°F. By applying Rhino Shield to your metal commercial building, you are essentially wrapping it in a thermal blanket that repels heat, keeping your warehouse, factory, or office cooler and reducing your energy overhead.
Class A Fire Rating Safety
Safety is paramount in commercial and industrial settings. Rhino Shield holds a
Class A Fire Rating (ASTM E84), the highest rating available. It has a flame spread index of 5 and a smoke development index of 0. Unlike some oil-based industrial paints that can be flammable, Rhino Shield adds a layer of fire resistance to your facility.
Minimal Disruption
Re-skinning a metal building is a massive construction project that disrupts operations. Painting with Rhino Shield is faster, cleaner, and less intrusive. Our professional crews work efficiently to prep, prime, and coat your building, often allowing you to maintain full operations during the process.
The Application Process: Bonding to Metal
The secret to our success on metal surfaces isn’t just the product; it’s the process. Painting over rust or oxidation is a recipe for failure. Our team follows a rigorous protocol to ensure a permanent bond:
- Inspection & Repair: We inspect the metal for loose panels, rusted fasteners, and structural damage. We replace or tighten fasteners and caulk seams where necessary to ensure a watertight surface.
- Chemical Cleaning: We power wash the building with a specialized cleaning agent to remove dirt, grease, mold, and most importantly, the chalky oxidation layer found on aged aluminum and steel.
- Rust Treatment: Any areas of visible rust are treated with a corrosion-inhibiting primer. This stops the chemical reaction of rusting in its tracks.
- Adhesive Primer: We apply a proprietary bonding primer specifically formulated for metal substrates. This primer bites into the metal, creating a surface that the finish coat can lock onto.
- Ceramic Finish Coat: Finally, we spray the Rhino Shield ceramic topcoat. It goes on thick—building up a protective layer that is 8-10 times thicker than traditional paint. This coat dries to form the durable, flexible shell that protects your building.
Why Choose Rhino Shield for Your Chicago Metal Project?
There are plenty of “painters” in Chicago, but few “coating experts.” When dealing with non-porous substrates like aluminum and steel, you cannot afford to hire a contractor using standard latex products. They will peel within a few years.
We offer certainty.
- 25-Year Warranty: We back our work with a 25-Year Transferable Warranty against cracking, chipping, and peeling. This is virtually unheard of in the painting industry.
- Local Expertise: We are locally owned and operated. We know what Chicago winters do to metal, and we have engineered our application process to withstand it.
- Proven Track Record: From historic aluminum-sided homes in Elmhurst to massive commercial facilities, we have protected thousands of structures across Northern Illinois.
Rust, Warpage, and Loose Panels? We Fix It All.
Weather and elements can take a toll on metal surfaces, causing pitting in the metal, roof leaks, and even holes rusting completely through the surface. Proper care of your metal building and metal roof will ensure these conditions do not happen. Rhino Shield exterior ceramic paint coating completely bonds to and seals metal surfaces, stopping the degradation process immediately.
Get a Free Estimate for Your Metal Building or Home
Whether you have an aluminum-sided bungalow or a 100,000-square-foot steel distribution center, Rhino Shield is the permanent solution. Stop the cycle of scraping, painting, and watching rust return.
With a large variety of colors to choose from, you can’t go wrong with Rhino Shield’s exterior permanent paint!
Please fill out the information below, and we will contact you to set up an appointment to inspect your home or building and provide a detailed, no-obligation estimate.
