Atlantic Ocean - Latest test for Plascoat PPA 571
A popular children's playground on the beach at San Sebastian in Spain has been given a new lease of life with Plascoat PPA 571, a protective coating proven to stand the test of time.

Although the imaginative steel structure was providing enjoyment to more than 3,000 children a week, the effects of saltwater corrosion soon became apparent.

The playground, which was previously coated in epoxy polyester, stood little chance against the harshness of the elements.During the winter months it had no protection from salt, sand and water corrosion from the Atlantic rollers that crashed over the exposed site.

In the summer intense UV rays added to the deterioration, with rust becoming a serious problem. The damage was so bad that the playground had to be closed for repair and refurbishment in October 2000. The town planners were delighted when they were informed about the protective qualities of Plascoat PPA 571, a thermoplastic coating which has repeatedly proved itself in just these sorts of harsh environments. Subsequently the playground was restored and completely re-coated with PPA 571. Two years on the playground's condition has remained outstanding.

A spokesman said "Plascoat PPA 571 is now becoming a standard for structures requiring a durable coating in San Sebastian". PPA 571 has been successfully used in a number of major construction projects including the Hong Kong Airport and the Channel Tunnel.

The key benefits of PPA 571 include long-term adhesion (without the need for a primer), excellent edge coverage and extremely high levels of resistance to impact, abrasion, stress cracking, weather and pollutants.

PPA 571 is available for both fluidised bed dip coating and electrostatic spraying.