Static charge builds suddenly and can unexpectedly be released. This, in return, can ruin sensitive equipment as well as data in production, inventory, data centers, and research labs as a result of the shocks produced. It can also spark explosions in inflammable manufacturing environments, particularly those with fumes, aerosols, or explosive powders. 

Electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can pose a threat to sensitive electronic component production machinery or chemical substances and volatile gasses which are handled in the workplace, can now safely be dissipated. Occurring from the natural buildup within a standard vinyl (VCT), linoleum, ESD tile, or epoxy floor, which receives light to medium pedestrian traffic, this static charge will act as an ignition source when the connection is made between a person and a conductive surface. Anti-static floor paints work to prevent static transference between contact and separation with sensitive materials via an earthing point.

Convectional static dissipation methods such as strapping connected to electrical grounding have long been available, as have area dissipation methods such as conductive floor mats or tile flooring. But these methods have either protected only a limited number of items, have not worked when improperly used, or have been too costly and inflexible for many applications.

There have been inventions and productions of various types and forms of anti-static paint, not only providing area protection cost-effectively but also doing so with an ability to color match, which also meets low VOC emission standards with a good look on usage. 

Color matching of anti-static paint opens up new possibilities for commercial architects, company owners, and facility managers. It uses much more monotonous grays to allow personal preference, mood enhancement, color coordination, as well as enhanced safety.

The anti-static coating is an electrically conductive layer that carries off static charges that can accrue on a surface. The anti-static coating is an electrically conductive coating that is manufactured to disperse or obstruct static charges and their effects on the environment and surroundings.

An anti-static spray is a liquid spray used to control or eradicate electrostatic discharge and its effects. The major constituents of anti-static sprays are water (deionized) and alcohol. The water serves as the polymer while alcohol as the solvent. ESD Paints (anti-static paint) and epoxy coatings are applied to concrete floors in thin coats. 

The main benefits of these materials are their ease of application and their ability to cover a wide area. They have a longer life span than other floor finishes, but less than permanent ESD-floor materials, though. It works against ESD using the simple principle that as a person walks on the painted floor and generates a static charge, the charge is immediately drained to the ground through conductive footwear and then the coated floor.

An anti-static painted floor makes a preferred pathway for the movement of electricity, keeping the electrical charge under checks as the charge is drained. The charge flows on the surface and into a grounding point and vanishes. If properly applied, no charge can ever build-up, as it is always immediately and without causing hazard eliminated.

Look at the grounding point as a plug hole and the electrical charge just as bathwater. The water drains over the painted anti-static floor and is eliminated via the grounding point (plug hole). In the case of anti-static paint, the paint contains elements (the most prevalent used standards are carbon or tin) that transmit the electrical current through the painted floor. The flow is then conveyed to conductive copper tape placed underneath the surface of the floor paint to a grounding point.

The components in the paint are prudently measured and balanced to facilitate the speed of discharge a good anti-static paint can be used on concrete, wood, metal, wallboard, plaster. It must be:

• Easy to apply
• Water-based
• Low-odor
• Non-toxic
• Able to be cleaned by soap and water

ESD/anti-static paint is used in OEM facilities, computers, and electronics assembly areas, data centers/ IT rooms, warehouses, commercial buildings. Use it anywhere static build-up needs to be eliminated. It is easily applied like any other paint, and it can be rolled, brushed, or sprayed.

On average, the recommended usage of Approx. 200 sq. Ft. Per gallon would serve purpose adequate for approximately eight to 10 milliliters wet lay down. Two coat layers are suggested for the best anti-static result. A good anti-static paint should have a conductivity. Permanent conductivity is in the range of 10⁷ – 10⁹ ohms, and conductive range is permanent conductivity in the range of 10³ – 10⁵ ohms.

Anti-static paint can provide a great basic layer of electrostatic discharge protection to an area. For even better protection, using additional anti-static accessories can create a more layered, comprehensive, faster reacting system.

Sources of ESD shocks

Anti-static and conductive flooring systems can be used at every location where ESD can be produced, i.e., static shock can be produced:

• Laboratories
• Computer suites
• Electronic assembly plants
• Automotive/aeronautical departments
• Pharmaceutical premises
• Medical facilities and operating rooms
• Manufacturing plants
• Oil and chemical processing facilities
• Floor surfaces in industrial & commercial units
• Factory floors
• Shopping malls
• Parking coating
• Sports courts
• Floor marking
• Office floors
• AirPort floors

But it is most recommended for interior surfaces of clean rooms, electronic factories, hospitals, computer rooms, printing factories, pharmaceutical factories, and other factories and locations dealing with inflammable gases or liquids.

Advantages of anti-static coating 

• It is easy to apply by roller and orthodox spray techniques
• It is convenient and quick 
• It is applicable on concrete as well as metal surfaces

Benefits of anti-static coating

• Superior performance
• Easy repair and rectification
• Zero maintenance
• Saves manpower and time

Application instructions for anti-static paint 

Surface preparation: The surface to be layered must be carefully cleaned and degreased to ensure that oil, grease, and other surface contaminants are completely removed. Surface dust must be removed using an industrialized vacuum cleaner. Fins and protrusions shall be gotten rid off by sanding, grinding, or stoning. New concrete should be left to dry and set for at least 28 days before the application of the anti-static paint. 

Primer: Anti-static paints can be applied by using a roller. Make sure that the obligatory thickness is achieved to ensure good anti-static characteristics. 

Mixing: Agitate Part A and Part B thoroughly in their own containers with a power mixer, then pour Part B into Part A in the pre-weighed packing and continue to stir. Mix to an even consistency in advance to watering. 

Thinning: Thin 20% or less with clean water for workability. 

Application: Anti-static paints and coatings can be applied by rollers, brushes, or spraying gears. Make sure sufficient material is applied uniformly to the entire surface, with a 50 percent overlap every pass. For application in the enclosed area, provide adequate ventilation to make sure proper drying of applied materials. 

Drying: For the water in the coated film to be dried up quickly, coated areas must be well ventilated. Coated surface can be open for foot traffic after it must have been left to cure for 24 hours. With proper ventilation, anti-static paint can be used after six to eight hours. 

Cleaning: All application tools and equipment can be water and detergent after use.

The picture below shows a man testing the surface conductivity of a surface after the application of anti-static paints.