The Story of Hell Gate Bridge And Its Faded Coating

HELL GATE BRIDGE PHOTO BY WIRED NEW YORK
In the early 1990’s, the bridge was completely recoated for the first time in over 80 years using $55 million appropriated by Congress. The color selected for the topcoat was known as “Hell Gate Red” a deep natural red. The coating was a 4-coat system, two of epoxy, a pigmented polyurethane coat, and a clear topcoat designed to preserve the red color of the bridge. Unfortunately, the bridge began to change color even before the repainting was completed.

LUMIFLON Coatings Dominate The International Bridge Market

LUMIFLON FEVE Resin, Kiyosu Bridge
Advanced coating technologies have been initiated to find low maintenance solutions for bridges that eliminate the need to repaint. Bridges are especially vulnerable to severe weathering and therefore environmental degradation. Dependent on geographic location, they are exposed to UV radiation, substantial temperature fluctuations, wind, and salt water.