Raahe–Kajaani–Kokkola: how to choose the surface treatment and protective coatings for an IBC container rack when it is used all year round and conditions vary

Surface treatment of the IBC container rack In varying conditions such as those found in Raahe, Kajaani and Kokkola, this is often the single most important factor determining the service life and operational reliability of the rig in year-round operation. When the structure is exposed to moisture, dirt, detergents, fertilisers or preservatives, the surface is subjected simultaneously to chemical stress and mechanical wear – and it is precisely this combination that reveals any weak points. This article sets out a decision-making model rooted in local conditions, enabling you to select the correct protective measures and structural details without having to guess.

Lootu Oy (Pekurinpolku 3, 90450 Kempele) manufactures metal products and develops racks designed for practical use with IBC containers on tractors and wheel loaders. As the rack is exposed to the same weather conditions as the machine itself, surface treatment should not be viewed merely as a “finishing touch” but as part of risk management: rust, jammed locks and flaking coatings quickly become apparent in day-to-day use.

Raahe–Kajaani–Kokkola: Surface treatment of the IBC container rack on the environmental conditions map

Conditions vary surprisingly widely within the “Raahe–Kajaani–Kokkola” triangle. On the coast (Raahe, Kokkola), corrosion is accelerated by sea winds and, often, road salt, which is carried by spray into the joints and fixings of the scaffolding. In Kajaani, on the other hand, temperature fluctuations, the frost season, freeze-thaw cycles and constant dampness place greater demands on structural drainage systems and the flexibility of the coating in particular.

If the pallet is in use all year round, it does not “dry out in storage”; instead, moisture and dirt repeatedly accumulate on its surface. Dirt acts like sandpaper: it wears away the coating at the fastening points, at the contact points of forklift tines, on the support at the bottom edge of the container, and in all areas subject to movement and vibration. That is why “strong paint” alone is not enough; alongside the surface treatment, carefully designed protective features and details are required.

To gain a background to the mechanisms of corrosion and why salt and moisture are such a problematic combination, it is worth taking a look at a general overview, for example corrosion. In practice, however, the choice is always made according to the usage profile: what gets worn away, what gets splashed on and what remains standing in the wet.

Surface treatment for IBC container racks: hot-dip galvanising, painting or a combination?

When it comes to year-round use, the fundamental question is whether the primary aim is to achieve “mass and sacrificial metal” (hot-dip galvanising) or “a surface coating and chemical resistance” (paint system), or both (duplex: zinc + paint). Hot-dip galvanising provides a strong foundation, particularly when the structure is exposed to salt spray and moisture. A paint system, on the other hand, may be advantageous if there is constant contact with chemicals and a controlled, easily maintained surface is required.

A duplex construction (galvanising + topcoat) is often a sensible compromise when the product is subjected to “heavy-duty use”: zinc protects against scratches and at the seams, whilst the paint improves resistance to chemical and dirt build-up and makes the surface easier to clean. Use on a tractor or wheel loader typically involves vibration and is prone to impacts, so minor surface damage is the rule rather than the exception. In such cases, it is important that the protective coating does not fail at the first sign of chipping.

When the salt and the sea breeze come to the fore (Raahe, Kokkola)

On the coast, prioritise solutions that can withstand salt even in “hidden” areas: at the ends of pipework, in joints, beneath bolted connections and in fastenings. In practice, this means proper pre-treatment, finishing the joints and ensuring there are no pockets of water or dirt left in the structure. If you’d like to explore this topic further in relation to coastal areas, here’s a good companion read: salty conditions and sea breezes – reliability of fastenings.

When a rack is actually in use all year round, the best surface finish is not the one that looks new in the warehouse, but the one that can withstand scratches, splashes and washing without the structure starting to rust from the inside.

Structural protective measures that extend the service life (regardless of the coating)

A coating alone won’t do the trick if the structure collects water and dirt. That’s why it’s worth deciding on “protective measures and details” at the same time as Surface treatment of the IBC container rack. A good rule of thumb is: design the rack so that it can be cleaned and inspected without having to dismantle it. When dirt gets trapped in the joints, it traps moisture and corrodes the protective coating from the inside out.

In varying conditions in particular, drainage features, rounded edges, protected locking mechanisms and wear-resistant surfaces are essential in those areas where the container “moves” whilst driving. If straps, chains or mechanical fastenings are used on the rack, their contact surfaces are, in practice, wear parts – and it is advisable either to protect them with separate bars or plates, or to design them so that they are easy to maintain.

Chemicals, washing and dirt: how to choose protective gear for “heavy-duty use”

On farms and in property maintenance, IBC containers are often used for a variety of purposes: irrigation water, washing water, liquid fertilisers and preservatives. As a result, the surface of the rack ends up covered with everything from fine dust to alkaline and acidic splashes. With year-round use, a layer consisting of “chemicals + dirt + moisture” builds up in the joints, where it remains for a long time. It is therefore advisable to combine surface treatment with protective measures that divert splashes away from critical joints.

If you use preservatives or fertilisers, make sure you also plan a cleaning routine: a quick rinse after use is often more effective than an occasional “spring clean”. The most important thing for the rack is to ensure that splashes do not dry into a layer that traps moisture. This practical approach is supported by ensuring that hoses and connectors are properly managed and the risk of leaks is minimised – in this regard, I also recommend reading: Filling and emptying solutions for IBC containers.

Surface treatment and cleanability of IBC container racks in practice

When making your choice, it is worth asking: how does the surface behave when washed repeatedly? A durable coating is not just “chemical-resistant”; it also withstands mechanical cleaning (brushing, pressure washing) without flaking at the edges. Furthermore, a structure that does not trap dirt reduces the need for cleaning and minimises wear on the coating. When a rack is part of the daily workflow, small time savings add up.

Winter, ice and temperature fluctuations: protect your locks and minimise damage

In winter, the “weak links” in the coating and structure become more apparent: ice expands into the cracks, salty slush freezes in the joints, and vibrations wear away the brittle surface. In the Kajaani and inland regions, temperature fluctuations and long periods of sub-zero temperatures also pose challenges for valves, seals and tank mounting points, as well as for the rack mechanisms. It is therefore advisable to choose protective covers for winter use that keep moving parts cleaner and reduce the build-up of ice.

One practical measure is to ensure that the locks operate even when wearing gloves and that they have sufficient clearance for dirt, without the mechanism being designed to operate within a “millimetre tolerance”. Furthermore, it is worth considering a design for the bottom edge of the rack and its support surfaces that does not allow snow and ice to build up in “ledges”. For specific winter-related issues, this article makes a good companion read: The effect of frost and temperature fluctuations on an IBC container and its rack.

Decision guide: how to choose surface treatments and protective coatings for your own use

By combining the environmental map, the chemical profile and winter usage, you’ll get a practical decision-making model. Start by considering where the rack spends most of its time: coastal salt and spray will influence your choice differently to inland freeze-thaw cycles. Next, assess mechanical wear: if the rack is subjected to daily repetitive attachment and movement, the wear surfaces and protective features are at least as important as the coating itself.

A good end result is usually “multi-layered”: adequate basic protection (e.g. zinc or a robust primer system), a surface that is easy to clean (paint/finish), and structures that channel water and dirt away. If you need a more general guide to the overall design and intended use of the scaffolding, this serves as a starting point: How to choose the right IBC container rack.

The concept behind Lootu Oy’s racks is specifically geared towards practical work: a robust structure, safe handling and easy fitting to tractors and wheel loaders. When Surface treatment of the IBC container rack and as the protective measures are chosen according to local conditions, you’ll have equipment that works in Raahe, Kajaani and Kokkola year in, year out – without unnecessary downtime or having to “fiddle about” with locks or rust spots.