
Advertise on podcast: The Red Bucket
Rating
5from
This podcast has
217 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
CarbolineExplicit
No
Date created
2017/11/16
Latest episode
2026/05/26
Average duration
34 min.
Release period
46 days
Description
The Red Bucket: A Protective Coatings Podcast provides a behind-the-scenes look at the industrial coatings industry. Decision-makers and SMEs from throughout the world of coatings share their processes, practices, and passions with hosts Paul Atzemis and Toby Wall.
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28. Is it time to replace traditional tank and pipe insulation? (feat. Michael Stelmach)
2026/05/26
Summary
For decades, standard practice for insulating storage tanks and piping has been to wrap them in mineral wool, foam, or other low-conductivity materials before sealing them in cladding. This method works well—for a few years, anyway. But guest Michael Stelmach explains how liquid-applied insulative coatings are a longer-lived solution that achieves similar thermal efficiency, personnel protection, energy savings, and process stability while eliminating CUI and other risk factors.
Also, Michael pulls his hamstring and admits it is possible to have good barbecue outside of Texas.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:43 – The evolution of insulative coatings
02:58 – Understanding traditional insulation methods
05:32 – The mechanics of insulation and moisture ingress
08:49 – Challenges with traditional insulation materials
11:20 – Weather damage and safety concerns
13:39 – Construction challenges with traditional insulation
16:41 – Performance analysis and thermal conductivity
22:36 – Corrosion under insulation: challenges and solutions
26:17 – The role of topcoating
29:06 – Liquid-applied vs. traditional insulation costs
31:58 – Limitations of liquid applied insulation
34:07 – The four questions
27. Landmark projects in Canada (Feat. Pedro Escudero)
2026/04/22
Summary
Three mysterious binders once forgotten in a Carboline headquarters closet are opened for the first time in decades. In this episode of The Red Bucket, Toby and guest Pedro Escudero explore a small sample of their contents: four past projects involving high-profile locations across Canada.
And, Pedro reveals where tourists can get the best fish dinner in the country.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:40 – CN Tower staircase
05:52 – Point Tupper supertanker terminal
13:02 – SkyDome (now the Rogers Centre) retractable roof structural steel
18:35 – Peterborough Lift Lock
33:10 – The Four Questions
26. The problem with using Shore D hardness for intumescent coatings (Feat. Michael Hollman)
2026/03/02
Summary
An intumescent coating can be qualified or disqualified for use simply because it falls above or below a certain magical hardness level, usually as measured on the Shore D scale. But hardness has no influence on performance, and the Shore D scale just doesn’t make sense when assessing softer intumescent technology types. Fireproofing industry veteran Michael Hollman explains the consequences of misusing Shore D hardness in intumescent coating specifications.
Also, Michael worries that his brother-in-law might soon beat him at snooker.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
03:01 - How the industry's understanding of hardness has evolved
05:55 - Durometers' importance in measuring coating hardness
07:31 - Matching different Shore scales to different coating technologies
09:39 - When standards are "cut-and-pasted" without context
13:34 - Harder is not universally better
18:15 - Elasticity, damage resistance, and impact recovery
21:12 - Viewing Shore values as a reference point, not a product differentiator
22:40 - The four questions
BONUS - Regulatory affairs in Europe
2025/08/17
Summary
Nel nuovo episodio del nostro podcast, parliamo di un tema spesso percepito come tecnico e complesso, ma in realtà sempre più strategico: il mondo del Regulatory nei rivestimenti industriali. Ne discutiamo con Alice Paiotta, Regulatory & Quality Assurance Manager Europe in Carboline, che ci guida in un viaggio tra REACH, sostenibilità, rischi normativi, competitività e innovazione.
Timestamps
00:53 – Introduzione
01:16 – Presentazione dell’ospite: Alice Paiotta
02:03 – Che cos’è il regulatory in un’azienda che produce rivestimenti e prodotti antincendio
02:40 – I principali regolamenti applicabili in Europa
03:34 – Focus sul Regolamento REACH
04:21 – Le autorità competenti in Europa per il settore dei rivestimenti
05:44 – Come è evoluta la regolamentazione negli ultimi decenni
08:22 – Codice UFI: di cosa si tratta e a cosa serve
08:53 – Il futuro del regulatory secondo Alice
10:46 – L’aggiornamento delle liste di sostanze: un processo continuo
11:14 – Regolamenti europei e sostenibilità: sempre più interconnessi
13:33 – Le conseguenze della non conformità normativa (legali, economiche, reputazionali)
16:20 – Come assicurarci di non commercializzare prodotti non conformi
19:25 – Regulatory come vantaggio competitivo: quando la conformità diventa strategia
22:50 – Le principali sfide da affrontare per restare conformi
24:48 – Il percorso di Alice: dalla chimica al regulatory
28:02 – Domande extra per chiudere in leggerezza
25. Renovating the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium (Feat. Juan Pablo Ortega [again])
2025/06/25
Summary
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, is the iconic home of legendary soccer club Real Madrid. A recent five-year renovation has transformed the stadium into a modern engineering marvel. Fireproofing and corrosion protection coating systems each played a role in the mega project, and in this episode, Carboline’s Europe Director of Project Development, Juan Pablo Ortega, leads a tour of his favorite team’s new digs.
Also, is it possible for another country to have larger portion sizes than America?
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
02:32 – Summarizing the renovation of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
05:10 – Differing fire ratings for different uses of a structure
06:15 – Why both cementitious and intumescent fireproofing types were used
08:20 – Specifying heavy-duty Pyrocrete 40
10:52 – Nullifire SC 902 intumescent fireproofing was uniquely qualified for this project
13:34 – Primer, fireproofing, and topcoat specification for the retractable trays
16:17 – Navigating an aggressive schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic
17:20 – Juan Pablo returns to the site
18:28 – The Four Questions
24. Fluoropolymers: The unbeatable resin technology for water tank topcoats (Feat. Jeremy Sukola and Kristen Blankenship)
2025/05/09
Summary
Fluoropolymer-based finish coats are the premier performers for elevated water storage tanks in exterior exposures. The specialty FEVE resin on which they are based withstands intense UV radiation, high winds, and intense precipitation while holding gloss and color for decades. And while all of that comes at a cost, water industry expert Jeremy Sukola and chemistry nerd Kristen Blankenship explain how that cost represents a long-term investment that boasts a handsome return. In this episode of The Red Bucket, learn the chemistry, use cases, and regulatory considerations of fluoropolymer topcoats.
Also, Kristen ponders the Atlantic Ocean from the top of a cliff, and Jeremy shares a strong opinion about spaghetti sauce.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – A brief history of fluoropolymers
04:41 – Composition and properties of fluoropolymer coatings
08:51 – The role of fluoropolymer topcoats in water tank coating systems
13:05 – Fluoropolymer finish coat performance vs. other common technologies
15:08 – Fluoropolymer finish coats are not always the best fit
17:17 – Promoting long-term visual appeal
19:36 – Application properties
21:04 – The cost of novel chemistry
24:05 – Lifecycle cost benefits of fluoropolymer products
25:52 – Human health, PFAS, and forever chemical concerns
32:02 – The regulatory landscape today
33:53 – Key takeaways
35:14 – The Four Questions
23. Acrylamide leak sealing grouts (Feat. Michael Vargo)
2025/04/25
Summary
Acrylamide grout technology dominates the underground wastewater collection leak sealing landscape. Legacy dry-granule and modern liquid variants give operators tremendous flexibility to address challenges of almost any scope or scale. But how do acrylamides work? Why do they work so well? And what do municipalities or private network owners need to know about how they fit into the broader maintenance and repair ecosystem? Michael Vargo of Prime Resins is the man with the answers.
Also, Michael considers what it would be like to be 6’10”.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
02:24 – Defining acrylamide grouts
04:09 – Water/wastewater use cases and how the technology works
10:04 – Comparing granular vs. liquid acrylamide grouts
12:57 – How weather impacts application
14:30 – Acrylamides vs. alternative technologies
16:44 – Use cases for acrylamide grouts outside of water/wastewater
19:34 – Why Prime Resins earned NSF 61 certification for its liquid acrylamide
22:12 – Ideal water sources for granule format
23:03 – Necessity of training for preparation and use of acrylamide grouts
25:37 – Acrylamide grouts are one piece of a bigger maintenance/repair puzzle
33:00 – The four questions
22. Protecting molten sulfur tank cars (Feat. Lupe Pavon and Steve Liebhart)
2025/03/17
Summary
Sulfur, an instrumental commodity to global industry, is a highly corrosive commodity typically shipped via rail in a molten state. Shippers must take care to protect their rolling stock by applying linings that resist heat, chemicals, and impacts. In this episode, rail industry expert Lupe Pavon and tank lining expert Steve Liebhart explore service environment, cleaning/surface preparation, and protective lining principles for rail cars in molten sulfur service. They also relate interesting findings from a field inspection.
And, Steve considers himself a near-perfect driver in the snow, and Lupe reveals his favorite vegetable.
**Timestamps **
00:00 – Introduction
02:11 – Corrosion mechanisms and failure modes of molten sulfur tank cars
05:36 – A highly stressful service environment for a lining
09:01 – Pitting corrosion and substrate blending for surface preparation
14:12 – Carboline’s new Plasite XHT 400 hybrid epoxy lining
18:14 – Eliminating an extra step in the surface preparation process
18:38 – We inspected Plasite XHT 400 in two cars after 30+ months in service
25:27 – The Four Questions
BONUS - Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Con Juan Pablo Ortega y Emilie Musso)
2025/02/20
En el episodio inaugural en Español de The Red Bucket, nuestros compañeros de Carboline España Juan Pablo Ortega y Emilie Musso hablan sobre la reciente renovación del icónico Estadio Santiago Bernabéu en Madrid, España. El alcance del proyecto incluyó la aplicación de materiales ignífugos cementosos e intumescentes, así como recubrimientos protectores de alto rendimiento.
00:58 – Introducción: Presentación de Emilie Musso y Juan Pablo Ortega.
02:24 – Renovación del estadio: Alcance del proyecto.
04:21 – Requisitos contra incendios: Normas aplicadas en estadios.
05:47 – Césped retráctil: Impacto en los revestimientos.
07:28 – Tipos de protección: Uso de mortero y pintura intumescente.
08:55 – Pyrocrete 40: Beneficios y aplicación.
10:20 – Nullifire SC902: Dónde y por qué se usó.
13:55 – Aplicación en una sola capa: Importancia del espesor.
15:58 – Protección anticorrosión: Recubrimientos adicionales.
17:15 – Plazos exigentes: Cómo se cumplió el tiempo.
18:51 – Cierre: Reflexión final sobre el proyecto.
20:45 – Preguntas extra: Toque personal para cerrar el episodio.
21. Zinc and a comparison of painting, galvanizing, and metalizing (Feat. Kristen Blankenship)
2025/02/06
It's taken for granted in the corrosion industry that zinc protects steel. But there's more than one way to put zinc on steel and more than one mechanism at work that makes it so protective. Kristen Blankenship returns to The Red Bucket to answer some big questions with even bigger implications:
What's zinc actually doing on painted, galvanized, and metalized surfaces?
How do these corrosion protection methods compare in terms of performance?
Does the standard "zinc-epoxy-urethane" coating system hold zinc-rich primers back from performing as well as they could on their own?
How many ISO 12944-9 testing cycles will it take before any corrosion appears on panels coated in a two-coat inorganic system?
Kristen also contemplates the deathbed of a lonely scientist.
00:00 – Intro
02:13 – A very brief history of cathodic protection
04:05 – Electron chemistry explains behavior
06:15 – Summarizing galvanizing, metalizing, and painting
14:15 – Silicate resin technology is understudied
15:47 – Comparing adhesion of each method
17:09 – Engineers understand paint differently than the other methods
20:16 – Surprising results from cyclic aging testing of a two-coat inorganic system
23:43 – Why is paint held to a higher standard?
26:48 – Zinc loading and a sustainability comparison
Find out more at https://carboline-tech-service-podcast.pinecast.co
20. No magic paint (Feat. Eric Zimmerman and Jeremy Sukola)
2024/12/18
Water/wastewater operator customers are asking some strange questions lately. To experts Jeremy Sukola and Eric Zimmerman, it’s as if they’re asking for magic paint. In this episode, we identify an emerging demographic trend and the knowledge gap it’s created. Then, Jeremy and Eric explain why the best ways to close that gap are to have hard conversations early and be involved in educating the next generation.
Also, Eric imagines a driving range on the Mayflower and takes a bold stance against eggnog.
0:00 – Introduction
03:08 – Strange questions from customers
05:44 – Understanding capabilities and tackling misconceptions
08:00 – A generation of seasoned professionals is retiring out
10:18 – Part of a familiar trend
12:20 – The influence of project schedule pressure
14:18 – Capabilities of coatings/linings are limited
18:34 – Economic decline brings new contractors into industry
20:04 – Manufacturers as problem solvers and honest brokers
24:11 – Breaking barriers to knowledge sharing
29:35 – Benefits of industry involvement
33:12 – Gaining credibility by saying no
37:57 – Avoid 99% of problems with early collaboration
40:00 – Four questions
19. Electrostatic dissipative (ESD) vs. conductive flooring (Feat. Richie Cropp)
2024/11/18
Understanding electrostatic dissipative (ESD) vs. conductive floor coatings is one of the industry’s most persistently misunderstood topics. In this episode of The Red Bucket, subject matter expert Richie Cropp of Dudick discusses the purpose of these specialty products, provides use cases for each type, and explains the critical importance of seeking the knowledge of material manufacturers.
Also, Richie shares his plans for Black Friday.
00:00 – Intro
02:27 – This topic is misunderstood
04:05 – How static electricity is generated
08:01 – Resistivity ranges
10:01 – Where does the electricity go?
11:48 – Coating fillers carry the current
12:48 – When to apply conductive vs. dissipative floor coatings
15:45 – The same facility might require both types
17:20 – ESD/conductive coating performance vs. general purpose toppings
19:41 – How coating manufacturers help engineers/specifiers
22:00 – Installed cost comparison
23:28 – Four questions
Find out more at https://carboline-tech-service-podcast.pinecast.co
18. "We don't have it quite right." Modern fire loads (Feat. Chris Burst)
2024/10/11
Shortly after the turn of the last century, the cellulosic fire time/temperature curve was developed to assess the performance and safety of building materials and passive fire resistive materials. It was the cutting edge for its time. But, according to Chris Burst, the composition and contents of our built environment today prove its time has run out.
Also in the episode, Toby isn’t sure he’s never seen a ghost, and Chris tells a bad joke.
This episode contains references to a three-part article series we recently published about modern fire loads. Read them here: Part 1. Part 2. Part 3.
00:00 – Introduction
01:07 – What we mean by "modern"
05:04 – Old, old standards
06:03 – Proliferation of rechargeable batteries
07:18 – Visualizing time/temperature curves
12:24 – These fires are harder to extinguish
15:24 – Structured parking complicates matters
20:26– Don't blame EVs
22:27– Similarities to tunnel fires
24:35– Leveraging existing alternatives
26:12– Ramifications of adopting code changes
30:53– Modern spaces require modern material safety testing
32:53– The four questions: Spooky Halloween edition
Find out more at https://carboline-tech-service-podcast.pinecast.co
17. Coatings as sustainability (Feat. Kristen Blankenship)
2024/09/25
Kristen Blankenship discusses whether coatings manufacturers can truly impact product sustainability – minus the greenwashing. Then, we learn whether she sees molecules The Queen’s Gambit style.
00:00 – Introduction
02:16 – The purpose of protective coatings
04:27 – When sustainability impacts coatings
08:00 – Addressing pollution as a chemical company
18:47 – Water-based coating claims
32:56 – Where do we go from here?
36:47 – Kristen's four questions
Find out more at https://carboline-tech-service-podcast.pinecast.co
16. Deconstructing Carbomastic 15 - Pt. 2 (Feat. Dan Baribault and Paul Atzemis)
2024/08/23
Dan Baribault and Paul Atzemis continue their exploration of the unique technology and wide range of use cases for surface-tolerant epoxy mastics like Carbomastic 15. Then, Paul likens himself to a cross between Rapunzel and Gandalf.
00:00 – Carbomastic 15 performs at high temperatures
01:43 – Summarizing recent Carbomastic 15 use cases
04:00 – Understanding curing shrinkage stress
08:16 – The good (and bad) of slow dry times
10:17 – Importance of low solvent load
12:55 – Dan’s weirdest Carbomastic 15 experience
13:58 – Advice to owners/specifiers comparing surface-tolerant epoxy mastics
15:16 – Paul’s four questions
Podcast reviews
Read The Red Bucket podcast reviews
T.M.OBrien 2019/01/21
The Best Coatings Podcast
This is the most informative and entertaining Protective Coatings podcast out there. These guys share their expertise for free, and it’s worth listeni...
SSPC-Jim 2018/01/20
Great Technical Coatings Podcast
Paul Atzemis and Jack Walker deliver a great technical Protective Coatings podcast, and make topics interesting and fun. I highly recommend subscribi...
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