WESTON – The International Union Painters and Allied Trades District Council 53 is hosting the 7^th annual Coating & Corrosion Expo this week at the FTI Training Center in Weston to provide free training related to surface preparation and coating application. 

“Corrosion costs US households, businesses, and government agencies more than $300 billion each year” said Brian Stanley of District Council 53.  “That’s $1,100 for every man, woman and child in this country.  Corrosion results in excessive maintenance/repair/replacement, lost production/down time, product contamination and loss of product.” 

According to studies, there are five causes for most coating failures.  Because people are behind every process, the root cause of nearly every coating failure is ultimately people.  Therefore, proper training is essential. Coating Application Specialist certification has been created through a joint effort by the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) and the Finishing Trades Institute which certifies experienced professionals in all areas including theory of corrosion, surface preparation and coating application.   

The Coating & Corrosion Expo will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at the FTI Training Center located at 117 Label Lane, Weston.  

 “The Coating and Corrosion Expo attempts to raise awareness of the cost of corrosion and provide education on how to prevent corrosion,” reported Stanley.  “We are offering four classes which provide information on how to prevent corrosion and mitigate the effects of corrosion.  There is no cost involved with attending any of the four classes being offered.”

Exhibitors will be on hand to showcase their products and offer solutions to mitigate the effects of corrosion.  “If you deal with the effects of corrosion in your job, I encourage you to attend this expo.  It is the only expo of its kind held in West Virginia, and it is all free.”

What:  Free Training on Coating & Corrosion

When: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April, 3, 2019

Where: FTI Training Center, 117 Label Lane, Weston