Enhance Your Pipeline Protection with Henkel’s STOPAQ Composite Wrap

 

When it comes to safeguarding pipelines from environmental stressors and physical damage, Henkel's STOPAQ product line offers an innovative solution: the Outerglass Shield. This composite wrap material, crafted from a robust glass fiber fabric impregnated with a water-curable polyurethane (PU) resin, provides exceptional protection in various challenging conditions. Whether you're dealing with harsh weather, marine environments, or general physical wear, this tough, versatile wrap is designed to offer both long-lasting protection and enhanced durability.

What Makes the STOPAQ Composite Wrap Special?

The STOPAQ Outerglass Shield is engineered to perform in a wide range of demanding applications. Its unique water-curable resin makes it easy to apply, and its glass fiber reinforcement ensures it holds up under stress. As both a physical protective layer and an Anti-Corrosion Coating (ARO), this material is perfect for shielding pipelines from environmental damage while maintaining the integrity of field joint coatings.

If you’ve been looking for a reliable and tough outer coat, STOPAQ's composite wrap is a great choice. But how exactly does it fit into the broader pipeline protection scheme? Let’s take a look at some of the common applications:

Common Applications for STOPAQ Outerglass Shield

1. Soil to Air Pipeline Transitions
   In areas where pipelines transition from buried soil to exposed air, physical protection is crucial. The STOPAQ Outerglass Shield provides an extra layer of defense in these sensitive areas, helping to prevent wear and tear from external elements. The added strength of the composite wrap ensures long-term protection.
2. Splash Zone Coatings
   When pipelines are exposed to wet/dry cycles, currents, or floating debris—particularly in offshore environments—the coating can quickly degrade. STOPAQ Outerglass Shield is ideal for splash zones, where it’s vital to maintain an effective protective barrier. It’s built to withstand the continuous wear caused by harsh marine conditions.
3. ARO for Field Joint Protection
   Field joints are often the most vulnerable part of a pipeline, prone to corrosion and damage from external elements. STOPAQ's composite wrap serves as an effective ARO to safeguard field joint coatings. By providing extra protection, it helps preserve the integrity of your pipeline and extends its service life.
4. Mechanical Protection for Pipe Saddles
   Adding mechanical protection to pipe saddles is essential to prevent abrasion and physical damage during installation and operation. The Outerglass Shield acts as a durable layer, shielding pipe saddles from wear and enhancing the long-term performance of your pipeline system.
5. Additional Tough Outer Coats for Various Pipeline Components
   From bends and tees to valves, flanges, and other fittings, the STOPAQ Outerglass Shield can be applied to any area requiring extra protection. It’s versatile and designed to perform in various situations, making it a must-have for maintaining the durability of critical pipeline infrastructure.

Henkel's STOPAQ product line, specifically the Outerglass Shield, offers a combination of practical and robust features that make it a go-to choice for pipeline professionals. 

In conclusion, Henkel’s STOPAQ composite wrap offers an excellent solution for protecting pipelines in a wide range of environments. Whether you're dealing with transitions from soil to air, splash zones, or field joint coatings, the Outerglass Shield provides an essential layer of defense. By choosing this high-performance material, you’re ensuring your pipeline's integrity, durability, and longevity.

Have you used STOPAQ’s composite wrap in your pipeline projects? Share your experience or reach out to learn more about how this material can enhance your protective coatings today!

Stopaq: The Common Sense Tank Chime Repair Solution

If you’ve followed some of my previous posts on Stopaq visco-elastic coating systems, you’ve likely seen how effective they can be when it comes to repairing and recoating tank chimes. Today, I want to walk through the application process—and highlight a few key advantages that really set this system apart in the field.

One of the first things that stands out is the minimal surface preparation required. Unlike traditional coating systems that often demand abrasive blasting and extensive prep work, this process eliminates the need for sandblasting altogether. That alone can significantly reduce both project complexity and cost.

Another major benefit is the simplicity of the application. There’s no need for specialized spray equipment or complex tooling. The system is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, allowing crews to get the job done efficiently without a steep learning curve.

And perhaps most importantly, the time savings are substantial. Because of the streamlined process, you can complete projects with fewer crew members and in far fewer hours compared to conventional methods. In today’s environment—where labor availability and project timelines are constant challenges—that’s a game changer.

If you’re looking for a faster, simpler, and more efficient way to handle tank chime repairs and recoating, this is definitely a system worth considering.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like more information or want to discuss how it could fit into your next project.

Recoating a Condensating Pipeline in Chicago: When Conditions Leave Few Options

 Pipeline rehabilitation projects are rarely simple—but every now and then a job comes along that checks nearly every “difficult application” box imaginable.

Today’s example takes us to Chicago, where a client needed to rehabilitate a 36-inch pipeline that had originally been coated with coal tar epoxy. Over time, the coating had begun to fail, and the operating conditions were creating continuous condensation on the pipe surface.

Recoating a sweating pipeline is already challenging. Add tight working conditions and limited surface preparation, and suddenly the list of viable coating systems becomes very short.

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A Challenging Environment

The pipeline in question included both horizontal and vertical sections, and the working space around the pipe was extremely limited.

Just as importantly, the environment did not allow abrasive blasting, which meant achieving the typical high-level surface preparation required by many coatings simply wasn’t possible.

That left the client with a very demanding checklist for any potential coating system:

• Minimal surface preparation requirements

• Ability to be applied in tight spaces

• High flexibility

• Tolerance for high humidity

• Capability to be applied to a sweating (condensating) pipe

• A system capable of extending asset life by at least 25 years

In other words—no big deal, right?

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When the Checklist Seems Impossible

Many conventional coating systems would immediately struggle with these conditions.

Most coatings require abrasive blasting to achieve proper adhesion. Others simply cannot tolerate moisture during application, let alone a pipe that is actively condensating.

And when a pipe is constantly expanding, contracting, and exposed to humidity, flexibility becomes critical to long-term performance.

Fortunately, there are systems specifically designed for these kinds of environments.

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The Stopaq Solution

For this project, the solution centered around Stopaq Wrappingband WSH from Stopaq (Seal For Life Industries).

One of the key advantages of the WSH system is its ability to displace surface moisture during application. That makes it uniquely suited for situations where condensation is unavoidable.

Instead of requiring abrasive blasting, the pipe surface can be prepared to ST2/ST3, which can typically be achieved using hand tools to remove loose, disbonded coating and rust.

Once the loose material is removed, the process is straightforward:

1. Apply Wrappingband WSH, which conforms to the pipe and displaces moisture.

2. Install a protective outerwrap to provide additional mechanical protection.

3. The pipeline is once again protected from corrosion.

Simple, but extremely effective.

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Checking Every Box

What makes this project particularly interesting is how many difficult requirements had to be satisfied simultaneously.

The coating system needed to:

• Perform with minimal surface preparation

• Be installed in tight working conditions

• Handle high humidity

• Be applied to a condensating pipe

• Deliver long-term asset protection

In this case, the Stopaq system checked every box—allowing the operator to rehabilitate the pipeline and extend its service life without the need for blasting or major operational disruptions.

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The Big Lesson

Pipeline rehabilitation isn’t always about finding the “strongest” coating. Often it’s about finding the coating that can actually be installed under the real-world conditions you’re facing.

In environments where traditional surface prep and dry conditions simply aren’t possible, visco-elastic coating systems like Stopaq can make the difference between a project that stalls—and one that succeeds.

And in Chicago, that made all the difference for this 36-inch line.

Veracruz, Mexico – 2013 Recoating an Operational Gas Line Without Shutdown

In 2013, we headed to Veracruz, Mexico to tackle a challenging rehabilitation project involving 20” and 30” operational gas lines.

The issue? A failing external coal tar epoxy (CTE) coating on an active pipeline.

The constraint?
The customer could not shut the line down.

Anyone who has worked around gas transmission lines understands the physics at play.

A cool gas line operating in a warm, humid coastal environment like Veracruz is practically guaranteed to sweat. Once the deteriorated coal tar epoxy was removed, significant condensation formed on the pipe surface.

That immediately eliminated several conventional recoating options:

• Traditional two-part epoxies

• Standard liquid paints

• Systems requiring abrasive blasting and a defined anchor profile

These products demand dry surfaces and controlled conditions. This project had neither.

The solution would need to be:

• Water tolerant

• Able to displace moisture

• Applied without complex equipment

• Installed safely on an active line

The Approved Solution: Stopaq Wrappingband WSH

The system submitted—and ultimately approved—was Stopaq Wrappingband WSH.

WSH is a fascinating viscoelastic coating technology designed specifically for difficult surface conditions.

Why It Worked

1. Water Displacement Technology
WSH actively displaces surface moisture during application. Instead of fighting condensation, it works with it—pushing water away from the steel and bonding directly to the substrate.

2. Minimal Surface Preparation
The pipe surface only needed to be free of loose materials.
No abrasive blasting.
No anchor profile requirement.

3. Simple Application
The system is applied by hand.
No plural-component pumps.
No spray rigs.
No specialized curing equipment.

Hand tension is all that’s required when installing the outerwrap.

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The Result

• No shutdown

• No production loss

• No sandblasting

• No complex logistics

Just a practical, field-applied solution that restored corrosion protection while the line remained fully operational.

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Projects like this highlight an important lesson: sometimes the right solution isn’t the most complicated one. It’s the one designed for the real-world conditions you’re actually facing.

In Veracruz, that meant choosing a coating system that could handle moisture, humidity, and live operation—without compromise.

 

Stopaq Offshore Success: Re-Sealing the Angel Platform Roof in Australia

 

In 2012, Stopaq had the opportunity to take on a challenging offshore project quite literally “down under” — re-sealing the roof of the Angel offshore platform off the coast of Australia.

Offshore environments are never forgiving. Constant UV exposure, salt-laden air, temperature swings, and moisture intrusion combine to accelerate coating breakdown. In this case, the existing coating system had degraded much faster than anticipated due to the particularly harsh offshore conditions.

The client needed more than just a replacement coating. They needed a system that could truly withstand the environment long term.

For this project, several critical boxes had to be checked:

• Flexibility to accommodate movement and structural shifts

• High resistance to chlorides to prevent blistering commonly seen with traditional paint systems

• Tolerance to significant temperature fluctuations

• Extended UV resistance under constant sun exposure

Traditional coatings often struggle in one or more of these areas — especially when it comes to chloride resistance and long-term UV stability in offshore environments.

The Stopaq Solution: A Two-Component System

The approved system utilized:

• Stopaq Wrappingband EZ

• Stopaq Topcoat

Stopaq Wrappingband EZ

Wrappingband EZ delivered a simple, highly effective sealing solution with several key advantages:

• Minimal surface preparation required

• Wide application window for installers

• Immediate watertight sealing

• Maintains flexibility and structural integrity for foot traffic and movement

In offshore applications, ease of application is not just a convenience — it reduces labor exposure time and improves consistency. Wrappingband EZ created a durable, flexible barrier that addressed moisture intrusion at its source.

 To ensure long-term UV performance, Stopaq Topcoat was applied directly over the Wrappingband EZ.

This added UV-resistant protective layer ensured the system could withstand prolonged sun exposure without degradation — a critical factor for roof applications in offshore Australia.

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The Result: All Boxes Checked

Once again, a Stopaq system provided a tailored solution that met every requirement:

• Flexibility

• Chloride resistance

• Temperature durability

• UV protection

Offshore projects demand systems that perform under relentless environmental stress. In this case, Stopaq delivered a proven, practical solution designed for exactly those conditions.

When the environment is at its harshest, having the right system in place makes all the difference.

STOPAQ Offshore Success in the Arabian Gulf: Speed Without Sacrificing Performance

 

When it comes to offshore pipeline construction, time truly is money. Every hour on a barge carries significant cost, and any process that slows production can quickly turn into a major financial setback.

That was exactly the concern for a major project in the Arabian Gulf, where a client was searching for a better way to handle offshore field joint coatings on pipe sizes ranging from 4” to 18”. The project spanned from 2012 to 2014 — and the mission was clear:

Field joint coating could not be the bottleneck.

The Challenge: Fast, Reliable, Offshore-Ready

The client’s requirements were straightforward — but demanding:

• A system that was quick and easy to apply

• Proven, robust, and reliable performance offshore

• Ready to hit the rollers and face the sea in a very short timeframe

• Minimal HSE concerns

• No unnecessary equipment or complicated prep procedures

If you’ve spent any time offshore, you know how difficult it can be to balance speed with long-term corrosion protection. Many coating systems look good on paper but slow down production with cure times, blasting requirements, or complex heating procedures.

This client wasn’t willing to take that risk again.

The STOPAQ Solution

The winning system centered around STOPAQ, combining:

• Wrappingband CZHT

• Outerwrap

• High Impact Shield HT

• Rockshield

Together, these components delivered exactly what the project demanded.

One of the biggest advantages of the STOPAQ Wrappingband CZHT system is its surface prep requirements.

Instead of full abrasive blasting, surface preparation could be achieved with simple power tools. Offshore, this is a game changer. Less equipment, less logistical complexity, and less downtime.

Speed was critical.

With STOPAQ Wrappingband, there is no cure time required before applying the Outerwrap and High Impact Shield HT. Application can proceed immediately.

That dramatically reduced the cycle time per joint compared to other technologies under consideration — especially those requiring primer cure times or complex heating sequences.

On a barge, shaving minutes off each joint adds up quickly.

The system required:

• Less heating equipment

• No hazardous primers

That means fewer HSE risks, simplified compliance, and a safer working environment for crews — all while maintaining coating integrity.

In offshore environments, fewer variables often equal fewer problems.

The coating system was ready to see rollers and seawater within a very short time frame. There was no waiting around for cure development or strength build-up.

For offshore contractors, that kind of reliability isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.

Checking Every Box

The client essentially submitted a checklist. The STOPAQ system checked every one:

Quick and easy to apply

Proven offshore performance

Reduced cycle time

Minimal surface prep requirements

Lower equipment demands

Improved HSE profile

Ready for immediate handling

From 2012 through 2014, this project demonstrated that STOPAQ isn’t just a corrosion solution — it’s a production solution.

Stopaq Splash Zone Success: An Italian Case Study in Long-Term Pile Rehabilitation

Today we’re looking at a fascinating long-term case study from Italy involving the rehabilitation and recoating of marine piles. (I’ve only had the chance to visit Italy once—but it is one of my favorite places!)

This project began in 2012 and continued for years, ultimately rehabilitating hundreds upon hundreds of pilings. What makes this story especially compelling is not just the scale—but the environment.

Anyone who works around marine infrastructure knows the splash zone is one of the most punishing environments a coating system can face.

Constant wet-dry cycling.

Salt exposure.

UV radiation.

Mechanical impact.

Cathodic protection influence.

In this case, the client was experiencing coating failures within just six weeks of application. The primary culprits were:

• Impressed current interference

• Salt entrapment

• Coating cracking

That kind of rapid failure doesn’t just create maintenance headaches—it drives up lifecycle costs and undermines confidence in the entire protection system.

Before any new coating system was installed, the piles were prepared using high-pressure waterjetting.

This step is critical in marine rehabilitation. Proper surface prep removes salts and contaminants without embedding additional debris into the steel surface—an essential factor when previous failures were partially attributed to salt entrapment.

The rehabilitation utilized products from Stopaq, specifically:

• Wrappingband WSH

• Outerwrap

• Wrappingband CZH

• Outerglass Shield XT

One particularly noteworthy detail: Wrappingband WSH can be applied underwater. That capability dramatically increases installation flexibility and reduces downtime in tidal or continuously wet environments.

Because the project extended over many years, the client had the opportunity to inspect performance across multiple seasons and service cycles.

What stood out?

Flexibility.

In the splash zone, rigid coatings often fail because they cannot tolerate movement, thermal cycling, or mechanical stress. A system that maintains flexibility while continuing to seal against moisture ingress has a significant advantage.

Over time—and across hundreds of rehabilitated pilings—the system demonstrated durability in an environment where previous coatings had failed in weeks.

That kind of field validation speaks louder than any datasheet.

This wasn’t a short-term test patch. It was an ongoing rehabilitation program. The ability to observe performance over years provided meaningful confidence in the system’s durability.

Marine pile rehabilitation is expensive, disruptive, and complex. When a solution proves itself in the splash zone, that’s worth sharing.

If anyone from Stopaq Italy would like to add technical insights or additional field details, please feel free—real-world case studies like this are invaluable to the industry.

 

Stopaq in Oman: Solving a Big Coating Problem the Simple Way

 

Today, Stopaq takes us to Oman—and one photo in particular says it all. Twenty-three people crowded into a ditch, leaning in to get a closer look at what was happening. When that many eyes are on a pipeline repair, you know it matters.

The project involved a 36-inch pipeline with extensive coating repair needs. The challenges were significant:

• Removal of existing disbonded coating (unfortunately, I don't know what coating was failing).

• The need for a repair material fully compatible with the remaining, properly bonded coating.

• Performance under harsh conditions, including UV exposure, high ambient temperatures, and constant exposure to sand.

• A strong preference from the pipeline owner for an environmentally friendly, hazard-free solution.

That’s a tall order—but Stopaq Wrappingband CZH with Outerwrap PVC checked every box… and then some.

Why It Worked

The solution required no preheating, no special tools, and no primers. Surface preparation was straightforward: an St2–St3 wire brush finish was sufficient. There was no need for extensive dust removal, and concerns about salt or bacterial contamination were eliminated.

From a safety and performance standpoint, the benefits were clear:

• No health or safety hazards

• Fully compatible with existing, properly bonded pipe coating

• Inert to aging and weathering during application

• Resistant to UV exposure and extreme environmental conditions

• Fast, easy application with reduced cycle times

• Immediate backfill allowed

What began as a massive problem—a pipeline coating failing in many locations—was ultimately solved in the simplest reasonable way.

Wrappingband CZH and Outerwrap turned a complex challenge into a clean, efficient repair.

Go Stopaq!

Stopaq Case Study - Georgia (the country)

 Case Study: Protecting Piping in a Challenging Environment in Georgia

When you think of Georgia, you probably picture sunny orchards filled with peaches. But today, we’re talking about a different Georgia—one that borders the Black Sea. And let me tell you, this environment is far from the idyllic, peach-filled imagery that usually comes to mind. The corrosion challenges in this region are, to put it lightly, brutal.

The unique combination of salt, high chloride content, soil stresses, and the usual suspects of corrosion issues make this an incredibly challenging area for any type of pipeline or infrastructure protection. These environmental factors can quickly accelerate wear and tear, requiring a solution that not only works efficiently but also holds up over time in tough conditions.

The Solution: Stopaq Coatings

For this particular project, a range of Stopaq products were selected to provide comprehensive protection for both the buried and above-ground sections of the piping. Here’s what was used:

• Stopaq Wrappingband: A protective wrapping for buried pipelines to shield them from the corrosive forces of the soil and water.

• Stopaq Outerwrap: An additional layer of protection for enhanced durability, especially against physical damage.

• Stopaq Outerglass Shield: Provides a reinforced layer of protection to prevent wear and tear from external factors.

• UV Stable Topcoat: To ensure that the above-ground piping was protected from the sun's UV rays, preventing degradation over time.

One of the most impressive aspects of this project was the minimal disruption to the existing system. The lines didn’t need to be shut down at any point, which kept things running smoothly. Surface preparation was kept to a minimum, and importantly, no primers or curable products were required for the application.

In terms of time, the application was remarkably fast. Once the coatings were applied, the backfilling process happened immediately. The ease and speed of this process meant that there was virtually no downtime for the system—an ideal scenario when you need to maintain continuous operations.

The finished product? Well, the coating not only looks great (even if my photos could use a higher resolution), but it also provides long-lasting protection. With the harsh conditions of the Black Sea region, ensuring a strong barrier against corrosion is critical for maintaining infrastructure integrity.

This case study is a perfect example of how the right materials and technologies can be used to tackle even the most challenging corrosion environments. In areas where corrosion risks are high, it’s crucial to rely on reliable and efficient solutions to ensure long-term protection—and that’s exactly what this project achieved.

If you're facing similar challenges in your own projects, consider how Stopaq’s advanced coating systems can help extend the life of your pipelines and reduce maintenance costs in tough environments.

What challenges have you faced when protecting infrastructure in harsh environments? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Norway: Stopaq Case Study

 Another STOPAQ Case Study: Norway 

This latest STOPAQ® case study, completed by the good people of Norway, is a perfect example.

The project site presented a uniquely challenging set of conditions. Noise levels were so extreme that workers could only be exposed for 15 minutes at a time without proper hearing protection. In an environment like that, speed of installation wasn’t just a convenience, it was a necessity.

As if the noise alone weren’t enough, the operating conditions raised the bar even higher. Several of the lines were running at temperatures above 95°C (203°F), while also being subjected to significant vibration and pipe flexing. To make matters more complicated, sand blasting was not an option for surface preparation.

In short, this was not a job for an ordinary coating system.

The solution needed to be:

• Fast and easy to install

• Capable of handling high operating temperatures

• Flexible enough to withstand vibration and pipe movement

• Effective without blasting surface preparation

• Durable, reliable, and cost effective

For those new to STOPAQ, the answer might come as a surprise. For those with experience, it won’t.

The solution was Wrappingband CZHT combined with an HTPP Outerwrap. Simple.

This system delivered exactly what the project demanded: excellent corrosion protection under extreme conditions, quick installation in a high-risk environment, and reliable performance at elevated temperatures—all without the need for sand blasting.

And as an added bonus?
The system also provided a noticeable noise-dampening effect, which turned out to be the cherry on top of an already cost-effective, high-performance coating solution.

This project is another reminder that when conditions get tough, simplicity and proven technology often win. STOPAQ once again delivered a solution that met every requirement—and then some.

Sometimes, the best answer really is the simplest one.

Stopaq Case Study: Tank Chimes

 Case Study: Sealing a Tank Chime at a Channelview, Texas Refinery

Tank chime sealing is rarely a simple task—but every so often, a project comes along that really tests the limits of conventional repair methods. One such project took place at a refinery in Channelview, Texas, involving two 16-foot storage tanks and an unexpected (and unwelcome) complication.

During evaluation, the client discovered that the existing tank chime

sealant contained asbestos. That discovery immediately raised the stakes. Asbestos removal is notoriously expensive, highly regulated, and time-consuming—and abrasive blasting over asbestos is an absolute non-starter.

So how do you move forward without triggering massive remediation costs or project delays?

The Stopaq Advantage

Fortunately, the Stopaq sealing system is extremely field-friendly and requires minimal surface preparation. In this case, preparation was limited to ensuring the surface was free of loose debris and surface contaminants—no blasting, no asbestos removal, and no major disruption to operations.

Application Steps

Once the surface was ready, the application process was straightforward and efficient:

• Primer was applied to the concrete foundation.

• A filler material was used to create a smooth, uniform tapered surface over the existing asbestos-containing sealant.

• Stopaq Wrappingband EZ was then quickly and easily applied on top of the filler.

• Finally, a topcoat was painted over the Wrappingband EZ to provide added UV protection and improve overall appearance.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Compared to alternative tank chime sealing approaches, this Stopaq system delivered impressive results:

• Total project time reduced by 60%

• Total project cost reduced by 80%

By eliminating the need for asbestos removal and minimizing surface prep requirements, the client was able to move forward safely, efficiently, and at a fraction of the expected cost.

Final Takeaway

Sometimes, the most effective solutions aren’t the most complicated ones. In challenging environments—especially those involving legacy materials like asbestos—the right product choice can make all the difference.

Simple. Safe. Proven.

Stopaq Basecoat

 

Stopaq Product Spotlight: BASECOAT — A Practical Solution for Challenging Steel Substrates

Continuing with our occasional Stopaq product spotlight, today we’re taking a closer look at Stopaq Basecoat—a cost-effective, versatile solution designed to address some of the most common corrosion challenges found inside the fence.

Basecoat is frequently used to reseal steel substrates that have experienced pitting and corrosion, especially where traditional painting systems would require extensive surface preparation. One of its biggest advantages is that it delivers excellent performance with significantly less surface prep than conventional coatings—saving both time and money.

Over the years, we’ve seen Basecoat successfully applied across a wide range of steel structures, including:

• Tank chimes

• Tank walls

• Tank roofs

• Structural steel in processing facilities and plants

Once applied, Basecoat can be immediately painted, making it easy to integrate into existing coating programs. For best results, Stopaq EZ Topcoat is the recommended paint system to pair with Basecoat.

If you’re operating inside the fence, there’s a very good chance you already have applications where Basecoat would be a best-in-class solution—not just in performance, but across the full lifecycle of the project. When you factor in lower application costs, faster installation, ease of use, and long service life, Basecoat often outperforms traditional coating approaches. After all, no one wants to be recoating the same substrates every year or two.

Stopaq offers a wide range of coating systems—with or without Basecoat—engineered to tackle some of the most challenging corrosion issues in the market today.

If you’d like to learn more, we’d be happy to:

• Set up a lunch and learn for your team

• Schedule a live demonstration

• Or ship product for evaluation from your own stock

Let’s talk about where Basecoat fits in your facility.

JSI - Water / Midstream / Downstream

 

Supporting Pipelines Across Water, Midstream, and Downstream Applications

No matter where your project lives along the pipeline and piping spectrum, Joint Specialists Inc. is positioned to support you with proven corrosion prevention, sealing, and spacing solutions—including spacers and bundled bumpers for challenging installations.

These three segments of the industry cover an enormous amount of ground, and we understand that each comes with its own set of demands, standards, and timelines. That’s why we maintain a robust inventory of materials, ready to help you get your project started on time—and keep it moving without interruption.

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Solutions for the Water Pipeline Industry

In water applications, reliability and longevity are critical. Joint Specialists Inc. offers Covalence / Seal For Life Waterwrap, a trusted solution designed to deliver long-term corrosion protection in demanding environments.

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Midstream: Built for Field Joints

For midstream oil and gas projects, we support a wide range of applications with a comprehensive product offering, including:

• Powercrete coatings for field joint protection

• Covalence heat-shrinkable solutions for reliable sealing

• BBS bundled bumpers for spacing and protection in road bores and bundled installations

These solutions are designed to perform in real-world field conditions where durability and efficiency matter most.

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Downstream & Inside-the-Fence Applications

Inside the fence, where access, operating conditions, and repairs can be especially challenging, we offer a full selection of Stopaq visco-elastic materials. These products are best-in-class for:

• Tank coating and repair

• Aboveground and buried piping

• Long-term corrosion prevention with minimal surface preparation

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More Than Products—Experience You Can Rely On

At Joint Specialists Inc., we don’t just supply materials—we share experience. We’re always happy to discuss your upcoming needs, review your application, and help identify the right solution. And if that means pointing you toward a different product line that’s better suited to your specific challenge, we’ll do that too.

If you have a project on the horizon—or one already underway—we’d welcome the opportunity to support it.

Let’s talk.

Soil to Air Pipe Coating

 Soil-to-Air Transitions: One of the Most Vulnerable Spots on Any Pipeline

Soil-to-air transitions (SATs) are notorious for being one of the most challenging areas to protect on a pipeline—and for good reason. This short section of pipe is exposed to a perfect storm of corrosion risks that rarely exist all in one place elsewhere on the line.

At a soil-to-air transition, coatings must withstand:

• Standing water and trapped moisture

• Soil stress and backfill loads

• Differential pipe movement

• UV exposure once above grade

• Wide and repeated temperature swings

Individually, any one of these factors can compromise a coating system. Combined, they create an environment where traditional coatings often struggle to perform long-term.

That’s where a properly designed system makes the difference.

Using Stopaq Wrappingband in conjunction with the appropriate Outerwrap and an Outerglass Shield delivers genuine, best-in-class protection for this highly vulnerable section of pipeline. The visco-elastic nature of Stopaq provides permanent adhesion and sealing, while the outer layers supply the mechanical protection, UV resistance, and durability required for above-grade exposure.

Even better, this system isn’t limited by operating temperature. Variants of the Stopaq SAT system can be applied on pipelines operating anywhere from -45°C (-49°F) up to 95°C (203°F)—making it suitable for a wide range of climates and service conditions.

If soil-to-air transitions are a concern on your system (and they should be), we’d be happy to talk through options with you. Whether that’s a quick conversation, an email exchange, a meeting, a lunch-and-learn, or simply sending along additional product information—we’re always glad to help.

31 Years of Change, Consistency, and Commitment

 

Established in 1995, Joint Specialists (JSI) has truly seen it all. Over the past 31 years, one thing has been nearly constant: change. And yet, through every transition, JSI has remained grounded in the same core values—quality products, trusted relationships, and a deep understanding of the industries we serve.

JSI was founded by Stan Simpson and Sam Damico, both of whom began their careers in the 1970s as direct employees of Raychem. When Raychem was sold, Stan and Sam made a bold move. On a Friday, they were Raychem salesmen. By Monday, they were business owners—launching Joint Specialists as a Master Distributor. That leap of faith laid the foundation for more than three decades of success.

Since then, we’ve witnessed an impressive series of name changes across the manufacturers and brands behind our products:

Raychem became Tyco International,
then Covalence,
then Berry Plastics,
then Berry Global,
then Seal for Life,
and now Henkel.

That’s a lot of evolution on paper—but what’s mattered most is what hasn’t changed. The products have continued to be manufactured to the same strict specifications, with the same commitment to performance, reliability, and quality that customers have trusted for decades.

JSI has evolved right alongside the industry. While we began as a Master Distributor for Raychem and Covalence heat shrink sleeves, our offerings have expanded significantly over time. Today, we are also a Master Kitter for Powercrete products and a stocking distributor for Stopaq visco-elastic materials. These additions allow us to better serve a wider range of project needs while maintaining the technical expertise our customers expect.

Innovation has also come from within. In response to real-world field challenges, JSI developed its own proprietary product: BBS—bumpers designed to protect pipelines during multi-pipe pull-through applications such as bores and directional drills. This product reflects what JSI has always been about: listening to customers, understanding the work, and delivering practical solutions.

As we look back on more than 30 years in business, it’s impossible not to recognize the accomplishment of our founders. Building a small business is hard. Sustaining it for over three decades—through industry consolidation, product evolution, and constant change—is something truly worth celebrating.

Here’s to Stan and Sam, and to the people, partnerships, and products that have shaped Joint Specialists into what it is today. The names may change, but our commitment never has.

Stopaq Wrappingband

 Stopaq Wrappingband: The Best Option You’re Probably Not Using (Yet)

If you’ve never used Stopaq Wrappingband on a project, there’s a very good chance you already have applications where it wouldn’t just work—it would be the best possible choice.

Wrappingband often gets overlooked, not because it lacks performance, but because many teams are accustomed to more traditional coating systems. When you step back and look at real-world jobsite conditions—time, labor, surface prep, and shutdown constraints—Wrappingband starts to make a lot of sense.

Why Wrappingband Works So Well

Stopaq Wrappingband was designed to simplify coating work without compromising long-term protection. Some of its key advantages include:

• Minimal surface preparation required
  No sandblasting, no extensive prep—clean and dry is often enough.

• No anchor pattern needed
  Unlike many conventional coatings, Wrappingband does not rely on surface profiling to perform.

• Excellent adhesion
  Bonds to the vast majority of substrates and existing coatings, even on irregular geometries.

• No creep, no cracking
  The visco-elastic nature of Stopaq allows it to remain stable and flexible over time.

• Wide temperature range
  Available options perform from -45°C (-49°F) up to 95°C (203°F), covering nearly any environment.

• Real cost savings
  When you factor in reduced labor, shorter shutdowns, and eliminated blasting and scaffolding, total installed cost is often significantly lower.

Where Wrappingband Excels

Wrappingband is not a niche solution—it’s a highly versatile one. It performs exceptionally well in applications such as:

• Field joints

• Risers

• Rehabilitation projects

• Elbows, tees, and bends

• Reducers and complex geometries

These are exactly the areas where traditional coatings struggle due to access, shape, or schedule constraints.

A Smarter Way to Protect Pipe

The reality is simple: Stopaq Wrappingband is an outstanding coating option for many pipeline and plant applications. It delivers long-term corrosion protection while reducing installation complexity and total project cost.

If you’re curious where Wrappingband might fit into your projects, we’d be happy to talk it through. Let’s set up a call or a lunch-and-learn and explore some real-world use cases.