Traditional coatings generally require near-perfect surface prep, such as abrasive blasting to achieve a standard profile and cleanliness. But in real-world conditions—especially in field maintenance of steel structures like pipelines, bridges, and tanks—surface prep isn’t always possible to ideal standards due to cost, location, or weather conditions. Surface tolerant coatings provide a solution by adhering to less-than-ideal substrates, allowing essential maintenance without exhaustive preparation.