Successful coating specifications are founded on a basic understanding of coatings technology. Three major categories of exposures - light, moderate, and severe - have been identified as predominant in plant environments, and a selected group of coatings have been found most suitable for these exposures. The coatings most frequently used in these environments include water-based acrylic, alkyd, silicone alkyd, chlorinated rubber, epoxy, coal tar epoxy, polyurethane, vinyl, and zinc rich. The article discusses characteristics of these coatings and factors to consider in applying them in the various environments.