Category: PRESS RELEASE

March 22, 2024

For more than four decades, VpCI^®-368 has been Cortec’s toughest removable coating for corrosion protection on metal parts. Today, it continues to be widely used in preservation and shipping applications. Anyone interested in taking advantage of this rust preventative standby for corrosive conditions can rise to the occasion by understanding what the removable coating is like and how it can be used.

Temporary Waxlike Coating

VpCI^®-368 is a solvent-based temporary waxlike coating that provides protection in harsh, unsheltered environments. It dries quickly to a slightly brown finish and protects at 2-3 mils (50-75 µm) DFT (dry film thickness). It can be removed with an alkaline cleaner such as VpCI®-414 or another flash rust inhibiting cleaner from the VpCI^®-41x Series.

Layup of Stationary Surfaces

VpCI^®-368 can be applied to new equipment in transit or use equipment that needs to be laid up, for applications such as rig stacking or other large preservation projects. Whereas VpCI^®– 369 is a go-to for corrosion protection on moving parts during layup, VpCI^®-368 is often the default coating for stationary surfaces.

Flange Face Protection

Another common use for VpCI^®-368 is protection of valve or pipe flanges in extreme environments. By applying a temporary coating, manufacturers or inventory managers can protect the sensitive flange face from corrosion that could otherwise delay startup especially in the case of gramophone raised faces, which may need to be resurfaced if damaged.

Protection of Wind Components

One manufacturer of wind turbine shafts, rings, and hubs has made use of VpCI^®-368 D to protect their most sensitive metal surfaces during shipping and storage. The components are exported around the world and stored indoors or outdoors for two to five years. Past corrosion problems inspired the manufacturer to explore and adopt a Cortec^® corrosion solution that consists of the following:

• Clean components with a dilution of VpCI^®-415 and dry.
• Apply VpCI^®-368 D by roller to designated areas.
• Shrink wrap components in VpCI^®-126 HP UV Shrink Film or MilCorr^® VpCI^® Shrink Film (these offer UV resistance and extra corrosion protection for potential outdoor storage).
• Send VpCI^®-414 along as part of the kit so the end user can remove VpCI^®-368 D when needed.

Rise to the Occasion with Removable Coatings

In industry, many occasions arise for the use of a temporary rust preventative coating. When the harshest conditions exist, a removable coating such as VpCI^®-368 is an excellent choice for interim corrosion protection during shipping and layup, whether for a one-time preservation project or as part of routine shipping procedures. Contact Cortec^® to learn more about this and other removable coating options.

Keywords: Cortec removable coating, corrosive conditions, coating for corrosive conditions, waxlike coating, alternative to Cosmoline, corrosion protection, equipment layup, offshore layup, corrosion solution, shipping solutions

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Water repellents play an important role in concrete maintenance and corrosion protection by blocking out certain corrosives and keeping in Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors. Because water repellents are sometimes applied alone or in conjunction with other concrete surface treatments, Cortec^® has recently expanded its MCI^® portfolio to include MCI^®-2018 X, a 100% silane penetrating water repellent for concrete surfaces.

Water Repellent for Concrete

MCI^®-2018 X is MCI^®-2018 minus the Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors. Its primary function is to line concrete substrate pores with a hydrophobic layer that reduces the ingress of moisture, chlorides, and carbonation, thus extending the service life of the structure. If applied after a penetrating SACI (surface applied corrosion inhibitor), MCI^®-2018 X prolongs the protection period of the corrosion inhibitor. MCI^®-2018 X allows the surface to stay fully breathable and retain its original appearance.

Solving the SACI/Water Repellent Dilemma

In the past, MCI^® customers sometimes faced the dilemma of whether to apply MCI^®-2020 to get the highest concentration of MCI^® SACIs on the market or whether to take advantage of the benefits of the two-in-one MCI^®– 2018 water repellent with a lower concentration of Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors. While an even better option was to apply MCI^®-2018 on top of MCI^®-2020 for maximum protection, this could easily fall outside the project scope and budget. Now, if MCI^® users want the high concentration of MCI^®-2020 with only a water repellent on top, they can order MCI^®-2018 X along with MCI^®-2020 and be done with their search for a supplementary product.

When and Where to Use MCI®-2018 X

MCI^®-2018 X can be used for routine maintenance every 5-10 years or used as part of the finishing touches to a concrete repair. Because it does not change the substrate’s appearance, MCI^®-2018 X is a great option for historical restorations. As a silane water repellent, MCI^®-2018 X has smaller molecules and adsorbs better into concrete than siloxane blends that can cause puddling, making MCI^®-2018 X better for areas where slippage is a concern (e.g., steps, parking garage floors, and bridge decks). Other target applications include commercial buildings, tunnels, jetties/piers, and offshore oil platforms (non-submerged applications). MCI®-2018 X is also a good option for contractors who do not want to or need to pay extra for a corrosion inhibitor because their only purpose is to repel water on brick or stone surfaces that do not have underlying metal reinforcement.

How to Apply MCI^®-2018 X

MCI^®-2018 X can be applied by spray, roll, or brush to a clean concrete surface with a CSP 1-3 surface profile (per ICRI guidelines). As noted, MCI^®-2020 may be applied first for additional corrosion protection. After a repair, fresh concrete should be allowed to cure 28 days before application of MCI^®-2018 X. A dry surface is preferred for maximum penetration, although the second coat of MCI^®-2018 X should be applied wet-on-wet over the first coat for best results.

A Customized Approach to Concrete Protection

The addition of MCI^®-2018 X to the Cortec^® portfolio helps contractors take a more customized approach to their selection of MCI^® concrete surface treatments by adding a stand-alone water repellent to their concrete maintenance/repair kit. Used alone or in conjunction with MCI^®-2020, MCI^®-2018 X may be the logical choice to meet certain project protection and budget parameters. Contact Cortec^® if you need more help deciding which concrete surface treatment combination is best for your next job.

Keywords: concrete maintenance, concrete repair, Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors, From Grey to Green, concrete water repellent, surface applied corrosion inhibitors, Cortec MCI, historical restoration, concrete protection, concrete breathability 

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Years ago, the only way to remove paint from machine tools, workbenches, pipes, railcars and other surfaces was to use a fast-working chemical strippers containing methylene chloride. Unfortunately, due to their high toxicity, these strippers were restricted to outdoor use or well-ventilated areas.

This is because of their harsh fumes and high VOC content. Today, demand for chemical strippers using safer ingredients is growing rapidly and they are more popular than ever. Thanks to its long term expertise, Cortec^® designed green, environmentally friendly paint strippers with superior effectiveness. EcoClean^® VpCI^®-434G & VpCI^®-434L are rapidly biodegradable, non-corrosive, low-toxicity, eco-friendly paint and graffiti strippers that are designed for a wide range of industrial paint removal applications, as well as being efficient gasket remover. EcoClean^®VpCI^®-434G & L are formulated using environmentally safe benzyl alcohol to replace toxic methylene chloride type paint removers. They can effectively remove architectural, industrial, and lead based paints. This paint remover contains special blend of environmental friendly, low VOC solvents that replace hazardous toxic type paint cleaners. 

EcoClean^® VpCI^®-434G is formulated to be an exceptionally smooth flowing gel that provides vertical cling to surfaces for the toughest stripping projects while EcoClean^® VpCI^®-434L is a liquid solution. The stripper uses special wetting agents to penetrate deep into coatings, breaking them down and softening for easy removal of inks, acrylics, 2k & 1k urethanes, alkyds, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives.

FEATURES

•  Low VOC
• Biodegradable
• HAPs Free
• Environmentally Friendly
• Low Odor
• Low Flammability

EcoClean^® VpCI^®-434G & L are effective on metal tanks, metal pipes, spray booths, structural supports, spray equipment, machine tools, workbenches, pipes, railcars, vehicles, airplanes, buildings, floors, stairways, pavements, road surfaces and many more.

Keywords: VpCI, sustainability, green inhibitors, corrosion protection, paint strippers, paint remover, coatings, environmentally friendly

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Manufacturers of metal parts and equipment need to find ways to make their mass production a efficient as possible while still delivering the level of quality that the end user desires. When it comes to painting each part, that means finding the right protective coating for metal with the most efficient method of application. Cortec^® offers the following suggestions for making the most of Cortec’s Micro-Corrosion Inhibiting Coatings™ in the context of a dip tank application.

Benefits of a Dip Tank

In large scale manufacturing operations, dip tanks often have the advantage of more efficient and uniform coating applications. Cortec^® Technical Service Manager, Rick Shannon, who has several decades of experience in coatings and related industries, recently shared the following key benefits of setting up a dip tank:

1. Dip tanks are highly efficient with minimal waste; dip lines can be set up for excess paint to drip back into the tank.
2. Dip tanks can provide complete coverage for geometries that are difficult for spray applications to cover in a uniform manner.
3. Parts that have a lot of open space (e.g., screens) are often coated using dip tanks. Spraying this type of product would be highly inefficient and would generate a lot of waste.

Dip Tank Maintenance Best Practices

However, simply having a dip tank is not the end all of efficient coatings application. For manufacturers to make the most of their dip tank, it is necessary to regularly monitor the tank to make sure the coating does not go bad. Shannon recommended creating a chart with the follow in items to be checked daily, weekly, or monthly.

• Viscosity (check daily, at minimum)
• pH (for water-based systems, check daily)
• Solids (check monthly)

The chart should also note the size of the tank, any additions made to the tank, and the date each physical property was checked or new paint was added. Shannon notes that these are only general suggestions, and if manufacturers notice that they are going through a large volume of coating because of high production levels, they may want to increase monitoring frequency. “By keeping track of the physical properties in your tank on a regular basis there will be less chance [that] the tank goes bad and you have to scrap the material and start over,” Shannon explained.

Cortec^® Coatings Benefits

One advantage of using a Cortec^® Coating in a dip tank is that Cortec^® offers a variety of water-based, corrosion inhibiting options that can be matched to most custom colors. Depending on the coating choice, these water-based paints can reduce VOC levels and eliminate unpleasant solvent-based paint odors, creating a more worker-friendly environment. Of special note for manufacturers, EcoShield^® 386 FD is a great option for fast-paced lines with force-dry applications that need good hot-hardness. Better yet, it contains only 0.04 lbs/gal (5 g/L) of VOCs.

Get Started with Your Dip Tank Application!

Manufacturers need to think of many different things, not least of which is finding the right coating and application method to paint their metal components. Using Cortec^® Coatings in a dip tank application and following the recommended dip tank maintenance procedures is a great way to get the protective benefits of a Cortec^® Coating while making the most efficient use of the product in certain situations. Contact Cortec^® for help selecting a protective coating for metal and setting up a efficient dip tank application.

Keywords: dip tank best practices, metal manufacturers, best practices for metal manufacturers, Cortec Coatings, coatings for metal, how to apply paint efficiently, dip tank maintenance, water-based paints, worker friendly coatings, anti-rust coatings 

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