Manufacturers of metal goods have the added concern of making sure their components or pieces of finished equipment reach customers in like-new condition. One of the biggest enemies is corrosion, which attacks bare metal surfaces and sometimes bleeds right through the final coating. Cortec^® is here to help manufacturers find practical, effective protective coating options that will help them achieve their goal of corrosion-free shipment to the end user and add value to the manufacturing process.

Permanent Coatings for Metal Goods

Many manufacturers may simply want to use a Cortec^® water-based coating in place of their current coatings for better protection. This was the result for a manufacturer of HVAC units that were already rusting through two coats of primer and a topcoat before they could even be prepped for overseas export at the logistics site. The manufacturer worked closely with Cortec^® to select a coating system that made sense for their application and ended up with one primer coat of VpCI^®-375 and one topcoat of VpCI^®-386 (color and viscosity adjusted to meet their specs). This decreased the coating system from three coats of paint to two coats and reduced overall coating thickness while providing the desired protection with two water-based coatings. In another case, a refrigerator coil manufacturer adopted VpCI^®-386 in their dip tank and thus replaced a strong-smelling solvent-based coating that did not meet their performance standard.

Force-Dry Coating for Fast-Paced Paint Lines

Often, manufacturers have fast-paced paint lines where components need to be dipped or sprayed and dried quickly. Otherwise, the painted parts may stick together if packed or piled up while the coating is still warm and soft. Force-dry ovens—which can be as small as a cabinet or as large as a tunnel big enough to send a bulldozer through—help speed up the process. However, they require the use of coatings with good hot hardness. EcoShield^® 386 FD was designed for such applications as a permanent coating that inhibits corrosion and also reduces the risk of parts sticking together. Initially used to coat tube steel pipes, EcoShield^® 386 FD is also great for coating metal hooks, castings, and a wide range of other parts that need to be coated quickly and force-dried. Designed to meet local “zero VOC” regulations for the initial customer, EcoShield^® 386 FD has the added advantage of an extremely low VOC of 0.04 lbs/gal (5 g/L). 

Removable Coatings for Painted and Unpainted Surfaces

Certain manufacturing situations are better suited to the use of temporary or removable coatings that provide protection during the crucial shipping period. VpCI^®-391 is an outstanding water-based coating that is easy to work with and can be used on both painted and unpainted surfaces. One major equipment manufacturer has found it to be a viable option for protection of bolted joints and threads that can only be coated with products that will not cause slippage and failure. VpCI^®– 391 can also be sprayed directly over the final equipment coating. This has been done for protection of fire trucks during transit. It is also a great idea for extra protection against chipping and saltwater on equipment traveling overseas. VpCI^®-391 is so inconspicuous that retailers sometimes leave it on the equipment. However, it can easily be sprayed off with a power washer to reveal the new coating underneath, if desired. Topping off these benefits, VpCI^®-391 also has a low VOC of 0.4 lbs/gal (48 g/L).

Make Corrosion Protection Easier from the Start

Painting finished metal goods with the right protective coating at the manufacturing site gets the finished product off to a good start. When new parts and equipment arrive at their destination rust-free and in good condition, without complicated degreasing required, manufacturers not only avoid losses but also foster a positive supplier-customer relationship that is invaluable. Contact Cortec^® today for help improving your protective coatings system and processes during manufacturing.

Keywords: Cortec, paint for metal, manufacturers coatings, temporary coatings, export coatings, corrosion protection, protective coatings, force dry coatings, rust preventatives for bolts, low VOC coatings

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August 7, 2023

Corrosion inside fuel tanks can lead to serious problems from leakage or corrosion products that clog the system. To make matters worse, the issue may be difficult to detect inside the hidden atmosphere. All too often, corrosion occurs in the headspace above the fuel where water condenses and fuel additives cannot reach. Cortec® VpCI®-707 changes that by delivering more comprehensive, efficient protection to the entire tank.

Cortec’s Newest Generation Fuel Additive

VpCI®-707 is Cortec’s newest generation fuel additive for protection of fuel systems from corrosion during operation, storage, or shipment. It effectively provides corrosion protection in the fuel system not only in direct contact with the treated fuel, but also in the vapor space above the fuel line. This is due to the presence of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that diffuse throughout enclosed voids and adsorb on metal surfaces as a protective molecular layer. VpCI®-707 also offers improved water handling and improved fuel stability.

How to Use VpCI®-707

The characteristics of VpCI®-707 make it suitable for day-to-day operation, intermittent operation, and storage. There are two main applications. One is to add VpCI®-707 directly to gasoline or diesel fuel in blending, storage, or vehicle tanks that are in use. This can be done at a dose of 0.02-0.2% per tank volume. Dry fuel storage tanks being shipped or stored can be fogged with VpCI®-707 concentrate, covering as much internal surface area as possible (although the vapors are also designed to protect surfaces to which it is not directly applied).

Fighting Corrosion on Tank Farms

Airports, gas stations, farms, and other facilities that have tank farms and/or store a large amount of fuel onsite can benefit from VpCI®-707 to minimize the amount of corrosion that occurs inside the tanks. Instead of relying on contact-only inhibitors, tank owners and managers can fight corrosion in all parts of the tank, including the vulnerable ceilings where moisture is more likely to condense and cause corrosion.

Corrosion Protection During Export

Another great use of VpCI®-707 is for the protection of fuel tanks in new trucks or heavy equipment being exported to other states or countries. During overseas transport, changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation to build up inside the tanks, leading to corrosion by the time the equipment reaches its destination. Instead of opening the tank to find a shiny metal interior, the receiving workers may unscrew the fuel cap only to find corrosion spots inside—hardly the sight that manufacturers want customers to see on a new vehicle. One of the challenges with using traditional contact-only corrosion inhibitors is that the fuel tank must be filled as full as possible to get maximum protection. This can be dangerous and difficult during transport. It is often preferable to fill the fuel tanks with only enough fuel to drive the equipment up onto the flatbed or into the container and drive it off the trailer when it reaches the end user. VpCI®-707 makes this possible since it can be fogged into an almost empty tank to protect the entire void.

Other possible applications the following:

• Equipment operating in harsh industrial or offshore environments
• Generators or other equipment going into seasonal storage
• Industrial plants going into temporary layup

Protect More with VpCI®-707

Fuel tank corrosion is nothing to play around with. The hazardous nature of fuel means that leakage should be avoided because of its polluting and flammable nature. VpCI®-707 helps by protecting areas of the tank that other corrosion inhibitors may not be able to reach and making it easy for manufacturers to leave less fuel in the tank during transport. Contact Cortec® to learn more about using VpCI®-707 in your application!
Keywords: fuel tank corrosion, fuel additives, corrosion inhibitors, corrosion protection during export, corrosion protection for generators, tank farm corrosion, tank farm management, Cortec, VpCI, oil and gas corrosion

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Workers often paint metal not only to make it look nice but also to protect it from oxygen, moisture, and salts that can cause it to rust or corrode. Unfortunately, paint jobs that do not get off to the right start are little better than having no protective coating at all. To avoid wasted metal painting efforts, Cortec^® stresses the importance of good surface prep and coatings selection according to the following guidelines.

Good Surface Prep for Painting Metals

Good surface prep is critical to adhesion. Paint will not adhere well to surfaces that are rusty or dirty, and if the paint peels, protection will be lost. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to remove rust: sandblasting, grinding, blasting, or using a Cortec^® rust remover such as VpCI^®-423 (a USDA Certified Biobased Product that clings to vertical surfaces). Once the rust is removed, the surface should be rinsed to remove any remaining dirt, debris, or corrosion products. Power-washing the surface with an alkaline cleaner from the VpCI^®-41x series further helps with flash rust prevention on freshly exposed metal surfaces and neutralizes those that have been cleaned with acids. If no water has pooled, the surface can typically be painted over without further rinsing.

In many cases, it makes more sense to passivate a rusty surface with a good coat of CorrVerter^® Rust Converter Primer than to sandblast or use another method of rust removal. This is done by removing loose rust with a wire brush and then applying CorrVerte^® directly over any remaining tight rust. A special combination of chelating agents and a high solids waterborne latex with extremely low water vapor permeability converts the surface rust into a hydrophobic passive layer and resists re-rusting. CorrVerter^® should be allowed to dry for at least 12 hours before a topcoat is applied. It can be painted over with either a water-based or solvent-based coating.

Tips to Choose the Right Coatings for Metal

In addition to good surface prep, choosing the right coating system (e.g., primer and topcoat) can mean the difference between achieving long-term protection or premature failure. Several important considerations should be made in the process.

1. Consider company specifications. Some large equipment manufacturers have specific requirements on how many hours their coatings must last in salt spray or humidity testing, or how much the color can fade over time. If the paint does not meet these requirements, it may not provide the appropriate level of protection.
2. Consider the surrounding environment. For example, a metal part stored inside a warehouse may be protected indefinitely with one coat of a water-based, 1K Cortec^® Coating. On the other hand, structural steel exposed to extremely aggressive coastal conditions with high humidity and blowing sand (e.g., northern Brazil) may need a three-coat system with two coats of primer and a 2K, high-UV resistant 2K topcoat such as VpCI^®-384 in order to withstand the harsh environment.
3. Consider the application requirements. While 2K coatings typically offer a durability advantage, they require extra labor and also have a limited pot-life before they must be thrown away. Even worse, it is easier to make application errors when using a two-part system. If workers mix the wrong amounts or completely forget to add Part B to Part A, the coating will not function properly and may need to be removed and replaced. The project owner should therefore decide whether it makes more sense to go for 2K durability advantages or the convenience and simplicity of a 1K system.

Choose Good, Better, or Best

Since so many different factors (not to mention budgets) figure into coatings selection, Cortec^® is adept at recommending “good, better, and best” Cortec^® Coating system options. This allows users to choose the paints that make the most sense for their specific project needs and preferences. Some popular 1K and 2K Cortec^® Coatings that frequently come up in recommendations include the following:

• Primers
  • VpCI^®-396 Moisture Cure Urethane Primer (1K primer)
  • VpCI^®-395 Water-Based Epoxy Primer (2K primer)
• Topcoats
  • EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 Water Based Acrylic (1K topcoat)
  • VpCI^®-384 Solvent Based Urethane Topcoat (2K topcoat)

Cortec^® experts are here to help, so do not hesitate to contact us with your surface prep and coating selection questions for best results!

Keywords: paint for metal, corrosion inhibitors, anticorrosion coating, coating for metal, outdoor coatings, indoor coatings, how to choose a coating, paint adhesion problems, Cortec, painting best practices

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Finding the best paint for metal involves much more than picking a favorite color. In addition to good adhesion and rust prevention, a metal coating must be equipped to meet force-dry, high slip, or high temp requirements in certain applications. To address these needs, Cortec^® offers two specialty versions of EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386, a high-performing water- based anticorrosion coating for industrial applications.

Two Anticorrosion Paints—Three Special Features

EcoShield® 386 FD is a water-based acrylic one coat system that can be applied direct-to-metal (DTM) for protection in harsh, outdoor, unsheltered applications. It was specifically designed for fast-paced, force-dry applications, common in manufacturing environments. In addition to outstanding corrosion protection at 1.5-3.0 mils (37.5-75 µm) DFT (dry film thickness), EcoShield^® 386 FD force-dries in just 5-10 minutes at 150 °F (65 °C) and has good hot hardness. EcoShield® VpCI®-386 HT Slip Coating is another direct-to-metal water-based topcoat that offers excellent corrosion protection at 1.5-2.0 mils (37.5-50.0 µm) DFT. It is heat resistant up to 500 °F (260 °C) or more (depending on color) and improves surface slip. The coating is thixotropic and resists sagging and running during application. Both EcoShield^® 386 FD and EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 HT Slip Coating are UV resistant and low VOC.

Where Are Force-Dry, Extra Slip, High Temp Coatings Needed?

While it would be difficult to list all the industrial applications where force-dry, extra slip, or high temp coatings could be used, the following examples are excellent springboards for exploring options.

Force-Dry Applications:

Fast-paced manufacturing applications are the number one candidate for EcoShield^® 386 FD. Many spray or dip lines move so quickly that the parts pile up at the end of the line. This is bad news if parts are hot and sticky—they could easily adhere to each other and potentially damage the coating when components are pulled apart. EcoShield^® 386 FD, which is designed for force-dry applications and has good hot hardness, will reduce the risk of parts sticking together. This feature is a potentially huge advantage in countless manufacturing applications where pipes, hooks, castings, and a variety of other equipment components are made.

Extra Slip Applications:

Electrical conduits are a prime example of where EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 HT Slip Coating is beneficial. A protective ID (inner diameter) coating can be critical for new piping stored outdoors or shipped through harsh, corrosive conditions. However, when it comes time to install the conduits, electrical wires must be able to slide easily through the tubing. EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 HT Slip Coating makes this possible while also inhibiting corrosion. The same benefits would apply to other metal surfaces, parts, or equipment in need of a protective coating that is slippery.

High Temp Applications:

In addition to needing extra slip, electrical conduits are a great illustration (although by no means the only example) of a high temp application. These pipes start out as flat pieces of metal that are rolled into tubes, welded, and internally painted before the welding heat can cool down. EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 HT Slip Coating was designed to withstand this extra heat during coating application and similar high heat curing processes. It can also be used on equipment that may reach temperatures up to 500 °F (260 °C) during operation.

The main purpose of Cortec^® Coatings is to protect metals from corrosion. However, when special requirements such as force-drying, extra slip, or high temps enter the equation, Cortec^® is ready to make the solution fit the need. Contact Cortec^® to find out if these two specialty coatings are the right paints for your metal!

Keywords: paint for metal, corrosion inhibitors, rust prevention, anticorrosion coating, Cortec, metal coating, metal corrosion, water-based coating, problem with painted parts sticking together, high temp coating

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Do sustainability and good business decisions contradict? Not necessarily. Companies like Cortec^® are making it possible to get necessary product functions while primarily using renewable raw materials. When it comes to metal rust preventative oils, EcoLine^® 3690 is among the best, competing with some of its own non-renewable counterparts.

USDA Certified Biobased Product

EcoLine^® 3690 is a canola-oil-based rust preventative for long-term protection of metal components. It leaves behind a thin oily film that clings to metal surfaces and protects in severe conditions such as high humidity and marine environments.* EcoLine^® 3690 contains 72% USDA certified biobased content, replacing a large portion of the non-renewable content present in traditional oil-based rust preventatives.

Worker Benefits

As a wet-film corrosion inhibitor, EcoLine^® 3690 is especially ideal for users who like the properties and performance of VpCI^®-369 but are looking to try a “greener” option that is even friendlier to workers and the environment. EcoLine^® 3690 is considered zero VOC and has no hazard statements. It can be applied via spray, dip, or brush. When the protection period is done, EcoLine^® 3690 is very easy to remove with an alkaline cleaner such as those in the VpCI^®-41x series.

Where to Use EcoLine^® 3690

EcoLine^® 3690 can be used in practically any application where VpCI^®-369 is typically used. This includes automotive service parts, piping, tanks for air brake systems, moving parts on large equipment, and much more. While EcoLine^® 3690 is primarily used for rust prevention during extended storage, it can also be used to provide protection in-process, in-transit, or as part of a full-scale site mothballing plan.

User Feedback 1: Long-Term Storage of Auto Service Parts

EcoLine^® 3690 has been out on the market for more than a decade and has been gaining increasing acceptance in the last several years. In 2019, it was used by a company that needed to prep automotive service parts for up to 10 years of storage. Two camshafts and one cylinder head were coated by hand with EcoLine® 3690 and subjected to corrosion testing. The product met requirements and was subsequently written into the automaker’s aftermarket engineering specifications. The company applying EcoLine^® 3690 was very happy with the product and its environmental and worker benefits in contrast to the previous rust preventative, which had been used for decades and was not only difficult to remove but also raised environmental and safety concerns.

User Feedback 2: Protecting Pipe Ends

In another case, a manufacturer of tubes for fire protection systems selected EcoLine^® 3690 for use on the ends of 30 foot (9 m) pipes. These ends were missed during the fast-paced painting process and required supplementary protection during 9-12 months of outdoor storage. The manufacturer did a trial of EcoLine^® 3690 on a small test bundle stored outside for about eight months, was impressed with the results, and subsequently adopted it for use. “The product works well and is safe for our employees,” the client commented. “That’s all we need and we are glad to be using it.”

Ready to Try Biobased?

With EcoLine^® 3690, renewability and worker-friendliness do not mean poor performance. Instead, positive feedback is the norm. While EcoLine^® 3690 is not ideal for every application, many users will find it a good alternative to traditional oily rust preventatives. The best way to find out if EcoLine® is right for your rust preventative job? Contact Cortec^® to discuss your situation and give EcoLine^® 3690 a try!

Keywords: biobased alternatives, rust preventative oils, alternatives to traditional rust preventatives, environmental and safety concerns, rust prevention on auto service parts, Cortec, EcoLine, sustainability and business, corrosion inhibitor, worker safety

*Treated products should be sheltered so rain does not wash away the oil.

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Some products get used over and over because they work so well and are easy to use. That is the case with VpCI®– 391, which continues to be a popular removable coating for temporary protection of metal components of all kinds. No matter the industry locale—whether on the offshore platform, back at the manufacturing plant, in the warehouse, or out in the field—chances are that a good candidate for VpCI®-391 is close at hand!

Inconspicuous Corrosion Protection

VpCI®-391 is a water-based removable coating that dries to a thin, inconspicuous non-tacky film. It offers corrosion protection in harsh conditions and can be sprayed, brushed, or dipped right over painted or unpainted metal. Its low VOC (0.4 lbs/gal [48 g/L]) is a great advantage both for users and the environment. As a versatile, effective, and easy to use coating, VpCI®-391 has been applied around the world and in practically every phase of the industrial cycle: manufacturing, shipping, storage, and even operation. Here is a closer look at how it can be used.

Transit Coating for Equipment Manufacturers

VpCI®-391 is a great choice for manufacturers of equipment that needs to get to the customer in like-new condition but is not well-suited to packaging due to shape and size. Often, an easy solution is to spray VpCI®-391 right over the component, machine, or service vehicle as an alternative to cumbersome tarps and shrink films. One firetruck manufacturer has happily adopted this method as a finishing touch to new fire engines before shipping them off. Another manufacturer sprays VpCI®-391 on sensitive areas (e.g., bolt heads, wheel rims, and metal tubing) of new construction equipment. In addition to providing protection before, during, and after transit, this coating offers much better aesthetics than the previous oily product that collected bugs and dust.

Protection on Standby for Layup and Warehousing Teams

Other end users focus on VpCI®-391 as a means of preservation for spare parts or items that will not be used for a while but need to be ready to return to service. An easily removable coating can meet this need on valves, heavy equipment, top drives, and even structural steel. VpCI®-391 is a great option because it can be coated right over previously painted handrails and equipment without minimizing usability. For example, one Pacific military base has applied VpCI®-391 to vulnerable areas such as wheel wells and firewall rims of airfield damage repair (ADR) vehicles. By using VpCI®-391 and other inobtrusive preservation materials, the ADR vehicles can be ready to drive away at a moment’s notice. Another good example is the protection of pipe segment weld-ends with VpCI®-391 during their time at a laydown yard or staging site.

A Removable Coating Left on by Operators

While VpCI®-391 is primarily intended for temporary use, as during shipping or storage, some industries leave it on for everyday operation. One company responsible for loading/unloading river barges with corrosive commodities such as fertilizer or deicing salts has implemented VpCI®-391 into its seasonal maintenance practice, recoating the front-end loaders annually with VpCI®-391 for at least a decade. By spraying VpCI®-391 over as much of the metal surfac -top, bottom, and sides—as they can reach, they have noticed a much better equipment lifespan.

Get to Know an Industry Favorite

Whichever part of industry you find yourself in, odds are high that a metal part, structure, or machine nearby needs a simple, practical way to hold back corrosion without extra packaging materials or significant change to the surface appearance. If this is the case, it may be time to get to know VpCI®-391 as an industry favorite yourself. Contact Cortec® today to learn more about using VpCI®-391 as a protective removable coating: https://www.corteccoatings.com/contact-us-2/

Keywords: removable coating, protective coating, paint for metal, best paints for metal, metal protection, water based coating, corrosion inhibitors, rust prevention, warehousing, Cortec

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No matter how technologically advanced today’s society is, corrosion remains a fact of life. Manufacturers and maintenance crews continue to battle rust on metal components, equipment, and structures. While countless rust preventatives exist, Cortec’s EcoAir Biobased Outdoor Coating® powered by Nano VpCI® is one approach to corrosion protection that specifically caters to renewability and worker convenience concerns for those in remote or difficult-to-access areas.

Wet Film Corrosion Inhibitor

EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating powered by Nano VpCI® is a biobased temporary coating designed for severe marine and high humidity conditions. It leaves behind an oily protective film that does not dry and is temperature stable to 180 °F (82 °C). It can be used to spray a quick layer of rust prevention on practically any metal part that needs protection: nuts and bolts, spare car parts, or other exposed metal surfaces. It is also great for quick temporary touchup on equipment where chipped paint cannot be immediately restored.

Rust Prevention with Renewable Content

A key feature of EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating powered by Nano VpCI® is that it contains 65% USDA certified biobased content. At this percentage, it is also a qualified product under the mandatory federal purchasing initiative of the USDA BioPreferred® Program,* which requires federal agencies and contractors to give purchasing preference to products with a minimum level of biobased content in 139 product categories. For those who like Cortec’s CorShield® VpCI®-369 but need a biobased alternative, EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating is a great substitute.

Convenient Coating Application

Another defining characteristic of EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating is its packaging. EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating comes in EcoAir® bag-on-valve (BOV) spray cans powered by compressed air rather than traditional chemical propellants. When the can is empty, the inside pouch can be thrown away and the can recycled.

Such packaging offers great convenience and portability. For example, workers doing MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) tasks on a rooftop unit may have to climb a ladder or steep stairway to reach the work area. While it would be impractical if not impossible to drag an air compressor and spray equipment up to the top of the roof to spray-apply a coating, it is easy to grab a can of EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating and do a quick application wherever corrosion protection is needed.

Offshore platforms or other remote worksites are also great candidates for EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating. It is much easier to bring along a spray can of rust preventative coating than to haul an entire drum of coating—not to mention spray equipment that poses trip hazards. EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating is also much easier and safer to store onsite than traditional aerosols—especially in high-risk environments like the oil and gas industry—because it is classified as nonflammable (flash point: 257 °F [125 °C]).

The Battle Continues for Sustainable Rust Prevention

Corrosion never dies, but neither does Cortec® stop looking for ways to bring user-friendly, sustainable features to the battle. EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating is one example of a convenient solution for environmentally conscious end-users or those simply looking for a way to comply with biobased purchasing mandates. Contact Cortec® to learn more about EcoAir® Biobased Outdoor Coating: https://www.corteccoatings.com/contact-us-2/

*For more information, go to https://www.biopreferred.gov.

Keywords: biobased coating, rust prevention, corrosion protection, rust prevention with renewable content, BioPreferred, USDA certified biobased, mandatory federal purchasing, EcoAir Biobased Outdoor Coating, MRO coating, Cortec

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OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) have more than just paint color to consider when choosing a coating for metal parts. In many cases, corrosion protection is also needed to compensate for harsh shipping, storage, or operating conditions components will encounter after coming off the assembly line. Cortec’s EcoShield^® 386 series gives manufacturers the opportunity to meet these rust preventative needs while achieving a pleasing appearance with water-based coatings at low DFT (dry film thickness).

EcoShield^® for Mass Produced Parts

EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 is a fast-drying water-based acrylic one coat system that can be applied DTM (direct to metal) for protection in harsh applications. Excellent UV resistance allows it to be used outdoors in direct sunlight. EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 is a great option for dipping thousands of parts for greater efficiency and less paint waste. It can be used to coat

• Semi-truck wheel rims
• Coil stock
• Metal tracks for heavy equipment
• Refrigerator coils
• And much more!

EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 can be applied as a thin (1.5-3.0 mils [37.5-75 µm] DFT recommended), barely noticeable clear coat or tinted to match a particular brand or equipment color. In either case, corrosion protection with EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 adds a professional, finished appearance to the components.

EcoShield^® for Force-Dry Applications

EcoShield^® 386 FD is a newer version that is a great option for manufacturers working with fast-paced assembly lines where there is not much time for the coating to dry before parts are jumbled together. EcoShield^® 386 FD dries quickly in a force-dry environment to reduce sticking of painted parts. With VOCs of only 0.04 lbs/gal (5 g/L), EcoShield^® 386 FD qualifies as a zero VOC coating in the US. It was originally designed for a tube steel manufacturer who applied the coating to hundreds, if not thousands, of pipes at 1.0-1.2 mils (25-30 µm) DFT using a Nordson coater box. The manufacturer ended up being able to reduce the overall amount of coating required while still achieving the desired level of protection on the coated OD (outer diameter) during a year of outdoor storage near the Gulf of Mexico.

EcoShield^® for High Temps and Surface Slip

Yet another member of the EcoShield^® family is EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 HT Slip Coating. This anticorrosion coating was designed to offer high heat resistance up to 500 °F (260 °C) or more depending on color choice. It is thixotropic and resists sagging and running. Another special feature of EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 HT Slip Coating is that it improves surface slip, which can be particularly helpful when coating the inside of pipes or electrical conduits where wires will be threaded through. EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 HT Slip Coating is available in clear, black, or aluminum and is a great option for keeping pipe or electrical conduit internals (ID) corrosion-free in extended storage outdoors.

Whether your coating application falls under general manufacturing conditions or requires special force-dry, high temp, or improved slip qualities, Cortec’s EcoShield^® series is a great place to find outstanding corrosion protection in the form of user-friendly water-based coatings with good aesthetics. Contact Cortec^® today to learn more:

https://www.corteccoatings.com/contact-us-2/

Keywords: corrosion protection, water-based coatings, coatings for OEMs, slip coating, high temp coating, coat pipes, rust preventative, Cortec, EcoShield 386, anticorrosion coating

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There is often more to vehicle rust than meets the eye. While vehicle owners in harsh winter climates may bemoan the rust eating away at their vehicle bodies, the more serious issue is what is happening to the vehicle underbody. Although underbody rust may not get a second thought on a new vehicle, it will get plenty of attention after it starts deteriorating the critical components of an aging one. To counter this attack on vehicle integrity, Cortec® Corporation offers two underbody coatings to help cars, trucks, and buses last longer.

Underbody Rust Issues
The biggest culprit of underbody rust is deicing salts, applied freely in wintry climates to keep roads safe in snowy, icy conditions. While the lives of commuters may be safer, the service life of vehicles driving on messy roads can be significantly shorter from the chloride-laden road spray splashing up onto vehicle underbodies. Regular washing with a cleaner like VpCI®-406 is one of the best ways to extend vehicle service life. But it is more difficult when it comes to cleaning the undercarriage, among the most exposed and vulnerable areas of the vehicle. Ultimately, underbody corrosion can hasten the need for repairs, reduce vehicle service life, and-worse-cause safety threats if critical parts rust through without being fixed. The problem is worse for plows and salt spreaders that get the brunt of the winter road treatments.

Is Underbody Coating Worth It?
Considering these rust problems, an underbody coating can be extremely valuable. The question is not one of choosing undercoating vs. corrosion protection but of choosing undercoating and corrosion protection. Cortec® offers two anticorrosion coating options for vehicle owners and fleet maintenance personnel to consider.

CorrBarrier™ Primer is a fast-drying high solids waterborne latex with extremely low water vapor permeability. This one-coat system provides protection in harsh outdoor applications. It dries to a pencil hardness of F but remains flexible with good chip resistance. This is important for underbody surfaces constantly being battered by gravel, rock chips, or other debris flying up from the road. CorrBarrier™ can be applied directly to the metal vehicle undercarriage by spray or brush. It offers the familiar water-based coating advantages of easier cleanup and low VOCs (0.2 lbs/gal [24 g/L]) while still getting good underbody corrosion protection.

VpCI®-398 Undercoat is a solvent-based coating for even heavier duty corrosion protection. This fast drying, sulphonate one-coat system can also be applied direct-to-metal by spray or brush. It is available in one color, black, and has excellent UV resistance. Rather than leave a hard coating susceptible to chips, VpCI®-398 remains soft, pliable, and very forgiving to physical abrasion so that nicks do not crack and break open the coating.

Who Needs Underbody Coatings?
There are many places an anticorrosion undercoating can be beneficial. Harsh winter climates are the most obvious, but tropical coastal climates with high temperatures and salt-spray can also necessitate corrosion protection. Corrosive work environments (e.g., heavy equipment loading salts or fertilizers) are another good reason for undercarriage protection. Coating the underbody of a personal vehicle is a great way to make a personal investment last longer, but it makes even more sense when entire fleets or high value assets are at stake. Service trucks are one example. Buses are another. For DOT plows and salt spreaders that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and take the brunt of winter roads and deicing salts, the price of periodic underbody coating as part of routine maintenance is negligible compared with the cost of repair and replacement. Even train cars and their chassis may benefit from an underbody coating to help them last longer as they ride the rails in unrelenting weather.

Get Your Underbody Coated
Many ask if underbody coating is worth it. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” As with many preventative maintenance measures, it can be difficult to swallow the time, hassle, and cost of a task for which there is no urgent need. But the benefits can be huge in the long run, increasing with the value of the asset. If you think your fleet or personal vehicle may need long-term corrosion protection underneath, contact Cortec® to learn more about vehicle underbody coatings and weigh the costs/benefits for you and your team: https://www.corteccoatings.com/contact-us-2/

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