Category: PRESS RELEASE

Are you getting ready to paint a new industrial facility for the first time or touch up an aging plant? Cortec^® Corp. shares several coatings ideas for protecting concrete and metal surfaces inside your buildings.

Protecting Concrete Floors

When painting concrete floors, it is important to have a coating that will stand up to both traffic and any chemicals that might be used in the facility. In many cases, MCI^®-2026 Floor Coating is an excellent choice as a 100% solids, 2-component novolac epoxy coating with a high degree of chemical and abrasion resistance. The coating is rated to hold up very well against a variety of acids, solvents, alkalis, salts, and even some miscellaneous food items such as peanut butter and fruit/vegetable juices. MCI^®-2026 Floor Coating can be used in areas with strict VOC limits and meets all of the USDA/FDA guidelines for use in federally inspected facilities.

Protecting Structural Steel

Metal walkways, railings, and stairways inside industrial facilities often need some extra corrosion protection— especially in a high moisture processing environment. Cortec^® suggests the following direct to metal (DTM) corrosion inhibiting coatings:

• CorrVerter^® Rust Converter Primer
CorrVerter^® is a low VOC water-based rust converting primer that can be used on previously rusted surfaces where sandblasting or grinding is not a good
option. When properly applied, it passivates the surface rust and protects against further rusting. It dries black and can be coated with a water-based or solvent-based topcoat.

• Water-Based 2K Epoxy Primer
VpCI^®-395 is an excellent primer for many metal surfaces, serving as a strong base for topcoats. As a two-component (2K) system, it offers the inherent durability advantages of cross-linking alongside the worker advantages of a water-based, low VOC coating. It can also be used as its own topcoat indoors, away from UV light.

• Solvent-Based One-Coat System
VpCI^®-396 is another primer option that may be preferred by workers who want to avoid the hassle of mixing a 2K system. It is a fast-drying solvent-based moisture cure urethane and can be matched to a variety of custom colors if desired for a topcoat.

• Water-Based Acrylic Topcoat
VpCI^®-395 and VpCI^®-396 can each be top-coated with EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386, one of Cortec’s top performing water-based acrylic Micro-Corrosion Inhibiting Coatings™ that can be applied clear or matched to many custom colors.

Choosing a Color Scheme

While most factories are not rated for their beauty, choosing a paint color scheme for metal surfaces can still be important, creating a clean, uniform, or even cheerful environment. Sometimes safety colors are needed to identify a trip hazard or other danger area. In other cases, color-coding may be needed to identify different types of valves or piping. Often, Cortec® can adjust its protective coating tints accordingly with its color-matching services.

Get Help from Cortec^® Coatings

Next time you need to apply a fresh coat of paint to concrete or metal inside your plant, make your selection based on the features and benefits your facility and workers need most. Contact Cortec^® for further help with coatings selection and color matching.

Keywords: paint for concrete floors, coating metal stairs, coating metal railings, corrosion inhibiting coatings, protective coatings for metal, concrete floor coating, Cortec color matching, chemical resistant coating, Cortec, VpCI

Need a High-Resolution Photo?  Please Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.

It is fairly safe to say that every industrial facility has at least a few rusty parts—whether they be a handful of nuts and bolts that have corroded over time or an entire warehouse inventory of valves, gears, and other spares that have never been properly preserved. Rather than letting these parts go to scrap, a powerful—yet simple—solution is to restore parts by setting up a rust removal station with Cortec^® VpCI^®-422, a USDA Certified Biobased Product. Cortec^® shares tips on why and how that can be done.

Reasons for Rust Removal

There are two types of companies that will typically benefit most from setting up a VpCI^®-422 rust removal station:

• Those that provide services to heavy industry (entire companies can be based on rust removal).
• Those that want to make better use of maintenance budgets by in-house chemical rust removal instead of more labor-intensive options.

Purposes for rust removal include everything from touching up the occasional rusty part that maintenance teams encounter around the plant, to reclaiming millions of dollars’ worth of inventory that has been sitting in poor storage conditions at an oil and gas facility. In each case, the underlying goal is to preserve the value of the component and extend its service life by restoring it to usable condition. 

Choosing Rust Removal Equipment and Location

Rust removal setups range from simple to complex depending on the size of the components and the length of the job. For example, a one-time job to clean up a handful of rusty parts around the facility may only mean that maintenance needs three dishpans and a mesh steamer basket to dip and remove very small items such as nuts and bolts. Another option for sporadic rust removal is to place the rust removal solutions in portable self-contained units that can be moved from one part of the plant to another without spilling concerns. If rust removal is a recurring activity, workers may want to install permanent tubs in a designated area. In some cases, tubs will need to be large enough to hold a giant gear or valve, and cranes may be needed to raise and lower the part. If desired, bubblers and heaters can be added to speed up the rust removal action of VpCI^®-422.

Identifying the Stages of Rust Removal

Before setting up a VpCI^®-422 rust removal station, workers should identify how many stages of the process are needed. At minimum, there should be three: VpCI^®-422, rinsewater, and an alkaline cleaning fluid (e.g., VpCI^®– 41x Series). However, workers should first ask if the parts are dirty or greasy, in which case a precleaning stage is needed to degrease and rinse the parts before dipping them in VpCI^®-422 (which removes rust but not dirt or grease). Following rust removal, a preservation step is often critical to preserve what was restored.

How to Remove Rust

• Once the stations are set up, rust removal proceeds as follows:
• Clean and degrease the part if needed.
• Immerse the part in VpCI^®-422 for one hour to 24 hours depending on the severity of the rust. Workers may check the components periodically to see how rust removal is proceeding.
• Dip the parts in plain water to rinse away any residual VpCI^®-422 and corrosion products so as not to contaminate the final neutralizing bath. At this stage, the worker can proceed to the final rinse or perform another round of rust removal.
• Dip satisfactory parts in an alkaline cleaner such as VpCI^®-414, which neutralizes the acid and inhibits flash rust.
• Dry the parts and preserve them against further rusting in storage or transit. This step can take a variety of forms, including dipping the part into a bath of VpCI^®-377 or BioCorr^® water-based rust preventatives or simply enclosing the dry part in VpCI^® Film and Bags or other VpCI^® packaging materials. 

Ready, Set, Remove Rust!

Rust removal with VpCI®-422 can make a major difference in a firm’s inventory value. By understanding the steps and equipment involved, companies can save asset value with a very simple process. Contact Cortec® to learn more about setting up a rust removal station at your facility!

Keywords: rust removal, biobased rust remover, rusty parts, preserving oil and gas inventory, USDA Certified Biobased Product, Cortec, VpCI, flash rust inhibitor, flash rust inhibiting cleaners, how to remove rust

Need a High-Resolution Photo?  Please Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.

Although sustainability is a major buzzword in society and corporate sustainability initiatives are encouraged, many uncertainties surround the switch from petroleum- or solvent-based products to their water-based or biobased alternatives. However, BioCorr^® HP is one example of a USDA Certified Biobased Product that offers many practical advantages to companies who take the biobased route.

The Basics of BioCorr® HP

BioCorr^® HP is Cortec’s latest generation of BioCorr^® water-based/biobased rust preventatives, bringing together some of the favorite features of Cortec’s previous versions. Unlike rust preventative oils, this ready-to-use product leaves a dry, virtually undetectable film on metal surfaces. BioCorr^® HP can be used to protect a variety of components during the manufacturing process or in storage. It is especially relevant to the auto industry but also may be used in coil processing, casting, and many other segments of metal manufacturing.

Practical Advantages

The main advantages of BioCorr^® HP come from its thin, dry-film forming characteristics. This means it does not attract dust and other debris that normally stick to greasy surfaces. It can also be used for components with tight tolerances, such as auto parts or threaded mating surfaces on heavy equipment. In many cases, the film does not have to be removed, reducing work time and streamlining the WIP cycle between different stages of the manufacturing process. Overall, these qualities make BioCorr^® HP inherently easier to work with than traditional oil- or solvent-based rust preventatives and leave behind a cleaner work environment.

Making Sustainability Work

In addition to its practical benefits, BioCorr^® HP offers a more sustainable approach to rust prevention. As a product that contains 54% USDA certified biobased content and carries no hazard symbols for its ready-to-use form, BioCorr^® HP is an outstanding replacement to hazardous mineral oils and flammable solvents. However, Cortec^® Technical Service Engineer Luke Stone does point out one potential challenge and how BioCorr^® HP overcomes it. “[W]ith many of the lighter water-based RP’s [rust preventatives] it can be difficult to visually inspect parts for coverage,” Stone explained. “Using a product like BioCorr^® HP with a UV tracer allows you to easily inspect parts by shining an ultraviolet light, allowing you to have peace of mind that your process is effectively protecting your parts.” 

Ensuring Compatibility

Another important step in choosing a new rust preventative is ensuring compatibility with the components themselves, the manufacturing process, and other fluids that will touch the rust preventative. BioCorr^® HP scores well in several areas that are of importance, primarily in the auto industry:

1. It does not interfere with transmission fluids.
2. It can be applied by dip or spray, robotically or by hand.
3. It has good emulsion stability in storage, so it is unlikely to separate inside application equipment.
4. It is compatible with yellow metals.

Making the Leap to Biobased

Whether you need to protect gears, transmission components, pipes, flanges, valve stems, or threaded mating surfaces, BioCorr^® HP is a good rust preventative option to consider when seeking more sustainable options or simply looking for a product that is easier to use. Contact Cortec^® to discuss whether BioCorr HP is the right biobased rust preventative for your metal protection needs.

Keywords: biobased rust preventative, biobased rust prevention, sustainability, USDA Certified Biobased Product, water based rust preventative, dry film rust preventatives, alternatives to oils and solvents, automotive rust preventatives, transmission rust preventatives, Cortec

Need a High-Resolution Photo?  Please Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.

Tanks and tank farms are everywhere in the industrial world. Many tanks are used to store liquids. Others are used for mixing, dipping, or cleaning. Coatings are typically needed to protect the metal surfaces from rusting and provide a good appearance. Some environments demand more protection than others. It is therefore imperative to select the appropriate coatings system for specific tank conditions. The following examples provide guidelines for users of Cortec^® Coatings.

Coating Outdoor Tanks

Surface prep prior to coating is imperative for any tank, especially those with rusty or dirty surfaces. Painters can either sandblast rusty surfaces to white metal or (in situations where this method is not preferred or allowed) remove loose rust and scale and then apply CorrVerter^®, a water-based primer that converts the rust into a passive layer. Outdoor tanks usually need the most external protection because of exposure to rain, sun, and other harsh weather conditions. For tanks in these environments, Cortec^® recommends priming tank exteriors with VpCI^®-396 corrosion inhibiting primer followed by VpCI^®-384 2K corrosion inhibiting topcoat. Using two coatings of VpCI^®-396 primer instead of just one will add greater longevity to the system if the user has the time and budget to do so. 

Storage tank internals have different requirements as they will not be exposed to much, if any, UV light, but they will be exposed to liquids. VpCI^®-395 is a good choice for priming the interior walls and floors of many such storage tanks. This 2K epoxy coating brings corrosion inhibitors close to the metal surface and is good for immersion conditions. A nice advantage for workers applying VpCI^®-395 in a semi-confined space is that it is water-based and has a low VOC of 0.2 lbs/gal (24 g/L). If desired, VpCI^®-395 can be used as its own topcoat for extra durability since tank internals are typically not exposed to UV light. The recommended dry-film thickness (DFT) is 1.5-3.0 mils (37.5-75 µm) per coat.

Another important consideration for tank internals is the filling procedure. In many tanks, liquids are pumped in from the top. If the tank is large, the force of a liquid falling—for instance—50 feet (15 m) could chip the paint off the tank floor. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to apply an 11.0-13.0 mil (275-325 µm) coat of VpCI^®– 2026 over VpCI^®-395 on the tank bottom for better impact resistance.

Coating Indoor Tanks

Indoor tanks are a different story because they are not exposed to sun or outdoor weather and often serve a different function than storage. Milder conditions make it easier to opt for a full water based-system, such as VpCI^®-395 and EcoShield^® VpCI^®-386 for tank exteriors. As with outdoor tanks, adding a double coat of primer will help the coating system last longer and likely increase time between routine painting jobs. Mixing tanks at a manufacturing plant are often not coated internally; however, tanks that hold strong chemicals such as sulfuric acid may require a strong chemical resistant system such as VpCI^®-395 and VpCI^®-2026.

Ongoing Tank Maintenance

As with almost any industrial asset and fixture, tanks need special attention to keep them in good condition and protect them against sometimes harsh conditions. External and internal coating can be an important part of that routine maintenance both for appearance and metal preservation. Coating needs can vary from tank to tank, so be sure to contact Cortec^® for specific recommendations on your application!

Keywords: tank coatings, corrosion protection, metal preservation, Cortec Coatings, tank maintenance, internal tank coatings, external tank coatings, rusty tank surface prep, chemical resistant coating, water-based coatings

Need a High-Resolution Photo?  Please Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.

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

Need a High-Resolution Photo?  Please Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.

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

Need a High-Resolution Photo?  Please Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.

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

Need a High-Resolution Photo? Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.

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

Need a High-Resolution Photo?  Please Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.

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.

Need a High-Resolution Photo?  Please Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com

For a PDF version please click here.