Surface Preparation

The life and quality of a coating depends greatly upon the preparation of the receiving surface. Surfaces to be coated should be dry and free of contaminants and oils-careful selection of commercial metal cleaner is recommended because of the possibility of introducing harmful residues.  The Ever-Clear and the metal surface should be normalized to room temperature (70°-85°F).  The metal should not be cold to the touch.

 

Mixing

Combine Ever-Clear Parts A and B at a 3:1 ratio.  Thoroughly mix Parts A and B for 10-15 minutes with squirrel cage mixer at 500 to 1000 RPM.  It is important to mix thoroughly with adequate shear to fully blend the two parts.  A 10 to 15 minute sweat in period in an opaque covered container is recommended before using coating.  Allow the mix to adjust to room temperature (70°-85°F).  Filter with supplied 18 micron filter.  Pot life is approximately 6 hours.  Do not use after this amount of time.

 

Application

Spray application is the usual method, although brushing, flow coating, roller coating, etc. may be used.  Any dust collected on the cleaned metal should be blown or wiped off with a clean cloth before coating is applied.  Coating is applied in full coats.  The second coat should be applied in within an hour.  If you are unable to apply the second coat within an hour, you must lightly sand the first coat so that the second coat will adhere.  Take measures to minimize dust and debris falling on your coated products. Metal surfaces should be room temperature (70°-85°F).

 

Drying Time

The coating air dries to the touch in less than 1 hour – depending on room temperature and may be forced dried faster at 250° F.  The coating air dries solid/hard film within 4 hours, depending on coating thickness, temperature, etc.  Full cure dry time will be 3 to 5 days.

 

Spray

Urethane grade solvents (Xylene) can be used but is not recommended and will increase the VOC.  Recommended thinning up to 20%.  For best results use a good quality HVLP sprayer.  Make sure that the spray equipment is clean and room temperature.

Note:  In some instances, for example on hot humid days, the coating can trap moisture underneath the film.  This trapped moisture will manifest itself as a “cloudy” coating.  Such cloudy coatings can be prevented by addition of slow drying solvents.  Heating of the metal surface with a gun or torch will remove surface moisture.  Spraying with acetone and then wiping dry will help remove additional surface moisture.

 

Dry film Physical Characteristics

For Optimal protection, the cured solid film should have a thickness of 0.5-0.75 mils.