LINE-X polyurea coatings are durable and quick-curing. They are resistant to impact damage, corrosion, abrasions and UV radiation. They also exhibit high elongation and tensile strength.
The isocyanate and resin components that make up polyurea are shipped to job sites in 55-gallon drums. They are transferred into spray rig apparatus that mixes the two components and sprayed onto surfaces.
Preparing the Substrate
The preparation step involves ensuring that the material to which a protective coating will be applied is ready to receive and support the coating. Several activities must be performed, including chemical cleaning, shot blasting, and sand basting, to ensure that the surface is clean and free of debris, dirt, and other foreign matter. Many industry standards must be followed to perform these activities correctly and safely.
Once the preparation is complete, the isocyanate and resin components that make up polyurea spray coating are shipped to a job site in 55-gallon drums. They are then transferred to separate tanks within a spray rig apparatus that is heated to the proper temperature. The chemicals are then pumped through heated hoses to a spray gun, where they react with one another and produce the polyurea coating. The quick-setting coating sets within seconds of application.
This versatile polyurea spray coating is indispensable across a myriad of applications, safeguarding metal structures against corrosion and enhancing abrasion resistance. Seamlessly sealing joints and seams in concrete and cementitious substrates, it fortifies hospitals, ensuring crack prevention and maintaining sterile conditions in critical areas like surgical rooms, intensive care units, and neonatal care units. Moreover, it shields industrial and commercial floors from scratches, abrasion, oils, salts, and other potentially damaging substances, making it an essential solution for long-lasting protection
Post-Coating Maintenance
Polyurea spray coatings can have different physical properties, depending on the raw materials used. They can be foam or elastomeric, clear or colored, hard as glass or softer than rubber, structured with fillers, or a very thin film. This means they can be formulated for specific applications.
In the construction industry, for example, ATV waterproofing is often utilized as an erosion control coating and to waterproof concrete surfaces. It is also employed to line water tanks and canals, and for pipe corrosion protection. In the military industry, ATV waterproofing can be applied to safeguard equipment and structures from explosive damage, ensuring durability and resilience in various environments
Because the curing process for polyurea is so fast, it is important to monitor the coating thickness, especially on metal substrates. A destructive test is often used to determine the coating thickness, but this method can be costly and inconvenient. Instead, a non-destructive measurement system can be used. SSPC-PA 14 recommends using an ultrasonic thickness gage such as the PosiTest AT, which operates on the principle of sending a high-frequency pulse into the coating and measuring the time it takes for the signal to return.
Manufacturers of protective, high-pressure polyurea coating systems offer complete spray rig packages for truck bed liners and other automotive, marine, commercial, and industrial applications. These systems feature zero VOCs, quick drying and set time, and a durable finish that resists abrasion, chemicals, UV exposure, and impact damage.
Applying the Coating
During the application step, it is important to use safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and respirator to avoid exposure to chemical fumes. It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand as polyurea coatings are flammable. Keep it near the application area and regularly check its pressure to ensure that it is within the recommended range. Lastly, it is crucial to read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the specific product you are using.
After the polyurea has been applied to the surface, it is essential to allow the coating adequate time to dry and cure. This process can take up to 72 hours and will vary depending on the product used and environmental conditions. Avoid exposing the coating to moisture, extreme temperatures or direct sunlight during this timeframe.
If there are any cracks or holes that need to be filled, do so by mixing a touch-up coating as directed by the manufacturer and applying it to the affected area. Be sure to feather the edges so that the touch-up blends seamlessly with the surrounding coating. It is also a good idea to test the thickness of the coating after it has dried and cured. For this, a PosiTector 6000 Series Coating Thickness Gauge is ideal because it offers easy operation and provides accurate results for non-ferrous and non-metallic substrates.
Surface Preparation
Polyureas are fast-curing, quick-set protective coatings that offer a wide range of applications, However, they do have some limitations and special requirements that need to be considered.
The first step of a successful polyurea application is surface preparation. Contaminants like dirt, dust, rust, grease and oil must be removed to ensure a solid bond between the coating and the substrate. Methods such as laser cleaning, abrasive blasting and chemical cleaning can be used to achieve this.
Once the surface is prepped, the polyurea can be sprayed with a plural-component spray equipment. The two components – the amine resin blend and isocyanate – are shipped in separate 55-gallon drum sets and then transferred to the plural-component spray equipment at the jobsite. The spraying process takes place through heated hoses that deliver the isocyanate and amine mixture to a spray gun at the appropriate ratio for the application.
The rapid-curing nature of the polyurea coating means that the conditions under which it is applied are critical for its long-term performance. Using the wrong equipment, improperly prepping the surface and applying it to surfaces that aren’t suited to polyurea can all contribute to coating failure. Fortunately, handheld electronic devices like the PosiTector DPM Dew Point Meter help painting contractors, inspectors and owners monitor and record applicable environmental conditions during the surface preparation and coating application steps.