Cortec VpCI® 382 Water-Based Urethane Topcoat

Cortec VpCI-382 is a water-based urethane topcoat that’s specifically formulated to offer excellent corrosion protection for metal surfaces. It’s designed to be a durable barrier, protecting against various environmental factors that can lead to rust and degradation.

VpCI stands for Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor. This means that in addition to forming a protective film on the surface, the product also releases unique vapor-phase corrosion inhibitors into the enclosed atmosphere, providing comprehensive protection even in hard-to-reach areas.

Yes, Cortec VpCI-382 is genuinely water-based. This is a significant advantage because it means lower VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to many traditional solvent-based coatings. It also tends to be easier to clean up with water.

This topcoat is designed to be versatile and can protect a wide range of metals. While specific details would be on the technical data sheet, generally, Cortec's VpCI products are known for their multi-metal protection capabilities.

As a urethane topcoat, VpCI-382 is expected to offer excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and typically good aesthetic properties like gloss retention. Urethanes are known for their toughness and ability to withstand wear and tear.

Proper surface preparation is absolutely crucial for the best performance. You'll need to ensure the substrate is thoroughly cleaned and free from any contaminants like dirt, grease, oil, fingerprints, or loose rust. For structural steel, industry standards like NACE #3/SSPC-SP6 are often recommended. It’s a good idea to perform a test for adhesion before a full application.

Cortec VpCI-382 is quite flexible in its application. You can typically apply it using common methods such as spraying, rolling, brushing, or even dipping, depending on the specific application and surface area.

A dry film thickness of 1.5-3 dry mils (37.5-75 microns) is generally recommended for VpCI-382. It's important not to exceed 4 dry mils (100 microns) to ensure proper performance and drying.

You'll find that VpCI-382 usually dries to the touch within 2.5-3 hours. However, it's important to remember that a full cure takes approximately one week, so patience is key for optimal performance.

Yes, if you need to accelerate the curing process, there's an accelerator available, often referred to as Accelerator W. You can use it at a maximum ratio of 6 oz. per gallon, but always follow the specific mixing instructions.

For conventional or HVLP spray applications, a nozzle size between .009"-.021" is typically recommended, adjusted based on pressure and viscosity. Air pressure should be between 45-55 psi, with liquid pressure at a maximum of 10 psi. For airless and airless-assisted spray, a nozzle size from .015" to .035" depending on consistency and pressure, with a minimum of 1800 psi and a maximum of 2500 psi.

It's important to ensure that the condensation point is lower than the air temperature, ideally at least 5°F or 2°C below. This helps prevent moisture issues during application that could affect adhesion and finish.

The best time to clean your equipment is immediately after use, while the coating is still wet, using water. If for some reason the coating dries, you can use solvents like Butyl Cellosolve or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), but always follow the safety precautions for those solvents.

Yes, it's advised to agitate the coating to achieve a uniform and specific consistency. You can use a drill mixer or a cylindrical type of mixer to ensure it's well-blended.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec VpCI-377 19Ltr Rust Preventative

VpCI-382 offers dual-action protection. It forms a physical barrier on the metal surface, acting as a topcoat, and simultaneously releases Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that create a protective molecular layer on all metal surfaces, even those not directly coated. This layer displaces water molecules and prevents corrosive elements from reaching the metal.

Yes, as a urethane topcoat, it's designed for durability. It provides robust protection that can withstand harsh outdoor, unsheltered applications.

Absolutely. VpCI-382 is specifically formulated to provide protection in harsh, outdoor, and unsheltered environments, making it suitable for a wide range of external applications.

Unlike traditional paints that often rely on sacrificial metals like zinc or chromates, VpCI-382 utilizes nano VpCI® technology. This creates a tighter bonding molecular structure that eliminates the gaps where corrosion typically starts with traditional inhibitors, providing superior protection.

When properly prepared, VpCI-382 is designed to have good adhesion to various substrates, ensuring long-lasting protection.

While specific data would be on the technical sheet, general testing for similar Cortec coatings shows good chemical resistance, with results like 200+ double rubs for MEK and IPA, indicating excellent durability against common solvents.

The shelf life for most Cortec VpCI products is typically 2 years when stored in their original, unopened packaging, ensuring the product remains effective.

Yes, it's important to protect the product from freezing temperatures to preserve its quality and effectiveness. Storing it in a cool, dry environment will help maintain its potency.

Cortec VpCI-382 is often available in convenient sizes such as 5-gallon (19-liter) pails, and larger options like 55-gallon (208-liter) drums, liquid totes, and bulk quantities for bigger projects.

Absolutely. Cortec VpCI-382 is engineered for industrial use, providing robust protection in demanding environments where corrosion is a constant threat.

While it can function as a topcoat, for enhanced and extended protection, it can also be used in conjunction with a compatible primer, such as Cortec VpCI-374, to create a comprehensive coating system.

Yes, being water-based and formulated with non-toxic, organic inhibitors, VpCI-382 is a more environmentally responsible choice compared to many traditional solvent-based coatings. Cortec is known for its commitment to developing environmentally safe VpCI® technologies.

While it's water-based, it's always wise to consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for comprehensive safety information. Generally, good ventilation, protective gloves, and eye protection are recommended. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Yes, as a water-based product, it's designed to have very low VOC content, which contributes to its environmental friendliness and can improve air quality during and after application.

Always follow local regulations for disposal of any leftover product or contaminated materials. Consulting the SDS will provide specific guidance on disposal.

Given that it is a water-based formula, it is generally considered non-flammable, which is another safety advantage compared to many solvent-based counterparts.