Cortec VpCI® 384 Solvent-Based Topcoat

Cortec VpCI-384 is a solvent-based urethane topcoat, designed primarily to offer exceptional corrosion protection and a durable finish when applied over a compatible urethane primer. Its main purpose is to shield metal surfaces from harsh environmental elements, ensuring long-term integrity and a great aesthetic.

Beyond simply being a protective layer, VpCI-384 incorporates Cortec's innovative Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VpCI) technology. This means it actively releases protective molecules into the enclosed atmosphere, which then form a microscopic layer on all metal surfaces, even in hard-to-reach areas, providing enhanced corrosion inhibition.

VpCI-384 is a two-part urethane system. This is significant because mixing two components, a Part A and a Part B, allows for a chemical crosslinking process that results in a much more durable, hard, and chemically resistant coating compared to single-component options.

Yes, VpCI-384 is quite versatile in terms of color. It can be prepared in a wide array of colors, allowing for customization to match specific aesthetic requirements or branding guidelines.

A key advantage of VpCI-384 is its excellent adhesion properties, even when applied to moisture-cure urethane primers that have fully cured. This characteristic is crucial for forming a robust, long-lasting coating system that won't delaminate over time.

You'd typically find Cortec VpCI-384 being used in demanding environments where long-term corrosion protection and a tough finish are paramount. Think industrial settings, marine applications, and any outdoor exposure where structures and equipment need to withstand harsh conditions.

Absolutely, VpCI-384 is an excellent choice for structural steel. Its durability, hardness, and ability to protect against corrosion make it ideal for safeguarding large steel structures exposed to the elements.

Yes, despite being solvent-based, VpCI-384 is specifically formulated to perform exceptionally well in aggressive marine environments, offering robust protection against salt, moisture, and other corrosive elements found near the coast or at sea.

Heavy industrial equipment, machinery exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasive conditions, and components requiring a high-gloss, hard, and solvent-resistant finish would greatly benefit from VpCI-384. This includes things like tanks, piping, and various types of processing equipment.

Yes, it is. VpCI-384, especially when paired with a compatible primer, is designed to provide long-term protection for assets stored outdoors, even in unsheltered conditions, making it suitable for equipment lay-up and long-term preservation.

While the product is highly durable, for automotive parts, it largely depends on the specific part and its exposure. For components subjected to extreme outdoor exposure and needing superior corrosion and solvent resistance, it could be a strong contender, but it's not typically a direct-to-metal automotive finish.

Yes, indeed. Its ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including UV exposure and aggressive atmospheres, makes it well-suited for infrastructure elements like power poles and critical wind turbine components that demand long-term protection.

Proper surface preparation is key for VpCI-384. The substrate must be free of grease, oil, dirt, fingerprints, rust inhibitors, or any other contamination that could hinder adhesion. It's designed to be applied over a urethane primer, so ensuring that primer is clean and properly cured is crucial.

It is generally recommended and designed to be applied over a urethane primer, such as Cortec's VpCI-396. VpCI-384 should not be applied directly to bare metal to achieve its optimal performance and adhesion.

The ideal time to apply VpCI-384 is when the primer is just tack-free. However, it's quite forgiving and can still be applied effectively even after the primer has fully cured, without any significant loss in adhesion.

Before use, VpCI-384 should be thoroughly stirred. For optimal consistency and performance, it's recommended to power agitate it to a uniform state using a "squirrel cage" type mixer, a hand-held drill mixer, or a similar effective method.

VpCI-384 offers flexibility in application methods; it can be applied by spray, roll, brush, or even by dipping, depending on the specific project and equipment available.

Yes, if you're using a pressure pot setup for spraying, it's advisable to allow for a "sweat-in" time of 15-30 minutes after mixing before you begin the application. This ensures the components are properly integrated for consistent spraying.

A normal wet film thickness (WFT) of 3-6 mils (75-150 microns) is generally recommended for VpCI-384 to achieve the desired dried film thickness and performance.

VpCI-384 usually becomes dry to the touch within about 30 minutes, which is quite fast for a high-performance coating.

You can typically handle a coated part after 1.5 to 2 hours, once it has reached the "dry to handle" stage.

You can recoat VpCI-384 once it's dry to the touch, and this window extends up to 72 hours. If you need to recoat after 72 hours, it's recommended to sand the surface first.

VpCI-384 generally reaches its full cure within 3 to 7 days at ambient temperature, allowing it to develop its maximum hardness, flexibility, and resistance.

Yes, for optimal application and curing, the air temperature should be within a range of 20°F to 100°F (-7°C to 38°C).

VpCI-384 provides a high-gloss finish, typically exceeding 85 gloss units (ASTM D532), giving a professional and attractive appearance.

The cured VpCI-384 coating exhibits excellent hardness, typically achieving an H-2H pencil hardness (ASTM D3363). This indicates a very robust and durable finish, resistant to scratches and abrasion.

Yes, VpCI-384 boasts excellent solvent resistance, which is a significant benefit in industrial environments where exposure to different chemicals is common.

When used with its recommended primer, VpCI-384 demonstrates excellent UV resistance, meaning it will maintain its color and gloss even with prolonged outdoor exposure, resisting fading and chalking.

After a 7-day cure at ambient temperature, VpCI-384 has shown impressive salt spray performance, typically enduring 336 hours in ASTM B117 testing, indicating strong corrosion resistance in harsh saline environments.

VpCI-384 generally has a shelf life of one year, ensuring its effectiveness if stored properly before use.

As with any solvent-based coating, it's crucial to consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed safety information. General precautions include ensuring adequate ventilation, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and eye protection, and avoiding prolonged skin contact. It's for industrial use only, and not for internal consumption.