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Cortec VpCI® 388 Water-Based Temporary Coating

Cortec VpCI® 388 Water-Based Temporary Coating

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VpCI® 388 is an advanced water-based temporary coating. It delivers rapid drying and unbeatable protection in the most challenging outdoor and sheltered applications.

It safeguards a wide range of metals and is a versatile option for various industries.

With VpCI® 388, you no longer have to worry about the damaging effects of harsh environmental elements. Its powerful formulation acts as a shield against corrosion, moisture, and other harmful factors, extending the lifespan and enhancing the performance of your valuable assets.

One of the standout features of VpCI® 388 is its ability to adapt to your specific requirements. The coating can be expertly matched to some custom colors, enabling seamless integration into your existing aesthetic preferences or corporate branding needs. Moreover, it provides a non-tacky film upon application, ensuring ease of handling and reducing the risk of attracting dust or debris.

Notably, this water-based temporary coating boasts a quick drying time, allowing for efficient application and faster turnaround times. Its eco-friendly nature makes it an environmentally responsible choice while maintaining top-tier performance standards.

Whether you are safeguarding outdoor equipment, metal structures, or delicate components, VpCI® 388 is your ultimate solution for dependable and long-lasting corrosion protection. Embrace the future of coatings technology with VpCI® 388 and experience unparalleled peace of mind knowing that your assets are shielded by cutting-edge innovation.

Packaging and Storage

VpCI® 388 safeguards your valuable assets from corrosion and ensures their longevity. With enhanced packaging choices and storage convenience, VpCI® 388 stands out as the ultimate solution for your protection needs.

  • Packaging Options: You can now acquire VpCI® 388 in a variety of packaging sizes to suit your specific requirements. Choose from 5-gallon (19-liter) pails, 55-gallon (208-liter) robust metal drums, liquid totes, and bulk quantities, providing you with flexible options that fit any project scale.
  • Storage Precautions: To preserve the quality and effectiveness of VpCI® 388, we advise safeguarding the product from freezing temperatures. By adhering to this precaution, you ensure that the coating remains in optimal condition, ready to deliver superior corrosion protection when applied.
  • Shelf Life: With VpCI® 388, you can rely on its exceptional longevity. The product boasts an impressive shelf life of 1 year, allowing you the flexibility to stock up on this superior temporary coating without concerns about it expiring prematurely.
  • Unmatched Corrosion Protection: VpCI® 388 is fortified with cutting-edge Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCIs), which form an impenetrable barrier around your assets, safeguarding them from corrosive elements. Its water-based formulation makes it environmentally friendly and easy to apply, ensuring a hassle-free experience while promoting a sustainable approach to protection.
  • Applications Across Industries: Whether you are in the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or oil and gas sector, VpCI® 388 caters to your unique needs. Its versatile application allows it to shield an array of metals, machinery, equipment, and components, providing you with unmatched corrosion resistance during storage, transport, or layup.

Application

Surface Preparation: Before applying VpCI®-388 Water-Based Temporary Coating, it is crucial to ensure that the substrate is thoroughly cleaned and free from any contaminants that could hinder adhesion. Remove dirt, drawing components, grease, oil, fingerprints, rust inhibitors, or other surface impurities.

When applying inhibitors for structural steel, we suggest NACE #3/SSPC-SP6. Before the full-scale application, it is advisable to conduct a test for system adhesion or consult Cortec if you’re unsure what to do.

Note: Before applying the coating, ensure that the condensation point is lower than 5°F or 2°C air temperature. To achieve a uniform and specific consistency, agitate the coating. You can use a drill mixer, a cylindrical type of mixer, or any method that achieve the same results. Apply VpCI®-388 using various methods such as spraying, rolling, brushing, or dipping.

Typical Equipment Setups

 

HVLP or Conventional Spray

Air-Assisted Airless or Airless

Tip (based on fluidity and pressures)

0.0091 to 0.021 inches

0.015 to 0.035 inches

Air pressure

45 to 55 psi

1800 to 2500 psi

Fluid Pressure

10 psi

-

Hose diameter

0.95 cm or 3/8 inches

0.95 cm or 3/8 inches

Hose length

50 feet or 15.2 m

100 feet or 30.5

Other tools

Pot with dual regulations

Whip end section with 0.64 cm diameter

Cleanup

After use, clean equipment and tools immediately with water while the coating is still sticky or wet. If you forgot and let the coating dries, you can use Butyl Cellusolve or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) for cleanup. Always follow the safety precautions as recommended when using the solvent.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure proper surface preparation and equipment setup, leading to a successful application of VpCI®-388 Water-Based Temporary Coating for your specific needs.

Product Specifications (.PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

• So, what exactly is Cortec VpCI-388, in simple terms?

Cortec VpCI-388 is a super effective, water-based coating that you can apply temporarily to metal surfaces to protect them from rust and corrosion, even in tough outdoor conditions where other coatings might struggle. It's designed to dry quickly and leave a protective, non-tacky film.

• Is this something that stays on forever, or can I remove it later?

That's the beauty of VpCI-388 – it's a temporary coating. It leaves a firm, dry film that you can easily remove later on with an alkaline cleaner like Cortec VpCI-414, so you're not stuck with it permanently.

• What kind of metals can this VpCI-388 protect?

This versatile coating is designed to provide multi-metal protection, safeguarding a wide range of metals from the damaging effects of corrosion.

• How long does this coating typically protect metal for?

When used indoors, you can expect long-term corrosion protection, potentially up to three years, depending on the conditions and the film thickness applied. For medium to short-term outdoor scenarios, it also offers robust protection.

• What's the main benefit of using a water-based coating like VpCI-388?

A key advantage of VpCI-388 being water-based is its environmental friendliness, making it a more responsible choice compared to some solvent-based alternatives, all while delivering top-tier performance.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• I'm shipping some heavy machinery overseas; could VpCI-388 help protect it during transit?

Absolutely, VpCI-388 is an excellent choice for transit protection of heavy equipment, ensuring your valuable assets arrive at their destination without corrosion damage.

• We manufacture OEM parts. Is this coating suitable for protecting them before they're assembled or shipped?

Yes, it's very well-suited for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) applications, providing essential corrosion protection for parts before they reach their final assembly or shipment.

• If I have metal parts being stored in a sheltered outdoor area, will VpCI-388 offer enough protection?

Indeed, VpCI-388 is specifically formulated to deliver unbeatable protection in sheltered outdoor applications, guarding against corrosion even in challenging environmental elements.

• Can this product be used to protect surfaces that have already been painted?

Yes, it can serve as an additional layer of protection for painted surfaces, offering an extra shield against corrosive elements.

• What about smaller components or delicate parts? Is it suitable for those?

Given its versatility and ability to create a non-tacky film, VpCI-388 can certainly be used to safeguard delicate components, preventing them from attracting dust or debris.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• We have some cast iron brake rotors that need protection during shipment. Would VpCI-388 be a good fit?

Yes, VpCI-388 has been successfully used in protecting cast iron brake rotors during shipment, ensuring they remain corrosion-free.

• Can I use this coating for general industrial maintenance to protect machinery not currently in use?

It's an ideal solution for general industrial maintenance, particularly for equipment lay-up, offering long-term protection when machinery is out of operation.

• Would VpCI-388 be effective for protecting pipes and couplings stored outdoors?

Yes, it's a reliable choice for safeguarding items like pipes, couplings, pumps, and cylinders, especially in sheltered outdoor storage.

• I'm looking for something to protect moving parts. Does this coating interfere with their function?

No, because it dries to a non-tacky film, VpCI-388 is suitable for protecting working or moving parts without hindering their operation.

• Can I use this for long-term storage of equipment that might be exposed to harsh conditions?

VpCI-388 provides robust protection in harsh, outdoor, and sheltered applications, making it suitable for long-term storage of various equipment under such conditions.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• What's the most important thing to do before I apply VpCI-388 to a metal surface?

The absolute most crucial step is to ensure the metal surface is thoroughly cleaned and completely free from any contaminants like dirt, grease, oil, fingerprints, or rust inhibitors, as these can really impact the coating's adhesion.

• What are the different ways I can apply this coating?

You have a good bit of flexibility with VpCI-388; it can be applied using various methods such as spraying, rolling, brushing, or even dipping.

• Are there any temperature considerations I should keep in mind before applying it?

Yes, it's wise to make sure the condensation point is lower than 5°F or 2°C air temperature before you begin applying the coating to avoid issues.

• Do I need to mix or prepare the product in any special way before application?

To get a really uniform and consistent application, it's recommended to agitate the coating thoroughly. You can achieve this using a drill mixer, a cylindrical type of mixer, or any method that gives you the same consistent result.

• What's the recommended thickness for the applied film to ensure good protection?

For optimal protection, a dry film thickness (DFT) of 2 mils (which is about 50 microns) is generally recommended.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• How long does it take for VpCI-388 to dry to the touch?

The dry-to-touch time for VpCI-388 can vary, typically ranging from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on factors like dilution and environmental conditions.

• How long does it take for the coating to fully cure after application?

For the coating to achieve a full cure, it generally takes about 4 to 6 hours.

• Can I get this coating in different colors, or is it always the same?

While it typically dries to a clear matte finish, it can actually be custom matched to some specific colors, allowing for seamless integration with existing aesthetics or branding.

• What equipment would I typically use if I wanted to spray VpCI-388?

For spraying, you could use equipment like an HVLP or conventional spray gun, or an air-assisted airless or airless sprayer, with specific tip sizes and pressures depending on the fluidity of the product.

• If I choose to spray it, what kind of air pressure should I aim for with a conventional spray gun?

When using a conventional spray gun, an air pressure of 45 to 55 psi is generally recommended for effective application.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• When it's time to remove the VpCI-388, what's the best way to do it?

The coating can be easily removed using alkaline cleaners, such as Cortec VpCI-414.

• What if I spill some or need to clean my application tools?

For cleanup, it's best to clean equipment and tools immediately with water while the coating is still wet or sticky. If it dries, you can use solvents like Butyl Cellosolve or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), always making sure to follow safety precautions.

• How should I store Cortec VpCI-388 to ensure it lasts?

To ensure the best product performance, it's recommended to store VpCI-388 in its original packaging, indoors, and away from direct sunlight, ideally between 40-100°F (4-38°C).

• What's the typical shelf life of this product when stored correctly?

When stored properly in its original packaging and indoors, Cortec VpCI-388 typically has a shelf life of 12 months at 75°F (24°C).

• Is Cortec VpCI-388 considered environmentally friendly?

Yes, a significant feature of VpCI-388 is its eco-friendly nature, making it an environmentally responsible choice for corrosion protection.

• Does this coating contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

VpCI-388 has a low VOC content, at 0.31 lb./gal. (37 g/l), contributing to its environmentally responsible profile.

• Is the film left by VpCI-388 tacky, or is it a clean finish?

Upon application, it provides a non-tacky film, which means it won't attract dust or debris and ensures ease of handling.

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