Choosing Paint for Fast-Paced, Extra Slip, High Temp Applications

Q: What coatings are recommended for meeting force-dry, high slip or high temp requirements?

A: In addition to good adhesion and rust prevention, a metal coating must be equipped to meet force-dry, high slip, or high temp requirements in certain applications. While it would be difficult to list all of the industrial applications where force-dry, extra slip or high temp coatings could be used, here are a few examples of where such solutions are needed.

Force-dry applications

Fast-paced manufacturing applications require quick-drying coating solutions. Many spray or dip lines move so quickly that the parts pile up at the end of the line. This is bad news if parts are hot and sticky — they could easily adhere to each other and potentially damage the coating when components are pulled apart.

EcoShield 386 FD, which is designed for force-dry applications, reduces the risk of parts sticking together. While this water-based acrylic one coat system can be applied direct-to-metal (DTM) for protection in harsh, outdoor or unsheltered applications, it was specifically designed for fast-paced, force-dry applications, common in manufacturing environments. In addition to outstanding corrosion protection at 1.5-3.0 mils (37.5-75 µm) DFT (dry film thickness), EcoShield 386 FD force-dries in just 5-10 minutes at 150°F (65°C) and has good hot hardness. 

This feature can offer an advantage in manufacturing applications where pipes, hooks, castings, and a variety of other equipment components are made.

Extra slip applications

A protective ID (inner diameter) coating can be critical for new piping stored outdoors or shipped through harsh, corrosive conditions. However, when it comes time to install the conduits, electrical wires must be able to slide easily through the tubing. Electrical conduits are a good example of where a slip coating such as EcoShield VpCI-386 HT can be beneficial. The direct-to-metal, water-based topcoat helps allow the wires to move through the tubing while also inhibiting corrosion.  

EcoShield VpCI-386 offers excellent corrosion protection at 1.5-2.0 mils (37.5-50.0 µm) DFT. It is heat resistant up to 500°F (260°C) or more (depending on color) and improves surface slip. The coating is thixotropic and resists sagging and running during application.

The same benefits would apply to other metal surfaces, parts, or equipment in need of a protective coating that is slippery.

High temp applications

In addition to needing extra slip, electrical conduits are a great example (although by no means the only example) of a high temp application. These pipes start out as flat pieces of metal that are rolled into tubes, welded and internally painted before the welding heat can cool down. EcoShield VpCI-386 HT Slip Coating is designed to withstand this extra heat during coating application and similar high heat curing processes. It can also be used on equipment that may reach temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) during operation.

Anticorrosion coatings with additional features

While the main purpose of a coating may be to protect metals from corrosion, many manufacturing applications may introduce additional special requirements, such as force drying, extra slip or high temperature resistance. Make sure to weigh all considerations when selecting a coating to stand up to these demanding applications. 

*Special thanks to subject matter expert Rick Shannon for technical support on this topic.