SOLKOTE

How to use it?


SURFACE PREPARATION-METALLIC SUBSTRATES SOLKOTE™

Surface preparation on metallic substrates is extremely important. Not only does a clean substrate enhance adhesion, it also lowers emissivity and improves overall optical properties. SOLKOTE™ exhibits excellent adhesion on many substrates with little or no surface preparation, however, the following procedures are suggested to insure the excellent optical properties and long term durability available from this product.

Degrease metallic substrates using Xylene, Toluene, Acetone or other suitable solvents. This is generally considered minimum surface preparation. Copper, aluminum and stainless steel may be lightly acid etched to remove surface oxides and lower emissivity. Aluminum may also be conversion coated to lessen future oxidation. Mild steel and galvanized surfaces should not be acid cleaned but may require priming.

Any surface preparation questions not covered above may be referred to us by email for response from the manufacturer’s Technical Services Department.

SURFACE PREPARATION-PASSIVE APPLICATIONS

Masonry substrates for passive applications should be air cured for at least one month prior to application of SOLKOTE™. Surface should be free of all paint, loose grout and dust. SOLKOTE™ has a natural affinity for most masonry and ceramic surfaces, but is extremely thin. Suitable primers or fillers may be used to extend coverage. SOLKOTE™ will yield a highly absorptive and long lived surface on cementitious substrates, but selectivity will be limited.

APPLICATIONS

SOLKOTE™ has been formulated specifically for air atomization spray application. Simple spray guns normally used in automotive body repair facilities have proven to be quite adequate for application. Electrostatic and HVLP equipment is also excellent but substantially more expensive. Gun pressures should be kept fairly low to lessen overspray and allow good thickness control. Remote pressure supply pots should have air driven agitators and the coating should be mixed as often as is practical during application. A wet film thickness of .8 – 1.0 mils (.02 - .025mm) is ideal and may be easily measured using a wet film thickness gauge during application. The coating should just cover the substrate and when dry, it may be possible to barely see the substrate through the dry film.Airless application equipment is not recommended and substrate temperatures should not exceed 90°F (32°C) during application. Good ventilation and operator protection is imperative.

Any application questions not covered above may be referred to us by email for response from the mannufacturer’s Technical Services Department.

DRYING and CURING
Curing is highly dependent upon substrate type and ambient temperature. Skin forms within 2-5 minutes; coated absorber may normally be handled after 1-3 hours drying at room temperature. SOLKOTE will naturally cure, to a point where no outgassing will occur, within 3 days at room temperature of 60°F (16°C) or above. Curing may be easily accelerated by baking the coated absorber panel at temperatures ranging from 225°F (107°C) to 450°F (232°C) for a period of 15 minutes to one hour. Copper should not be cured at temperatures above 400°F (204°C) as it will oxidize and cause a decrease in coating adhesion. However, other metals, such as aluminum and stainless steel may be cured at temperatures up to 450°F (232°C). Coated absorber plates may also be placed in bright sunlight to accelerate curing. Experimentation will determine the best curing procedures for your particular environment.