PPG Amercoat 385 is a two-component polyamide cured epoxy coating. This multipurpose and high build coating has wide application in marine, industrial and other tough market segments, such as:

• Chemical
• Petrochemical
• Infrastructure
• Power
• Dry Dock
• Marine New-Build
• Mining
• Offshore
• Rail

Notes:
Epoxy coatings will chalk and fade upon exposure to sunlight, elevated temperatures, or chemical exposure. Discoloration and normal chalking does not impact performance. Light colours will darken over time. Some batch-to-batch variation in colour is to be expected. Colour matches are approximate.

Top Features & Benefits

• Multi-purpose high build epoxy
• High solids intermediate coat
• Compatabile with a wide range of substrates and surface preparations
• Excellent resistance against chemical spillage
• Flat finish

Preparation & Application

Coating performance is, in general, proportional to the degree of surface preparation. Abrasive blasting is usually the most effective and economical method. When this is impossible or impractical, coating can be applied over mechanically cleaned surfaces. All surfaces must be clean, dry and free of all contaminants, including salt deposits. Contact Rawlins Paints for maximum allowable salt containment levels.

Mild Steel

Remove all loose rust, dirt, grease or other contaminants by one of the following depending on the degree of cleanliness required: SSPC SP-2, 3, 6, 7 or 10 (ISO 8501-1 St-2, St-3, Sa 1, Sa 2, Sa 2.5). These minimum surface preparation standards apply to steel that has been previously abrasive blasted. The choice of surface preparation will depend on the system selected and end-use service conditions. For immersion and severe duty applications, the recommended blast profile is 2.0 – 4.0 mils (50 – 100 µm).

Previously blasted steel may be ultra-high pressure water jetted to SSPC -SPWJ-2(L) / NACE WJ-2(L). The wet surface can be dried by blowing with dry compressed air giving special attention to horizontal surfaces and recesses

Concrete

Remove grease, oil and other penetrating contaminants according to ASTM D4258. Abrade surface per ASTM D-4259 to remove all efflorescence and laitance, to expose subsurface voids, and to provide a surface roughness equivalent of 60 grit sandpaper or coarser. AMERCOAT 114 A may be used as a pit filler, but contact Rawlins Technical Service for an alternative.

Maximum recommended moisture transmission rate is 3 lbs / 1,000 ft2 / 24 hours by moisture transmission test (ASTM F1869, calcium chloride test or by ASTM D4263, plastic sheet test). Alternatively, ASTM D4944 (Calcium Carbide Gas method) can be used, moisture content should not exceed 4%.

Galvanized Steel

Remove oil or soap film with detergent or emulsion cleaner. Lightly abrasive blast with a fine abrasive in accordance with SSPC SP-16 guidelines to achieve a profile of 1.5 – 3.0 mils (38 – 75 µm). When light abrasive blasting is not possible, galvanizing can be treated with a suitable zinc phosphate conversion coating. Galvanizing that has at least 12 months of exterior weathering and has a rough surface with white rust present may be over-coated after power washing and cleaning to remove white rust and other contaminants. The surface must have a measurable profile and a test patch is recommended to determine compatibility and adhesion

Not recommended over chromate sealed galvanizing without blasting to thoroughly remove chromates. Adhesion problems may occur.

Non-ferrous Metals and Stainless Steel

Abrasive blast in accordance with SSPC SP-16 guidelines to achieve a uniform and dense 1.5-4.0 mils (38 – 100 µm) anchor profile. Size and hardness of abrasive should be adjusted as necessary based on the hardness of the substrate. Aluminum may be treated with a surface treatment compliant with Mil-DTL-5541 or equivalent (non-immersion applications only).

Aged Coatings

All surfaces must be clean, dry, tightly bonded and free of all loose paint, corrosion products or chalky residue. Abrade surface, or clean with PREP 88. This product is compatible over most types of properly applied and tightly adhering coatings, however, a test patch is recommended to confirm compatibility.

Repair

Prepare damaged areas to original surface preparation specifications, feathering edges of intact coating. Thoroughly remove dust or abrasive residue before touch-up.

Substrate Temperature and Application Conditions

Surface temperature during application should be at least 5°F (3°C) above dew point. Ambient temperature during application and curing should be between 40°F (4°C) and 122°F (50°C), and Relative humidity during application should not exceed 85%.

Application

Mixing ratio by volume: base to hardener 50:50 (1:1). Pre-mix base component with a pneumatic air mixer at moderate speeds to homogenize the container. Add hardener to base and agitate with a power mixer for 1–2 minutes until completely dispersed.

• Area should be sheltered from airborne particulates and pollutants
• Avoid combustion gases or other sources of carbon dioxide that may promote amine blush and ambering of light colors
• Ensure good ventilation during application and curing
• Provide shelter to prevent wind from affecting spray patterns
• Material temperature during application should be between 50°F (10°C) and 90°F (32°C)

Air spray

Use standard conventional equipment.

Airless Spray

45:1 pump or larger. Can be applied with plural component equipment. Hoses should normally be kept as short as possible

Thinning

Global: use Thinner 91-92

Above 90°F (32°C) in US and Canada: use Thinner 21-06 (AMERCOAT 65) or Thinner 21-25 (AMERCOAT 101)

Volume of thinner: 0-20%

Nozzle orifice: Approx. 0.070 in (1.8 mm)