Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
0
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Table of Contents
General Surface Preparation ......................................................
Good, Better, Best.............................................................
Six Steps to Success ........................................................
Common Surface Preparation Methods...........................
Aggregate Blast vs. Grinding ...........................................
Conversion Coatings...................................................................
Primers.......................................................................................
Wetting Primers................................................................
Self-Etching......................................................................
Common Substrates ..................................................................
Metal ................................................................................
Steel.......................................................................
Hardened Steel......................................................
Stainless Steel.......................................................
Galvanized Steel ...................................................
Aluminum................................................................
Wood................................................................................
Fiberglass.........................................................................
Concrete...........................................................................
Plastics .............................................................................
ABS........................................................................
Polystyrene (Styrofoam) ........................................
Composites ......................................................................
Recoats......................................................................................
Recoating LINE-X XTRA..................................................
Spray Techniques ......................................................................
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
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Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
General Surface Preparation
LINE-X coatings require a mechanical bond to adhere to substrates, which is why
sanding and blowing the surface clean is the most widely used surface
preparation technique for LINE-X franchisees. While this works perfectly on a
truck bed, it is rarely adequate on other applications.
When we apply LINE-X to a truck, we are actually spraying onto paint and not
directly onto steel. In this scenario our bond to the truck bed is only as good as
the paint. At the factory, a truck bed’s surface is primed and painted with a nearperfect surface preparation that is difficult to duplicate in the outside world. Since
LINE-X has excellent adherence to scuffed paint, it requires only the simplest
preparation possible.
The same preparation mentality does not successfully translate to all other
substrates. In fact, the application of LINE-X over an improperly prepared
substrate can cause hours of rework, loss of profits, liability, and premature
failure of the protective coating that could give your LINE-X franchise a bad
name. Surface preparation is the key factor in determining the success of a
protective coating over an underlying substrate. Surface preparation directly
affects adhesion, which is crucial to LINE-X efficacy. It determines whether the
coating is a film lying on the surface or actually becomes an integral part of the
substrate.
There are two main objectives for proper surface preparation:
1.
Increase the surface area. The surface must be etched, or roughened, to
provide an increased area for LINE-X to mechanically bond to a substrate.
2.
Remove contaminates. Cleanliness is essential for adhesion of LINE-X
to a substrate. LINE-X applied over rust, dirt, wax, oil, or any other
contaminates will bond poorly, causing failure of the coating.
Note: If rust is not entirely removed it can continue to form between LINE-X and
the substrate. When rust forms under a LINE-X coating, all a customer will
see is a coating that did not protect! Never hearing back from the
customer does not mean the coating was a success; in fact, it often
means it was a failure in at least some respect. The best customers are
gained over the ―long haul‖, so our application as well as LINE-X itself
should last even longer.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
1
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Good, Better, and Best
―Good, Better, Best‖ is a simple way to describe the different adhesion results
based on preparation used. Examine the table below to understand the different
scenarios.
Good
Better
Sand/Grind,
Blow dust off,
Clean,
Prime,
Spray
Sand,
Blow dust off,
Clean,
Spray
Prep
Result
Very poor bond to
bare metal and some
other surfaces. Good
bond to a few
substrates, such as
OEM paint.
Not the best
adhesion –
produces less
effective etching.
Best
Clean
Aggregate Blast,
Blow dust off,
Clean,
Prime,
Spray
Maximum adhesion
possible.
In LIC, Best is often
the only option.
Six Steps to Success
The six basic preparations steps that will apply to most bare substrates are listed
below. Following these six steps will help ensure the maximum bond possible.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Clean: Pre-clean to remove all contaminates (oil, grease, rust, dirt,
adhesives, etc.). This step may involve solvents, power washing,
degreasing, phosphoric washing, grinding, and/or scraping.
Etch: Create a textured surface with increased surface area to aid
adhesion. Aggregate blasting is the preferred method in most cases.
Blow: Use compressed air to remove dust and loose debris.
Clean: Complete final cleaning to ensure a contaminate-free surface
(including oils and dirt from hands) for coating.
Prime: Apply this tiecoat to obtain a superior mechanical bond with a
clean, etched surface. Primers enhance corrosion protection.
Spray: Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the primer to
enable a chemical bond.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
2
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Common Surface Preparation Methods
A wide variety of surface preparation methods exist today. Some of the most
common are below.
Hand tool preparation is the simplest. This method involves hand sanding or
scraping, which is slow but still may be needed in small confined areas or on
small-sized substrates. This method may spread contaminates.
Power tool preparation involves the use of electric or pneumatically powered
tools. Sanders, grinders, impact chisels, and rotary tools can help clean corrosion
as well as etch hard substrates, but may also spread contaminates.
Abrasive blasting cleans and etches by using an aggregate at high air or
water pressure to literally erode the surface. This method will not spread
contaminates.
Power washing with high-pressure water, steam, or added detergents will
only clean the substrate and will not etch the surface.
Solvents are used to clean oils, grease, waxes, adhesives, and dirt but will not
etch a surface.
Conversion washes molecularly covert metal surfaces to gain desired
preparation results.
Aggregate Blast vs. Grinding
Both ferrous metals (containing iron) and non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum,
bronze, stainless steel, and galvanized steel) require an aggregate blast to
achieve a mechanical bond for proper adhesion to the primer and the LINE-X
product. The urethane primers that LINE-X uses do not have a self-etching
component, and they require a mechanical bond with the metal. Sanding or
grinding to achieve a mechanical bond is not as effective as an aggregate blast.
The cavitations created by a blast have much higher bonding characteristics than
scratches created by sanding or grinding. Sanding and grinding also spreads
contaminants along the metal substrate while blasting aids in removing them.
Note: Non-ferrous metals are often malleable. Use care when etching these
materials to retain desired surface features. Also, if substrate is too thin,
aggregate blasting could cause undesired warping.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
3
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Conversion Coatings
A conversion wash actually converts at least a portion of the molecular structure
of the metal substrate it is applied to.
Alodine Wash
Henkel’s Alodine 5700 and Metalast TCP-HF are conversation coatings which
create a thin microscopic film commonly used to protect and provide a surface for
accepting a coating. They are commonly applied to aluminum to protect against
corrosion and as a preparation for paint. They also increase electrical resistance,
and are therefore commonly used in radios and amplifier cabinets.
In LINE-X applications, conversion coatings are typically used when aggregate
blasting is not an option, usually because the substrate is too thin. The
conversion turns metal substrates gold but it is non-anodic, meaning it may only
appear anodized.
Note: Be sure to use a chromium-free conversion wash as chromium may cause
adverse environmental and health issues, such as cancer. We
recommend Henkel Alodine 5700 or Metlast TCP-HF as they are
chromate free and have been successfully tested with urethane primers.
Safety Concerns
•
•
•
Acidic
May cause eye and skin irritation
Inhalation of vapors or mists may be irritating to the respiratory system
Safety Requirements
•
•
•
•
Use nitrile gloves
Wear goggles or face shield
Use a full face respirator if you spray it
Do not use an alodine wash that has chromium (Alodine 5700 is chromium
free)
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
4
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Primers
Primers are used to enhance the bond between a substrate and a coating.
Primers also aid in protecting the bond under a wide variety of conditions. LINE-X
coatings generally use a mechanical bond to adhere to a surface; this is why we
―roughen‖ a surface by sanding, grinding, or aggregate blasting. LINE-X can also
achieve a chemical bond with many primers, strengthening the overall bond to
the substrate.
Testing on urethane, epoxy, self-etching, sanding, and other primers has
revealed that the urethane primers recommended here produce a far superior
chemical bond with LINE-X than any other primer tested to-date. A chemical
bond is desirable because it creates uniform microscopic adhesion at the
molecular level, allowing for a more complete bond. Primers that have selfetching capability do not obtain a satisfactory bond for use in industrial
applications and therefore are not recommended.
Mechanical Bond: A bond created by the physical interlocking of coating
and substrate due to the coating ―filling‖ the peaks and valleys of an
etched surface.
Chemical Bond: A bond created by a primer accepting and blending with
a fresh topcoat. The two coatings actually merge creating a more uniform
microscopic adhesion. When dealing with primers, there are three
important specifications that you need to look for and understand: pot life,
window and thickness. These topics are discussed below.
Pot life
Pot life refers to the amount of time a product has, after it is catalyzed (mixed)
until it can no longer be applied. If the pot life is one hour, you have one hour to
spray your primer after it has been mixed. If you wait longer than that, primer will
likely begin to thicken and gel.
Pot life is calculated at 70°F, and variations in temperature and humidity will
affect the pot life time listed. Keep in mind that ISO cures faster with moisture, so
paints and primers with ISO (such as SF515) will have shorter cure times in hot,
humid conditions and primers that do not contain ISO (such as XPM) will have
shorter pot lives in hot, dry conditions. Be sure to account for temperature and
humidity when working with primers.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
5
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Primers con’t.
Window
Window refers to the earliest and latest time that you may apply a topcoat (such
as LINE-X) to a primer after the primer has been applied. If the window is 5-15
hours, you have to topcoat the primer somewhere after the fifth hour after
application but before the fifteenth. The ―window‖ refers to the time when the
primer is still microscopically open to accepting a chemical bond (blending of
primer and topcoat).
If you go past this window, only a mechanical bond can be achieved and you will
have to treat primer as an existing paint, sanding it prior to applying LINE-X. Like
calculations for pot life, the timeframes for primer windows are normally
calculated at 70°F, and temperature and humidity will affect these times. Again,
hot and humid conditions will make ISO primers (SF515) have shorter windows
and hot, dry conditions will shorten non-ISO primer windows (XPM).
Thickness
Care must be taken to apply the primer at the recommended thickness. Primer
that is applied too thickly can result in failure, characterized by a separation of
the coating from the substrate, even if all other aspects of preparation and
application were followed correctly. If this ―shearing‖ effect does occur, primer will
be visible on both substrate and coating.
Primers applied too thinly could result in over-blending where the coating bleeds
through the primer and results in less adhesion to the substrate.
Wetting Primers
With wetting primers, the surfactants (wetting agents) will reduce the surface
tension between the primer and substrate to allow penetration into the small
peaks and valleys of the surface. The following primers are the only primers
proven to obtain a suitable bond to withstand the requirements of Light Industrial
applications.
XPM: Low VOC, solvent-based urethane primer. XPM is known as a ―next day‖
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
6
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
primer with a window of 12-24 hours. Apply one pass with gun tip size of 1.8 to
2.0 to achieve 2 mil thickness. XPM cannot be topcoated with LINE-X the same
day; if
Wetting Primers con’t.
topcoated the same day, you will likely get large blisters where the primer
separates under LINE-X.
SF515: 100٪ solids urethane primer (no VOCs). SF515 is a two-part primer
(isoresin) that has no solvents, and is commonly known as the ―same day‖
primer. The 515 in the name represents the window for this primer (5-15 hours).
Being 100٪ solids, this primer requires a minimal paint gun tip of 1.8 to 2.0 and it
cannot be diluted or thinned. SF515 should be applied in one pass with 2 mil
thickness.
Self-Etching
A self-etching primer is simply a primer formulated with an etching agent. The
etching agent is added to increase productivity in the painting process by
allowing the primer to be applied directly to a smooth surface. Unfortunately,
LINE-X does not adhere nearly as well to these primers as it does to wetting
primers.
The use of self-etching primers is not recommended.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
7
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Common Substrates
Specific preparation requirements for common LINE-X substrates are listed
below for easy reference.
METAL
Much of the LIC work currently being done is on metal. When it comes to
applying LINE-X however, not all metals are created equally, and each type must
be treated with care to insure proper substrate adhesion.
Ferrous Metals: Metals containing iron (usually magnetic)
Non-Ferrous Metals: Aluminum, bronze, stainless steel and galvanized steel
are all non-ferrous metals (non-magnetic). Non-ferrous metals are often
malleable – use care when etching these materials to retain desired surface
features
Note: Heat Sink Phenomenon is the term used in describing the transfer of
heat from a freshly applied coating to its substrate. A cold substrate,
especially steel, will draw, or absorb the heat of freshly applied LINE-X
causing the LINE-X to cool too rapidly. When spraying a cold substrate,
allow product to tact between coats (passes); on first coat, this may take
ten to fifteen seconds compared to the normal five-second tact. As the
coats are built up, the LINE-X will hold its heat and tact time will return to
normal. If multiple coats are rushed, on a cold substrate, blistering could
occur between first coat and subsequent coats.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
8
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
STEEL
Cold- or hot-rolled steel is predominant in manufacturing and fabrication. This
type of steel accepts a wide range of aggregate blast and primers but cannot be
etched successfully with sandpaper or a grinder.
Clean:
Surface must be clean of rust, oil, grease, waxes and grime
before etching.
Use solvents or degreasers.
Use pressure washers for large jobs.
Etch:
Aggregate blast or grind.
Blow:
Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean:
Wipe clean with acetone or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone).
Prime:
Use XPM or SF515.
Spray:
Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the
primer.
HARDENED STEEL
Steel can be hardened to many different levels. Hardened steel has superior
resistance to abrasion and normal etching methods may not apply.
Clean:
Surface must be clean of rust, oil, grease and grime before
etching.
Detergent washes may be used.
Etch:
Use appropriate aggregate to blast.
Blow:
Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean:
Wipe clean with acetone or MEK.
Prime:
Use XPM or SF515.
Spray:
Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the
primer.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
9
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is manufactured to resist corrosion and staining, but it can still
corrode. It is manufactured either smooth or brushed and is commonly cleaned
with oil-based cleaners and polishes. Care should be taken to thoroughly clean
stainless steel to remove embedded oils and polishes.
Note: Stainless steel rarely accepts excellent adhesion because of the same
stain resistant properties it is manufactured to have.
Clean:
Surface must be clean of rust, oil, grease and grime before
etching.
A detergent wash may be used.
Etch:
Aggregate blast or grind.
Blow:
Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean:
Wipe clean with acetone or MEK.
Prime:
Use XPM.
Spray:
Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the
primer.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
10
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
GALVANIZED STEEL
Galvanized steel is manufactured with a zinc coating to inhibit corrosion in
underbody auto parts, appliances, ducting, buildings and storage tanks.
Currently, there seems to be an influx of low-quality galvanized steel in the
market, as well as ―Galvaneal‖, which can be difficult to coat unless the entire
protective coating is removed.
Clean:
Surface must be clean of rust, oil, grease and grime before
etching.
Etch:
Aggregate blast or grind.
Blow:
Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean:
Wipe clean with acetone or MEK.
Prime:
Use XPM.
Spray:
Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the
primer.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
11
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
ALUMINUM
Aluminum is both softer and lighter than steel. It corrodes in the form of
aluminum oxide, which is white and powdery or chalky in appearance. Corrosion
on this type of metal is caused by salt, not water. All aluminum oxidation must be
completely removed for a proper bond.
Note: Aluminum is susceptible to cathodic migration of water, the phenomenon
of water migrating between the aluminum and the coating, which washes
away the primer. Do not leave exposed seams where water may
penetrate, and seal all edges where water may collect or pool. Seal all
seams with polyurethane caulk. If immersed in water, overlap or
encapsulate with LINE-X.
Clean:
All metals must be clean of rust, oil, grease, grime
and corrosion.
Use aluminum cleaner, normally high in Isopropyl
Alcohol.
Care must be taken not to etch undesired areas.
Etch:
Aggregate blast, grind with oxide pad, or with MBX
Bristle Blaster.
Sanding does little to etch.
You may use Henkel Alodine 5700 or Metalast TCPHF to etch, but again, care must be taken not to
convert undesired areas.
Blow:
Remove as much dust as possible with compressed
air.
Clean:
Wipe clean with acetone or MEK.
Prime:
Use XPM.
Spray:
Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the
primer.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
12
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
WOOD
Clean/Dry: All wood contains moisture. To apply LINE-X successfully, the
moisture content needs to be minimal. High moisture content will inhibit proper
adhesion as well as cause steam holes (volcanoes) in the product.
Clean, new wood that has been thoroughly dried is recommended.
Free of Contaminates: Spraying ―pressure treated‖ wood is not
recommended because it contains chemicals that break down or impede
adhesion. Avoid old, existing wood that has been contaminated with oil or
grease.
Fill Imperfections: Using a product like ―Presto/Patch‖ by DAP, or ―Plani
Patch‖ by Mapei, fill screw holes, knots and seams to give wood a uniform look.
For small areas you can use Bondo. When dry, sand the filler and blow clean.
Bondo dries with a film that is hard to adhere to and needs to be sanded prior to
LINE-X application.
Spray Technique: Use a dust/texture coat on the wood until a solid
membrane is achieved to allow steam to escape.
LINE-X is sprayed at approximately 210°F (heaters initially heat product to 150°F
and the additional heat is the result of the exothermic reaction when the A and B
sides meet). When wood is sprayed with 210°F, any moisture in the wood
immediately becomes steam and forces its way through the hot polyurethane,
leaving what look like small volcanoes. To avoid these, use dry wood and begin
spraying a texture on the wood until you build a solid membrane – thereby
introducing heat slowly. Once there is a good membrane of product over the
wood, passes of LINE-X can be applied as usual.
Note: Wood should never need to be primed. Steam trying to escape through a
good coat of primer will cause large (tennis ball sized) blisters. Only coat
clean, dry wood!
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
13
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
FIBERGLASS
Fiberglass is a lightweight material that can be hand-formed or molded into many
different shapes. It is widely used in marine, automotive and aviation industries. It
comes in two different forms: Open Mould and Closed Mould.
OPEN MOULD
Open Mould fiberglass is created in a one-sided mould and is typically formed on
top of a gel-coat. A gel-coat provides a smooth surface that will accept primers
and paints. An example of this kind of fiberglass would be a found on a trailer or
RV front.
Clean:
Clean off any dirt or contaminates.
Etch:
Sand the same as a truck bed.
Blow:
Blow dust from substrate.
Clean:
Wipe with lacquer thinner or appropriate cleaner.
Spray:
Coat with LINE-X.
CLOSED MOULD
Closed Mould fiberglass is created between two moulds. This type of fiberglass
typically contains waxes to help the moulds release. Examples can be found as
fender wells on large commercial trucks.
Clean: Clean off any dirt or contaminates.
Etch: Sand with an aggressive etch or a light aggregate blast.
Blow: Blow dust from substrate.
Clean: Wipe with lacquer thinner or appropriate cleaner.
Prime: Use XPM or SF515.
Spray: Coat within the window of primer.
Fiberglass Cautions:
Epoxy resins are the best to work with, but they are not very common.
Polyester/Vinylester resins contain a styrene solvent. Styrene needs to off-gas
completely before coating with LINE-X or it will result in large solvent blisters.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
14
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
CONCRETE
Cinder block is a concrete application that works well with LINE-X. Structurally
sound cinder block needs only to be clean and sometimes primed prior to
applying LINE-X.
Poured concrete must be a minimum of 28 days old prior to applying a coating.
Concrete has a tendency to break away from itself; it has strong compression
strength and a weak tensile strength (approximately 400 psi). Concrete is also
very porous, which allows moisture to transfer and may impede adhesion. It
must be clean, dry and structurally sound.
Concrete is a complex substrate and should be approach with caution.
Caution:
Sealed concrete contains water-based or oil-based sealers than
can penetrate deep within the concrete and are difficult—if not
impossible—to remove. We recommend avoiding these jobs.
Clean:
High pressure steam any contaminates from the
surface. Since it is porous, contaminates may
penetrate into the concrete and the need of an
emulsifier may be required. Remove any spurs or
spalling.
Etch:
Aggregate blast (preferred) or use muriatic acid.
Blow:
Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean:
Wipe clean with acetone or MEK.
Prime:
Use SF515.
Spray:
Coat within window of the primer.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
15
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
PLASTICS
Plastics come in many different types, so unknown or uncommon plastics should
be tested before the job is performed, or they should be avoided altogether. With
most plastics, a suitable bond may be achieved, but an excellent or top grade
bond may not be possible.
Plastic Cautions:
Many plastics can build and hold a static charge. Static discharge into a stream
of paint or primer containing a V.O.C can be a fire hazard, therefore use of these
primers should be avoided.
Primers with VOC solvents can have adverse reactions with some plastics and
should be avoided.
Many plastics have adverse reactions to acetones (paint thinners) or ketones
(MEK). The use of these chemicals to strip or clean plastics should be avoided.
Polyethylene, used to make drop-in bedliners, will not retain an acceptable bond
with LINE-X.
Some plastics (like Syrofoam) are temperature sensitive and excessive heat
buildup from the LINE-X material can cause melting or warping. Application
technique should be similar to that of wood, though even more time should be
allowed between passes to minimize heat.
ABS
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is commonly used in the
automotive industry (on fender flares and bumpers, for example) and can be
primed and painted. This polymer is hard with some flexibility and accepts LINEX applications relatively well. Use standard truck bed preparation techniques if
already painted. If possible, encapsulate for best adhesion.
Clean:
Etch:
Blow:
Clean:
Spray:
Remove any contaminates (polishes).
Sand or lightly aggregate blast.
Remove as much dust as possible.
Properly clean with approved cleaner (MEK may
dissolve the plastic on contact; use DuPont Plas-Stik
or similar product).
Coat with LINE-X.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
16
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Plastics Con’t.
POLYSTYRENE (STYROFOAM)
Polystyrene uses include packaging (peanuts, blocks, cups, coolers and signs)
and can be manufactured to have a surface that is anywhere from smooth or
porous to very soft or hard. Normally, it is best coated with LINE-X in an
encasement rather than a partial coating. Polystyrene does not require etching.
Blow:
Clean out dust and loose edges.
Prime:
SF515 primer can be used, though it is generally not
needed when the product is encased.
Spray:
Coat within window of the primer.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
17
Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
COMPOSITES
Composites are increasing in popularity which means it is becoming more likely
that someone will request a LINE-X coating for them. Many truck manufacturers
are using composites for tailgates, beds, skid plates and body panels. You may
have already sprayed LINE-X to a composite surface.
LINE-X adheres to composites quite well with the same preparation as a normal
truck bed.
Clean:
Clean any dirt or contaminates.
Etch:
Etch with a rough sanding (40 grit) or aggregate
blasting.
Blow:
Remove dust from substrate (fine dust).
Clean:
Wipe clean lacquer thinner or appropriate cleaner.
Spray:
Coat with LINE-X.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
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Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Recoats
As tough as LINE-X is, it may require a recoating. The most common reasons for
a recoat are repair/upgrade of the item(s) coated or repair/upgrade of the LINE-X
coating itself.
Unless the LINE-X coating is less than 24 hours old, it will not readily accept
chemical bonding with a topcoat or recoat. Applying LINE-X directly over old
LINE-X will only achieve a mechanical bond. This bond may greatly vary in
strength across the surface, and can delaminate with age and heavy use.
The use of a primer between old and new coats is necessary. The cleanliness of
a surface to be coated or recoated is also integral to achieving the best possible
bond.
A high-pressure wash works best for removing most contaminates from a
preexisting LINE-X coating. Sanding to remove the texture of the old coating is
generally not necessary and is often a waste of time. Using acetone on the
surface of the LINE-X coating just before priming reopens the molecular structure
for a short time so a chemical bond can be achieved. Primer needs to be applied
immediately following the acetone wipe. Once primer has been properly applied
between layers, the LINE-X becomes inseparable from itself.
RECOATING XTRA
Reapplication of topcoat over existing topcoat requires the following steps.
Clean:
Remove any contaminates.
Etch:
Lightly sand with a Scotch-Brite pad.
Clean:
Wipe with acetone to open up existing topcoat.
Spray:
Topcoat should be applied immediately following
acetone, before pores close.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
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Substrate Preparation
Quick Reference
Spray Techniques
Shadowing is a technique involving the use of
overhanging edges to create a spray line. This
is often seen when spraying the scalloped
edge of a Chevrolet truck bed. The overhang
creates a break in the coating that does not
require wire cutting. Shadowing is the only
realistic way of creating a spray line in LINE-X
with a thickness exceeding 250 mils. This
methodology can be applied to many other
uses.
Door Aperture Refinishing Tape (DART) can
be used in the same manner, or to create a
beveled edge. DART is a tubular foam tape
made by 3M. When using DART tape to create
a beveled edge you must spray at an angle of
about 70°-45°, depending on the angle of bevel
desired (see figures 1 and 2). Use care not to
push the LINEX. To create a sloping or
edgeless spray line (see figure 3), apply DART
tape 4-6 inches back from bulk of application
and finish with 1-2 fast passes at an angle of
45○ or less. Use care not to push the LINE-X.
Partially Smooth LINE-X surface is required
for applying labels, stickers, or reflective tape.
To achieve this smooth section in a textured
application, simply apply duct tape or stickers
to desired areas before final texture process.
Then peal up after texture is complete.
Canadian Poly Coatings Ltd.
#36, 37337 Burnt Lake Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, T4S 2K5
Tel: (403) 352-4411 Fax: (403) 341-6129
www.line-x.ca
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