VOC or Volatile Organic Compounds are simply the volatile solvents or thinners in a container of paint that are photo chemically reactive in the atmosphere and are capable of causing air pollution. Typically, conventional solids oil-based alkyd enamels may contain 4 to 4½ pounds of VOC per gallon. On the other hand, water-based enamels might contain from one to two pounds per gallon VOC, or, in some cases, less than one pound per gallon.

Paint coverage is basically influenced by three factors:

• Volume Solids(VS) of the paint is the volume of everything that is left after all the liquids have evaporated out of the film.
• Transfer Efficiency (TE) of the painting process is simply an estimate of how much of the paint actually reaches the substrate and how much is lost due to overspray or other factors
• Dry Film thickness (DFT) required. In the US this is commonly expressed in mils, where one mil is equal to one thousandth of an inch (.001 “)

Now, if you have one gallon of a paint that is 100% Solids by Volume, and could apply it without any loss (100% Transfer Efficiency) it would cover about 1600 square feet with a film of one mil (.001â€). However, few paints are 100% Solids by Volume, and few painting processes, if any, have 100% Transfer Efficiency, and few Dry Film Thickness requirements are exactly 1 mil. So, your estimated coverage after taking these three factors into account would be: ((VS X 1600)/DFT) X TE Where VS and TE are expressed as decimal fractions and DFT is expressed in mils

Example: Consider a coating that is 33% VS, applied at an 85% TE, at a DFT of 1.5 mils. Your estimated coverage would be ((.33 X 1600) X 1.5) X .85 = 299.2 square feet per gallon.

Yes, our water-based shop primers have been tested with several fire resistant coatings by the manufacturers of the coatings. Our technical people can help you determine which fire resistant coatings have been certified compatible with our water-based shop primers.

The alkalinity of the galvanized surface can over time react with the alkyd resin in the paint, thus produci ng “soaps†which make the paint peel off the surface. This doesn’t usually happen right away, but rather some time later the peeling can begin to occur, (weeks or months depending upon the exposure). Intercoastal’s Universal Primers and Universal Enamel/Primers are formulated to neutralize the alkalinity of the galvanized surface and thereby eliminate the peeling problem. Our Water-Based Primers and Enamels usually do not contain anything that can be attacked by the galvanized steel so they exhibit good adhesion to galvanized surfaces as well. As with any surface to be painted, the galvanized surface should be clean and dry and free of any dirt or oil or other surface contamination.

“High Solids†paint actually refers indirectly to the amount of thinner (VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds), that is contained in the paint. Generally, the higher the solids content, the lower the thinner content. Therefore high solids paints are more environmentally friendly than conventional solids paints because they release less emissions into the atmosphere. There are some exceptions, but this is generally true of most paints.

There is a water-based product called Rust-X manufactured by Integrity Industries Inc. in Kingsville, Texas. This works well on tight rust. Heavy rust should be removed because if the rust profile is heavy enough to protrude through the paint film, water can be carried all the way down to the steel substrate and cause premature film failure. You can learn more about this product from the manufacturer of Rust-X.

• First, make certain that the iron surface is clean and dry and free from any oil, dirt, or other contaminants. Sand any rough rust from the surface.
• Second, apply a prime coat of Intercoastal’s IP-508 Red Oxide Rust Inhibitive Primer. This fast drying primer contains zinc phosphate as a rust inhibitive pigment.
• Third, apply a finish coat of Intercoastal’s QS-751 Black Satin or QS-799 Black Semi-Gloss DTM Enamel. These two fast dry black enamels also contain zinc phosphate rust inhibitive pigment for added protection.

All this will give you an excellent commercial finish for your fence and gates. If you have need for a more robust and longer lasting finish, or for a fence that is located in an aggressive environment, you can go to a two part catalyzed polyurethane, but the cost is considerably more. In this case you would follow the instructions above using Intercoastal’s IP-544 Red Oxide Rust inhibitive Universal Primer with Intercoastal’s PA-904 Satin Black Acrylic Polyurethane for a finish coat.

A product called “Simple Green†made by Sunshine Makers Inc. in Huntington Harbour, California seems to work very well. In order to prevent leaving a residue the manufacturer sometimes recommends reduction with water. A couple of good things about Simple Green are that it is zero VOC and completely biodegradable. You can learn more from the manufacturer.

Intercoastal’s activated and catalyzed products are mixed by volume in a ratio of: Four parts paint to One part activator or catalyst. You should mix only as much as you think you might need because the mixed product will eventually go solid. Any ratio of four to one by volume will do. You could measure 4†and 1†in a coffee can if you need only a small amount to finish a job.

Intercoastal’s Polyamide Cured Epoxies can be an excellent choice for this job. They are tough enough to tolerate a good amount of foot and forklift traffic, and they are flexible enough to resist cracking or chipping caused by dropping tools, etc onto the floor.

Having said this, there are several things that must be considered before painting your concrete floor with these products:

• First the concrete must be clean and dry and free of oil, dirt, or other contaminants.
• Second the concrete must either be at least 6 months old or the salts that form on a fresh slab must be removed before painting.
• Third fire Hazard – All sources of ignition must be removed and kept out of the area while the paint is being applied. This is because of the flammability of the epoxy paint before it has dried. All pilot lights, light switches or electric motors that might spark, or any other ignition source whatsoever must be removed or made inoperative during painting.
• Fourth slip Hazard – After the epoxy has dried the surface can become extremely slippery if it becomes wet. Water condensing from the atmosphere, (sometimes referred to as “sweatingâ€), or other liquids spilled on the floor can cause a very serious slip hazard.

Intercoastal’s Epoxies can easily be applied by roller. Just mix in the appropriate amount of activator, allow it to set for 30 to 45 minutes, mix again and roll on as is, without thinning. One gallon should cover about 250 square feet. Two coats 24 hours apart are recommended. A 72 hour cure time is required for the epoxy to fully develop its film properties, but it can tolerate light traffic overnight. Be sure to use a roller cover that is made for epoxies or other paints with hot solvents. Throw the roller cover away after the epoxy on it has completely cured.