Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we get most from contractors, fleet managers, and facility engineers.
Specification & Prep
What surface preparation does the spec require?
SSPC-SP6 commercial blast with a 2–4 mil profile for new or heavily corroded steel. For maintenance overcoating of sound, tightly-adhered rust, SSPC-SP3 power-tool cleaning is acceptable with a reduced-warranty note. Chloride verification below 7 µg/cm² is required in salt-exposure service.
Can it go over existing rust?
Over tightly-adhered rust, yes — the membrane isolates it from moisture and oxygen and stops the reaction. Over loose scale, flaking, or delaminating product, no. Anything you can knock off with a scraper has to come off first, or the coating will simply take it with it when it fails.
Does it need a primer?
On properly blasted steel, usually not. On concrete, wood, TPO, EPDM, galvanized, or previously coated surfaces, 7001 primer is recommended — it is quick-setting, works across all those substrates, and stops bleed-through from the original finish.
What is the coverage rate?
At 100% solids, one gallon yields 1,604 mil-sq-ft — about 27 sq ft at the 60-mil exterior spec, or roughly 80 sq ft at a 20-mil maintenance spec. Add 10–15% for overspray and surface profile on blasted steel.
Application & Cure
What equipment do I need to spray it?
A plural-component proportioner with heated hose — a Graco Reactor E-20 or E-30 class machine or equivalent. This is not a product you can roll or spray with an airless. If you do not have a rig, we can refer you to an applicator in your area, or talk to you about adding the capability.
How long until it can be put back in service?
Tack-free in 10–30 seconds, handling strength in minutes, and full service typically within the hour. For most fleet and equipment work this means the unit goes back out the same shift.
Can it be sprayed in cold or humid conditions?
Yes — that is one of the practical advantages of fast-set polyurea. Because it gels in seconds, ambient humidity and temperature have far less opportunity to affect the film than with a conventional coating that stays wet for hours. Substrate temperature and dew point still matter; we will go over the window for your conditions.
Can it be recoated or repaired later?
Within about six hours, a new pass bonds chemically with no additional prep. After that, abrade the area and apply 7001 primer before recoating. Field repairs of damaged spots are straightforward — one of the reasons it works well on equipment that takes occasional hits.
Comparison & Cost
How is this different from rubberized undercoating?
Rubberized undercoating is a soft, asphaltic or wax-based product that stays somewhat flexible and is meant to be reapplied periodically. It also traps moisture against the substrate when it cracks, which can accelerate corrosion rather than stop it. Polyurea is a permanently bonded structural membrane with 2,500+ PSI tensile strength. Different product category entirely.
How does the cost compare to painting?
Higher up front per square foot, lower over the asset life. A three-coat industrial paint system on structural steel typically needs maintenance at 5–7 years and full recoat at 10–12. Polyurea at proper DFT routinely goes well past that without intervention. The comparison that matters is cost per year of service, not cost per gallon.
Is it UV stable?
Aromatic polyurea like OR93BL will chalk and fade in direct sunlight over time. This is cosmetic — it does not affect the corrosion protection or physical properties. For applications where appearance matters long-term, we offer an aliphatic topcoat. Ask us and we will spec it.
Do you sell to individuals, or only to contractors?
Both. We ship nationwide to end users, contractors, and dealers. Contractors and distributors get wholesale pricing — mention your region and volume when you contact us and we will include the schedule.
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