Sections:
Materials & Properties related questions:
1. Q. What is Termarust?
A. Termarust Technologies manufactures and distributes a corrosion control coating system known as the Termarust Series 2000 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate System.
The Chemical composition of the primary product is High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate.
When using a combination of Termarust Series 2200 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Penetrant/Sealer and the Termarust Series 2100 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Self Priming Topcoat, the chemistry produces an active anti-corrosive coating that is guaranteed to stop the development (or further development) of crevice corrosion and pack rust in joints and connections. These coatings are engineered exclusively for encapsulation (overcoat) of existing aged paints, or re-coating of new or prepared structural steel.
Termarust Technologies High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate product's are more elastic than urethane based paint coating products and include self-priming topcoats, penetrant sealers, specialized protective coatings, and a flow-coat product called VISCOFLOW®.
Termarust Technologies coatings have been approved for use on over 1,000 structures and marine vessels worldwide. They are environmentally safe, easy to use, and extremely cost effective. Typical applications include bridges and highway overpasses, bolted or plated steel assemblies, water towers and tanks, marine ballast tanks and voids, utility towers, flexible structures and most structural steel applications, specifically where crevice corrosion and pack rust between joints and connections proliferate.
2. Q. How does Termarust work?
A. Termarust's chemistry is specifically engineered to arrest corrosion by:
1. Neutralizing surface acidity
2. Displacing moisture
3. Scavenging oxygen
4. Creating a flexible barrier to further egress corrosion causing elements.
3.Q. How does Termarust stop crevice corrosion and pack rust?
A. When the chemical properties listed in question #2 are combined, the active Penetrant / Sealer Termarust 2200 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate and the active Primer / Topcoat, Termarust 2100High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate, act together to neutralize the corrosion in the joint and create an active barrier against further deterioration.
4. Q. What airless tip size do I use to apply Termarust Series 2100 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Primer / Topcoat?
A. The minimum tip size is #15 to a maximum, #26. For conventional spray, #62 is the optimum size. The Termarust Series 2200 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate may be applied with a brush, spray, mitt or any other method used to apply a liquid.
5. Q What colors are available?
All colors are available - they are custom made - at no extra cost.
6. Q. How do I order the particular color I want, what do you need from me?
A. (1) Choose the color from the "Federal Standard 595B Colors" (FanDeck). The Federal color set is available from the U.S. General Services
Administration - product number 7690-01-162-2210 (Most agencies use this standard set or The Munsell book of colors, or Canadian Government
Specification Board (CGSB) color guide. We archive most paint manufacturers color cards. (4) Simply supply us a sample of the color you
require.
7. Q. Do Termarust colors fade or chalk?
A. Termarust 2100's colors resist fading and chalking, long-term, unlike other
types of paints and coatings.
8. Q. I have heard that Calcium Sulfonate coatings pick up dirt and make the
structure look 'dirty', what about the Termarust system?
A. All structures will get dirty regardless of the type of paint or coating. This
dirt and/or dust does not jeopardize the performance or penetrate the Termarust Series 2001 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Self Priming Topcoat, and can be
easily washed off.
9. Q. Stone chips, scratches, and mechanical damage usually lead to, or
cause failure of most paint coating systems - How does the Termarust system address these problems?
A. These types of surface mars or damages do not lead to the coating failures
that are typically expected with other paint coatings. The Termarust 2100 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Primer/Topcoat material adheres well, and its elastic nature
allows it to absorb impact as opposed to cracking or chipping like most hard film paint coatings. The Termarust 2100 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Primer/Topcoat
does not undercut, crack or delaminate if the integrity of the surface is broken or cut. The rust-inhibiting chemistry of the
Termarust high ratio copolymer calcium sulphate materials create a mono molecular layer of protection that will prevent
corrosion from occurring.
Cleaning & application of the coating materials related questions:
1. Q. Is cleaning with hand (non-power) tools and/or hand power tools
adequate preparation of applying the Termarust system?
A. Hand and power tool cleaning is adequate, but it is important that all loose
paint, loose rust and tightly adhered black oxides be removed. The tightly adhered black oxides have active corrosion cells at the steel interface that
will cause delamination.
-It is also important to recognize the need to remove soluble salts from the surface of the steel; including chlorides, nitrates and sulfates --- any excess
level of the above contaminants will cause any/all paint coatings to fail.
Simple test kits and materials for remediation of these salts are available through Termarust Technologies.
2. Q. How do you verify the wet film and dry film thickness of the Termarust
Coating System?
A. The most efficient way to verify application of the Termarust System is to
check the wet film as the coating is being applied and have the applicator touch up as they go along. Due to Termarust's elastic nature, when
verifying Dry Film Thickness (DFT), the inspector should use a digital gauge with a minimum of a 9-10 mil shim. The shim will keep the
probe from pushing into the film.
3. Q. How long does it take for the Termarust Series 2100 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Primer/
Topcoat material to cure?
A. This is a 'Time & Temperature'' relationship. The drying (tack free) time
of the Termarust Series 2100 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Primer/Topcoat is as follows:
- at an ambient temperature of about 75oF (24oC), with relative humidity @ 50% drying time takes approximately 8 - 12 hours
- at an ambient temperature of about 85oF (29oC), with relative humidity @ 50% drying time takes approximately 6 - 10 hours
at an ambient temperature of about 55oF (13oC), with relative humidity @ 50% drying time takes approximately 12 - 16 hours
all the above drying times are similar to long oil alkyd paints.
4. Q. What is the minimum temperature and conditions at which Termarust can
be applied?
A. Although the minimum temperature for application of the Termarust coating system is about 35oF (2oC) it should be recognized that the time
necessary for the coating to become "tack free" may be more than 24 hours. For spot repairs and special applications, the Termarust 2100 and
2200 Series System may be applied at temperatures as low as -18degree C or 0
degree F if care is taken to heat the surface to remove ice crystals. The tack free time will be extensive but in these special circumstances it is usually
not an issue.
Application (Uses) related questions:
1. Q. Can the Termarust system be applied over aged (non-Termarust) paints -
if so - how - what preparation and coating procedures must be used?
A. The Termarust coating system may be applied over almost all types of existing paints. For more detailed information on these topics call toll free
1-888-279-5497, or email us at info@termarust.com
2. Q. The Termarust coating system is generally recommended for above
ground applications - what about applications that are buried in soil; such as buried pipes and structural members (i.e. Utility Towers)?
A. The Termarust system is an excellent coating for buried steel structures. It
is recommended that the coating be allowed to adequately cure before backfilling. If backfilling must be done immediately - special procedures
are followed.
For more information on these topics call toll free 1-888-279-5497, or email us at
info@termarust.com
3. Q. Can the Termarust coating system be used for high temperature
applications.
A. The Termarust coating system is an excellent coating system for applications up to 500o F
(260 degree C)
4. Q. Can you recommend the Termarust coating system for applications in an
acidic environment?
The Termarust coating system may be used in environments with a PH as low as 5, it should not be used in an acidic environment.
5. Q. Can the Termarust system be used for the interior of water tanks and
surfaces of potable water treatment facilities?
A. No - the Termarust system is not designed or approved for potable water applications.
6. Q. How can the Termarust coating be removed from a structure?
A. It can be removed by conventional sandblasting or hand and power tools, paint strippers or ultra high pressure water jetting.
7. Q. Can the Termarust coating be used for handrails?
A. Although Termarust will protect handrails against corrosion, the complexity of certain hand rail designs and the difficulty in properly
applying any paint coating to these geometry's may make removal of the handrails, acid cleaning and hot dip galvanizing a better and more
effective long term solution.
Warranty related questions:
1. Q. What is covered under your 5-Year warranty?
A. The warranty covers both materials and contractor expenses for repairing coating problems - providing the structure has been properly cleaned
and the coating materials have been applied, in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
- The warranty does not cover damage to the coating by external forces;
- chemical spills and mechanic damage.
2. Q. For the Warranty - do I have to use a painting contractor that has been
trained and certified by Termarust Technologies?
A. Although the answer to this is "No" it is certainly advisable to use a
contractor who has experience with power wash cleaning and application of the Termarust system. However, Termarust will work with you and/or
your contractor to help insure that your project is successful.
3. Q. If the warranty is 5 years and the expected service life is more than 25
years, what maintenance of the coating is expected, and how should it be done.
A. The service life of the Termarust System is based on dry film
thickness(DFT). In accelerated laboratory testing and field tests the coating erodes at the rate of approximately 1 mil every 6 years.
i.e. 5 mils DFT of Termarust (overcoat specification) should last approximately 30 years. As with any system, if the film is damaged or
removed in some way it should be repaired. The Termarust repair procedure is simple. Scrape off any loose material, remove dirt and
chlorides with a cleaner such as Chlor*Rid , then simply apply a coat of Termarust 2100 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate Primer/Topcoat.
4. Q. Your warranty states that the Chloride level must be below a specified
maximum - what about Nitrates and Sulfates?
A. The maximum allowable amount of Nitrates is < 9 micrograms/sq cm.The maximum allowable amount of Sulfates is < 12 micrograms/sq cm.
5. Q. How can the level of Chlorides, Nitrates and Sulfates be measured?
A. We recommend use of the Chlor*Rid CSN test kit; available through Termarust Technologies.
6. Q. How can Chlorides, Sulfates and Nitrates be removed?
A. The best (and perhaps the least expensive) way to remove such salts is with the Chlor*Rid soluble salt remover, which is available through
Termarust Technologies.
NOTE: Flushing with fresh (potable) water is usually inadequate in removing soluble salts.
Ordering and cost-related questions:
1. Q. Where and how can I buy Termarust products?
A. Termarust products may be purchased directly by calling toll free 1-888-279-5497.
2. Q. How are Termarust Technologies products supplied?
A. Termarust is packaged and supplied in 1/US Gal (3.78 Litres), 5/US Gal (18.4
Litres) and 55/US Gal ((208 Litres) containers.
3. Q. What is the cost, per square foot, for application of the Termarust system?
A. The cost to clean and paint a structure is 'structure dependent.' Factors
that influence the answer to this question include (but are not limited to):
- Type and amount of existing (loose &/or tightly adhered) paint that is
to be removed and disposed of - (in accordance with Government regulations.)
- The recommended amount (DFT) of Termarust materials that are to be applied, determined by either overcoating over tightly adhered paint
or recoating over bare steel.
- Contractor-related costs for such things as: equipment, enclosures, scaffolding, traffic control and disposal of hazardous materials.
(NOTE: No hazardous waste stream is generated when using the Termarust system)
However, a realistic way to answer this question is to state that the cost for cleaning and applying the Termarust system is frequently less than half
(-50%) the cost of cleaning and appling the more commonly used three coat high performance paints. It is important to recognize that the
comparison is between the cost of:
(a) total removal of ALL existing paint, as required by the manufacturer (by sandblasting - or equivalent) and applying a typically used 3-coat
zinc, epoxy, urethane paint system or
(b) removal of only loose paint and rust with 5,000 psi power wash and applying the 'Single Coat, Three-Step Process' of the Termarust
Series 2100 High Ratio Copolymer Calcium Sulphate system.
Contractor FAQ
1. Q Why would I want to recommend a coating system that has a 5-Year
warranty and a 25-Year service life for a structure that wouldn't needainting again; i.e. no repeat business on that structure?
A. To help an owner recognize that maintenance painting can provide a long-term solution to continuing corrosion problems --- so that the
owner can justify allocating additional funds to paint other structures before they deteriorate to the point where they must be replaced.
