VFI Coatings to Protect Flexible Surfaces

Volatile Free, Inc. has formed a niche line of softer coatings that provide certain applications with much-needed flexibility and strength. Almost 30 years ago, we started offering a diverse line of polyurea and hybrid coatings for the protection of various surfaces.

These coatings are versatile and used by industry experts across North America. Since they are softer, they have higher elongation, which means they have a better ability to stretch and flex. Due to this property, they withstand various conditions without breaking, protecting surfaces in the long term. On the other hand, they will have lower tensile strength.

The Versatility of a Flexible Polyurea Coating

Polyureas are desirable due to their adaptability and high properties. VFI’s two-component VFI-270 70 A Polyurea Spray Coating is no exception. It is a high-quality material with excellent abrasion and chemical resistance. Like most polyureas, this coating is fast-setting for high builds on vertical surfaces without sagging. The quick cure also allows for quick turnarounds on projects.

While polyurea can be used over a handful of surfaces, VFI-270 is best applied to flexible surfaces like a flexible foam. This is because the material itself is flexible and rubber-like at 72 Shore A hardness. The lower hardness also lends itself to resisting impacts better than harder coatings. Over foam, the coating creates an elastomeric surface without adding too much weight to the entire piece. Unlike other polyurea coatings, the film can be applied smoothly with no texture.

Typically, this material is used instead of other coatings due to its low moisture sensitivity. It can be used in various conditions, including high temperatures and high humidity. The only benefit it doesn’t provide is UV stability.

Uses: VFI-270 makes an incredible protective skin for foam parts and pads. This product has been used for artificial rocks, walls, and tree bark, amusement ride pads, spray-on cushioning, and to reinforce self-skinning foam. Depending on the thickness at which it is applied, you have control over what poundage of foam you back it with. It takes tint incredibly well, so you can color it to your desired aesthetic.

Polyurea Hybrid Flexible Coatings with High Properties

While polyureas are great, they don’t work for every situation. That’s where polyurea hybrids come in. Hybrids are a combination of polyurea and polyurethane, so they behave like a balance of both. Many of VFI’s flexible coatings are polyurea hybrids, including VFI-3119 70 A Polyurea Hybrid Spray Coating and VFI-3131 65 A Polyurea Hybrid Spray Coating.

These coatings work in a similar capacity to VFI-270. They are rather unique as hybrids due to their higher tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation compared to the polyurea. Both are rubber-like with hardnesses between 65-70 A but are incredibly tough and durable against impacts and cuts over soft or flexible surfaces. VFI-3119 is unique because it sprays like polyurea but wets out and flattens for a non-textured surface.

Like polyureas, they are fast enough to be applied vertically without dripping. Once applied, they set quickly and provide a soft yet durable protective film. They have outstanding durability in diverse climates, whether used indoors or outdoors, with a UV stable flexible top coat.

Uses: These coatings can be used in high-impact applications with foam as the substrate. Surfaces requiring high rebound with good structural strength can also use these protective coatings. They have been used as wear and waterproof membranes and protective skins on furniture and seat cushions. Other potential applications include artificial tree bark, flexible brick panels, and faux animal skins.

VFI Flexible Coating Property Comparison

A coating’s properties strongly influence its performance in various applications. Because the coating may be subject to physical stressors over its lifespan, it needs a good balance of properties to withstand extensive damage. Below is a comparison of the mentioned coatings for more insight into their capabilities.

Property Comparison	VFI-270	VFI-3119	VFI-3131
Hardness	72 A	67 +/- 3 A	60-65 A
Tensile Strength	1050 psi	1200 psi	1400 psi
Elongation	600%	800%	1400%
Tear Strength	175 pli	240 pli	210 pli
Gel Time	5 seconds	12 seconds	10-15 seconds
Place into Service	4 hours	6 hours; 48 hours	6 hours; 48 hours
Chemistry	Polyurea	Polyurea Hybrid	Polyurea Hybrid

 

Benefits of Using a VFI Flexible Coating

Polyurea and polyurea hybrids can be formulated to achieve a range of properties. They are desirable for many reasons, including:

• Flexibility. The most special attribute of these coatings is their inherent flexibility, even at low temperatures. They will expand and contract with the surface due to temperature variations or vibrations, unlike thin, less flexible coatings. This ability allows them to flex, bend, and stretch without cracking, peeling, or delaminating from the surface for long-lasting protection. They accommodate movement without compromising their structural integrity.
• Durability. How durable a coating is will be one of the most important properties to consider when formulating it for protective purposes. These coatings should have the necessary properties to resist breaking, deforming, wearing, and tearing from high mechanical loads and stresses. These stressors can be caused by abrasion, impact, weather, and chemicals. Their toughness and strength ensure the longevity of the structure.
• Weather resistant. Humidity, low temperatures, and rain can degrade, crack, and discolor bare surfaces. These coatings are seamless once applied, creating a barrier to protect surfaces from substantial damage. The coating prevents water and other debris from passing through, reducing the likelihood of surface damage. Also, if moisture were to get through to the substrate, it could cause mold, mildew, and rot.
• Rapid cure. Because these coatings set up quickly, projects can be placed into service the same day. This is very desirable for applications that require quick turnaround times. Other materials, such as hand-applied polyurethane and epoxy, take much longer to cure, with epoxy taking days to be ready for service. VFI coatings dry within 4-6 hours and can withstand heavy-duty use within 24-48 hours, reducing downtime. The rapid cure also allows adequate coating thickness to be built in a single pass.

Contact VFI for more information on flexible industrial coatings. We can help you figure out the best material for your unique project.