News Articles

How much does it cost?

VFI aims to be competitive with our prices, but it will ultimately depend on the availability of raw materials and the raw materials used in…

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How soon can I use the form after the coating has cured?

The form can be placed into service after curing for 16 hours at room temperature. It will take 4-5 days at room temperature to obtain…

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How often should I use mold release during the casting process?

A release agent should be applied after each cast to maintain the integrity of the form coating. This will prevent the casting material from bonding…

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Do I need a release agent on the form coating before casting?

Yes, we recommend using a concrete or stone release agent like ChemTrend’s CR-19597, which is ready to use or can be diluted.

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Can the form coating be repaired?

Yes, the form coating can be repaired. Sand down the areas that have become worn or damaged and apply a new coat of material.

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How long will the form coating last?

The form coating epoxy is meant to be reapplied after it has worn down. All you need to do is sand down the existing coating…

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Can my magnets go through the coating?

Yes, but the number of layers depend on the strength of the magnet. We recommend no more than three layers to ensure good magnetic strength.

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Do you need to apply the form coating in multiple coats?

Yes, since we recommend applying at 20 mils, you must apply the coating in multiple layers to build thickness. The surface must be sanded between…

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Can the form coating be sanded?

Yes, the form coating epoxy is hard enough for sanding to provide a uniform casting surface. However, an approved respirator should be used because airborne…

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How thick should I apply the form coating?

The coating should be applied evenly at a rate of 20 mils per layer. Back rolling can help achieve a uniform thickness. The total thickness…

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How do I mix the form coating?

Premix the B side material. Measure the correct amounts of the A and B sides before combining them. VFI-4385 has a mix ratio of 2A:1B…

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At what temperature should the form coating be applied?

The form coating has the best performance when applied at temperatures between 60-80°F. If the temperature is above the recommended maximum, the working time of…

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What do you use to apply the form coating epoxy?

While the epoxy can be applied using a non-shedding chip brush, VFI typically recommends using a non-shedding nap roller. It makes it easier to keep…

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What color is the form coating epoxy?

The coating is a bold blue color, making it easier to track when applying in layers.

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What other surfaces can a form coating epoxy be applied to?

A form coating epoxy can also be applied to EPS foam. Before you coat the surface, the foam must be aged for at least 30…

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Can the form coating be used on metal?

Yes, it can be used on metal surfaces like steel as long as it is clean and sanded or sandblasted to SP6. Any rust, mill…

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Can the form coating be used on wood?

Yes, it can be used on wood as long as it is clean, relatively dry, and sanded. Properly preparing the surface will ensure the adhesion…

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What is the difference between epoxy and polyurethane?

Epoxies and polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers that can be formulated for various uses. When formulated for form coating, these materials differ slightly. A form coating…

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Are there alternatives to a form coating epoxy?

Yes, VFI does offer a few different alternatives to epoxy. The VFI-2538 70 D EPS Form Hard Coat is an alternative coating for EPS surfaces…

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What is a form coating made of?

VFI’s form coating is an epoxy. Epoxy is hard, durable, and can be used on various surfaces, including wood, metal, and foam.

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What is a form coating?

A form coating is used to protect and seal expensive precast forms and surfaces, preventing abrasive casting materials from damaging them. It also enables castings…

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