News Articles

Can a hard coat be repaired if damaged?

Yes, VFI hard coats can be repaired if damage occurs to a newly applied or old coating. When repairing a hard coat, we recommend using…

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Can I apply an architectural finish to the coating?

All VFI hard coats are designed to be primed and painted if desired. They will accept automotive primers and paints as well as architectural finishes….

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Do hard coats need to be painted?

Hard coats do not have to be painted, but most applicators do paint over them to enhance the aesthetics of the overall piece. If they…

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How long until I can paint the hard coat?

The amount of time after application that the hard coat needs before it will be ready for painting will depend on the formula and temperature….

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How long until I can sand the hard coat?

The amount of time the hard coats need after application before it will be ready for sanding will depend on several factors. Allow the coating…

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Does the hard coat have a smooth finish?

Yes, VFI’s hard coat products are formulated to go on smoothly, but the texture may vary depending on the application method. Brush application may create…

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Why am I seeing small air bubbles form as the coating cures?

Air bubbles typically occur in a polyurethane hard coat due to moisture. Urethane is a moisture-sensitive material, so if it reacts with a substantial amount…

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When is the hard coat fully cured?

The hard coat is fully cured when it has obtained full physical properties. Our formulas typically reach these properties three days after application. Brushable hard…

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How fast does the hard coat dry or cure?

Dry or cure time will depend on several factors. First of all, the application method plays a part in the speed of the coating. When…

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Can the hard coat be reapplied if needed?

If you want to reapply or add another coat over the existing material, stay within the recoat window. The high pressure and Qwik Spray formulas…

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Do your hard coats need to be applied in multiple coats?

The amount of layers you must apply when using a hard coat depends on your desired coating thickness. If you are spraying larger projects, you…

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How thick do I need to apply the hard coat?

The thickness of the coating will depend on your desired application. For our hard coat products, we typically recommend applying a minimum of 60 mils…

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How do you mix a brushable hard coat?

Pre-weigh the A (Iso) and B side (Poly) material by weight or volume according to the technical data sheet. Pour the Iso into the Poly…

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What is the ambient temperature range for applying a hard coat?

While we recommend applying hard coats when the environment temperature is around 72°F for consistent results, the high pressure coating can be applied between 40-100°F,…

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What type of equipment is needed to apply a hard coat?

The equipment used to apply these hard coats will depend on the product formula. VFI offers formulas with three different application methods: brush, Qwik Spray…

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Can hard coats be applied by brush?

VFI manufactures two hard coats for brush application: VFI-2519 75 D Brushable Hard Coat and VFI-2626 65 D Brushable Hard Coat. The formulas have extended…

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What kind of primer do you recommend when using a hard coat?

When applying one of our hard coats over EPS, you typically will not need a primer. Always ensure the surface is clean and free of…

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What surface prep is required for these coatings?

VFI requires a surface with a profile that allows for mechanical adhesion in order to apply our coatings. Ensure that the surface to be coated…

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Can your hard coats be used on materials other than EPS?

VFI’s brushable hard coats can also be applied to wood, metal, and existing hard coats. Make sure these surfaces are clean, dry, and free of…

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What type of foam can the hard coat be applied to?

VFI hard coats are recommended for EPS since that is the type of foam designers and fabricators tend to use. It can also be applied…

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How much material do I need?

The best way to calculate the amount of material needed is to first determine how thick you want to apply the coating and how many…

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Are your hard coats fire tested?

VFI-6170 70 D Spray Hard Coat and VFI-6171 70 D Qwik Spray Hard Coat are fire tested formulas that have passed the ASTM E84 Class…

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Can the hard coats be used indoors and outdoors?

For the coating to be used indoors and outdoors, it must be fire tested to meet strict fire safety regulations. VFI has two formulas that…

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Can the hard coat be pigmented?

The hard coats can be pigmented with urethane pigments, or you can request VFI to pigment the material, but the coatings are not UV stable…

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What color is the hard coat?

All VFI hard coats come in an unpigmented neutral color, which is desirable for painting. When using the high pressure formula, clean your spray lines…

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What does 100% solids mean?

When a coating lists 100% solids by weight or volume as a property, that means no solvents or other components leave during the curing process….

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How hard are your hard coats?

VFI’s hard coats come in a range of hardnesses from 50 D to 75 D. Since these materials are on the Shore D scale, they…

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