VFI®-1016 Steel Primer

VFI®-1016 Steel Primer

VFI-1016 Steel Primer is a high solvent-based, single-component urethane primer. It is used to prepare bare metal surfaces for the application of an approved polyurea or polyurethane top coat. Applied easily by brush, roller, or spray equipment, the colorless primer strictly promotes adhesion without forming a film. VFI-1016 has a quick dry time for same-day application of a top coat.

VFI-1016 Steel Primer from VFI is a high solvent-based urethane primer that prepares bare metal surfaces for a polyurea or urethane top coat.

Features & Benefits

  • Convenient single-component packaging for easy application
  • Fast drying for quick application of a polyurea or urethane top coat
  • Versatile application by spray equipment, roller, brush, or wipe on
  • Excellent adhesion when applied directly to steel surfaces
  • Compatible with spray-on bedliners (VFI-542, VFI-543, & VFI-544)

Instructions for Use:

Surface Preparation

Thoroughly degrease the surface with acetone or MEK to remove contaminants, such as grease, dirt, oils, and loose particles that could affect adhesion. The steel surface should be abraded with a wire cup brush sander or 40-grit sandpaper. Once scuffed, degrease the surface again, and allow it to dry before applying the primer. Apply painter’s tape and cover all areas you do not plan on priming or top coating.

Note: Not all metal applications require a primer, but it is recommended for larger exposed areas of bare metal or new panels to ensure a strong bond of a top coat to the surface.

Application

Do not heat the material before or during application. Only apply the primer when the surface temperature is between 40°F – 120°F. If the temperature decreases below 40°F before the primer is fully applied and cured, it may affect adhesion results. Do not apply it in areas where rain or other moisture contamination is present before a top coat can be applied.

VFI-1016 can be applied to surfaces by single-component spray equipment, rollers, brushes, or a wipe on process. The standard coverage over a smooth surface is 2 wet mils or 800-1200 sq/ft per gallon. Apply enough material in a uniform coat to thoroughly wet the metal surface, and avoid making puddles. After the primer has dried, a top coat must be applied the same day, within the 1-6 hour recoat window.

Cleanup

To clean application equipment before the material has cured, VFI recommends using xylene or MEK.

Safety

*Always read the safety data sheet before working with chemicals

Use chemicals only as directed and for their intended purpose. Do not dispose of chemicals down the drain. Most chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

PPE to avoid all unnecessary exposure:

  • Hand protection – wear chemically resistant protective gloves (nitrile, butyl, or neoprene)
  • Eye protection – wear approved safety glasses and any additional eye protection as necessary
  • Body protection – wear suitable protective clothing that covers all exposed skin
  • Respiratory protection – in case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. Respirator selection must be based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product, and the safe working limits of the selected respirator

Product Limitations

The primed surface should not be exposed to any chemicals other than an approved topcoat. It is highly flammable as a liquid or vapor and contains VOCs over the EPA-regulated amount at 840 g/L. It contains solvents that require adequate ventilation during application. An approved respirator is required during spray application as inhalation of particulate matter must be avoided.

  • Incompatible materials – oxidizers
  • Conditions to avoid – heat, incompatible materials, and sources of ignition
  • Chemical stability – stable under normal storage conditions but the material may form a flammable/explosive vapor-air mixture
  • Reactivity & hazardous reactions – no dangerous reaction known under normal use
  • Hazardous decomposition products – may include, and are not limited to, oxides of carbon

Potential Health Hazards

  • The material is harmful if inhaled and may cause respiratory tract irritation, allergy or asthma symptoms, and breathing difficulties.
  • Causes skin irritation or sensitization: redness, edema, drying, defatting, and cracking of the skin.
  • Causes serious eye irritation: discomfort or pain, excess blinking and tear production, marked redness, and swelling of the conjunctiva.
  • May be fatal if swallowed and enters the airways. This product may be aspirated into the lungs and cause chemical pneumonitis, stomach distress, nausea, or vomiting.

*If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention or advice. Call a poison control center or doctor if swallowed.

Click here for more information on the full technical data sheet.

Application Methods:

  • Spray Spray
  • Chip Brush Chip Brush
  • Roll Roll

Available Packaging:

  • 1 Quart

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

VFI strives to keep our prices competitive, but it ultimately depends on the availability of raw materials and the materials used in the formula. Also, polyurea hybrids when compared to pure polyurea coatings provide a good balance of properties, moisture insensitivity, and price.

What happens if the bedliner is damaged? Is it repairable?

Yes, Volatile Free, Inc. offers a bedliner repair material called VFI-520 QS Bedliner Repair that you can use on scratches, blisters, and other damages. It can be applied by brush or injected using the VFI-7500 Qwik Spray Gun.

How to clean spray on bedliner?

Regularly remove dirt, debris, and other grime that has built up from use. You can use a hose or a pressure washer to clean the truck bed with soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the material.

How long do polyurea hybrid coatings last?

When applied correctly and regularly maintained, a spray on truck bedliner should last the entire life of the truck. If repair is needed, VFI offers a thickened polyurea hybrid as a repair material for scratches, gouges, and other blemishes.

Will the bedliner fade over time?

Yes. All VFI bedliners are aromatic, which means they are not UV-stable. If you want to maintain the color of your bedliner, you’ll need to apply a clear aliphatic top coat like VFI-2580.

How soon can the truck bed be used after spraying?

We recommend waiting at least 4 hours after application for light use of your truck bed and a full day (24 hours) before heavy-duty use. The bedliner will gain full strength and formulated properties 5 days after application.

How much material do I need to coat a truck bed?

When spraying VFI-544, we recommend using 6 cartridges (a full case). A full case is just under 2 gallons of material and gets you around 100 mils thick without any loss.

VFI-542 and VFI-543 can be ordered in drums or totes, so about 2 gallons from those containers will also coat one truck bed at around 100 mil thickness without any loss.

How thick should I apply the bedliner?

VFI recommends applying the material at a minimum of 80 mils for long-lasting results.

How long does it take to spray a truck bed?

It can take 2-4 hours to prepare the surface by sanding or priming, tape off areas you don’t want material to get onto, and then spray the truck bed.

Do I need a primer?

Primers are usually not required on properly prepared metal surfaces. Scuff the areas you are coating with a wire cup brush sander or 40-grit sandpaper. If you need a primer, VFI recommends either VFI-1016 Steel Primer or VFI-1017 Porous Surface Primer.

What surface prep is required before applying spray on bedliner?

The surface must be cleaned with acetone before application. Tape up the truck bed with wire trim tape and shield surfaces from overspray with plastic or paper sheets. Scuff sand the area you are coating with a wire cup brush sander or 40-grit sandpaper. Primers are usually not required if the metal is properly prepared.

What temperature should I use the material at?

VFI spray on bedliners must be sprayed between 40°F and 100°F. The cure speed of the material will increase if the temperature passes 72°F.

Does your spray on bedliner come in different colors?

VFI high-pressure, low-pressure, and Qwik Spray bedliners can be pigmented. The premium colors offered are light gray, red, blue, pewter, yellow, and green. These materials are not UV color stable and require an aliphatic top coat like VFI-2580 to prevent fading.

What kind of packaging do your bedliners come in?

For our high pressure bedliner, it can be purchased in drums or totes. The low pressure bedliner can be purchased in pails, drums or totes. The Qwik Spray formula comes in cartridges with 6 cartridges per case.

Is high pressure material better than low pressure material?

While some manufacturers will tell you that high pressure is better than low pressure bedliners, they both perform as expected. Our low-pressure spray bedliner is an economical option with a lower hardness (40 A) and a slightly slower cure than our high-pressure version. It may provide a slightly thicker texture, better for skid resistance. Either version will still provide the same quality and durability.

What are the application options for your bedliner?

VFI spray on bedliner comes in three formulas: high pressure, low pressure, and Qwik Spray for different processing needs.

Does the spray on truck bedliner withstand temperature extremes?

VFI bedliners offer extended protection from wear in extreme temperatures while maintaining flexibility to prevent cracking. They also form a seamless membrane to keep water from penetrating the surface, preventing rust and corrosion.

How are spray in bedliners better than drop in liners?

Spray in bedliners offer more durability than drop in liners. Drop in liners have to frequently be replaced because they crack, break, and warp over time. Spray in bedliners are an almost permanent solution to protect your truck bed. They form a seamless film over the prepared metal to keep out dirt, debris, moisture, and other contaminants. They are more likely to last the entire lifetime of your truck.

What is the difference between an aliphatic and aromatic bedliner?

Aliphatic bedliners are UV stable and will not fade over time, while aromatic bedliners will fade and chalk over time when in direct sunlight. Most bedliner on the market are aromatic, but VFI offers a clear aliphatic top coat to prevent color fading and degradation.

What is your spray on bedliner made of?

VFI’s bedliners are a cost-effective blend of both polyurethane and polyurea. They offer the best characteristics of each material, including properties, cost, and moisture sensitivity.