VFI®-6150 50 D Spray Hard Coat

VFI®-6150 50 D Spray Hard Coat

VFI-6150 50 D Spray Hard Coat is a premium, fast-setting, spray-applied polyurea coating. Once applied, it creates a protective shell over foam and is used for interior and exterior applications when covered with a UV-stable top coat. As a polyurea, it has good thermocycling, strong impact resistance, and is moisture insensitive. VFI-6150 is fully paintable for theming purposes. It is Class A fire-tested to meet safety requirements when needed. Its high tensile strength and elongation make it a tough, versatile coating for encapsulating and protecting a substrate.

VFI-6150 50 D Spray Hard Coat from VFI is a premium, fire-retardant coating that creates a highly durable shell over foam for indoor and outdoor use.

Features & Benefits

  • A 50 D hardness gives the coated layer impact resistance to absorb pressure without breaking
  • Fast cure time allows it to be sprayed and painted on the same day without multiple coats
  • Can be used to create an aesthetic for small and large indoor and outdoor projects
  • Easy spraying and slower gel time allow it to spray smoothly in a single pass
  • Class A fire testing through ASTM E84

Instructions for Use:  

Surface Preparation

EPS – the foam should be aged for at least 30 days to allow any gas to escape. We recommend 2 PCF non-recycled bead foam for an optimal cost-to-quality ratio, but anything between 1 and 3 PCF is acceptable. Once clean and dry, VFI-6150 can be applied directly to the EPS.

Application

Bring VFI-6150 to a minimum temperature of 65°F before use. Premix the Poly (B side) components until uniform before spraying. The time it takes to mix the product will depend on volume and mixing method. All powder should be mixed in from the bottom of the drum. The A side does not need to be premixed.

Use a high-pressure, plural component spray rig that runs between 150-155°F at a minimum of 2,500 psi of constant pressure to spray the coating. See TDS for recommendations. For light-duty applications, 40-80 mils can be sprayed to develop a uniform film that protects the piece. 80-120 mils of coverage can be sprayed for heavy-duty applications when more physical abuse is expected. Subsequent coats can be applied as necessary within the 20-minute recoat window. Coating outside of the recoat window could result in adhesion problems.

Once cured, VFI-6150 must be top-coated with paint or an equivalent coating for protection from UV rays. While the finished project can be placed into service in as little as 8 hours with light application, complete curing may take up to 3 days.

Cleanup

VFI recommends cleaning tools and spray equipment with xylene or MEK. Immediately after spraying, flush spray lines with VFI-8005 Pump Flush to prevent damage from product build-up.

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:

  • Eye protection – wear approved eye and face protection, including properly fitted dust or splash-proof safety goggles or a face shield
  • Hand protection – wear chemically resistant protective gloves (nitrile, butyl, or neoprene)
  • Skin and body protection – wear suitable protective clothing
  • 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

VFI-6150 is not UV color-stable and has no long-term UV testing. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors and repeated skin contact.

  • Incompatible materials – A side: strong bases, acids, alcohols, amines, and water. B side: strong oxidizers and acids
  • Conditions to avoid – heat and incompatible materials
  • Chemical stability – stable under normal storage conditions
  • Reactivity & hazardous reactions – no dangerous reactions known under normal use
  • Hazardous decomposition products – may include, and are not limited to, oxides of carbon and oxides of nitrogen, as well as isocyanates for the A side

Potential Health Hazards

  • A side material may cause allergy or asthma symptoms and breathing difficulties if inhaled. B side material may cause burns. Both materials may cause respiratory tract irritation.
  • A side material causes skin irritation and may cause skin sensitization, including redness, edema, drying, defatting, and cracking of the skin. B side material is toxic in contact with skin and causes severe burns, redness, pain, and blisters. Repeated exposure to this material can result in absorption through the skin, causing a significant health hazard.
  • A side material causes serious eye irritation, including discomfort, pain, excess blinking and tear production, marked redness, and swelling of the conjunctiva. B side material causes serious eye damage and may cause burns.
  • May cause stomach distress, nausea, or vomiting, if swallowed. B side is toxic and may cause burns.

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

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

Application Methods:

  • Spray Spray

Available Packaging:

  • Tote
  • Drum

Frequently Asked Questions

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 one of our brushable hard coats, whether the initial hard coating was applied by brush or spray. VFI-2519 75 D Brushable Hard Coat or VFI-2626 65 D Brushable Hard Coat are great for making patch repairs.

To repair the hard coat, remove any remaining broken-off pieces in or around the damaged area. To ensure adhesion of the repair material, you must sand the existing coating around the damage. Once the damaged area is prepared, mix up your repair material by weight or volume. Fill the crack, hole, or damage to be level with the rest of the hard coated surface. Allow the patch to cure before sanding or painting it.

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. We ask that you do your own testing to see what works best for your project, but we have seen success whether customers use a primer or not between coatings and finishes.

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 are not painted, a suitable UV stable top coat is required as they are not color-stable.

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. Allow the coating enough time to cure before you start painting. Due to brushable hard coats having a longer pot life, they will need more time to cure before painting. High pressure spray hard coats can typically be painted shortly after application since the coating cures in seconds (if you’re working in a temperature-controlled environment).

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 enough time to cure to a desirable hardness for sanding. The formula will change the cure time, so brushable hard coats, because of their pot life, will need more time before sanding to cure. A high pressure hard coat can typically be sanded shortly after application since it cures in seconds (if you’re working in a temperature-controlled environment).

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 a more textured feel and appearance due to brush strokes, which may require sanding depending on your desired finish. The Qwik Spray version may also have a slightly textured appearance because it’s a slowed formula, and the speed allows it to react more with the environment and moisture in the air, causing this effect. When the high pressure formula is not used, users might have to do more post-work to their pieces.

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 of moisture in the environment, it will cause a foaming reaction that generates these air bubbles.

Make sure you’re working in a temperature-controlled, non-humid environment. We recommend applying the material around 72°F. Avoid using hard coatings over a wet or damp substrate. If you apply them over wood, it should contain less than 11% moisture.

When is the hard coat fully cured?

The hard coat is fully cured when it has obtained full physical properties. Our polyurethane formulas typically reach these properties three days after application. Brushable hard coats may take a bit longer to reach these properties due to their formula.

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 applying a hard coat by brush, the pot life is increased to allow enough time for the material to be used before it cures. Because the pot life is longer, the time before the material will dry or cure is also longer.

The fastest version of our hard coats is VFI-6170 70 D Spray Hard Coat for high-pressure spray application. This material typically cures to touch in 20 seconds and cures to handle in 2-3 minutes, so you can sand, prime, and paint it much faster.

Temperature also affects cure time. This means temperature of the environment, application surface, and material. Higher temperatures will cause the material to cure faster, while cold temperatures will slow the cure time. We recommend spraying around room temperature (72°F).

Note: initial cure/dry time does not mean the coating will have obtained full physical properties. A complete cure will typically happen three days after application.

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 have a recoat window of 20 minutes. If you want to apply another coat after the window passes, you will have to sand the material to ensure adhesion between subsequent coats. A primer can also be used to generate adhesion between layers.

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 may have to spray in multiple passes to coat the entire piece effectively.

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 to create a uniform film that will protect the piece. For more demanding applications where high impact is expected, such as outdoors, we recommend applying 60-120 mils to achieve the best results. Our brushable coatings have the best success at 100 mils and greater.

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 and mix until uniform. Scrape the bottom and sides of the mixing container to ensure a thorough mix.

Brushable hard coats must be mixed precisely to allow the proper chemical reaction to occur so the coating cures. The trick to using these hard coats is to mix up smaller quantities to extend the pot life. A full mix of VFI-2519 75 D Brushable Hard Coat or VFI-2626 65 D Brushable Hard Coat will yield an 8-minute pot life. If you mix a smaller amount, like 200 grams, it will yield a 15-20-minute pot life.

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, the cartridge-based formula between 40-120°F, and the brushable between 60-100°F. Note: going above or below 72°F will affect the pot life and cure time of the material.

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 applicator, and high pressure spray rigs.

  • VFI-2519 75 D Brushable Hard Coat and VFI-2626 65 D Brushable Hard Coat are our brushable options and require chip brushes or trowels.
  • VFI-6170 70 D Spray Hard Coat is our high pressure formula and must be sprayed through a two component, high pressure spray rig. Several Graco and PMC air, hydraulic, or electric spray machines will accommodate the pressure and temperature required to spray the coating.
  • Lastly, VFI-6171 70 D Qwik Spray Hard Coat is offered in a cartridge format. This product requires a compatible applicator gun like VFI-7500 Qwik Spray Gun, which holds 750 mL dual cartridges. To run the Qwik Spray Gun, you will also need an air compressor that can supply clean, dry air at 100 psi and 10 cfm of constant pressure.

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 pot lives to allow ample time to apply them when used in smaller batches. We recommend using these products on small projects or for hard coat repairs.

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 oils, dirt, debris, etc. that could affect adhesion. Some customers choose to use a two-part automotive primer or urethane bonding primer, but we recommend doing your own testing if you plan to try others.

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 hard coats. Ensure that the surface to be coated is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants that could affect adhesion. In some instances, a primer may be required.

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 contaminants. Existing hard coats must be sanded and/or primed to ensure adhesion between coats.

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 to XPS (Styrofoam) or polyurethane foam. Please note that the foam must be aged for 30 days minimum to allow any gas to escape from the manufacturing process.

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 square feet you need to cover.

As a standard, you can cover 100 square feet at 16 mils using 1 gallon of material.

For our cartridge-based formula, we made it easy to determine how many tubes of material you’ll require by offering a Qwik Spray coverage chart. Check it out on the VFI-6171 70 D Qwik Spray Hard Coat product page.

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 A fire testing.

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 are great for indoor and outdoor applications: VFI-6170 70 D Spray Hard Coat and VFI-6171 70 D Qwik Spray Hard Coat.

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 and will always require a top coat.

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 before application to ensure the color is not altered by previous material sprayed through the same lines.

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. The amount of material you put down on a surface is the amount of material that will remain when it cures.

How hard are your hard coats?

VFI’s hard coats come in a range of hardnesses from 65 D to 75 D. Since these materials are on the Shore D scale, they have a similar feel to a plastic hard hat.