Learn the science

Coating science, explained clearly.

Practical, in-depth guides to how coatings cure, why they fail and how to get them right: from mix-ratio math and surface preparation to blush, outgassing, weathering and safety.

FormatIn-depth guides

IncludesCalculators & checklists

ForApplicators · formulators · specifiers

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All coating science guides

PvPChemistryPolyurea vs. Polyurethane vs. PolyasparticPolyurea vs polyurethane vs polyaspartic coatings compared: chemistry, gel time, application method, moisture sensitivity, UV stability and when to use each.Read MixChemistryMix Ratio Calculations: NCO Index, EEW & AHEWHow to calculate coating mix ratios: isocyanate equivalent weight from % NCO, OH number, index, epoxy EEW and AHEW, with live calculators.Read BlushTroubleshootingAmine Blush: Causes, Prevention & RemovalAmine blush on epoxy coatings explained: what causes the greasy carbamate film, how cold and humidity make it worse, how to prevent it and…Read PinTroubleshootingPinholes, Bubbles & OutgassingWhy coatings get pinholes, bubbles and craters: concrete outgassing, CO₂ from moisture reacting with isocyanates, solvent popping and entrained air, with fixes for each.Read FailTroubleshootingCoating Failure Modes: A Field GuideField guide to coating failure modes: adhesive vs cohesive delamination, osmotic blistering, cracking, chalking, rust undercutting and surface defects, with likely causes.Read SteelSurface prepSurface Preparation for SteelSteel surface preparation for protective coatings: SP 1 solvent cleaning, blast grades, anchor profile, soluble salts, dust, dew point and flash rust.Read ConcSurface prepSurface Preparation for ConcreteConcrete surface preparation for coatings: cure and moisture testing, removing contaminants and laitance, CSP profiles by method, repairs, priming and bond testing.Read VOCRegulation & safetyVOC Regulations for Coatings, ExplainedVOC regulations for coatings explained: what counts as a VOC, g/L less water and exempt compounds, 40 CFR Part 59, and EPA VOC-exempt solvents…Read TgChemistryGlass Transition Temperature (Tg) in CoatingsGlass transition temperature (Tg) in coatings: what it is, how it affects hardness, flexibility, chemical resistance and cold cure, and what raises or lowers…Read FilmChemistryHow Coatings Form a FilmHow coatings form a film: evaporation (lacquers), coalescence and MFFT (latex), oxidative cure (alkyds) and chemical crosslinking (epoxy, polyurethane, polyurea).Read XLChemistryCrosslink Density & Network FormationCrosslink density in coatings: how functionality, equivalent weight, stoichiometry and cure control network structure, and how density affects hardness, chemical resistance and flexibility.Read CorrChemistryHow Coatings Stop Corrosion: Barrier, Inhibitive & SacrificialHow coatings prevent corrosion of steel: barrier protection, inhibitive pigments like zinc phosphate and sacrificial zinc-rich primers, and how multi-coat systems combine them.Read UVChemistryUV Degradation & Weathering of CoatingsUV degradation and weathering of coatings: photo-oxidation, why aromatic epoxy and polyurea yellow, aliphatic topcoats, UV absorbers, HALS and how to specify for sunlight.Read RheoApplicationRheology: Thixotropy, Sag & LevelingCoating rheology explained: shear thinning, thixotropy, the sag versus leveling tradeoff, rheology modifiers like fumed silica and organoclays, and field factors.Read PVCChemistryPigment Volume Concentration (PVC & CPVC)Pigment volume concentration (PVC) and critical PVC (CPVC) in coatings: definitions, a PVC calculator and how gloss, porosity, strength and corrosion resistance change.Read SafeRegulation & safetyIsocyanate Safety for Coating ApplicatorsIsocyanate safety for polyurea and polyurethane applicators: sensitization and occupational asthma, OSHA, NIOSH and ACGIH limits for MDI and TDI, controls and EU training…Read RigApplicationPlural-Component Spray Equipment for PolyureaHow plural-component spray rigs for polyurea work: transfer pumps, 1:1 proportioners, heaters, heated hoses, impingement guns, typical settings and troubleshooting.Read