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NAMES:

MCU, Aluthane™, Aluminum Paint, Metallic Paint

Aluminum filled moisture cured urethane (MCU) paint. Considered a metallic coating.

Aluthane is within the category of paints known as MCU - moisture cured urethanes. MCU coatings are not well known outside of the professional coatings community. Generally these coatings are used where 'by the book' surface preparation is not possible. As you would expect, this means outstanding adhesion to surfaces, even under less than ideal situations. These one part coatings cure from taking moisture from the air and product a hard, durable, chemically resistant finish. The aluthane finish can be topcoated with enamel or left in its aluminum/gray state. Aluthane is a product that attracts a strong following of individuals and companies that have tried it and seen how well it works.

vendor web site CLICK HERE

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DATASHEET & MSDS available online? YES (click here for aluthane mcu aluminum paint msds)

VOC/AIR QUALITY INFORMATION:

VOC amount: 356 g/l

VOC coating classification: metallic

(REGULATIONS EXPLAINED)

AVAILABILITY (this product or equivalents):

Click Here for Internet Source to buy / purchase

Tom wrote (10/2008):

Thanks Paul; here are a few comments on the Aluthane.

I was looking for a product to use on the 4" steel pilings on a newly constructed boat house. I wanted to extend the life of the piles and the overall structure since the boathouse cost roughly $50K to build. Aluthane was recommended. At the time, the water was down around three feet from normal pool so I was able to paint roughly 4 feet of the piling that was exposed. For prep, I used a simple paint scraper to smooth off the rough, loose rust and then a wire brush. I did not put alot of effort into preparation. Total prep time per piling was no more than 3-5 minutes. I used a 3" roller and rolled the aluthane on. Again, very simple and quick. The aluthane will run, so you do have to roll it on and smooth any runs with another quick roll over.

The results looked great. Basically a shiney aluminum look. When the lake came back up to pool, I kept watch for any signs of deterioration and saw none 12 months after application. The water went back down even further in the last few months, so I was able to inspect much closer and even apply the Aluthane further down the pilings. There was absolutely no rust through with 12-15 months of submersion.

The aluthane surpassed all expectations and I now am in a wait and see mode on how long it will last before corrosion...no signs yet. I know its not advertised for submerged applications, but I can attest that it works very well for at a minimum of one year in fresh water applications. Excellent product that requires very little prep and seems to be very effective.