JANUARY 2016

Table of Contents
Definition ………………………………………………………………………. 3
Background ……………………………………………………………………. 3
Definition of Terms ……………………………………………………………. 5
General Surface Preparation ………………………………………………… 6
Common Surface Preparation Methods ………………………………… 7
SSPC Guidelines ………………………………………………………….. 8
Six Steps to Success ……………………………………………………… 9
Cleaning ……………………………………………………………………. 10
Etching Methods …………………………………………………………… 10
Aggregate Blast ………………………………………………………… 10
Abrasive Selection ……………………………………………………… 11
Conversions ………………………………………………………………... 11
Primers …………………………………………………………………………. 14
Wetting Primers ……………………………………………………………. 16
XPM ……………………………………………………………………... 16
FCP ……………………………………………………………………… 16
SF-515…………………………………………………………………… 17
EPX (Epoxy) ……………………………………………………………. 17
Common Substrates ………………………………………………………….. 18
Metal ………………………………………………………………………… 18
Steel ……………………………………………………………………… 18
Stainless Steel ………………………………………………………….. 19
Galvanized Steel ……………………………………………………….. 19
Aluminum ……………………………………………………………….. 20
Wood ………………………………………………………………………… 21
Fiberglass …………………………………………………………………… 22
Concrete ……………………………………………………………………. 23
Plastics ……………………………………………………………………… 25
Composites …………………………………………………………………. 27
Recoating/Repairing Fast Set Elastomers ………………………………….. 28
Recoating Elastomers ……………………………………………………… 28
Repairing Elastomers ………………………………………………………. 29
Spray Techniques ………………………………………………………….. 30
Topcoats ………………………………………………………………………… 31
100% solids (No VOCs)
ASPART-X ………………………………………………………………. 31
PREMIUM ………………………………………………………………. 31
Containing Solvents (VOCs)
XTRA …………………………………………………………………….. 32
EMRON Industrial ………………………………………………………. 32
Recoating Topcoats ………………………………………………………… 33
Special Considerations ………………………………………………………… 34
 Definition
LINE-X has built a strong brand recognition through years of successful bedliner
applications. LINE-X has since diversified into other types of coatings applications
including, but not limited to: Commercial, Industrial, Military, Agricultural and
Residential. LINE-X has grown from its humble beginnings into a protective coatings
company that now offers complete coatings systems.

The LINE-X coating system includes: meticulous surface preparation, primers,

pretreatments, Polyurethane/Polyurea elastomers and UV stable topcoats in virtually
any color.

This manual will discuss the processes necessary to successfully apply LINE-X to
common substrates both inside and outside of a LINE-X application facility.

Background
LINE-X has excellent bonding characteristics to properly prepared metal, fiberglass,
concrete, plastic and wood surfaces. A LINE-X coating system protects against
corrosion, impact, abrasion, chemical, and even gives a skid resistant finish, if
desired.

Rarely does any one product offer such a wide range of uses. LINE-X has proven to
be more than just a coating; it has proven to be a solution to customers’ needs.

However, LINE-X is not the solution to every problem imaginable, nor does it
withstand every specification or adhere to every substrate; no product does! It is your
responsibility to determine which LINE-X coating may be appropriate and what
preparation is required on a case-by-case basis.

In many cases, a LINE-X coating is the solution to an industry’s problem, which

translates to opportunities for businesses and industry. To get you started, we’ve
included some examples on the following page.

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 Corrosion Protection
Corrosion, the deterioration of a metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction with
its environment, is a huge problem worldwide. In North America alone, it is a multi-
billion dollar industry.

LINE-X serves as a barrier between corrosive elements and valuable equipment or

products. Trained applicators may be able to treat mild corrosion and apply LINE-X
to a surface that has already begun to deteriorate. Corrosion protection is quite likely
LINE-X’s largest opportunity; in most cases LINE-X is a permanent fix.

Abrasion and Impact Resistance

Traditional coatings, such as paint, cannot withstand the rigors of repeated impact
and abrasion. This is one area where LINE-X products excel as a protective coating.
Repeated impact and abrasion can result in corrosion or deterioration of a substrate.
In applications where regular impact and abrasion occur, LINE-X can actually result
in immediate savings for the customer. Due to the high cost of replacement or down
time, the customer is often willing to pay a high premium for a long term solution to
their re-occurring costs.

Safety Protection

Employee, customer and livestock safety are great concerns in the United States
and abroad. Companies spend millions of dollars in this industry every year on
workers’ compensation, litigation and asset recovery. Preventative measures, such
as installing LINE-X in problem areas, can help companies save money in the long
run.

For example, water or snow on painted steel is dangerous. The cost of coating the
surface with LINE-X to solve this problem is much cheaper than facing potential
claims or asset losses.

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 Definition of Terms
WFT “Wet Film Thickness” is the thickness of a wet paint or liquid
coating film. The wet thickness is greatest immediately after
coating application and becomes less as solvents and other
volatiles evaporate from the film.

DFT “Dry Film Thickness” is the thickness of an applied coating once

dry or cured.

SBV “Solids By Volume” is the amount of solids contained within a

coating. Normally expressed as a percentage of the total volume.
Example: If a coating contains 15% solvents then the SBV is 85%.

Mil A measurement often used to indicate the thickness of a coating.

1 mil is equal to .001 inch.

Micron A metric measurement often used to indicate the thickness of a

coating. Also used to determine particle size in filtration systems.
1 micron is equal to .001 mm.

Surface Profile Surface profile is defined as the average peak-to-valley depth that
is created during surface preparation. It is also sometimes referred
to as an anchor pattern.

PSI "Pounds per Square Inch," and is the common unit of

measurement for pressure. It can be understood as the amount of
force that is exerted on an area of one square inch.

CFM “Cubic Feet per Minute” is used as a measurement of airflow.

Often used with air compressors and air tools, but also includes
booth exhaust fans.

Laitance Is an accumulation of fine particles on the surface of fresh concrete

due to an upward movement of water. This accumulation is weak
and is insufficient for coating.

Holiday The term “holiday” refers to a hole or intrusion into the coating that
extends all the way to the substrate surface. Holidays are not
always visible.

MVT “Moisture Vapor Transfer” is the buildup of pressure caused by the

transfer of moisture through concrete. Measured in psi over time.

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 General Surface Preparation
When we apply LINE-X to a truck, we are actually spraying onto paint and not
directly onto steel. In this scenario our bond to the truck bed is only as good as the
paint. At the factory, a truck bed’s surface is primed and painted with a near-perfect
surface preparation that is difficult to duplicate in the outside world. Since LINE-X
has excellent adherence to scuffed a u t o m o t i v e paint, it requires only the
simplest preparation possible.

The same preparation mentality does not successfully translate to all other
substrates. In fact, the application of LINE-X over an improperly prepared substrate
can cause hours of rework, loss of profits, liability, and premature failure of the
protective coating that could give your LINE-X franchise a bad name.

Surface preparation is the key factor in determining the success of a

protective coating. Surface preparation directly affects adhesion, which is crucial to
LINE-X success. In some cases, 90% of time and costs will be directly associated
with preparation as opposed to material cost and application.

There are two main objectives for proper surface preparation:

1. Increase the surface area. The surface must be etched, or roughened, to

provide an increased area for LINE-X to mechanically bond to a substrate.

2. Remove contaminants. Cleanliness is essential for adhesion of LINE-X to a

substrate. LINE-X applied over rust, dirt, wax, oil, or any other contaminants
will bond poorly, causing failure of the coating.

Note: If corrosion is not entirely removed it can continue to form between LINE-X
and the substrate. When corrosion forms under a LINE-X coating, all a
customer will see is a coating that did not protect! Never hearing back from
the customer does not mean the coating was a success; in fact, it often
means it was a failure in at least some respect. The best customers are
gained over the “long haul”, so our application as well as LINE-X itself should
last even longer.

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 Common Surface Preparation Methods
A wide variety of surface preparation methods exist today. Some of the most
common are below.

Hand tool preparation is the simplest. This method involves hand sanding or
scraping, which is slow but still may be needed in small confined areas or on
small-sized substrates. This method may spread contaminants.
SSPC SP2 - Hand Tool Cleaning

Power tool preparation involves the use of electric or pneumatically powered

tools. Sanders, grinders, impact chisels, and rotary tools can help clean
corrosion as well as etch hard substrates. This method may spread
contaminants.
SSPC SP3 - Power Tool Cleaning – (Standard on Bare Metals with low impact, abrasion,
and Corrosion)
SSPC SP11 - Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal – (Standard When Removing Existing
Coating)
SSPC SP15 - Commercial Grade Power Tool Cleaning – (Not Typically Used)

Abrasive blasting cleans and etches by using an aggregate with high air or water
pressure to literally erode the surface. This method will not spread
contaminants.
SSPC SP5 - White Metal Blast Cleaning – (Immersion/Tank Linings)
SSPC SP6 - Commercial Blast Cleaning – (Standard LINE_X Recommendation)
SSPC SP7 - Brush Off Blast Cleaning – (Thin Substrates)
SSPC SP10 - Near White Blast Cleaning – (Corrosive Environments)
SSPC SP14 - Industrial Blast Cleaning – (Not Typically Used)

Power washing with high-pressure water, steam, or added detergents. Standard

pressure washers will only clean a surface. Ultra-high pressure jetting can
clean and sometimes etch a surface. This method will not spread
contaminants.
SSPC SP12 - Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Steel by High- and Ultrahigh-
Pressure Water Jetting

Solvents are used to clean oils, grease, waxes, adhesives, and dirt. This
method will not etch a surface.
SSPC SP1 - Solvent Cleaning – (Standard LINE-X Recommendation)

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 Surface Preparation Standards
Cross Reference

SSPC Swedish NACE Definitions

Definitions used below have been edited for space, are for reference only and are not intended to replace the actual
referenced specification as published by SSPC, NACE or the Swedish Standards.

Removal of all oil, grease, soil, drawing and cutting

SP 1, Solvent Cleaning N/A N/A
compounds, and other soluble contaminants.
Removal of all loose mill scale, loose rust, loose paint
SP 2, Hand Tool
St 2 N/A and other loose detrimental foreign matter using non-
Cleaning
powered hand tools.
Removal of all loose mill scale, loose rust, loose paint
SP 3, Power Tool
St 3 N/A and other loose detrimental foreign matter using power
Cleaning
assisted hand tools

Removal of all visible oil, grease, dirt, dust mill scale,

SP 5, White Metal Blast
Sa 3 1 rust, paint, oxides, corrosion products and other
Cleaning
foreign matter.

Removal of all visible oil, grease, dirt, dust, mill scale,

rust, paint, oxides, corrosion products and other
SP 6, Commercial
Sa 2 3 foreign matter except for staining which shall be
Blast Cleaning
limited to no more than 33% of each square inch of
surface area.
Removal of all visible oil, grease, dirt, dust, loose mill
SP 7, Brush-Off
Sa 1 4 scale, loose rust and loose paint. Tightly adherent mill
Blast Cleaning
scale, rust, and paint may remain on the surface

SP 8, Pickling N/A N/A Removal of all visible mill scale and rust by chemical
reaction, electrolysis or both.
Removal of all visible oil, grease, dirt, dust, mill scale,
rust, paint, oxides, corrosion products and other
SP 10, Near White 1
Sa 2 /2 2 foreign matter except for staining which shall be
Blast Cleaning
limited to no more than 5% of each square inch of
surface area.
Removal of all visible oil, grease, dirt, dust, mill scale,
SP 11, Power Tool
rust, paint, oxides, corrosion products and other
Cleaning to Bare N/A N/A
foreign matter using specific power to leave a surface
Metal
profile of no less than 1 mil (25 microns).

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 SP 12, Surface
Preparation and
Cleaning of Steel by
High- and Ultrahigh-
Pressure Water Jetting
Provides requirements for use of high and ultra-high
N/A 5 pressure water jetting to achieve various degrees of
surface cleanliness.

Provides the requirements for surface preparation by

SP 13, Surface mechanical, chemical or thermal methods and is
Preparation of N/A 6 applicable to all types of cement surfaces including
Concrete cast-in-place, concrete floors and walls, precast slabs,
masonry walls, and shotcrete surfaces.
Removal of all visible oil, grease, dust, and dirt. Traces
of tightly adherent mill scale, rust and coating residues
are permitted to remain on 10% of each unit area of the
SP 14, Industrial surface if they are evenly distributed. Shadows,
N/A 8
Blast Cleaning streaks, and discolorations caused by stains of rust,
stains of mill scale and stains of previously applied
coating may be present on the remainder of the
surface.
Removal of all visible oil, grease, dirt, rust, coating,
oxides, mill scale, corrosion products and other
foreign matter. Random staining shall be limited to no
SP 15,
more than 33% of each unit of area defined. Staining
Commercial
N/A N/A may consist of light shadows, slight streaks, or minor
Grade Power Tool
discolorations caused by stains of rust, stains of mill
Cleaning
scale or stains of previously applied coating. Slight
residues of rust and paint may also be left in the
bottoms of pits if the original surface is pitted.

Six Steps to a Successful Coating

The six basic preparations steps that will apply to most bare substrates are listed
below. Following these six steps will help ensure the maximum adhesion and
longevity of a LINE-X coating.

• Clean: Pre-clean to remove all contaminants (oil, grease, rust, dirt,

adhesives, etc.). This step may involve solvents, power washing,
degreasing, scraping, or removal of substrate surface.
• Etch: Create a textured surface with increased surface area to aid
adhesion. Aggregate blasting is the preferred method in most cases.
• Blow: Use compressed air or vacuum to remove any dust and loose debris.
• Clean: Complete final cleaning to ensure a contaminate-free surface
(including oils and dirt from hands) for coating.
• Prime: Apply this tie-coat to obtain a superior mechanical bond with a

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 clean, etched surface. Certain primers will also significantly enhance
corrosion protection.
• Spray: Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the primer to
ensure a chemical bond.
Cleaning
Substrate cleanliness is essential to the adhesion of a coating. Any dirt, grime,
grease, or corrosion will interfere with a coatings bond, resulting in eventual failure.
Cleaning is the first and most important step to any coating application.
Unfortunately, cleanliness is too often determined by visual indicators. Not all dirt and
contaminants can be easily seen. Regardless of the appearance, a substrate should
be cleaned with a solvent or detergent prior to any coating application.

Power and hand tool cleaning is effective for removing large visible contaminants
such as rust, mill scale, and pre-existing coatings. Power tool cleaning will not
effectively remove dirt, oil, grease, and chemical contaminants. Substrate should
be solvent cleaned before and after power or hand tool cleaning.

Etching Methods
Both ferrous metals (containing iron) and non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum,
bronze, stainless steel, and galvanized steel) require an etched surface to achieve
a mechanical bond for proper adhesion to the primer and the LINE-X product. The
urethane primers that LINE-X uses do not have a self-etching component, and they
require a mechanical bond with the metal.

Aggregate Blast
Aggregate blasting (also known as media blasting, abrasive blasting or sand
blasting) provides the most effective profile for a mechanical bonding surface. The
profile created by an aggregate blast has much higher bonding characteristics than
scratches created by power tools (i.e. sanding or grinding). Aggregate blasting can
create an etched profile in areas that are hard or impossible to access with power
tools. Aggregate blasting not only creates an excellent etched profile on many
surfaces, it will also clean the surface of corrosion and other contaminants without
spreading those contaminants. Sanding or grinding to achieve a mechanical
bond is not nearly as effective as an aggregate blast. Sanding and grinding
also spreads certain contaminants along the metal substrate while blasting
aids in removing them.

Note: Non-ferrous metals are often malleable. Use care when etching these
materials to retain desired surface features. Also, if substrate is too thin,
aggregate blasting could cause undesired warping.

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 Abrasive Selection
LINE-X coating systems require a 1-3 mil profile depth for proper adhesion. Use the
chart below to help determine the proper abrasive for the desired profile.

1 Mil Profile 1½ Mil Profile

30/60 Mesh Silica Sand 16 / 35 Mesh Silica Sand

G-80 Steel Grit G-50 Steel Grit
80 Mesh Garnet 36 Mesh Garnet
100 Aluminum Oxide 50 Grit Aluminum Oxide
Clemtex #4 Clemtex #3
Black Beauty 3060 Black Beauty 3060

2 Mil Profile 2½ Profile

16 / 35 Mesh Silica Sand 8 / 35 Mesh Silica Sand

G-40 Steel Grit G-40 Steel Grit
36 Mesh Garnet 36 Mesh Garnet
36 Grit Aluminum Oxide 16 Mesh Garnet
Clemtex #3 Clemtex #2
Black Beauty 2040 Black Beauty 2040

Power Tool

The most common power tools used in LINE-X application preparation are orbital
sanders and grinders. These are low cost tools that are invaluable to an applicator.
Through years of testing, we have found that the etched profile created by grinding is
not adequate for most applications. The profile created by aggressive sanding
with an orbital sander is far superior to a grinder.

Conversions
A conversion wash actually converts at least a portion of the molecular structure of
the metal substrate it is applied to. There are two different types of washes
mentioned in this manual.

Phosphoric Wash
Phosphoric acid, in a diluted form, is a common ingredient in many items, such as

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 soda (this is why Coca-Cola can remove rust). A basic phosphoric wash, consisting
of 85% phosphoric acid diluted with water at a 20:1 ratio, may be used to convert
and remove rust. A phosphoric wash can be made with the formula above or simply
purchased pre-diluted, often with added conditioners and degreasers. A gel version
(Naval Jelly) may also be used for overhead or vertical areas.

Phosphoric acid will convert rust (iron oxide) into a water-soluble iron phosphate that
will either wash away or be permanently converted to a non-corroding substance.
Rust will blacken as it is converted into iron phosphate. Phosphoric acid will also
remove oxidation from aluminum; brightening it as well as creating a slight etch. A
phosphoric wash must be thoroughly rinsed with water and immediately dried or it
will be considered a contaminant. Phosphoric acid will not remove any
contaminants other than rust.

Follow usage instructions for any pre-diluted phosphoric wash. Normally, this wash
is applied with a sprayer on large applications and a dipping tub for smaller parts. It
typically takes 1-5 minutes to convert the rust; if rust remains after application,
reapply. Remember to rinse thoroughly after conversion is complete as any
remaining acid will interfere with the coating application.

Chromium Conversions (Chemeon TCP HF)

CHEMEON is a c h r o m i u m conversion that c r e a t e s a t h i n f i l m commonly
used to protect and provide a surface for accepting a coating. Chemeon was
formulated by the US Navy to protect against corrosion and act as a preparation for
paint on aluminum. It also works well on all non-ferrous metals. Do not use
Chemeon HF TCP on ferrous metals (Steel or iron) as it can cause flash
rusting.

There are several manufacturers and brands of chromium conversions on the

market; however, most formulations use a type of chromium (hexavalent) that is
being phased out by the EPA. Chemeon HF TCP uses trivalent chromium that does
not have the health and environment concerns that the other types exhibit.

Chemeon will raise the adhesion of LINE-X to any non-ferrous metal and can be
used in conjunction with primers for best results. Chemeon can be applied through a
pump/trigger sprayer, brush, or can be put into a tank for dipping.

Instructions
1. Clean: Clean the substrate with a solvent or cleaner to remove any
contaminants.
2. Apply: Chemeon HF TCP directly to clean substrate. Allow Chemeon to dwell
for a minimum of 10 minutes or until a slight color change is noticed.
Chemeon can then be force dried using compressed air or allowed to drip dry.
3. Once dry, Chemeon is ready for a topcoat of primer and/or LINE-X. Chemeon

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 must be kept clean and top coated within 30 days for adhesion.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Chemeon TCP HF is not a cleaner nor does it etch. Substrate
should be etched and cleaned prior to use.

Iron Phosphate Conversions (Henkel)

Iron Phosphate conversion c r e a t e s a t h i n f i l m commonly used to convert the
metal surface to a nonmetallic, iron phosphate coating that inhibits corrosion. It also
increases the adhesion and durability of coatings. These substantial increases in the
life of the coating result from the fact that this multistage process provides a clean,
grease-free/oil-free surface, corrosion-inhibiting base for coatings, and a non-
conducting bond between the base material and the coating.
There are several manufacturers and brands of iron phosphate conversions on the
market; however, LINE-X has done extensive research and testing with the Henkel
system.

Iron Phosphate will raise the adhesion of LINE-X to cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel,
galvanized steel and armor plate surfaces where aggregate blasting and other
common types of surface prep are not possible. It can be used in conjunction with
primers for best results. Iron phosphate can be applied through a pump/trigger
sprayer, brush, or can be put into a tank for dipping (Bonderite 7400). It also comes
in a pre-saturated wipe (Bonderite 1455-W).

Instructions
1. Clean: Use Bonderite C-SO 263 solvent cleaner in liquid or wipe form.
2. Scuff: Use the red Scotch Brite, or similar, wetted with the solvent cleaner or
water. Scuff the area to be coated.
3. Clean: Again use the Bonderite C-SO 263 solvent cleaner in liquid or wipe
form.
4. Apply: Use the Bonderite 7400 or Bonderite 1455 wipes, apply a light coat,
wetting the entire surface. Avoid letting it puddle or pool in any spot.
5. Dry: Let dry for a minimum of 15 minutes; after that the surface is ready for a
topcoat of primer and/or LINE-X. The surface must be kept clean and top
coated within 24 hours for best adhesion.

Light Metal Conversions (Henkel)

The Alodine Light Metal Conversion Coating products provide an excellent paint base
and bonding surface for aluminum substrates.

There are several manufacturers and brands of light metal conversions on the
market; however, LINE-X has done extensive research and testing with the Henkel
system.

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 Alodine 5200 – Treatment is a chromium free product specifically formulated for
treating non-ferrous alloys. This process provides an excellent base for bonding of
coatings where aggregate blasting and other common types of surface prep are not
possible. It can be used in conjunction with primers for best results. Alodine 5200
can be applied through a pump/trigger sprayer, brush, or can be put into a tank for
dipping. It also comes in a pre-saturated wipe (Alodine 5700).

Instructions
1. Clean: Use Bonderite C-SO 263 solvent cleaner in liquid or wipe form.
2. Scuff: Use the red Scotch Brite, or similar, wetted with the solvent cleaner or water.
Scuff the area to be coated.
3. Clean: Again using the Bonderite C-SO 263 solvent cleaner in liquid or wipe form.
4. Apply: Use the Alodine 5200 or Alodine 5700 wipes, apply a light coat, wetting the
entire surface. Avoid letting it puddle or pool in any spot.
5. Dry: Let dry for a minimum of 15 minutes; after that the surface is ready for a topcoat
of primer and/or LINE-X.
a. The surface must be kept clean and top coated within 24 hours for best adhesion.

Primers
Primers typically serve two purposes:
1. To enhance the bond between a substrate and a coating (adhesion).
2. To act as corrosion inhibiter in the event the barrier coating is defeated or
corrosion moves from an uncoated area to a coated area (anti-corrosion).

Adhesion
Primers also aid in protecting the bond under a wide variety of conditions. LINE-X
coatings generally use a mechanical bond to adhere to a surface; this is why we
clean and etch a surface by using hand tools, power tools, or aggregate blasting.
LINE-X will achieve a chemical bond with the proper primers, strengthening the
overall bond to the substrate.

Testing on urethane, epoxy, self-etching, sanding, and other primers has revealed
that the urethane primers recommended here produce a far superior chemical bond
with LINE-X than any other primer tested to-date. Primers that have self-etching
capability do not obtain a satisfactory bond for use in industrial applications
and therefore are not recommended.

Mechanical Bond: A bond created by the physical interlocking of coating and

substrate due to the coating “filling” the peaks and valleys of an etched

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 surface.

Chemical Bond: A bond created by a primer accepting and blending with a

fresh topcoat. The two coatings actually merge creating a more uniform
microscopic adhesion.

Anti-Corrosion
LINE-X in itself does not have any corrosion inhibiting ingredients. If corrosion forms
under or near the LINE-X coating it will likely continue. A rust inhibiting primer will
stop corrosion as it forms.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When priming, ensure that the primer DFT (dry film thickness)
exceeds the profile depth. Failing to do this will allow the peaks of a profile to remain
unprotected resulting in pinpoint corrosion and premature coatings failure.

When applying primers, there are four important specifications that you need to look
for and understand:
1. Ratio
2. Pot Life
3. Window
4. Thickness

Ratio

Every two part coating system requires that each component be mixed at a very
specific ratio. For LINE-X primer application purposes, we will refer to each of the two
components as “A” and “B”. LINE-X has formulated four different primers that each
requires a different ratio in order to cure.

Example: FCP Primer requires a 4:1 ratio or 4 parts B to 1 part A.

Any deviation from the specified ratio will result in un-cured product.

Pot life
Pot life refers to the amount of time a product has, after it is catalyzed (mixed) until it
can no longer be applied. If the pot life is one hour, you have one hour to spray your
primer after it has been mixed. If you wait longer than that, primer will be too thick to
apply.

Pot life is calculated at 70°F, and variations in temperature and humidity will affect
the pot life time listed.

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 NOTE: Be sure to account for temperature and humidity when working with primers.

Window
Window refers to the earliest and latest time that you may apply a topcoat (such as
LINE-X) to a primer after the primer has been applied. If the window is 5-15 hours,
you have to topcoat the primer somewhere after the fifth hour after application but
before the fifteenth. The “window” refers to the time when the primer is still
microscopically open to accepting a chemical bond (blending of primer and topcoat).

Like calculations for pot life, the timeframes for primer windows are normally
calculated at 70°F, and temperature and humidity will affect these times.

Thickness
Care must be taken to apply the primer at the recommended thickness. Primer that
is applied too thick can result in failure, characterized by a separation of the
coating from the substrate, even if all other aspects of preparation and application
were followed correctly. If this “shearing” effect does occur, primer will be visible on
both substrate and coating.

Primers applied too thinly could result in over-bleeding where the coating bleeds
through the primer and results in less adhesion to the substrate. Primer that is too
thin will not fully cover the surface profile resulting in increased susceptibility to
corrosion.

Wetting Primers

With wetting primers, the surfactants (wetting agents) will reduce the surface tension
between the primer and substrate to allow penetration into the small peaks and
valleys of the surface. The following primers are the only primers proven to obtain a
suitable bond and corrosion protection to withstand the requirements of Light
Industrial applications.

XPM: ( 0 . 6 A : 1 B r a t i o ) Low VOC, solvent-based urethane primer. XPM is

known as a “next day” primer with a window of 12-24 hours. Apply with an HVLP
spray gun with a minimum tip size of 1.8 – 2.0. XPM can be reduced with up to 15%
acetone.
XPM RATIO CHART (fl. oz.)
A Side B Side Solvent Total
1.5 2.5 1 5
3.0 5.0 2 10
4.5 7.5 3 15
6.0 10.0 4 20

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 7.5 12.5 5 25
9.0 15.0 6 30
10.5 17.5 7 35
12.0 20.0 8 40
Recommended Thickness: 5mil WFT to achieve 3mil DFT

FCP: (1A:4B ratio) Low VOC, solvent-based urethane primer. FCP is our fastest
available primer with a window of 2-10 hours. Apply with an HVLP spray gun with a
minimum tip size of 1.8 – 2.0.
Recommended Thickness: 5mil WFT to achieve 3mil DFT

SF515: (1A:1B ratio) 100٪ solids urethane primer (no VOCs). SF515 is commonly
known as the “same day” primer. The 5 & 15 in the name represent the window
for this primer (5-15 hours). Apply with an HVLP spray gun with a minimum tip size
of 1.8 – 2.0. SF515 should not be reduced with a solvent.
Recommended Thickness: 3mil WFT to achieve 3mil DFT

EPX (Epoxy): (2A:1B ratio) 100% solids epoxy primer (no VoC’s). EPX was
formulated specifically as a concrete primer and has a 4-10 hour window. Apply with
a ¼” nap Mohair roller or notched squeegee.
Recommended Thickness: 7-10mil WFT to achieve 7-10mil DFT

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 Common Substrates
Specific preparation requirements for common LINE-X substrates are listed below
for easy reference.

METAL
A significant amount of C&I work currently being done is on metal. When it comes to
applying LINE-X however, not all metals are created equally, and each type must be
treated with care to insure proper substrate adhesion.

Ferrous Metals: Metals containing iron (Steel, cast iron)

Non-Ferrous Metals: Aluminum, bronze, stainless steel and galvanized

steel are all non-ferrous metals (non-magnetic).
Non-ferrous metals are often malleable – use care
when etching these materials to retain desired
surface features

Note: Heat Sink Phenomenon is the transfer of heat from a freshly applied coating
to its substrate. A cold substrate, especially steel, will absorb the heat of
freshly applied LINE-X, causing the LINE-X to cool too rapidly. When spraying
a cold substrate, allow product to tack between coats (passes). As the coats
are built up, the LINE-X will hold its heat and tact time will return to normal. If
multiple coats are rushed, on a cold substrate, blistering could occur between
first coat and subsequent coats.

STEEL
Cold- or hot-rolled steel is predominant in manufacturing and fabrication. This type of
steel accepts a wide range of aggregate blast and primers but cannot be etched
successfully with sandpaper or a grinder.

Clean: Surface must be clean of rust, oil, grease, waxes and grime
before etching. A phosphoric wash may be used to remove
small areas of rust.
Etch: Aggregate blast (recommended) or Power tool
Blow: Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean: If power tool etched or handled with bare hands, wipe clean with acetone
or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone).

Prime: Use XPM or FCP within 10 minutes of final cleaning.

Spray: Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the primer.

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 STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is manufactured to resist corrosion and staining, but it can still
corrode. It is manufactured either smooth or brushed and is commonly cleaned with
oil-based cleaners and polishes. Care should be taken to thoroughly clean stainless
steel to remove embedded oils and polishes.

Note: Stainless steel is more difficult to obtain excellent adhesion because of the
same stain- resistant properties it is manufactured to have.

Clean: Surface must be clean of rust, oil, grease and grime before
etching.
Etch: Aggregate blast (recommended) or Power tool
Blow: Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean: If power tool etched or handled with bare hands, wipe clean with
acetone or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone). Chemeon HF TCP can
be used following this step for added adhesion.
Prime: Use XPM or FCP within 10 minutes of final cleaning.
Spray: Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the primer.

GALVANIZED STEEL
Galvanized steel is manufactured with a zinc coating to inhibit corrosion in
underbody auto parts, appliances, ducting, buildings and storage tanks.

Note: Galvanized steel is more difficult to obtain excellent adhesion. Use care not
to remove galvanizing while etching.

Clean: Surface must be clean of rust, oil, grease and grime before
etching.
Etch: Aggregate blast (recommended) or Power tool
Blow: Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean: If power tool etched or handled with bare hands, wipe clean with
acetone or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone). Chemeon HF TCP can
be used following this step for added adhesion.
Prime: Use XPM or FCP within 10 minutes of final cleaning.
Spray: Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the primer.

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 ALUMINUM
Aluminum is both softer and lighter than steel. It corrodes in the form of aluminum
oxide, which is white and powdery or chalky in appearance. Corrosion on this type of
metal is caused by salt, not water. All aluminum oxidation must be completely
removed for a proper bond.

Note: Aluminum is susceptible to cathodic migration of water, the phenomenon of

water migrating between the aluminum and the coating, which washes away
the primer. Do not leave exposed seams where water may penetrate, and
seal all edges where water may collect or pool. Seal all seams with
polyurethane caulk. If immersed in water, overlap or encapsulate with LINE-X.

Clean: Surface must be clean of rust, oil, grease and grime before
etching.
Etch: Aggregate blast (recommended) or Power tool
Blow: Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean: If power tool etched or handled with bare hands, wipe clean with
acetone or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone). Chemeon HF TCP can
be used following this step for added adhesion.
Prime: Use XPM or FCP within 10 minutes of final cleaning.
Spray: Coat with LINE-X within the designated window of the primer.

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 WOOD
Clean/Dry: All wood contains moisture. To apply LINE-X successfully, the
moisture content needs to be minimal. High moisture content will inhibit
proper adhesion as well as cause steam holes (volcanoes) in the
product. Clean, new wood that has been thoroughly dried is
recommended.

Free of Contaminants: Use caution when spraying “pressure treated”

wood as it can contain chemicals that can cause “pinholes” or
“volcanoes”. You should always spray a test sample before performing
an application to ensure success. Avoid old, existing wood that has
been contaminated with oil or grease.

Fill Imperfections: Using a product like “Presto/Patch” by DAP, or “Plani

Patch” by Mapei to fill screw holes, knots and seams to give wood a
uniform look. For small areas you can use fiberglass filler. When dry,
sand the filler and blow clean. A polyurethane sealant can also be
used.

Spray Technique: Use a dust/texture coat on the wood until a solid

membrane is achieved to allow and off gassing or steam to escape.
Once there is a good membrane of s o l i d product over the wood,
passes of LINE-X can be applied as usual. Using a pure Polyurea such
as XS-350 or XS-310 is recommended as it will not off gas during
application.

NOTE: Some types of wood, such as pine, will have small fibers that that
stand up and are difficult to see. Once sprayed, these fibers will build
up with LINE-X causing unsightly protrusions in the coating. These can
be avoided by careful use of a roofing torch to lightly singe the fibers.

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 FIBERGLASS
Fiberglass is a lightweight material that can be hand-formed or molded into many
different shapes. It is widely used in marine, automotive and aviation industries.
It comes in two different forms: Open Mould and Closed Mould.

OPEN MOULD
Open Mould fiberglass is created in a one-sided mould and is typically formed on top
of a gel-coat. A gel-coat provides a smooth surface that will accept primers and
paints. An example of this kind of fiberglass would be a found on a trailer or RV
front.

Clean: Clean off any dirt or contaminants.

Etch: Sand the same as a truck bed.
Blow: Blow dust from substrate.
Clean: Wipe with lacquer thinner or appropriate cleaner.
Prime: Use XPM or FCP primers.

Spray: Coat with LINE-X.

CLOSED MOULD
Closed Mould fiberglass is created between two moulds. This type of fiberglass
typically contains waxes to help the moulds release. Examples can be found as
fender wells on large commercial trucks.

Clean: Clean off any dirt or contaminants.

Etch: Sand with an aggressive etch or a light aggregate blast.
Blow: Blow dust from substrate.
Clean: Wipe with lacquer thinner or appropriate cleaner.
Prime: Use XPM or FCP primers.
Spray: Coat within the window of primer.

Fiberglass Cautions:
Epoxy resins are the best to work with, but they are no longer very common.
Polyester/Vinylester resins contain a styrene solvent. Styrene needs to off-gas
completely before coating with LINE-X or it will result in large solvent blisters. Fresh
Polyester/Vinylester based fiberglass should be a minimum of 3 days old
before coating.

LINE-X LLC 22 Rev. 1/16

 CONCRETE
Concrete is a mixture of Portland cement, fly ash (filler), aggregate (filler), and water.
Concrete typically uses aggregate that is sourced locally and will differ by region.
The less water used when concrete is mixed, the stronger it will be. Concrete is often
vibrated during application to remove any air entrapment. The different amounts of
cement, fly ash, aggregate, water, and vibration means that no two concrete
applications are exactly alike. This can result in significant variations of strength,
hardness, and porosity even within the same building. Concrete must be 28 days
old before coating.

Concrete is often used to hold heavy loads as it has strong compression strength.
Unfortunately concrete has very poor tension strength. Coatings adhesion strength
can only be as good as the substrates tension strength. Concrete compression
strength is measured by using psi as the measuring unit. Standard concrete
compression strength is 2500psi. Concrete can be made to different compression
strengths by varying mixture and additives. As a rule of thumb, divide the stated
compression strength by five to ascertain the tension strength.
EXAMPLE: if compression strength is 2500psi ÷ 5 = 500psi tension strength.

Concrete is also very porous, which allows moisture to transfer. Concrete flooring
that is at or below ground level will be affected by water in the ground. Underground
walls will also be affected. This ground water will transfer through the concrete floor
creating a buildup of pressure on any coating. This moisture pressure buildup is
referred to as MVT (moisture vapor transfer).

IMPORTANT NOTE: MVT cannot exceed 4lbs per 1000 ft2 over 24hrs

Attending ASPART-X hands on training is highly recommended. This class

will provide in depth concrete surface prep information.

Poured concrete

is used in horizontal applications such as floors and foundations. Poured concrete

can be floated, troweled, smoothed or brushed. Brushed concrete will not hold a
coating as the surface is weak and will separate easily; this weak surface is referred
to as “laitance”. Regardless of the surface finish type, these surfaces will need to be
removed prior to coating.

Inspect: Inspect overall condition of concrete. Test for moisture content

and hardness.
Clean: High pressure wash any oil or grease contaminants from the
surface.

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 Etch: Diamond grind, steel shot blast to CSP 2,3,or 4
Repair: Repair any cracks or divots using MEND-X. Crack must be
opened up using an appropriate grooving wheel. Any lose or
suspect concrete must be removed. Grind down excess MEND-X.
Vacuum: Remove as much dust as possible by an appropriate pulse back
vacuum cleaner. NOTE: concrete dust is extremely fine. It will
permeate outside of the work area, get into the HVAC system,
and will easily clog normal vacuum filters.
Prime: Apply LINE-X EPX Primer at 7-10 mils.
Spray: Coat within window of the primer.

Formed concrete
Formed concrete, such as a wall or statue, is made using a form and a mold release
agent (typically diesel). Concrete is typically formed for use in vertical situations
where concrete cannot be poured. Formed concrete walls can only be etched using
hand held power tools or a brush-off aggregate blast.

Clean: High pressure wash any oil, grease, or form release agent
contaminants from the surface. . Remove any spurs or spalling.
Etch: Formed concrete may not require etching. Compare surface to a
CSP 2, 3, or 4 profiles. Muratic acid can be used, but must be
followed by a neutralizing wash.
Blow: If etched, remove dust using compressed air or appropriate pulse
back vacuum.
Prime: Apply LINE-X EPX Primer at 7-10 mils.
Spray: Coat within window of the primer.

CMU
Concrete Masonry Unit, otherwise known as “cinder block”, is a premade concrete
block typically use to make walls. CMU is strong but very porous. The strong
surface porosity means that a CMU can be coated with little to no surface
preparation.

Clean: High pressure wash any contaminants from the surface. Since it
is porous. Remove any spurs or spalling.
Prime: Apply LINE-X EPX Primer.
Spray: Coat within window of the primer.

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 PLASTICS
Plastics come in many different types, so unknown or uncommon plastics should be
tested before the job is performed, or they should be avoided altogether. With most
plastics, a suitable bond may be achieved, but an excellent or top grade bond may
not be possible. Recyclable plastics can be identified by the SPI code molded into
the plastic (see appendix for SPI code listing).

Cautions: Many plastics can build and hold a static charge. Static discharge into a
stream of paint or primer containing a V.O.C can be a fire hazard; therefore the
plastic should be grounded when applying primers containing VOC’s.

Many plastics have adverse reactions to acetones (paint thinners) or ketones (MEK).
The use of these chemicals to strip or clean plastics should be avoided.

Polyethylene, used to make drop-in bedliners, will not retain an acceptable bond with
LINE-X.

Some plastics (like certain styrofoams) are temperature sensitive and excessive heat
buildup from the LINE-X material can cause melting or warping. Application
technique should be similar to that of wood, though even more time should be
allowed between passes to minimize heat.

ABS
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is commonly used in the
automotive industry (on fender flares and bumpers, for example) and can be primed
and painted. This polymer is hard with some flexibility and accepts LINE-X
applications relatively well. Use standard truck bed preparation techniques if already
painted.

Clean: Remove any contaminants (polishes).

Etch: Sand or lightly aggregate blast.
Blow: Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean: Properly clean with approved cleaner (Acetone or MEK may
dissolve the plastic on contact; use DuPont Plas-Stik or similar
product).
Prime: Use Bull Dog™ Adhesion Promoter.
Spray: Coat within window of the primer.

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 POLYSTYRENE (STYROFOAM)
Polystyrene uses include packaging (peanuts, blocks, cups, coolers and signs) and
can be manufactured to have a surface that is anywhere from smooth or porous to
very soft or hard. Normally, it is best coated with LINE-X in an encasement rather
than a partial coating. Polystyrene does not require etching.

Blow: Clean out dust and loose edges.

Spray: Coat within window of the primer.

VINYL
Some typical uses are automotive dashboards, floor tiles. This type of polymer can
be hard, soft, flexible or slightly stretchy. Use of a primer or adhesion promoters is
necessary.

Clean: Clean any dirt or contaminants.

Etch: Sand or aggregate blast.
Blow: Remove as much dust as possible.
Clean: Properly clean with approved cleaner (MEK may dissolve the
plastic on contact; use DuPont Plas-Stik or similar product).
Prime: Use Bull Dog™ Adhesion Promoter, FCP or XPM primer.
Spray: Coat within window of the primer.

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 COMPOSITES
Composites are increasing in popularity which means it is becoming more likely that
someone will request a LINE-X coating for them. Some truck manufacturers are
using composites for tailgates, beds, skid plates and body panels. You may have
already sprayed LINE-X to a composite surface.

LINE-X adheres to many composites sufficiently with the same preparation as a

normal truck bed.

Clean: Clean any dirt or contaminants.

Etch: Etch with a rough sanding or aggregate blasting.
Blow: Remove dust from substrate (fine dust).
Clean: Wipe clean lacquer thinner or appropriate cleaner.
Prime: Use FCP or XPM primer.
Spray: Coat with LINE-X.

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 RECOATING/REPAIRING
FAST SET ELASOMERS
As tough as LINE-X is, it may require a recoating. The most common reasons for a
recoat are repair/upgrade of the item(s) coated or repair/upgrade of the LINE-X
coating itself.

LINE-X cures extremely fast; therefore, any topcoat or recoat should be applied as
soon as possible. The longer you wait between applications, the lower the bond will
be. Applying LINE-X directly over old or fully cured LINE-X will only achieve a
mechanical bond at best. This bond may greatly vary in strength across the surface,
and can delaminate with age and heavy use. Use of a LINE-X approved primer is
highly recommended when applying a coating over old or cured LINE-X fast
set elastomers. Once primer has been properly applied, the LINE-X becomes
inseparable from itself.

As with other substrates, the cleanliness of a surface to be coated or recoated is also

integral to achieving the best possible bond. Sanding to remove the texture of the old
coating is not always necessary and can often be costly and time consuming.

RECOATING ELASTOMERS
Reapplication of LINE-X fast set elastomers over existing elastomers requires the
following steps.

Inspect: Inspect existing elastomer coating to ensure proper adhesion to

substrate. If loss of adhesion is evident or suspect, remove
affected areas.

Clean: Remove any contaminants with pressure washer and LX-122D

degreaser.
Repair: See “elastomer repair “section below for detailed repair
procedures for small areas (scrapes chips, gouges or blisters).
Remove any runs, drips or blisters if they exist.
Clean: Wipe with LX-1275 surface cleaner for small areas or acetone
for large areas.

Prime: Apply SF515, XPM, or FCP primer immediately following final

cleaning.
Spray: Apply LINE-X immediately following final cleaning.

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 REPAIRING ELASTOMERS

For small area repair, the use of an SRK (Spot Repair Kit) will be essential. SRK
comes in an assortment of colors as well as natural and can be obtained in a 50ml
or 250ml cartridge. Small area repair procedures for LINE-X fast set elastomers are
as follows:

Inspect: Inspect existing elastomer coating to ensure proper adhesion to

substrate. If loss of adhesion is evident or suspect, remove
affected areas.

Clean: Remove any contaminants using LX-1275 surface cleaner.

Apply: Apply SRK to affected area. Use excess amount to insure

“filling” of damaged area. NOTE: do not use the first bit of SRK
that comes out of the static mixing tube as it could be off-ratio.

Smooth: Smooth excess SRK to be level with existing liner.

Texture: Apply texture (if necessary) to the surface of SRK coating once
it starts to harden. This can be done by continually tapping a
Scotch Brite pad until material holds shape.

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 Spray Techniques
Shadowing is a technique involving the use of overhanging edges to create a
spray line. This is often seen when spraying the scalloped edge of a Chevrolet
truck bed. The overhang creates a break in the coating that does not require wire
cutting. Shadowing is the only realistic way of creating
a spray line in LINE-X with a thickness exceeding 250
mils. This methodology can be applied to many other
uses.

3M Soft Edge Foam Tape, also referred to as

DART (door aperture repair tape), can be used in
the same manner, or to create a beveled edge.
When using foam tape to create a beveled edge
you must spray at an angle of about 90○-45°,
depending on the angle of bevel desired (see
figures 1 and 2). Use care not to push the LINE-
X. To create a sloping or edgeless spray line (see
figure 3), apply DART tape 4-6 inches back from
bulk of application and finish with 1-2 fast passes
at an angle of 45○ or less. Again, use care not
t o push the LINE-X.

Partially Smooth LINE-X surface is required for applying labels, stickers, or

reflective tape. To achieve this smooth section in a textured application, simply
apply duct tape or stickers to desired areas before final texture process. Then peel
up after texture is complete.

Shadow Logos can be applied using the same technique mentioned above,
except a vinyl logo would be used. A vinyl logo can be obtained through a local
sign shop.

Thickness needs to be a minimum of 60 mils for impact or abrasion resistance,

although some applications could require a thickness in excess of 250 mils.
Remember that the standard digital thickness gauges used on truck beds only
work with ferrous metals. To determine thicknesses on non-ferrous metals use a
non-ferrous thickness gauge. A non-Ferrous thickness gauge can also be used in
conjunction with aluminum tape to determine thickness on non-metal substrates.
To control thickness without using a thickness gauge, an experienced sprayer is
invaluable. Using four overlapping passes at 36 inches of distance should equal
approximately 50-60 mils.
NOTE: Using a spray method to determine thickness can carry some liability as it is

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 not an accepted method for quality control (QC). If the application requires QC, you
must use a thickness gauge.

TOPCOATS
Topcoat simply refers to a coating applied over another coating. For LINE-X, a
topcoat is typically used for three reasons:
To provide UV resistance to LINE-X aromatic elastomers
To provide an exact color to a customer specification
To seal the surface of LINE-X elastomers for enhanced cleanability

The LINE-X base coat should be a proximity color close to that of the topcoat. If the
LINE-X base coat is not a matching proximity color, it could affect the following:
Overall color – color may be affected by improper proximity color.
Cost – More topcoat will be necessary in order to obtain the proper color.
o NOTE: too much topcoat will result in high gloss and loss of texture.
Unsightly once damaged – a scratch, chip, gouge will be very unsightly,
highlighting any damaged areas.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Color ASPART-X/PREMIUM topcoats should be a minimum of
3-4 mils WFT/DFT, Black should be a minimum of 2-3mils
WFT/DFT.

TOPCOATS CONTAINING 100% SOLIDS (no VOC’s)

Topcoats containing 100% solids (no VOC’s) include ASPART-X and PREMIUM. The
use of these topcoats negates the need for flammability concerns while spraying.
100% solid coatings are also significantly easier to quantify coverage since solvent
evaporation is not a factor. However, 100% solid coating can sometimes be slightly
more difficult to apply due to their higher viscosity.

With LINE-X fast set elastomers, a topcoat must be applied immediately

following the LINE-X application for proper adhesion. The more time in
between applications, the lower the expected adhesion will be.

ASPART-X: Is specifically formulated for roller applications. Recommended

application equipment includes:
¼ or 3/8 nap roller cover
Roller handle (width varies depending on sq. ft. and complexity)
Roller tray
Mixing tubs

PREMIUM: Is specifically formulated for spray on applications. Recommended

application equipment includes:

LINE-X LLC 31 Rev. 1/16

 HVLP spray gun with 1.8-2.0 spray tip
3M™ PPS bladder system or equivalent
Measuring cups

TOPCOATS CONTAINING SOLVENTS (VOC’s)

Topcoats containing solvents include LINE-X XTRA and DuPont Emron® Industrial.
In order to spray apply solvent based topcoats, there are three possible options:
1. You could spray outdoors; this may bypass some federal/state/local laws
governing the use of VOCs indoors. This method is not recommended for
regular use due to weather, wind, and overspray concerns.
2. The second choice is to upgrade your existing containment booth to a limited
finishing station in accordance with NFPA 33 Section 14.3.
NOTE: This option is only available if your local municipality uses NFPA guidelines.
IFC guidelines do not support limited finishing stations.
3. The third option is to convert or build a properly designed, fully enclosed paint
booth that meets all the requirements of NFPA 33 or IFC.

It is a good idea to check with local authorities to make sure your facilities meets
local requirements. Often, opening a dialogue with your local authorities will gain you
respect and even leeway. Attempting to apply VOC products regularly without the
proper booth could open your business up to possible fines and accident liability.

One time off-site applications such as mobile applications are often exempt from
these flammable VOC application guidelines provided certain safety precautions are
performed including but not limited to:

Proper ventilation
Proper containment
Proper PPE
Keeping a minimum of 20ft from any active electrical outlets or connections
that do not meet NEMA-4 certification.

LINE-X XTRA: Is specifically designed for the automotive truck market. While it is too
expensive for large C&I applications, It is a good choice for color matched truck
applications other than bedliners. LINE-X XTRA was designed as a spray coating,
but it can be roller applied. Recommended equipment includes:
HVLP spray gun with 1.8-2.0 spray tip
3M™ PPS bladder system or equivalent
Measuring cups
NOTE: contains 50-55% solvents (45-50% solids by volume) depending on color.
NOTE2: LINE-X XTRA should be applied at 3-4mil DFT or 7-8mil WFT

LINE-X LLC 32 Rev. 1/16

 EMRON INDUSTRIAL: Is specifically designed for the industrial coatings market.
Where XTRA is meant for the automotive market, Emron Industrial is meant for
larger C&I applications. Recommended equipment includes:
HVLP spray gun with 1.8-2.0 spray tip
3M™ PPS bladder system or equivalent

Measuring cups

RECOATING TOPCOATS
To recoat a fully cured topcoat, use the following steps.

Clean: Clean any dirt or contaminants with a high pressure washer and
LX-122D degreaser.
Etch: Etch with a Scotch Brite pad (it may take several).
Blow: Use compressed air to remove dust.
Clean: Wipe clean with acetone.
Spray: Recoat immediately following acetone wipe

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 Special Considerations
Tank Linings & Immersion Applications
Surface Preparation: Tank linings & immersion applications require extremely high
attention to standards and detail. Surface preparation will require SSPC SP5 -
White Metal Blast Cleaning or SSPC SP10 - Near White Blast Cleaning for long
term success. Welds must be properly prepared (SEE Weld Preparation below)

Material Selection: Proper material selection is also very important. FCP primer is
acceptable, but XPM is recommended due to its long track record and outstanding
anti-corrosion performance. XS-100 is not the best choice of material for these
applications. XS-310/330/350 or SE-500 is the formulas of choice for these
applications.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Never use black for these applications unless a holiday
detector is used. Black or dark colors make visual
detection of holidays impossible. Many lining and
waterproofing applications has failed due to this simple
mistake.

High Corrosion Environments

High corrosion environments will require attention to detail. The cut line where
LINE-X terminates is a potential weak point in the LINE-X coating. Sealing these
edges with a high quality polyurethane caulk can add years to the coating life.

Weld Preparation
Proper weld preparation is often overlooked. Unprepared welds create overhanging
areas that are prone to holidays. Welds should be ground down and smoothed with
a grinder prior to primer application.

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