1.
How does Ultra-Ever Dry work?
The bottom coat bonds to most materials and acts as a primer. It also offers corrosion protection and provides a
consistent material for the top coat to bond to while interacting with the top coat to self-assemble the surface into
a nano-textured surface. This surface creates patterns of geometric shapes and billions of interstitial spaces that trap
and hold air creating an “umbrella of air” on the surface of the coating. There are high points in the texture that only
allow the water droplets to touch approximately 2-3% of the coating itself. The rest of the water droplet rides along
the layer of trapped air. The coating also has low surface energy. It is the combination of these elements that allow
Ultra-Ever Dry to be superhydrophobic and oleophobic for refined oils.
2.
What do the terms “superhydrophobic” and “oleophobic” mean?
Ultra-Ever Dry creates a solid/liquid contact angle of 160-175 degrees. Well-known windshield water repellents are
closer to 110 degrees and are only hydrophobic. A superhydrophobic contact angle allow for the self-cleaning
properties associated with Ultra-Ever Dry. Oleophobic refers to the ability to repel oil and other hydrocarbons.
3.
How long will Ultra-Ever Dry coating last?
The Ultra-Ever Dry SE formula is susceptible to environmental conditions such as UV. This coating will offer
approximately one year of outdoor life before recoating of the top coat would be required. When used in indoor or covered
applications outdoors, the SE coating should last for a year or more. If the top coat has diminished due to
environmental conditions, simply reapply the top coat to regain the superhydrophobic properties (assuming the bottom
coat is still present).
4.
What is the working temperature range for Ultra-Ever Dry SE?
The working temperature range for a coated surface is from -30°F to 300°F (-34°C to 149°C) once it has been applied.
It has been effective at temperatures up to 500°F, but we would recommend further testing for any application
that will be exposed to temperatures above 300°F (260°C). The coating should be applied at temperatures between
50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C).
5.
What materials will the Ultra-Every Dry adhere or bond to?
Almost any material is a candidate for application: steel, aluminum, other metals, plastic, leather, fabric, wood,
concrete, etc. The coating can be applied to and will bond to smooth surfaces, but sanding the surface will improve
adhesion.
6.
How abrasion-resistant is Ultra-Ever Dry SE?
One of the breakthroughs for this product is its abrasion resistance. The proprietary material provides more abrasion
resistance than previous superhydrophobic materials, registering a result of 350 on the Tabor Abrasion Method
(ASTM D4060-10). If abrasion is a concern, testing is recommended. If the coating is removed due to repeated or
severe abrasion, it can be reapplied.
7.
Will the coating still work if the top coat is largely removed due to abrasion?
Yes. In many situations, the superhydrophobic nature of the material may be diminished but the remaining top coat
and bottom coat still provide the functionality of keeping the coated material from getting wet, iced up or corroding.
This is application dependent.
8.
What color is the coating?
The standard product is a translucent white. We do not have a transparent formula at this time. Custom colors are
available upon request, minimums may apply. It is recommended to try the coating in an inconspicuous area first if
color is important.
9.
How many square feet or square meters can a gallon cover?
250 square feet or 23 square meters.
10.
How long does Ultra-Ever Dry take to cure?
Generally about 20 - 30 minutes for the bottom coat and 5-10 minutes for the top coat, which can be reduced by
applying heat using an oven, industrial heat gun, or blow dryer.
11.
What is the shelf life of Ultra-Ever Dry and what temperature should it be stored at?
Typically, shelf life of the product will be one year when stored between 40°F and 115°F (4°C and 40°C).
12.
Does UV affect Ultra-Ever Dry?
The SE formula is affected by UV that can reduce its useful life. Additional Ultra-Ever Dry formulas are being
developed to reduce the effect of UV light.
13.
How chemically resistant is Ultra-Ever Dry?
As with most materials and coatings, this will depend on the chemical. In general, it is resistant to a wide range
including most acids, caustics and refined oils. Testing may be required to ensure proper compatibility.
14.
What known chemicals are incompatible Ultra-Ever Dry?
Alcohols and soaps/detergents will cause the surface of the coating to “wet-out”. Once these chemicals are removed,
the superhydrophobicity will generally return. Solvents will wet-out on the surface and will attack the coating
and diminish its usefulness.
15.
How well does Ultra-Ever Dry stand-up to acids/bases?
Strong acids and bases are typically not a problem. Testing has been completed with sulfuric, hydrochloric, and
phosphoric acid with excellent results. We have also seen good results shedding strong caustic and bleach. Certain
gases may permeate the topcoat and extra surface preparation and/or primer may be required. Please contact us for
more information.
16.
Will Ultra-Ever Dry help prevent corrosion?
Yes, Ultra-Ever Dry is corrosion resistant. Increasing the bottom coat thickness will increase longevity. Applying Ultra-
Ever Dry on top of existing painted surfaces, polyurethane coatings or other treated surfaces will generally increase
the corrosion resistance by a factor of five.
17.
How is Ultra-Ever Dry applied?
It is sprayed on using air sprayers, pump sprayers or even finger trigger sprayers. NOTE: Both parts (top and bottom
coat) are required for all applications of Ultra-Ever Dry.
18.
Is it conductive?
No, it is non-conductive. It can be safely used to coat electric motors, switches, electrical components, light fixtures,
etc.
19.
What does this product do to the transmission of vapors (air) through a material?
The passing of air through the coating is dependent on the substrate. There are surfaces were the coating can act
as a liquid repellent under normal pressures, but is porous to any gases or vapor. If the base coat is applied too thick
and makes a continuous film across the pores of the substrate, then vapor transmission will be diminished.
20.
Is Ultra-Ever Dry flammable?
Polymer binders do not offer flammability resistance as polymers are carbon-based molecules and therefore will
eventually burn or melt. Please note, however, that the coating thicknesses are generally only about 1-2 mils. We
expect the overall flammability will be determined by the article being coated. We advise application-specific testing
if flammability is a concern.
21.
If Ultra-Ever Dry is applied to fabrics, will it wash off?
Yes, after a few washes. We can provide different binders (bottom coat) to enhance its durability in fabrics upon
request.
22.
Can you use Ultra-Ever Dry where it is continuously submerged in water or liquid, like the inside of a pipe with
constantly flowing liquid?
No, this is not a good application. The reason is the nano-coating relies on a barrier of oxygen/air to form the barrier
on the surface of the material it is coating. Unless the coating can become exposed to air every now and then, it
cannot “recharge”. So coating the inside of continuously flowing pipes is not a prime application. If it is intermittent
usage, it may work well. Steel coated with Ultra-Ever Dry has been immersed in salt water for 30 days without any
effect.
23.
It seems like the Ultra-Ever Dry coating is rubbing off onto my hands. Is that normal?
The whitish coating that comes off in your hands if you rub is excess nanoparticles that have combined and bonded
to each other because there were no more surface molecules to bond to. It is excess coating. NOTE: Due to the
natural oils in the skin, excessive handling with bare hands of treated materials can cause a reduction in performance.
24.
What is the return policy for Ultra-Ever Dry?
All sales are final. We are unable to accept returns on the product because of the shelf life (1 year). Ultra-Ever Dry is
stamped with a “best by” date and because of that, returns are not practical.