Technical Frequently Asked Questions

• Which system is suitable to resist stagnant sea water, without oxygen exchange?

Both epoxy systems 4210/4907 and 4220/4908 are suitable. We recommend a very accurate surface preparation through sand blasting, one coat of primer and at least two coats of finish paint. Let cure for 14 days before putting into service. 

• Can Steel it be used on plastic?

There are many types of plastics, each one of them having a different behaviour in contact with Steel it solvents and therefore we cannot give a general answer: the user will have to make his own tests. In any case surfaces must be completely free from oils, greases, mould release agents and will be roughened by sand paper. We suggest using a low VOC system whenever possible. The use of primer might not be necessary. 

• Why Steel it cannot be coloured?

Steel it cannot be coloured due to its structural matrix of resin and stainless steel flakes. The insertion of pigments among the flakes would weaken the corrosion resistance of the product.

• When cleaning Steel it coated surfaces with a cloth soaked with ethyl alcohol, some paint traces remain in the cloth. Why?

SThis is due to the particular nature of the resin blend, which however does not reduce at all the protection properties of the paint. This phenomenon disappears after a few times and the epoxy system is less sensible. In case of absolute unacceptability, Inox Paints can supply a high performances detergent which does not cause this fact.

• Does the polyurethane system resist saline solution?

Yes. 1002 type exceeded 2000 hours in a 5% saline solution. We recommend one coat of primer and two coats of finish paint.

• Can one increase the paint thickness?

The thicknesses indicated in the catalogue are the optimal ones; they are to be measured wet to obtain the dry ones directly after the evaporation of paint’s solvents. Do not increase recommended thicknesses in the aim of obtaining a higher protection or to avoid to spray two coats, because the contrary effect would be achieved: the drying of the superficial layer of the coat would cause the flakes to deposit horizontally, thus preventing the complete curing of the whole coat.

• Does Steel it adhere to galvanized steel?

No. We recommend using a primer for galvanized surfaces and to inquiry the manufacturer or the distributor about its compatibility with the selected Steel it finish coat.

• Does Steel it resist total immersion in a solution of water and caustic soda 5% at a temperature of 40° C?

Yes. We recommend to sand blast the surface and to use an epoxy system for severe applications.

• Does Steel it 1002 polyurethane resist total immersion in 90% demineralised water?

Yes. We recommend applying 3 layers of finish paint 1002 and no primer.

• In case of contact of polyurethane system with greases and oils can one apply the finish coat 1002 only, omitting the primer?

Except for some very particular types of lubricants, like Skydrol, primer can be avoided, but at least 3 coats of 1002 must be applied.

A parte particolari tipi di lubrificanti, tipo Skydrol, si può evitare il primer, ma bisogna stendere almeno 3 mani di 1002.

• Can Steel it be used on metallic surfaces treated with plastic metals (also known as molecular metals or epoxy fillers)

Yes. We recommend to follows the instructions of the plastic metal manufacturer regarding over painting.