the Super hydrophobic material HIREC as a FAQ.We would like to introduce frequently asked questions regarding
Q1: How many colors are there in HIREC?
The standard color of HIREC is white, but HIREC100 can be made in different colors (for a fee).
If you contact us with the Japan Paint Manufacturers Association's color number or Munsell value, we will prepare an approximate color.
However, please note that Super hydrophobic powder it contains is white, so the finish will look whitish. Please allow plenty of time for delivery, as there will be a period of time required for color matching and customer confirmation.
HIREC450 is available only in white (color matching is not possible).
None of HIREC is transparent, so it is not suitable for applications that require visibility of painted objects such as signs and signboards. Please be aware of this.
Q2: How long is the service life?
A: If you are using the product outdoors, we recommend HIREC100, which is designed to keep the coating surface fresh through its photocatalytic effect, but in this case, you can expect performance maintenance for approximately 3 years*. For indoor use, we recommend HIREC450, but since it does not have a photocatalytic effect, the maintenance period of Super hydrophobic performance will vary greatly depending on the level of dirt in the atmosphere.
*This is the expected period based on our recommended film thickness (approximately 30μm). The maintenance period of Super hydrophobic performance varies depending on the usage environment, so we cannot guarantee the performance maintenance period.
Q3: Is the painting method the same as general paint?
A: In order to bring out Super hydrophobic properties of HIREC, a few tricks are required in the painting method. For this reason, we ask customers using HIREC for the first time to take a painting course (paid). Painting classes are exclusively for customers, so we will conduct them according to your consultation regarding date, time, and location. If you are unable to attend the course, please contact us.
Q4: Are there any objects that cannot be coated with HIREC?
A: In principle, HIREC100 has a low adhesion, so normally a special urethane primer (HIREC Undercoat UP-S) is used for the first layer to ensure adhesion, and HIREC100 is applied for the second layer (in some cases, , Dedicated epoxy primer (HIREC undercoat EP) + urethane primer + HIREC100 three-layer specification is also available). Therefore, if this primer can be applied, HIREC can be applied. In particular, when painting on one-part paints (lacquer-based paints, etc.) that have weak resistance to strong solvents, water-based paints, weak solvent-based paints, ABS, PPE, PET, PC, etc., We recommend that you wipe the test piece or an inconspicuous place with thinner for primer to confirm that softening, shrinkage, peeling, etc. do not occur. If you send us a test piece up to about A4 size, we will paint it free of charge and advise you on whether it can be painted or not, so please use it. HIREC painted surfaces are extremely slippery, so please refrain from painting on roads, roofs, and other areas where people walk.
Q5: Is there an effect other than water?
A: Basically, please think that there is no effect other than water. Therefore, it can be used, for example, to separate water and oil.
Q6: I would like to paint the antenna. Is it suitable?
A: HIREC is also widely used in radio wave transmitting/receiving devices such as antennas and radomes. When rain or snow falls on antennas and radomes, forming a film of water on their surfaces causes radio wave attenuation. Therefore, HIREC is painted and used for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of water film. There is also a method of melting snow with an antenna with a heater, but in our experiments, we found that the snow melted by the heater creates a water film, so it is not possible to prevent radio wave attenuation. Click here for the result of radio wave attenuation experiment by water film at our company.
Q7: When is the best time to paint?
A: The HIREC100 dedicated primer is a two-liquid mixture type and requires an outside temperature of 7°C or higher to promote the chemical reaction. HIREC100 is a one-liquid type, but requires an outside temperature of 5°C or higher for drying. This constraint is equivalent to general paint.
Q8: Are there any precautions to be taken after applying HIREC?
A: Since the hardness of the coating film is soft, the coating film may come off if you touch it or hit it against a hard object. When packing or installing coated objects, be careful not to rub the coating surface with packing materials or equipment. In addition, we offer a spray type HIREC as a partial repair material when the paint film is peeled off.
Q9: I have obtained an SDS, where should I request it?
A: Please see the SDS for precautions on disposal. We will send you the SDS upon request.
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