Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings Expands Family of Coatings Utilizing Opti-Check(TM) Optically Active Pigment Technology


Fluorescing Formula Eliminates Coating Guesswork in Potable and Non-Potable Water Tanks, Ballast Tanks, Oil Tanks and Refined Fuel Storage Tanks

CLEVELAND, Ohio (August 19, 2008) - Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings now offers its Opti-Check(TM) Optically Active Pigments (OAP) in a variety of coatings products, allowing tank lining applicators to check the coating instantly for pinholes, holidays and other discontinuities and verify uniform coverage and proper film thickness.

A 'civilian' application developed from a proven Sherwin-Williams technology supplied to the U.S. Navy, the fluorescing technology significantly extends the service life of tank coatings simply by illuminating insufficient film thickness wherever it occurs through the use of a portable ultraviolet flashlight. Pinholes, holidays and improper film thickness will contrast to the fluorescing coating. The result: pinholes as small as 0.25 mils can be identified and repaired before a tank is returned to service. Proper film thickness and uniform coverage can now be verified instantly. The OAP technology works in conjunction with an inexpensive ASTM E 2501-approved ultraviolet light source.

Sherwin-Williams OAP technology has quickly gained acceptance by both applicators and owners of water and fuel tanks and in marine ballast tank applications," said W. Doni Riddle, Vice President, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings. "Offering the technology in other tank coating products provides applicators and owners easy identification of pinholes, holidays and insufficient film thickness and enables them to extend coating life, reducing downtime and saving money."

Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings utilizing the OAP technology include:
Dura-Plate® UHS Primer with Opti-Check OAP Technology is an ultra high solids epoxy amine formulated specifically as a primer for use under Dura-Plate UHS topcoat. It can be used in immersion service in potable (NSF Standard 61 approved) and non-potable water tanks, ballast tanks, oil tanks and refined fuel storage tanks. This low-odor, low-VOC primer provides excellent surface wetting and adhesion properties, especially over rust pitted steel surfaces. Application is achieved with airless spray.

Dura-Plate® UHS Epoxy with Opti-Check OAP Technology is an ultra high solids epoxy amine engineered for immersion service in potable and non-potable water tanks, ballast tanks, oil tanks and refined fuel storage tanks. Dura-Plate UHS has high build, edge-retentive properties that provide superior protection compared to conventional epoxies. One-coat protection is achieved through airless spray. Features include low-VOC and low-odor.

ExpressCote HCR Chemical Resistant Lining with Opti-Check OAP Technology is a glass flake filled epoxy novolac lining, engineered to protect steel tank interiors from chemicals and solvents at ambient and elevated temperatures, providing a faster return to service. Applications include water and waste water facilities, petrochemical storage tanks and piping, crude oil tank interiors, ballast tanks and chemical holding tanks, well deck overheads and trenches, troughs, sumps and pits. Offers one coat protection, edge retention greater than 70 percent, dries to "walk on" in five hours, and a 24-hour return to service at 77 degrees F.

Fast Clad® ER Epoxy with Opti-Check OAP Technology is an edge retentive ultra high solids epoxy amine coating designed for immersion service in sea water ballast tanks, fuel/sea water ballast tanks and petroleum storage tanks. This low-VOC, low-odor coating offers a 24 hour return to service at 70 degrees F
Macropoxy 646 PW with Opti-Check OAP Technology is a high solids, high build, and fast drying polyamide epoxy approved for potable and non-potable water applications.

Nova-Plate® UHS Primer with Opti-Check OAP Technology, an ultra high solids epoxy novolac amine, is formulated for use under Nova-Plate® UHS Topcoat. It is ideal for immersion service in applications such as ballast tanks, oil tanks, refined fuel storage tanks and well deck overheads. It features excellent surface wetting and adhesion properties, especially over rust pitted steel surfaces. Applied by airless spray, it is a low-VOC, low-odor product.
Phenicon® HS Blue with Opti-Check OAP Technology is a low-VOC epoxy novolac phenolic, designed for use as part of an internal tank lining system for most petroleum products and secondary containment.

Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine Coatings group serves North America with a broad line of high-performance coatings, comprehensive technical service and the industry's largest distribution network. Relying on more than 140 years of experience in formulating industrial coatings, the group provides cost-effective solutions for applications where extreme corrosion, abrasion and chemical attack are present.

Editor Contact:

Allen Pfenninger or Alison White, Edward Howard, 216-781-2400,
apfenninger@edwardhoward.com or awhite@edwardhoward.com

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