Description
VpCI®-368 D is VpCI-368 supplied pre-diluted and ready to spray: the same dry-to-touch, removable waxy film for harsh outdoor and marine service, with the viscosity already cut for spray equipment so nobody has to measure mineral spirits on the shop floor. Do not dilute it further.
Cortec sells VpCI-368 in three forms. VpCI-368 is the concentrate, which the application guide allows you to thin with mineral spirits up to 10 % by volume; VpCI-368 D is that job done at the factory, so every batch sprays the same and the solvent handling stays in Cortec’s plant instead of yours; VpCI-368 M is the MIL-PRF-16173E Grade 1 grade. The film is translucent, waxy, scratch resistant and self-healing, and on a VpCI-368 basis it protects for up to two years of continuous outdoor exposure. In the Cortec Product Consultation Guide VpCI-368 is rated 4 (outside, uncovered storage) on carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, brass and solder. It is solvent-borne, so it belongs where a water-based film such as VpCI-389 will not survive the exposure or the air permit allows it.
Typical applications
- Flanges and pipe ends
- Machined surfaces
- Equipment layups
- International shipments
- Outdoor storage of spare parts, valves, pumps and gearboxes on a preservation line
- Export packaging of heavy equipment, alone or under MilCorr shrink film
- Preservation crews that spray from pails in the field and want a ready-to-use product
- Marine and offshore assets and cold-climate layups
How to apply VpCI-368 D
- Surface preparation. The substrate must be free of grease, oil, dirt, fingerprints, drawing compounds, rust inhibitors and anything else that would affect adhesion. Cortec recommends VpCI-440 or a similar phosphatizing pretreatment on production lines and a minimum of NACE No. 3 / SSPC-SP6 commercial blast on structural steel. No wash primer is needed on aluminum or galvanized steel for this product.
- Mixing. Power-agitate to a uniform consistency with a squirrel-cage or drill mixer. VpCI-368 D is ready to use; do not add mineral spirits or any other solvent.
- Conditions. Apply between 45 and 90 °F (7 to 32 °C) with the surface at least 5 °F (2 °C) above the dew point. The product is not freeze-sensitive.
- Equipment. Spray, roll, brush or dip. HVLP or conventional spray: 0.009 to 0.021 in tip, 45 to 55 psi air and 10 psi fluid, 3/8 in ID fluid hose no longer than 50 ft, dual-regulated pot kept at gun height. Airless or air-assisted airless: 0.015 to 0.035 in tip, 1,800 to 2,500 psi, 3/8 in ID hose (a 1/4 in whip end is fine) no longer than 100 ft. Tip size depends on pressure and viscosity. Because the viscosity is already reduced, HVLP and conventional guns are the usual choice.
- Film build. Aim for the VpCI-368 recommendation of 2.0 to 3.0 mils (50 to 75 µm) dry. Because the product carries extra solvent, the wet film needed for a given dry film is higher and the coverage per gallon lower than the concentrate; verify with a wet-film gauge on the first parts.
- Drying. On a VpCI-368 basis the film is dry to touch in about 30 minutes and dry to handle in about 60 minutes; force-dry 15 to 20 minutes at 150 °F (65 °C) if needed. Full cure takes 3 to 7 days.
- Cleanup. Clean tools with butyl acetate while wet; once dry use butyl cellosolve or MEK, following the solvent manufacturer’s safety directions.
- Removal. For a film at the recommended DFT: spray the surface generously with VpCI-414 at 60 % in water (the coating-removal strength on the VpCI-414 data sheet), let it sit 10 to 15 minutes, then power-wash at 115 to 160 °F (46 to 71 °C) and 50 to 300 psi. Repeat until the coating is gone. VpCI-414 is the alkaline cleaner Cortec specifies for stripping its temporary coatings; the EcoAir VpCI-414 aerosol handles small areas.
- Storage. Keep the container sealed and do not store above 100 °F (38 °C).
- See the Cortec coatings application guides and comparison table for the shared spray, prep and storage instructions across the Cortec coating range.
Where it fits in the Cortec line
Choose VpCI-368 D over VpCI-368 concentrate when the crew sprays straight from the pail and you want one less variable in the process; choose the concentrate for dip tanks or when you set viscosity yourself. VpCI-369 D is the pre-diluted oil-based sibling that stays a wet, lubricating film. For the smallest jobs the CorShield VpCI-368 aerosol gives the same film from a can. The specified remover is VpCI-414. Before coating rusted steel, derust with VpCI-422 or convert the rust in place with CorrVerter. Browse the full Cortec VpCI line.
Field notes
A Minnesota township extended the life of a plow and salt truck with VpCI-415 pressure wash, VpCI-105 emitters under the dash, ElectriCorr VpCI-239 on electrical contacts, CorrVerter hand-painted on rust, VpCI-368 D pump-sprayed on the undercarriage, VpCI-369 on hinges and moving parts and VpCI-396 rolled onto the salt box, at far lower cost and labor than the alternatives. (Cortec Case History #175)
An East Chicago, Indiana boiler-equipment manufacturer needed an outdoor rust preventive that would take rain, ice, snow and sand abrasion yet remove easily. VpCI-368 diluted 1:3 with mineral spirits, sprayed over heat exchangers, castings and large bearings without first removing the cutting oil, gave better outdoor protection, easier removal and a self-healing film. (Cortec Case History #032)
A Houston air-cooler manufacturer found its nitrogen-purged bundles leaked as the steel blinds contracted in temperature swings. It switched to fogging VpCI-337 into the bundles and sealing with PVC bumper gaskets, with flange faces de-rusted with VpCI-423 gel, degreased with VpCI-414 and sprayed with CorShield VpCI-368. No hermetic seal is needed. (Cortec Case History #823)
Specifications
| Protection | Up to 2 years continuous (VpCI-368 basis) |
|---|---|
| Film | Dry-to-touch, removable, waxy |
| Removal | Removable with an alkaline cleaner |
| Type | Solvent-based temporary (removable) coating, supplied pre-diluted and ready to spray |
| Dilution | None; do not dilute further |
| Salt spray / humidity | 1,500 hours ASTM B117 / 2,500 hours ASTM D1748 |
| Volume solids | 39.22% |
| VOC | 3.8 lbs/gal (464 g/L) |
| Coverage | 629 ft²/gal @ 1.0 mil DFT (11.4 m²/L @ 25 µm) |
| Recommended DFT | 2.0–3.0 mils (50–75 µm) |
| Recommended WFT | 5.1–7.6 mils (130–190 µm) |
| Flash point | 133 °F (56 °C) |
| Dry to touch / dry to handle | 30 min / 60 min |
| Force dry | 15–20 min at 150 °F (65 °C) |
| Full cure | 3–7 days |
| Surface preparation | Clean and contaminant-free; NACE No. 3 / SSPC-SP6 on structural steel; no wash primer needed |
| Application temperature | 45–90 °F (7–32 °C), surface 5 °F above dew point |
| Metals | Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, brass, solder |
| Consultation guide rating (VpCI-368) | 4 – outside, uncovered storage |
| Removal procedure | VpCI-414 at 60% for coating removal, let stand 10–15 min, then power wash at 50–300 psi and 115–160 °F (46–71 °C) |
| Shelf life | 2 years |
| Storage | Original packaging, indoors, out of direct sunlight, 40–100 °F (4–38 °C) |
| Size | 5 Gallon Pail |
| Shipping weight | 42 lb (19.1 kg) |
| Availability | In stock |
| Cortec product number | 12300458 |
Solvent Recycling Systems is an authorized Cortec® distributor. See the full Cortec VpCI line, browse the VpCI product selection guide, or contact us for volume pricing and lead times.
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