Nisocoat 2, a new non-isocyanate acrylic coating, which offers similar technical performance to two-pack polyurethane finishes, with none of the health and safety concerns associated with isocyanates is the newest product from HMG Paints Ltd., the UK’s largest independent paint manufacturer.

A tough, chemically resistant topcoat, it is available in a complete range of BS, RAL, automotive and fleet colors, as well as a clear coat gloss. It can be applied to virtually every metal, including machine tools, stainless and galvanized steel, a variety of plastic substrates, such as UPVC and PU foam moldings, even certain timbers, when used with the recommended HMG primer or sealer system, the company said.

HMG Nisocoat 2 is a non-isocyanate 2k topcoat formulation for the professional finisher and refinisher, who wants a fast-drying, applicator-friendly, wear- and abrasion-resistant paint system, that gives an excellent finish straight from the spray gun, but where the use of traditional isocyanate technology is precluded, the company said. Nisocoat 2 is ideal for smaller industrial users currently using single-pack epoxies and machinery enamels, OEM’s needing a handy touch-up paint at the end of a production line, and the growing number of companies who find it harder to satisfy strict COSHH regulations related to the safe use of isocyanates.

Isocyanate-cured polyurethane finishes are used for a wide spectrum of industrial and automotive coating applications, because of their excellent gloss, hardness, adhesion and chemical resistance, as well as fast-drying properties that allow improved spray shop productivity.

However, exposure to isocyanates at both mixing and application stages can give rise to sensitization and irritation of the respiratory system, so suitably designed spray booths, appropriate PPE and respiratory protection, correct workplace procedures and regular operator training are mandatory. Current COSHH regulations require employers to prevent or adequately control exposure and, if these standards become too onerous or costly to comply with, then industry bodies like the British Coatings Federation recommend substituting two-pack polyurethane with a less hazardous product.

That is the role of isocyanate-free Nisocoat 2, according to the company, since it withstands chemicals, solvents, water, corrosion and abrasion much like a 2k polyurethane, yet is faster drying than the usual alternative of a single-pack epoxy. It is applied by conventional, HVLP or electrostatic spray and, while suitable air-fed respiratory equipment should be worn when spraying, it is non-hazardous when being mixed and can even be safely applied by brush. Nisocoat 2 is touch dry within 15 minutes, hard dry in four hours and attains its fully-cured properties in seven days at ambient temperature, although force drying by oven or infrared will reduce this. It can be over coated wet-on-wet and there are four standard gloss levels, down to matt and semi-matt, to suit differing user requirements.