FAQs about super hydrophobic coating HIREC

super hydrophobic coating HIREC as FAQs.We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about
 

Left: HIREC     Right: Conventional Super hydrophobic material

Q1: I would like to purchase HIREC?

For inquiries within Japan, please contact us here.
Our distributors outside of Japan are as follows:

We are looking for new agents in each region. Please contact us for details.

Q2: What colors are available for HIREC?

None of the HIREC coatings are transparent, so they are not suitable for applications where visibility of the coated object, such as signs or billboards, must be ensured.

Q3: How long is the lifespan?

A: If you are using it outdoors, we recommend HIREC-R, which is designed to keep the coating surface fresh through the photocatalytic effect, and you can expect performance to be maintained for about three years.* If you are using it indoors, we recommend HIREC450, but since it does not have a photocatalytic effect, the period during which the super water repellency will be maintained will vary greatly depending on the level of dirt in the air.
*This is the expected period for our recommended film thickness (approximately 30μm). The period during which the super water repellency will be maintained varies depending on the usage environment, etc., so we do not guarantee the period during which the performance will be maintained.

Q4: Is the painting method the same as for regular paints?

A: In order to bring out water repellency of HIREC, the painting method requires some skill. For this reason, we ask customers who are using HIREC for the first time to take a painting training course (fees apply). Since the painting course is for customers only, we will hold it according to your request regarding the date, time, and location. If you find it difficult to attend the course, please contact us.

Q5: Are there any objects that cannot be painted with HIREC?

A: HIREC-R has a weak adhesion in principle, so usually, a dedicated urethane primer (HIREC undercoat UP-S) is used for the first layer to ensure adhesion, and HIREC-R is applied for the second layer (in some cases, a three-layer specification of a dedicated epoxy primer (HIREC undercoat EP) + urethane primer + HIREC-R is also used). Therefore, if this primer can be applied, HIREC can be applied. In particular, when applying to surfaces with one-component paints (such as lacquer-based paints) that are weakly resistant to strong solvents, surfaces with water-based paints or weak solvent-based paints, ABS, PPE, PET, PC, etc., we recommend that you check that softening, shrinkage, peeling, etc. do not occur by wiping with primer thinner on a test piece or in an inconspicuous place. If you send us a test piece up to about A4 size, we will paint it free of charge and advise you on whether or not it can be painted, so please use it. In addition, since the HIREC painted surface is very slippery, please refrain from painting on roads, roofs, and other places where people walk.

Q6: Is there any effect on anything 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.

Q7: I would like to paint it on an antenna. Is this 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.

Q8: When is the best time to paint?

A: HIREC-R primer is a two-component mixture that requires an outside temperature of 7°C or higher to promote a chemical reaction. HIREC-R is a one-component type, but requires an outside temperature of 5°C or higher to dry. This restriction is the same as for general paints.

Q9: Is there anything I should be careful about 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.

Q10: I have obtained an SDS, but where should I request one?

A: Please see the SDS for precautions on disposal. We will send you the SDS upon request.

About SDS application