Tnemec Company Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance protective coatings for specialized industrial and architectural markets, has introduced two new low volatile organic compound (VOC) hybrid polyurethane finishes, according to Mark Thomas, vice president, marketing.

Series 740 UVX and Series 750 UVX are polyfunctional hybrid urethanes that resist ultraviolet (UV) light degradation and weathering while retaining color and gloss in architectural, industrial and water tank exposures. The 92 grams per liter VOC is compliant with air quality regulations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“In terms of their performance, Series 740 and Series 750 provide superior gloss retention and film hardness, and similar color retention, when compared with standard aliphatic polyurethanes and even polysiloxanes,” Thomas noted. “Their ability to be mixed using an inexpensive thinner and its ease of application using brushes, rollers or spray equipment are also important attributes that differentiate these innovative formulations from traditional acrylic urethanes.” 

When spray-applied, Series 740 and Series 750 are capable of up to 6 mils dry film thickness (DFT) per coat. Their cure time and handling characteristics are similar to existing acrylic urethanes. Series 740 is a gloss finish, while Series 750 is a semi-gloss.

“With their unique blend of high-quality polyurethane resin, UV absorbers and specialty additives, Series 740 and Series 750 are definite upgrades to existing polyurethane technology,” Thomas acknowledged. “Their 92 grams per liter VOC meets green building requirements under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction (LEED-NC) EQ 4.2.”

Series 740 has been used on numerous projects across the U.S., including the American Cement Company, Sumterville, Fla.; a standpipe water tank in Trappist, Ky.; the Metro Farms standpipe in Kirtland, Ohio; the Sweetwater Treatment Plant in Sweetwater, Texas; a 500,000-gallon elevated water tank in Perry, Ga.; a 2-million gallon hydropillar in Huntsville, Texas; a 2-million gallon water tank in Pullman, Wash.; a 65,000-gallon ground storage tank in Hopkins County, Texas; and the Albert Ellis Airport in Fountain, N.C.