SANI-TRED Sea Salt Water Resistant Sealer and Paint Testing
SANI-TRED has established itself as a leading solution for saltwater applications, including swimming pools, custom aquariums, breeding tanks, fiberglass tanks, boats, yachts, tankers, sea walls, and more. The efficacy of SANI-TRED products in such harsh environments is supported by extensive testing designed to evaluate their performance under continuous saltwater immersion.
Extensive Testing for Harsh Saltwater Environments
To rigorously test SANI-TRED’s capabilities, a comprehensive experiment was conducted near Los Angeles, California. The test involved various substrates, including fir 2" x 4" lumber, concrete, and structural steel plates. Coatings of LRB (Liquid Rubber Base) and PermaFlex, ranging from 20-30 mils in thickness, as well as solid castings of LRB, were applied to these substrates. The samples were then attached to a pier column to expose them to continuous sea water immersion.
Test Setup and Objectives
The test samples were prepared with both coated and uncoated areas to create raw edges of the coatings and LRB castings. This setup allowed for the examination of the product’s ability to resist delamination or detachment caused by constant exposure to saltwater. The objective was to determine the suitability of SANI-TRED products as a waterproofing system in harsh saltwater applications and to assess their overall durability under continuous immersion.
Results of Continuous Immersion Test
After three years of continuous immersion, routine examinations yielded promising results. The samples, including both coated and uncoated sections, showed significant differences in performance. The SANI-TRED coatings remained intact without delamination or significant deterioration, proving their resilience and effectiveness in protecting various substrates under harsh conditions.
Detailed Testing on Structural Steel
In a separate test designed to exceed ASTM salt spray testing procedures, four pieces of badly rusted, flaking, scrap structural steel checker plate and channel were coated with 15 mil films of SANI-TRED PermaFlex at both 40°F and 70°F. Half of the individual pieces were coated, while the other half were left in their original rusty condition. Importantly, no preparation was given to the rusty test pieces, and PermaFlex was applied directly onto the gross flaking rust deposits and scales.
Preparation and Coating of New Steel Pieces
New pieces of identical steel were degreased with solvent to remove any oils or grease and were free from rust and oxidation. These new, clean steel pieces were also coated with SANI-TRED PermaFlex at the same temperatures of 40°F and 70°F. All pieces were allowed to cure overnight at 25°F before being subjected to the saltwater brine solution test.
Saltwater Brine Solution Test
A solution of 4 pounds of rock salt was added to one gallon of water to produce a completely saturated salt brine solution. The coated test pieces of steel were placed in shallow plastic pails containing the brine solution, ensuring that a vertical line of coated and uncoated steel was both below and above the water line. The containers were placed outdoors in the Midwestern US, protected from rain or snow dilution by placing the small plastic pails within steel drums with loose-fitting covers. These containers were subjected to ambient temperature fluctuations ranging from over 100°F to below -40°F. Water was occasionally added to the brine solution to replace moisture lost due to evaporation.
Examination After 12 Months
After 12 months, the partially coated steel parts were removed from the brine solution, rinsed with fresh water, and examined. The results were conclusive: the sections coated with SANI-TRED PermaFlex showed no signs of delamination or significant deterioration, even under extreme temperature variations and continuous exposure to the highly corrosive salt brine solution. In contrast, the uncoated sections continued to corrode and deteriorate, demonstrating the superior protective qualities of SANI-TRED products.
Advantages of SANI-TRED in Marine Applications
The extensive testing highlights several key advantages of using SANI-TRED for marine applications:
- Durability: SANI-TRED products provide long-lasting protection against saltwater and other harsh environmental conditions.
- Flexibility: The coatings expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing cracking and maintaining a watertight seal.
- Ease of Application: SANI-TRED can be applied directly to various substrates, including rusted steel, without extensive surface preparation.
- Comprehensive Protection: The products are effective on wood, concrete, fiberglass, and steel, making them versatile for various marine applications.
Real-World Applications and Benefits
SANI-TRED has been successfully used in a wide range of saltwater environments. Whether it's sealing the hull of a yacht, waterproofing a fiberglass tank, or protecting a sea wall from constant wave action, SANI-TRED products have proven their worth. The ability to bond to various substrates and withstand extreme conditions makes SANI-TRED an ideal choice for marine waterproofing and repair.
Conclusion
SANI-TRED’s sea salt water-resistant sealer and paint have undergone rigorous testing to prove their effectiveness in harsh marine environments. From protecting wooden docks to steel hulls, SANI-TRED offers a reliable solution for long-term waterproofing and corrosion resistance. The innovative polymer chemistry behind SANI-TRED products ensures they provide unmatched durability, flexibility, and protection, making them the superior choice for any marine application.
Whether you are dealing with a commercial vessel, a pleasure boat, or marine structures exposed to saltwater, SANI-TRED delivers peace of mind with its proven track record of performance and reliability. Embrace the future of marine waterproofing with SANI-TRED and safeguard your investments against the relentless forces of nature.
