4.0 Mixing

CeRam-Kote thin-film Ceramic Epoxy Coatings are packaged in two cans, Part A (coating) and Part B (curing agent). The mix ratio varies for each CeRam-Kote formula. Please refer to individual Product Data Sheet for volume and weight mixing ratios. Shake Part A (coating) with a Cyclone air powered shaker or mix Part A with an Edsan's Jiffler Mixer until all the ceramic powders are suspended in the resin. The time required to place the ceramics into suspension depends on how long the material has been on the shelf and the temperature of the storage facility. Regardless of time needed, shake or mix all ceramic material into suspension first.

4.1 When using a Cyclone Air Shaker

If Part A (coating) sits for 30 days or less at room temperature 72¡F (22.2¡C) and the air powered shaker is in good working order, a four (4) to six (6) minute shake will place the ceramic powders into suspension. If Part A (coating) sits in excess of 30 days or at a colder temperature than room temperature 72¡F (22.2¡C), a longer shake will be required to place the ceramic powders into suspension. If all the ceramic powders of Part A (coating) are not in suspension, the ceramic and resin ratio becomes unbalanced and the material will not cure or perform properly. Check the coating to assure that all solids are in suspension prior to proceeding to the mixing step. Stirring, other than the use of the air powered Jiffler system described below, will not get the ceramic powders into suspension.

Combine Part A (coating) and Part B (curing agent) and shake until both parts are thoroughly mixed. The amount of time required depends on the temperature of parts A and B and the working condition of the shaker. If Part A (coating) and Part B (curing agent) are at room temperature 72¡F (22.2¡C) and the shaker is in good working condition, a three (3) to four (4) minute shake is all that is required. However, caution must be used to prevent heat build up. Never allow the catalyzed coating to get above 100¡F. The pot life for CeRam-Kote Ceramic Epoxy Coatings at 72¡F (22.2¡C) is approximately four (4) to six (6) hours. Colder temperatures will increase the pot life and warmer temperatures will decrease the pot life.

4.2 When using a Edsan's Jiffler Mixer

CeRam-Kote Ceramic Epoxy Coatings can also be mixed by using the Edsan's Jiffler Mixer, Model EPM-000. This Jiffler Mixer can be used for one (1) gallon kits at on-site jobs where the use of the Cyclone Air Shaker is not practical or where five (5) gallon kits are to be used. This mixer is an air motor driven mixing blade system that places CeRam-Kote Ceramic Epoxy Coatings Part A into suspension prior to adding Part B and is also used to make the catalyzed mix. The maximum recommended operating pressure of the Jiffler mixer is 100 psi (7 bar).

When Part A (coating) is stored for 30 days or less at room temperature 72¼F (22.2¼C)) and the air motor is in good working condition, a fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minute mix will place the ceramic powders into suspension in a five (5) gallon pail. A ten (10) to fifteen (15) minute mix will normally place the ceramic powders in a one (1) gallon can in suspension. When mixing, stop after five (5) or six (6) minutes and scrape the sides of the container. Regardless of time needed, mix all ceramic material into suspension prior to proceeding.

When Part A (coating) is in suspension, add Part B (curing agent). The amount of time required to make a mix depends on the temperature of parts A and B and the working condition of the mixer. For a five (5) gallon pail, Part A (coating) and Part B (curing agent) should be mixed for three (3) or four (4) minutes at room temperature 72¡F (22.2¡C). For a one (1) gallon can, two (2) or three (3) minutes should be sufficient. Caution must be used to prevent heat build up. The pot life of CeRam-Kote Ceramic Epoxy Coatings at 72¡F (22.2¡C) is approximately four (4) to six (6) hours. Colder temperatures will increase the pot life and warmer temperatures will decrease the pot life.

4.3 Thinning

CeRam-Kote thin-film coatings are shipped from the factory with a viscosity of 60-90 seconds so thinning will be required prior to application. Adjust viscosity with small amounts of Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) or Isopropyl Alcohol (99% pure). Use caution when thinning, as a little thinner goes a long way. Do not over thin.

4.4 Misc.

After shaking or mixing CeRam-Kote Ceramic Epoxy coatings, strain with a standard paint strainer and pour the mix into the spray equipment. The pot life of the catalyzed material at 72¡F (22.2¡C) lasts four (4) to six (6) hours. If the material is exposed to heat by excessive shaking or a paint pot and paint lines are exposed to direct sunlight, pot life is drastically reduced.