Global introduction of a new flexible topcoat Jotun Hardtop Flexi

2004-12-03 - Jotun has taken flexibility and finished appearance to new levels of excellence.

‘Hardtop Flexi’ is an impact-resistant polyurethane formulation that is currently unequalled in its flexibility, and also matches the highest levels of colour and gloss retention expected of polyurethane topcoats.

Press release from Jotun Coatings:

"We have made a total communication turnaround for this product and the product performance is easy to demonstrate. All polyurethanes are in a way flexible, but this product taken is something totally different. The combination of excellent coating flexibility and excellent adhesion will give flexibility and impact resistant coatings a totally new meaning. We have developed a "hammer test" to demonstrate the performance of the product. The test is actually extremely tough, but also totally relevant for the performance of the product. I have presented this for customers and Jotun staff all over the world. This is great fun and the response from customers has been great. It's fun to work in Jotun these days", say Group Category Manager Anders Braekke.

Hardtop Flexi

Based on new technology that results in new and unmatched standards of flexibility and durability for the protection of marine and industrial structures, ‘Hardtop Flexi’ will survive “terrible treatment” - without cracking, as proved when used on hatch covers which were ‘hit’ by a loaded transport container!

With a high solids content of 64% by volume, the new product boasts low VOC emission levels, and can be applied in single coat thickness of up to 150 microns to minimise downtime and application costs. ‘Hardtop Flexi’ can be applied direct to metal, over any two-pack primer, or as a topcoat where it is effective in hiding imperfections due to the lower gloss level.

The flexibility of ‘Hardtop Flexi’ has been ascertained using the ASTM 522-93a conical-mandrel test. In this test, coated sheet-metal panels are bent over conical mandrels and the flexibility of the coating determined from the diameters of the mandrels at the points at which any cracking starts. All such tests have confirmed the exceptional flexibility of ‘Hardtop Flexi’. Jotun’s Group Category Manager Anders Braekke adds, “These results are fully supported by practical sea stock type tests that are considerably more demanding than laboratory tests”.

Further testing was carried out under ‘normal’ working conditions where often paint is applied without first doing correct pre treatment. Even under these testing conditions, Hardtop Flexi showed exceptional adhesion to its substrate. Its quick drying and although flexible, it does not ãstickä to other painted surfaces so is ideal for use on production lines where parts may be stacked in a yard after being coated.

Over a million litres of ‘Hardtop Flexi’ have already been successfully used in a wide range of applications. Suitable for application at temperatures down to five degrees C, ‘Hardtop Flexi’ also has exceptional water resistance - i.e. it will not be damaged by an unexpected shower of rain, on a newly painted surface.

"Less damage on the coating due to impact resistant coating leads to less corrosion problems - it is not hard to explain. The new thing now is that practical long term customer testing and lab test show that the product is working in real life. The hammer test makes customer see the performance with their own eyes. It really works", say Anders Braekke

CONTACT US

For a copy of the new ‘Hardtop’ brochure and any additional information contact:

Anders Braekke
Group Category Manager, World Wide,
Tel: +47 95 22 06 03 or +47 33457000

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