Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

April, 2005

CARC Coating for Acid and Alkali Resistance

Q. What will CARC paint protect against? Will it protect aluminum frames from acids and alkali? Looking for a paint that can protect aluminum from acids. Is there such a paint or coating?

A. CARC is not intended for the purposes you mention. Before I go off into the blue yonder with a suggestion I really should know more about the aluminum frames. The more you can tell me, the better I will be able to give you some suggestions.

Q2. Looking at putting a coating on a remote control robot for Hazmat. The robots have an aluminum frame. They are on the Remotec website at www.remotec-andros.com. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

A2. CARC is intended for military use where the aluminum has the potential to be exposed to chemical warfare conditions. Moreover, CARC is a camouflage coating. If you do not need either camouflage capabilities or if the aluminum frames are not expected to come into contact with chemical warfare agents, you can go with a conventional industrial epoxy primer followed by one or more coats of a two-component polyurethane. Of course, do not forget the need for excellent surface prep of the aluminum.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph