Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

February, 2004

Military CARC Painting

Q. We are a metal fabricator that currently does work for the Dept. of Defense. We would like to know the specifics of doing our own carc painting. Would you happen to know where I could obtain information on the whole process. # 383 Green chemical resistant paint.

A. Using CARC paint is not that different from using any other polyurethane. You can use similar spray guns, spray booth, drying oven (if necessary), etc. The major difference between CARC paint and other coatings is the pigmentation, which is slightly more abrasive. Therefore, CARC paint tends to wear the spray gun orifice more rapidly than do conventional paints. You will need to decide if you want to use a two-component solvent-borne polyurethane, single-component moisture curing polyurethane, or the new two-component waterborne polyurethane. Also you will need to purchase an approved two-component CARC epoxy primer (Mil-P-53030 or Mil-P-53022) that is applied under the CARC topcoat.

Please let me know if you need more information.