Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

Clearcoat over MIL-DTL-64159, Type II

Q. After painting with MIL-DTL-64159, Type II I noticed the paint seems to absorb oily liquids. I love the camo colors and designs but am worried about the color remaining stable with other liquids being in contact with the surface. The only cure I know is to clearcoat the camo paint. Will MIL-DTL-64159, Type II from Sherwin Williams accept clear top coating?

A. I can understand your concern that MIL-DTL-64159, Type II absorbs oil, but that is probably true for all or at least most ultra-low gloss coatings. I'm almost positive the coating can be topcoated with a clearcoat, although I have not personally tried it, or seen anyone else do so. If you intend to clearcoat the camouflage coating, I suggest you first conduct experiments. More importantly, the coating is specifically formulated as a CARC coating that is designed to withstand chemical warfare agents. By applying a clearcoat you might well be adversely affecting the ability of MIL-DTL-64159 to perform its function. Please bear in mind that the military and all other contractors face the same problem of marring, oil absorption, etc.

If you are supplying the military with your products, I strongly suggest you first get approval from your project manager to apply a clearcoat to the CARC coating.

Regards,

Ron Joseph