TECHNICAL DATA SHEET, May 2008

Allureglow™

Photoluminescent Paint

This technical data sheet is provided to give a view of the range of Allureglow™ photoluminescent paint products. Whilst the data is current at time of printing, it is advisable to check with the manufacturer to ascertain if information is current at time of reading.

PRODUCTS:

 Allureglow™ White Primer

 Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paints

 Allureglow™ Clear Coat

 Allureglow™ Screen Ink                           

Allureglow™

The Allureglow™ ranges of coatings have been developed to meet the most stringent regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). All Allureglow™ coatings are based on water borne 100% acrylic emulsions, and as such exhibit exceptional UV resistance and superb light transparency.

Allureglow™ photoluminescent coatings have been developed to possess excellent flexibility and hardness that resists cracking or scratching of the coatings when applied to rigid or non-rigid surfaces.

Allureglow™ photoluminescent coatings are non-toxic with zero volatile organic compounds and are classed as non-hazardous.  Please refer to the relevant MSDS for full details regarding safety.

Allureglow™ photoluminescent coatings are ready to use  and require no secondary addition to promote cure, but rely instead on the evaporation of the water content to allow the resin base to begin the curing process. When all of the water has evaporated, the coating becomes a complete plastic coating.

Surface preparation

All surfaces to be coated must be clean,  dry, and free of any contamination such as dirt or grease. If being applied to concrete, the surface may be damp but not wet (no surface water).

Allureglow™ photoluminescent coatings must be applied to white primed surfaces as this white background will give the maximum level of glow from the coating. Applications to dark surfaces will severely reduce the level of light emitted.

Allureglow™ White Primer

When applying the Allureglow™ photoluminescent coating to  any surface, ensure that the white primer-undercoat used offers good adhesion  to the substrate surface. White primer coats such as polyurethane two pack, powder coating, and epoxy paints offer good bonding to metal substrates. Acrylic primers may be used for wood surfaces.

If applying to plastics, ensure that the primer is recommended for application to the particular plastic that is to be coated. Plastics such as Polypropylene and Polyethylene require special primers that are available and these primers, when correctly applied, create excellent bonding to the plastic surface.

When applying Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint to concrete surfaces, ensure that the concrete has been acid washed, rinsed and dried of any surface water before applying the white primer. The white primer may be applied to new concrete surfaces as it’s unique structure allows the concrete to cure through the primer as well as the luminescent coating.

Ensure that the white primer is totally cured before applying the Alureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint.

Allureglow™

Photoluminescent Paint 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint is an easily applied coating that exhibits excellent light emitting properties. The coating has zero Volatile Organic Compounds, and cures to a flat matt finish. When cured,  

Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint is flexible, hard, and has excellent resistance to Ultra Violet rays.

Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint adhesion to concrete is excellent, and adhesion to properly primed metal, most plastics, and timber surfaces is outstanding.

Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint may be applied to new concrete surfaces and will allow the concrete to cure through the coating. Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint protects new concrete against efflorescence, and has excellent water and alkali resistance. To maximize abrasion resistance and coating durability, cured applications of Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint must be coated with a suitable clear coat.

APPLICATION

Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paints are waterborne coatings containing high specific gravity luminescent particles in suspended form. The recommended method for spray application is by HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) spraying equipment.

NB; Use of conventional compressed air spraying equipment (30 to 100 pounds per square inch pressure) will result in premature drying of the polymer, which in turn will result in clogging of the spray jet.  Therefore this method is not recommended.

There are several suitable HVLP spray systems commercially available, and all of these operate on approximately 8 to 10 pounds per square inch of air pressure and approximately 10 cubic feet per minute of constant air delivery. The HVLP system that we have tested and has proved very suitable is the Wagner/Spraytech CS9100.

This system has a variety of spray jet sets available so that the applicator has a variety of choices  to suit the speed and finish required for the application.

Thoroughly mix the Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint in the container before use. Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint is designed so that the luminescent particles will stay in suspension during transport and storage, but it is always advisable to stir well before use.

DO NOT attempt to thin the Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint. It is designed to spray in the form as supplied and the shear forces of the spray gun will alter the viscosity to the required level to allow atomization. If there should be some thickening of the coating during extended storage, please consult with Allureglow™ for advice on how  to adjust the viscosity.

Always replace the lid securely to the container after use, as a container of Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint left open for long periods will cause partial drying of the product, causing a surface skin to form and possible thickening of the paint, and possible waste of product.

If any dried residue from the walls of the container are mixed into the Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint, use a fine mesh strainer to filter the contamination before spraying. Wash the strainer in clean water after straining any lumps or foreign impurities from the coating.

Apply the Aureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint to the entire surface to be coated by spraying through the HVLP spray gun. The initial coating should be no more than a thin wet coat. Allow this coat to fully touch dry before applying further coats. The time for drying of this coat should be between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. Drying times may be accelerated by the use of a warm airflow across the wet coating, but below 100 degrees Fahrenheit or approximately 40 degrees Celsius.

Apply subsequent coats of Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Surface should be dry to the touch.

Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint will reduce in thickness approximately 10% to 15% during the curing process. The recommended cured coating thickness to deliver the optimum light emission is between 1mm and 1.5mm. To achieve this cured coating thickness will require the application of between 3 and 5 coats of Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint, dependent on the spray jet chosen.

Excessive single wet coating thickness may result in cratering of the surface due to spot slumping of the wet coating.

When the required coating thickness has been achieved, allow the Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint to fully cure to achieve maximum hardness and flexibility. This may take up to 24 hours depending on temperature and humidity. The coated surface should be sufficiently dry to handle within a few hours of the final coat.

When the coating process has been completed, empty the remaining contents of the spray pot into the Allureglow™ container, and clean the gun with water. If this is not done, the Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint may set in the gun requiring dismantling of the gun and soaking in a solvent to break down the set resin.

After the Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Coating is fully cured, the coating should be protected by the application of a clear coat. This will protect the coating from dirt, grease and scratching. The clear coat will also enhance the glow properties of the Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint. 

TECHNICAL DATA

 Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint

Shelf Life (unopened)                           More than 6 months

Pot Life                                                If product is in sealed spray gun pot, then the pot life is the same as the shelf life, however it is recommended that the product only be left in the gun for so long as it takes to perform the application.

Drying Time                                         From 10 minutes to 4 hours (depending on temperature and humidity). Drying may be accelerated by the application of warm air across the coated surface (under 100°F or 40°C)

Curing Time                                         Up to 24 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. Curing may be accelerated by the application of warm air across the coating surface (under 100°F or 40°C)

Coverage                                             1 Quart (1 litre) will cover approximately 10.76 square feet (1 square metre)  at wet thickness of 1mm.

Color                                                    Dense liquid with slightly green milky appearance.

Glowing Colors                                    Green

                                                            Blue

CAUTION

Read the material safety data sheet before using this product. Whilst the product is classified non-hazardous, normal industrial practices should be observed, and the product should be stored and handled appropriately.

Allureglow™ Clear Coat

Product Description

Allureglow™ Clear  Coat is a waterborne, self crosslinking high solids 100% acrylic coating. It exhibits exceptional light clarity when cured, and has a high UV resistance and produces a hard but flexible coating for application to 

Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint.

Allureglow™ Clear Coat should not be used in applications where the coated surface is permanently immersed in water, or in contact with strong solvents. If application is to Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint on new concrete, allow sufficient time for the concrete to fully cure (28 days) before applying the clear coat.

Allureglow™ Clear Top Coat may be applied by spray, brush or roller, and should only be applied to fully cured Allureglow™ Photoluminescent Paint.

Allureglow™ Clear Top Coat is dispersible in water and water is the recommended cleaning material for spray guns, brushes or rollers.

Allureglow™ Clear Top Coat is classified as non-hazardous, however the usual good industrial practices should be adhered to when applying, handling or storage of this product.

TECHNICAL DATA

Allureglow™ Clear Coat

Shelf life (unopened)                           Longer than 6 months

Pot life                                                  If product is in sealed spray gun pot, then the pot life is the same as the shelf life, however it is recommended that the product only be left in the gun for so long as it takes to perform the application.

Drying time                                          15 minutes to 1 hour depending on temperature. Drying  time may be accelerated by passage of warm air (below 100°F or 40°C) across the surface of the clear coat.

Curing time                                          24 hours, may be accelerated by passage of warm air (below 100°F or 40°C) across the surface of the top coat.

Coverage                                             Approximately 1 quart (1 litre) per 42 square feet or 4 square metres.

Color                                                    Milky white liquid curing to clear solid coating

CAUTION                                              Read the material safety data sheet before using this material. Classified as non-hazardous.

APPLICATION

Allureglow™ Clear Coat may be applied by spray gun, brush or roller.

If application is by spray gun, use a fine spray nozzle to achieve proper atomization of the coating. Apply one full wet out coat of approximately 250 micron (.25mm) in depth and allow to dry. As the topcoat dries, it will become clear. If any milky appearance remains in the dry coating, this indicates that the coating may have been too thick, but will cure clear. Do not expose the coating to surface abrasion or impact until it is fully cured clear.

For brush or roller applications, use only good quality brushes or paint rollers. Brush or roll in one direction only and allow to touch dry before applying further coats. Allow to dry and cure.

Wash out spray gun, brushes and rollers in clean water.

Allureglow™ Screen Ink

Product Description 

Allureglow™ Screen Ink has the highest light emission performance of the Allureglow™ range of products and is ideal for the sign making industry.

Allureglow™ Screen Ink dries to a relatively smooth finish that allows overprinting if required. It also has excellent flexibility and surface hardness that makes it ideally suited for application to rigid or flexible surfaces.

Allureglow™ Screen Ink is  fast drying to a flat, matt finish.

The Screen Ink may be varied in brightness level by selection of the photoluminescent particle size, with the highest level of glow being achieved with the larger particle sizes.

This requires that the mesh size of the silk screen be matched to the particle size in the Screen Ink. The recommended screen mesh should be in the range of 24T to 80T.

The larger mesh sizes will allow for thicker deposits of the ink on the surface, and number of coats required will vary depending on mesh size. The best way to determine the number of coats is to do a test sample, with observation of glow level after each coat, and repeat this until desired level of glow is achieved.

TECHNICAL DATA

 Allureglow™ Screen Ink is a pale green viscous liquid.

Shelf Life (unopened)                                      Greater  than 6 months

Pot Life                                                           Single Pack Product that will skin over surface if left in open container for long periods. Close lid when not in use.

Drying Time                                                   5 minutes to 1 hour depending on temperature. Drying time may be accelerated by application of warm dry air (below 100°F or 40°C) across the coating.

Curing Time                                                    24 hours may be accelerated by passage of warm dry air (below 100°F or 40°C) across the coating.

Coverage                                                         Dependent on coating thickness, expect a maximum of 2lbs per 10sq feet of surface area (approx 1kg per sq metre)

Glowing Color                                                 Green and blue (other colors under development

APPLICATION

Stir Allureglow™ Screen Ink in the container thoroughly until color and texture are uniform and  smooth.

Pour the ink onto the screen and flood the screen with 2 light passes of the squeegee.

Screen the ink onto the surface to be printed once and allow the ink to dry. Drying may be accelerated by use of a warm air tunnel (below 100°F or 40°C)  or heat lamp. The ink should be sufficiently dry in approximately 5 to 10 minutes to allow the next coat to be applied.

After this first coat is dry, expose the surface to sunlight or bright light, and then observe the level of glow in a dark room, taking note of the uniformity of the glow across the printed area.

Repeat this process after each screen print until the desire level of glow is achieved.

This process may require up to 4 to 5 coats depending on the screen size selected.

If the screen ink begins to thicken or dry on the silk screen, dispose of this ink, wash the screen in water and dry before continuing screening.

When the required level of glow is achieved, set the printed article aside to fully cure. Total cure may take up to 24 hours, depending on ambient temperature, but may be accelerated by use of heat lamp or warm air drying tunnel.

When the printed item is cured, apply a single coat of Allureglow™ Clear Coat or similar clear coat over the cured screen ink.

Immediately the screen printing process has been completed, remove any excess ink to another container, wash  the screen with water jet and use a wet piece of soft cloth to remove any dried ink, and dry with a clean soft cloth.

When the printed item is fully cured, apply the clear coat to protect the Allureglow™ Screen Ink.

The printed item may be overprinted with any suitable screen ink, either before or after the top coat has been applied. It is advisable to conduct a small test of the overprint ink onto a cured Allureglow™ Screen Ink  test sample to verify compatibility. If applying the overprint onto the clear coat, ensure the clear coat is fully cured before doing the test with the overprint ink.

If overprint is onto the clear coat, then it is advisable to apply another coat of the clear coat after the overprint ink is fully cured.

For a printable copy click on  Technical Data Sheet