Winter Refinishing Made Easy with MAKO Cold Cure Accelerator

Cold Weather? No Problem!

As winter sets in, applying high-performance urethane coatings like Shark-Thane Plus becomes increasingly challenging. Cold temperatures can slow curing times, leaving your coatings vulnerable to contamination and failure. But with MAKO Cold Cure Accelerator, you can maintain optimal performance and protect coating integrity even in freezing conditions.

Understanding the Impact of Cold and Humidity on Curing

Cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions responsible for curing, leading to longer drying times, incomplete curing, and potential coating failures. High humidity adds further challenges by delaying solvent evaporation, increasing tackiness, and causing surface defects like bubbling or pin holing. Together, these conditions compromise adhesion, durability, and finish quality.

Understanding Cross-Linking: The Science of Durability

Crosslinking density in urethane coatings refers to how tightly the chemical bonds are packed within the material. High crosslink density ensures stronger, more durable coatings that resist wear, chemicals, and environmental stress.

Loose Weave (Low Crosslinking Density)

Imagine a loosely woven fabric with large gaps between the threads. This fabric is more prone to wear and tear because it's less sturdy. Similarly, a urethane coating with low crosslinking density has fewer chemical bonds, making it less durable and more susceptible to damage.

Tight Weave (High Crosslinking Density)

Now, think of a tightly woven fabric with threads closely packed together, leaving minimal gaps. This fabric is stronger and more resistant to damage. In the same way, a urethane coating with high crosslinking density has many closely packed chemical bonds, resulting in a tougher, more durable, and resilient surface.

In essence, increasing the crosslinking density in urethane coatings enhances their strength and durability, much like how a tighter fabric weave produces a more robust material.

Urethane coatings achieve their strength and durability through a chemical process called cross-linking, where polymer chains form bonds, creating a robust, interconnected network. In cold temperatures, this process slows down significantly, leading to:

• Extended Drying Times: The coating remains tacky for longer periods, increasing the risk of contamination.

• Incomplete Curing: The coating may not reach its full mechanical properties, resulting in reduced adhesion, flexibility, and chemical resistance.

Illustrating the difference in crosslinking density

How MAKO Cold Cure Accelerator Works

MAKO Cold Cure Accelerator enhances the cross-linking process by increasing the reaction rate between polymer chains, even in low temperatures. This ensures the coating achieves the proper cross-link density, which is vital for:

• Mechanical Strength: Superior hardness and resistance to mechanical wear.

• Chemical Resistance: Improved resistance to solvents and other chemicals.

• Flexibility: Ensures the coating remains flexible without becoming brittle.

Why Choose MAKO Cold Cure Accelerator?

• Consistent Quality: Ensures coatings achieve their designed performance characteristics, regardless of ambient temperature.

• Increased Productivity: Reduces waiting times between application and service, allowing for more efficient project scheduling.

• Extended Application Season: Empowers you to undertake coating projects year-round, expanding your operational capabilities.

Cold Weather Application Tips

To achieve the best results during cold weather refinishing, follow these essential tips:

• Pre-Warm Materials: Store coatings and MAKO Cold Cure Accelerator in a warm environment prior to use to ensure optimal viscosity and performance.

• Substrate Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from frost or condensation before applying the coating.

• Environmental Control: Use heaters or other environmental controls to maintain a consistent application temperature, ideally above the minimum recommended range.

• Mix Thoroughly: Combine the MAKO Cold Cure Accelerator with your urethane coating thoroughly to ensure even distribution and performance.

• Monitor Cure Times: Keep track of the curing process, as accelerated curing may still require adjustments based on environmental conditions.

Buy Now

Don’t let winter hold you back. Equip your team with MAKO Cold Cure Accelerator and achieve professional-grade results all year long!