Phoenix Specialty Coatings157 Kimery Store Road January 18, 2008 re: EVALUATION OF LIQUIGUARD PC Dear Mr. Zucker: The following evaluation comprises my report concerning LiquiGuard PC, presented to me on January 10, 2008 for base coat use on various pieces of new aluminum and used steel stock procured by my company in advance of routine powder coating. Those samples are enclosed. In light of LiquiGuard’s new business relationship with The Eastwood Company, all nine samples were eventually powder coated using an Eastwood “Hot Coat Pro 1100” powder coating gun. Two of the powder colors used, Ford Light Blue (Part No. 100 10145) and Chrysler Orange (Part No. 100 11874), were purchased from Eastwood. The third powder used, Plum Cast (Part No. 1106B), was purchased from Prismatic Powders, a division of NIC Industries located in White City, Oregon. All metal samples were initially outgassed, and then prepared and powder coated under the same stringent conditions, including powder mil thickness of .003 mils and similar placement of the same part in the curing oven, in order to compare them as closely as possible: Metal prep - used steel Media blasting, soap/water, acetone
Substrate Part Identification Color Steel Automotive rear end bracket Plum Cast
Although the samples would initially somewhat repel powder adhesion, once a very light layer of powder was applied, it produced very nice adhesion results, attracted the powder extremely well, and seemed to be smooth and even. The most impressive part of my evaluation pertains to the total absence of any outgassing whatsoever during the curing cycle. Even on the thinnest gauge aluminum I could find, there was no outgassing at all, as is typical in the industry, and as all powder coaters have come to expect when dealing with aluminum. The intricate Ford automotive bracket was the most disappointing sample of all with respect to the back side (a bit bumpy), but I would tend to attribute that more to defects in the metal itself -- and perhaps excessive powder application on my part -- rather than place any blame on the LiquiGuard PC. I intend to perform additional independent testing to learn if previous outgassing can be avoided altogether (i.e., sample parts can be simply coated with the product and immediately powder coated without prior outgassing of the part before normal preparation begins). Unfortunately, I did not receive enough of the products to do so at this time. I am extremely impressed with and excited by the results I received using Liquiguard PC on aluminum. It may well be every professional powder coater’s “dream product.” The samples coated with Liquiguard PC are smooth, orange peel is minimal, and produce superior aesthetic results to the trained eye. I am anxious to learn how the samples perform in salt spray tests. Thank you very much for this latest opportunity to assist your company with its testing and product development. Of course, if you have any questions, require clarification or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, By: Leanna Johnson
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