Industrial Paint and Protection Magazine

Carboline’s Most Popular Products in Review

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carboline facility

Carboline is one of the most well-known industrial paint providers in the U.S. Founded in 1947, Carboline offers more than 500 active products and operates in over 90 countries. These products mostly fall into the following categories:

  • Acrylics
  • Alkyds
  • Coal Tars
  • Epoxy Amines
  • Epoxy Novolacs
  • Epoxy Phenalkamines
  • Epoxy Phenolic
  • Epoxy Polyamides
  • Fireproofing
  • Polyesters
  • Polyurethanes
  • Silicones
  • Thinners
  • Vinyl Esters
  • Water Based Products
  • Zincs 
  • Specialty products

Let’s take a look at some of Carboline’s most popular product lines and see how they hold up against the competition. We’re going to cover Carboline’s most popular product lines, and we’ll cover the most popular products within those product lines.

Carboguard

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Carboguard products are multi-purpose epoxy coatings. Epoxy coatings typically have strong chemical resistance, abrasive durability, low porosity, and strong bond strength. There are dozens of Carboguard products available, but for the purposes of this article we’ll specifically look at the five most popular Carboguard products:

Carboguard 890

Carboguard 890 is a cycloaliphatic amine epoxy, offering high chemical resistance and exceptional versatility. These coatings are self-priming and can be applied over most existing coatings. A great maintenance coating for chemical environments, Carboguard 890 is worth checking out. 

Notable features from the Carboguard 890 product data sheet include:

  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Surface tolerant characteristics
  • Conventional and low-temperature versions
  • Self-priming and primer/finish capabilities
  • Very good abrasion resistance
  • VOC compliant to current AIM regulations
  • Suitable for use in USDA inspected facilities
  • Intermediate coat for AWWA D102 Outside System #6 and #7

Carboguard 893

Carboguard 893 is another cycloaliphatic amine epoxy, but it’s used as a primer or intermediate coat over steel and inorganic zinc primers. Carboguard 893 is a high solids formula and corrosion resistant. 

Notable features from the Carboguard 893 product data sheet include:

  • Excellent corrosion protection
  • Excellent film build and edge protection
  • Used as a primer or an intermediate coating
  • Good abrasion resistance
  • Cures down to 40°F (4°C)
  • VOC compliant to current AIM regulations

Carboguard 60

Carboguard 60 is an epoxy polyamide that can be used as a primer, intermediate coat, or self-priming finish over steel or inorganic zinc primers. Carboguard 60 is unique, because it can be topcoated with itself, or any number of high performance finishes. 

This product is high solids, versatile, abrasion resistant, chemical resistant and corrosion resistant. 

Carboguard 635

Carboguard 635 is an all-purpose, immersion-grade epoxy phenalkamine coating. This Carboline product offers low-temperature cures, surface tolerance, fast recoat times, and moisture tolerance during application and cure. 

Carboguard 635 can be used as a corrosion resistant primer, an intermediate coating over itself or similar primers, or a finish coating, making it extremely versatile. 

Notable features from the Carboguard 635 product data sheet include:

  • Low temperature cure (20°F)
  • Excellent corrosion protection
  • Excellent application characteristics
  • Fast recoat times
  • Moisture tolerance during application
  • Extended recoat window for atmospheric exposures (6 months for most topcoats)
  • ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for potable water (see UL’s website for details)*
  • Meets IMO Performance Standard for Protective Coatings MSC.215(82): 2006 for sea water ballast tanks

Carboguard 891

Carboguard 891 is a high solids formula cycloaliphatic amine epoxy that’s primarily used for lining interior steel, concrete tanks, valves and pipes. There is also a VOC compliant model called Carboguard 891 VOC. 

Notable features from the Carboguard 891 product data sheet include:

  • Excellent film build and edge protection
  • VOC compliant to current AIM regulations
  • Meets or exceeds all requirements of: ANSI/NSF Std. 61 for potable water tanks*
  • AWWA D102 Inside System 1 and 2
  • AWWA C210 for use on interior of steel water pipe
  • Complies with FDA 21CFR 175.300 criteria for food contact

The Carboguard 891 VOC version of the product is an ultra high solids epoxy widely used for potable water, demineralized water, wastewater plants, etc. 

Carbozinc

The Carbozinc brand is a product line of various inorganic and organic zinc rich primers. Zinc-rich primers are excellent primers for steel assets in highly corrosive environments. Carbozinc products are particularly useful in immersive environments, underground, marine, and tanker environments where corrosion is likely to occur. 

The two most popular Carbozinc products include:

Carbozinc 859

Carbozinc 859 is an organic zinc-rich epoxy used to prime steel. It’s a low VOC option with extremely fast cure-to-topcoat times. It’s primarily used in the field for jobs that require a quick turnaround. Used in virtually all industrial markets.

Some of the most important features from the Carbozinc 859 product sheet include:

  • Meets Class B slip co-efficient and creep testing criteria for use on faying surfaces
  • Rapid cure. Dry to recoat in 30 minutes at 75°F (24°C) and 50% relative humidity.
  • Complies with SSPC Paint 20 (Type II)
  • Low temperature cure down to 35°F (2°C)
  • Excellent adhesion
  • Protects against undercutting corrosion
  • Field proven primer that applies well by spray methods
  • Excellent touch-up primer by brush or roll for small areas.
  • VOC compliant to current AIM regulations

Carbozinc 11

Carbozinc 11 is another popular zinc rich primer from Carboline. Carbozinc 11 is a solvent-based inorganic zinc primer that provides excellent galvanic corrosion protection to steel. It’s a high performance inorganic zinc that can be used on numerous steel structures and  assets. 

Noteworthy features from the Carbozinc 11 product data sheet include: 

  • Meets Class B slip co-efficient and creep testing criteria for use on faying surfaces
  • Rapid cure. Dry to handle in 45 minutes at 60°F (16°C) and 50% relative humidity
  • Low temperature cure down to 0°F (-18°C
  • High zinc loading
  • Meets FDA requirements
  • Zinc supplied meets ASTM D520 (Type II)
  • Meets SSPC Paint 20 Type I, Level 1 for zinc content
  • Very good resistance to salting
  • May be applied with standard airless or conventional spray equipment
  • VOC compliant in many areas

Carbothane

Carbothane is another popular Carboline product line. Carbothane products are all classified as aliphatic polyurethanes, a tough and durable coating that allows for flexibility as well. These types of coatings are highly resistant to water and UV exposure. Carbothane products are usually used as a finish or sealant to an epoxy product. 

The most popular Carbothane products include: 

Carbothane 134

Carbothane 134 is a glossy, attractive topcoat with a slick and hard film. It’s resistant to acids, alkalies, and most solvents. This product offers excellent resilience to salts and water.

Carbothane 134 HG is a similar product, but it offers the added benefit of being a high solids, low VOC alternative for companies held to AIM standards and regulations. 

Important product features from the Carbothane 134 HG product data sheet include:

  • High solids, low VOC content
  • Excellent weatherability
  • Exceeds SSPC Paint 36 specification for a Level 3 urethane
  • Available in all Carboline colors including metallic-pigmented colors
  • Excellent flow characteristics allow for application by spray or roller
  • Superior impact and abrasion resistance
  • Indefinite recoatability
  • VOC compliant to current AIM regulations
  • Topcoat for AWWA D102 Outside System #6 and #7
  • Suitable for use in USDA inspected facilities

You can download the full Carbothane 134 HG data sheet here, and you can download the Carbothane 134 here.

Carbothane 8845

Carbothane 8845 is a polyurethane finish that can be applied directly to metals; alternatively, it can be used as a finish coat over primed substrates. It’s a fast drying, high solids, low VOC option with a high gloss finish. Typical applications include air compressors, propane tanks, chassis, frames, valves, pumps, etc. 

Note that it is NOT recommended for continuous immersion service!

According to the Carbothane 8845 product sheet, the primary features include: 

  • VOC compliant – 1.9 lbs/gal (228 g/l) as supplied
  • Direct-To-Metal (DTM)
  • 6 hours to handle at 75 °F (24 °C)
  • High solids, high build, high gloss
  • Excellent abrasion resistance
  • Application by conventional, airless spray, HVLP or electrostatic
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Ambient air or force cure with conventional or infrared ovens

You can download the full Carbothane 8845 product data sheet here.

Carbothane 133

Carbothane 133 comes in several varieties:

  • FC
  • FLV
  • HB
  • LH and LH Metallic
  • LV
  • MC
  • SG
  • VOC

We’ll look specifically at Carbothane 133 HB, as it’s one of the most common Carbothane products used by coatings professionals. Carbothane HB is a two-component aliphatic polyurethane. It’s suitable across a variety of applications over primers and intermediate coats, and it comes in several colors. 

Benefits outlined in the Carbothane 133 HB product data sheet include:

  • Outstanding performance properties in both mild and aggressive environments
  • High build; suitable for many two-coat systems
  • Suitable for application direct to inorganic zincs
  • Application by spray, brush or roller
  • Indefinite recoatability

Thermaline

Now I know what you’re wondering – “What about Thermaline?” Don’t worry, we’ll cover the three most popular Thermaline products offered by Carboline below:

  • Thermaline 450
  • Thermaline 4700
  • Thermaline 4900

The Thermaline product line consists of high-heat coatings, coatings meant to protect assets in high temp environments. These are Carboline intumescent and Carboline fireproofing products worth checking out. 

Thermaline 450

Thermaline 450 is an amine-cured novolac epoxy. This coating is designed for insulated and uninsulated pipes, stacks, and equipment operating at up to 450°F (or 231°C). It offers extreme performance and is recommended for CS-1,3,4 and SS-1,2,3 systems of NACE SP0198 Standard Practice for coatings to control corrosion under insulation (CUI).

Thermaline 450’s most unique benefits outlined on the Carboline website include:

  • High-build single-coat capabilities
  • Excellent resistance to thermal shock
  • Superior abrasion and chemical resistance
  • Glass flake reinforcement
  • Ambient-temperature cure
  • VOC compliant to current AIM regulations

Thermaline 4700

Thermaline 4700 is a high temperature, single package silicone finish. It offers absolutely insane protection, suitable for assets that experience temperatures up to 1004°F (or 540°C). Hot glass, energy production, metal production, and other industries should consider this coating (while also considering exactly how hot their assets become). 

Thermaline 4700’s key benefits listed on the Carboline website include:

  • Resistant to severe thermal shock
  • Provides outstanding long-term performance when applied over Carbozinc inorganic zinc primers
  • Provides barrier protection prior to heat curing (full film physical properties occur after heat curing)

You can download the full Thermaline 4700 product data sheet here. 

Thermaline 4900

Thermaline 4900 is a lower temperature alternative to Thermaline 4700. It’s also a single package silicone acrylic finish, but only suitable for temperatures up to 500°F. Interestingly, heat curing above 300°F is recommended for this product, and will actually result in greater strength and integrity throughout the life of the coating. 

Alternatively, air drying allows for faster turnaround.

Key characters of Thermaline 4900 listed on the Carboline website include:

  • Temperature resistance up to 500°F (260°C) for black **
  • Air-dried curing capabilities
  • Single-coat application
  • Excellent resistance to thermal shock
  • Good weathering and color stability
  • RTS colors available

Bitumastic

Carboline also offers the Bitumastic product line. Bitumastic coatings are coal tar epoxies and enamels, coatings designed for chemically polluted water, cargo tanks, sewage plants, and other underwater applications. Bitumastic coal tar epoxies can also be used for above ground steel structures and assets.

There are two popular options among the Bitumastic product line:

  • Bitumastic 300m
  • Bitumastic 50

Bitumastic 300m

Let’s start with Bitumastic 300m, a coal-tar epoxy polyamide from Carboline. Bitumastic 300m offers protection of steel and concrete assets in a single or two-coat application. It’s a self-priming coal epoxy with up to 350°F continuous dry temperature resistance.

Bitumastic 300m offers the following benefits according to Bitumastic 300m product data sheet:

  • Excellent chemical, corrosion and abrasion resistance
  • High-build, 16-24 mils (400-610 microns) in a single coat (up to 35 mils with force curing)
  • Compatible with controlled cathodic protection
  • Suitable for use in exposures as referenced in the following specifications:
  • Corp of Engineers C-200, C200a
  • AWWA C-210 for exterior
  • SSPC-Paint 16
  • Steel Tank Institute Corrosion Control System STI-P3

Bitumastic 50

Bitumastic 50 is an ultra-high build, single-component coal tar mastic. This coating is designed to withstand aggressive environments, protecting steel and concrete substrates.

Core benefits laid out in the Bitumastic 50 product data sheet include:

  • Application up to 30 dry mils (750 microns) in a single coat
  • Self priming, single-coat capabilities
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • Complies with MIL-C-18480-B and Bureau of Reclamation CA50 specifications

Carbomastic

The Carbomastic product line consists of surface-tolerant epoxy mastics. What that means: surface-tolerant epoxy mastics are used to protect against pitting corrosion on hard steel surfaces. These coatings limit bleeding and weeping and offer low VOC emissions due to their high solids concentration, making them EPA compliant.

Let’s take a look at one of Carboline’s most popular epoxy products in the series, Carbomastic 15.

Carbomastic 15

Carbomastic 15 is a Carboline epoxy mastic offering a high-solids concentration for barrier control and corrosion resistance. It’s used over existing finishes and rusted assets, as well as SSPC-SP2 or SP3-cleaned steel surfaces. In other words, it’s a versatile epoxy that can be used in multiple environments and applications. 

Carbomastic 15’s product data sheet lists the following benefits:

  • Excellent performance over minimal surface preparation of steel substrates
  • Suitable as a topcoat for most tightly adhered existing coatings
  • Excellent choice for field touch-up of zinc-rich primers and galvanized steel
  • Unique formulation with aluminum flakes provides exceptional barrier protection
  • Available in a low temperature cure version (Carbomastic 15 FC)
  • Suitable for use under insulation on hot surfaces operating up to 300 °F (150 °C)
  • VOC compliant to current AIM regulations

Carbomastic 90

Looking for an economical alternative to Carbomastic 15? Carbomastic 90 could be the solution. 

This product is designed for a broad range of applications while still offering excellent corrosion  resistance, film build, and surface tolerance. The best part? It can be applied at low temperatures and still offer faster cure times than many other products.

Per the Carbomastic 90 product data sheet, the core benefits include:

  • Very good performance over minimal surface preparation of steel substrates
  • Suitable as a tie-coat/topcoat for most tightly adhered existing coatings
  • Excellent film build on edges
  • Can be applied at temperatures as low as 40°F
  • VOC compliant to current AIM regulations

Plasite

The Plasite products from Carboline are ultra high-performance tank linings. The products are used to prevent chemical contamination, corrosion, and leakage in tankers. The most popular Plasite products include:

  • Plasite 7122
  • Plasite 7159
  • Plasite 3070
  • Plasite 4500
  • Plasite 9570

Plasite 7122

Plasite 7122 is specifically used for its chemical resistance and resistance to aggressive atmospheric exposure. Common applications include pipelines and tankers. 

Plasite 7122 is an epoxy phenolic that is suitable for use in food-grade service where product purity (taste, odor, texture, etc.) are essential for storage. This coating also offers exceptional abrasion and shock resistance. 

Per the Plasite 7122 product sheet, the most notable features include:

  • Versatile coating with wide chemical resistance
  • Excellent abrasion resistance
  • Excellent thermal shock resistance
  • Excellent resistance to fuels
  • Long history of performance
  • Self-priming

Plasite 7159

Plasite 7159 is a water-resistant epoxy coating that’s been polymerized with a polyamine type curing agent. It’s a high performance lining that can withstand high temperature and pressure.

Plasite 7159 is commonly used in markets like water & wastewater, petrochemical, oil & gas midstream and upstream, and power & energy. 

Key features from the Plasite 7159 product data sheet include:

  • Easy-to-apply high performance thin film lining
  • Protects I high temperature demineralized water immersion – 212°F (100°C)
  • Recommended in high pressure three phase service up to 250°F (121°C)
  • Can be air dried or force cured for prompt service

Plasite 3070

Plasite 3070 is a bake coating that conforms with many of the EPA’s current VOC regulations. 

Most notably, Plasite 3070 meets the requirements of the U.S. FDA, 21 CFR 175.300 for use in direct food contact areas. This code specifically deals with food-contact areas, and qualifying coatings are safe for assets involved in “producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food.” You can read more about U.S. FDA, 21 CFR 175.300 here.

This coating also offers superior resistance to solvents and acids.

You can check out the full Plasite 3070 product data sheet here.

Plasite 4500

Plasite 4500 is a solvent free epoxy lining that’s most commonly used for water tanks, pipes, and valves. In fact, Plastic 4500 is compliant with the following water safety standards:

  • NSF/ANSI 61 compliant for use in potable water tanks, pipes, and valves.*
  • Certified by UL to meet the drinking water criteria of NSF/ANSI/CAN 600
  • Meets AWWA C210 requirements for use in water supply pipeline and valves
  • Passes ASTM G210 – Severe Waste Water Analysis Tests (SWAT)

Other features included in the Plasite 4500 product data sheet include:

  • High impact resistance
  • Superior adhesion to steel
  • Resistance to a broad range of chemicals
  • Can be applied as low as 35°F/2°C
  • Can be applied as a one-coat 20-60 mil system

The ability to be applied at near freezing temperatures is something quite unique to Plasite 4500, making it advantageous in cold environments. 

Plasite 9570

Plasite 9570 is the final product in our overview of Carboline’s product offerings. Plasite 9570 meets the requirements of US Food & Drug Regulations 21 CFR 175.300 while offering chemical resistance to caustic solutions up to 200°F (or 93°C). 

This high solids modified Carboline epoxy is specifically formulated to offer abrasion resistance while retaining temperature, chemical, and other physical properties.