New System Protects USAF Infrastructure Coating Spec Variance Secures Improved Performance

Departing from strict military specifications

The military’s Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) govern selection of corrosion protection coatings at military
installations. For structural steel, they specify a three-part system meeting requirements published in MIL-DTL-24441/19,
MIL-DTL-24441/31, and MIL-PRF-85285.

However, the specific system on which those standards were based is known to perform poorly, with the coatings
frequently breaking down prematurely.

As part of construction of a new 105,041-square-foot maintenance hangar and supporting infrastructure at Hurlburt
Field, Champion Special Services Provider and Carboline worked together to persuade military specifiers to agree to a
variance, allowing for the selection of an alternative system known for superior performance.

New system supports mission readiness

Champion crews applied the following Carboline protective coating system:

Carbozinc 11 inorganic zinc primer was applied in the fabrication shop prior to delivery

Carbozinc 859, a fast-cure organic zinc primer with very low VOCs, was applied for field touch-ups and to repair
normal damage from transit

Carboguard 893 SG, a flexible and economic epoxy, is compatible for use over zinc-based primers and features
low-temperature cure capability

Carbothane 134 HG is renowned for excellent weatherability in tough coastal locations throughout the Gulf Coast

Initially, spray application was specified for the bulk of the work. But Champion’s crews responded to volatile weather and
some supply and logistics challenges by brush- and roller-applying 90% of the project.

This successful delivery establishes a precedent the military can cite to specify better-performing corrosion protection
systems on future coatings projects.

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