Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lucky Dry® work?
Lucky Dry® creating finely textured geometry. This surface is comprised of patterns of geometric shapes and billions of interstitial spaces. There are "high points" in the surface that help to create a low surface energy, which causes droplets of water to touch a very small percentage of the coating. The water in the droplet that does not touch these "high points" is held together by intermolecular cohesive forces of the water molecules. It is the combination of these elements that allow PEE BACK Liquid® to be hydrophobic and oleophobic for some, but not all, oil-based liquids.
What do the terms “hydrophobic” and “oleophobic” mean?
Lucky Dry® surface protection coating creates a solid/liquid contact angle of 100-110 degrees in air. Well-known windshield water repellents have a contact angle closer to 110 degrees and are only hydrophobic. A hydrophobic contact angle allows for the self-cleaning properties associated with Lucky Dry®. Oleophobicity refers to the ability to repel some, but not all, oil-based liquids (which have values of surface tension less than that of water). Unfortunately, oleophobicity is not an absolute term, as many oils have broad ranges of surface tension which may straddle the limit of the effective range of
Lucky Dry®. For many oils, testing is required to determine if the specific oil or grade of oil will be repelled by Lucky Dry®.
How long will Lucky Dry® coating last?
The Lucky Dry® formula is susceptible to environmental conditions such as UV. This coating will offer approximately one year of outdoor life before recoating of the top coat would be required. When used in indoor or covered applications outdoors, the coating should last for a year or more. If the top coat has diminished due to environmental conditions, simply reapply the top coat to regain the superhydrophobic properties (assuming the bottom coat is still present). Lucky Dry® coating is also susceptible to abrasion.
What is the working temperature range for Lucky Dry®?
The working temperature range for a coated surface is from -22°F to 970°F (-30°C to 500°C) once it has been applied. We would recommend further testing for any application that will be exposed to temperatures above 9700 °F (500 °C). The coating should be applied at temperatures between 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C).
What materials will the Lucky Dry® coating adhere or bond to?
Please note that the coating has a hazy translucent white appearance. Almost any material is a candidate for application: steel, aluminum, other metals, plastic, leather, fabric, wood, concrete, etc. The coating can be applied to and will bond to smooth surfaces. Preparing an already cleaned surface with heavy-duty scotch brite and/or sanding the surface with 320-800 grit sandpaper will improve adhesion. Lucky Dry® is not recommended for use on acrylics due to the high solvent content.
How abrasion-resistant is Lucky Dry®?
Lucky Dry®surface protection is significantly more abrasion resistant than previous superhydrophobic materials, registering a result of 30 cycles with a CS-10 wheel and 1000g load on the Taber Abraser before droplets no longer roll off the coating at a slope of 5 degrees from horizontal. The coating may still be superhydrophobic at this point, but droplets may "pin" or stick in the abraded area, and may not roll off until the substrate is tilted to a greater degree. If abrasion is a concern, testing is recommended. If the coating is removed due to repeated or severe abrasion, it can be reapplied.
Will the coating still work if the top coat is largely removed due to abrasion?
Perhaps. In many situations, the superhydrophobic nature of the material may be diminished but the remaining top coat and bottom coat still provide the functionality of keeping the coated material from getting wet, iced up or corroding. This is application dependent.
What color is the surface coating?
The standard product is a hazy translucent white. We do not have a transparent formula at this time. Custom colors are not available at this time. It is recommended to try the coating in an inconspicuous area first if color is important.
How many square feet or square meters can a Liter cover?
163 square feet or 15 square meters at a dry film thickness of 0.5 mils (13 microns).
How long does Lucky Dry® take to cure?
The coating will become hydrophobic within 50-60 minutes of the top coat application. Allow 24 hours of additional dry time for good results.
For best results, including optimum oleophobicity, allow the bottom coat to dry for at least 48 hour.
What is the shelf life of Lucky Dry® and what temperature should it be stored at?
Typically, shelf life of the product will be four years when stored between 40°F and 115°F (4°C and 40°C).
Does UV affect Lucky Dry®?
Lucky Dry® coating is adversely affected by ultraviolet (UV) light, reducing its useful life. Additional Lucky Dry® formulas are being developed to reduce the effect of UV light.
How chemically resistant is Lucky Dry®
As with most materials and coatings, this will depend on the chemical. In general, it is resistant to a wide range including many water-based acids and bases. It may or may not be compatible with oil-based liquids, since these substances have varying values of surface tension, and liquids with low values of surface tension are not compatible with Lucky Dry®. Testing may be required to ensure proper compatibility. Lucky Dry® surface protection will not work organic solvents including, but not limited to: acetone, xylene, t-butyl acetate, naphtha, MEK, etc.
What known chemicals are incompatible Lucky Dry® coating?
Soaps and detergents will cause the surface of the coating to “wet-out”. Once these chemicals are removed (using low pressure water), the superhydrophobicity will generally return. Alcohols and solvents will dissolve/remove the coating.
How well does Lucky Dry® stand-up to acids/bases?
Strong acids and bases are typically not a problem. Testing has been completed with sulfuric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acid with excellent results. We have also seen good results shedding strong caustic and some bleach solutions.
Will Lucky Dry® help prevent corrosion?
Yes, Lucky Dry®surface protection coating is corrosion resistant. Increasing the bottom coat thickness will increase longevity. Applying Lucky Dry®on top of existing painted surfaces, polyurethane coatings or other treated surfaces will increase the effectiveness and longevity of the pre-existing treatment.
How is Lacky Dry® coating applied?
Lucky Dry® surface protection coating is best applied using a spray method, either with traditional air-compressor driven HVLP paint sprayers, airbrush paint sprayers, or by Mini Sprayer.
Note: With all sprayer options, it is important to adjust the volume to allow Lucky Dry® to be applied in a fine mist.
Mini Sprayer: For small jobs. Remove filter at the bottom of the dip tube before use.
HVLP Spray Gun: For medium/large jobs. Use Warwick 881H or similar, 1.7 mm needle/nozzle set. Air conditions: cool, dry, 40-45 psi line pressure, 24-28 psi working pressure. Create a fine mist.
Airbrush: For small jobs. Use Iwata NEO BCN or similar, tip size = 0.5 mm. Air conditions: cool, dry, 10-60 psi working pressure. Create a fine mist.
See specific sprayer manufacturer instructions for safe and proper usage.
Is it electrically conductive?
No, it is not electrically conductive. It can be safely used to coat electric motors, switches, electrical components, electronic subjected to the elements, light fixtures, etc.
What does this product do to the transmission of air through a material?
The passing of air through the coating is dependent on the substrate. There are surfaces where the coating can act as a liquid repellent under low pressures, but allows for the permeation of gases or vapor. If the bottom coat is applied too thick and makes a continuous film across the pores of the substrate, then air transmission will be diminished.
Is Lucky Dry® surface protection coating flammable when it is dry?
Polymer binders do not offer flammability resistance as polymers are carbon-based molecules and therefore will eventually burn or melt. Please note, however, that the dry coating thicknesses are generally only about 1 mil (25 microns). We expect the overall flammability will be determined by the article being coated. We advise application-specific testing if flammability is a concern.
If Lacky Dry® is applied to fabrics, will it wash off?
Yes, after few washes and in some cases after a single wash.
Can you use Lucky Dry® coating where it is submerged in water or liquid?
This depends on the type of substrate, the depth of the submersion, the length of time the material is submersed, and the specific application. Steel coated with Lucky Dry® has been immersed in salt water for 30 days at depths of less than 12" without any corrosion effect.
Do you recommend using Lucky Dry® inside of a pipe with constantly flowing liquid?
No, this is not a good application, unless the fluid is slow-moving (laminar flow). In most cases, the liquid flowing through piping will be turbulent, causing Lucky Dry® surface protection to abrade away.
It seems like the Lucky Dry® coating is rubbing off onto my hands. Is that normal?
The whitish coating that comes off in your hands if you rub it is excess top coat particles that did not bond to on the bottom coat. NOTE: Due to the natural oils in the skin, excessive handling with bare hands of treated materials can cause a reduction in performance.
What is the return policy for Lacky Dry® coating?
All sales are final. We are unable to accept returns on the product because of the shelf life (5 years). Lucky Dry®is stamped with a “best by” date and because of that, returns are not practical.
Is Lucky Dry® coating comprised of, or is it produced using, Ozone Depleting Substances (as defined in the Kyoto Protocol and listed in Annex A of the Montreal Protocol, as amended)?
No, Lucky Dry® is not produced using any Ozone Depleting Substances (as defined in the Kyoto Protocol or listed in Annex A of the Montreal Protocol, as amended.
How does Lucky Dry® coating work against with crude (natural, organic oils)?
Lucky Dry®surface protection generally does not have good resistance to crude oil. This is mainly due to the solvents in the crude oil which actually dissolve Lucky Dry®.
Does the Lucky Dry® prevent powder accumulation on metal walls?
If there is no water or other liquid available to clean the coating, then the coating is not effective. It is not smooth or slick, it is actually a rough surface and may actually end up holding more powder in this application.
Is silicone one of the ingredients in the Lucky Dry® product?
There is no silicone, but there is a non-crystalline, fumed silica in the Top Coat (it is listed on the Safety Data Sheet).
Is the proprietary additive toxic?
All proprietary ingredients are non-hazardous.
What is the NFPA and HMIS information for Lucky Dry® surface protection coating?
· HMIS: Flammability 3 /health 1 /hazard 0 /personal protection ratings H
· NFPA: Flammability (Red) 3 /health (Blue) 1 /hazard (yellow) 0 / Special (white) empty
Can I use Lucky Dry®on my car?
Our product can be used . ! It comes not clear!
Can Lucky Dry® surface protection coating be used to prevent graffiti?
Surfaces coated with Lucky Dry® will not prevent oil-based paints from being applied, due to the solvents in the formulas. It has been shown to be somewhat effective with water-based paints however the majority of spray paints are oil-based.
Can I spray this on the bottom of my boat?
Our product can be used
Can I use Lucky Dry® on my skis, snowboard or surfboard?
Our product can be used
Will spraying Lucky Dry® on my phone make it waterproof?
Our product can be used.