STRIP IPS

PURPOSE

Strip IPS is a water-based release agent which has been formulated for use on most polyurethane and natural latex rubber molds. Strip IPS is nonflammable and fully biodegradable and will significantly improve plant safety and environmental conditions.

OTHER BENEFITS

The California South Coast Air Quality Management District requires that the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) contained in all form release agents must be 250 grams per liter or less because VOC is one of the key precursors to smog generation. Strip IPS has a VOC of only 1 gram per liter and can be recycled on-site so that waste generation can be avoided.

This product also is noncorrosive and will not stain your finished product. Strip IPS meets all EPA requirements and does not contain any hazardous ingredients such as benzene, isopropyl alcohol or methanol.

RECOMMENDED SPRAY EQUIPMENT

Strip IPS may be applied using portable air pressurized spray equipment provided the equipment is of good quality, can be pressurized to 60 psi using your plant's compressed air system, and has a fine nozzle orifice (.015" or less). It is recommended that it have a 2-gallon pressure pot of the type manufactured by Graco, Part No. 223-840. If a pressure pot sprayer is not available, we recommend the Chapin sprayer found in the Granger catalog, Part No. 4Z122. This sprayer has a brass nozzle, which is highly preferred over a plastic nozzle.

The use of small hand held "garden type" sprayers often will not produce satisfactory results as they commonly result in a coating that is not uniform and/or exceeds the recommended 2 mils thickness. In all cases where the portable equipment has been previously used, it must be first prepared by cleaning thoroughly with a soap solution and then rinsing using clean water.

MOLD PREPERATION

When this product is used on a continual basis the only preparation needed, if any, is to occasionally clean the mold with a soft rag that has been saturated with Strip IPS. This will remove any concrete buildup that might have accumulated. Also if the buildup is very soft (e.g., can be displaced by lightly rubbing the mold with your finger), it should not be removed since it will aid in providing for an easy release and will be more cost effective.

Prior to using Strip IPS for the first time, it is strongly recommended that no abrasives (e.g., steel wool, wire brush, etc.) be used to clean the mold. However, if it is absolutely necessary to do so, or if the mold is new, it first should be seasoned by applying a thick film of Strip IPS, then exposing the mold to the atmosphere for 24 hours. This cycle should be repeated over a period of two to five days, depending on the condition of the mold and the amount of exposed metal.

APPLICATION

Strip IPS is compatible with all types of molds including most polyurethane and natural latex rubber molds. However as a precaution, prior to using on such molds, it is strongly recommended that a small piece of the mold be immersed in this product for not less than two weeks to determine if swelling or other problems possibly might occur.

Strip IPS will perform best as a release agent when applied in a uniform coating that is less than 2 mils thick.

Coating thickness can be measured via a wet film thickness gauge (calling card type) made by Paul N Gardner Company and is available free of charge upon request. Measure the thickness by first placing the aluminum metal card in a perpendicular position to the concrete form covered with Strip IPS. Then remove the card immediately and notice the indentations in the coating made by the teeth in the card. The actual mil thickness will be in between the tooth touching the film and the next tooth not touching the film. It may take a few tries to become accustomed in reading this gauge and estimating the thickness.

The most significant determinants in reducing the coating thickness are (1) smaller nozzle orifice size, (2) faster travel speed of spray wand across the form, (3) longer residence time on the form and (4) higher atmospheric temperature and windy conditions.

Any puddles in the corners or bottoms of the mold must be removed prior to pouring the concrete in the normal manner. Strip IPS should be applied after each use of the form.

STORAGE AND AGITATION

Daily agitation is necessary. Preferably use a mechanical agitator.

Shelf life is up to 6 months when it is stored between 45 and 70 F and not contaminated by solvents, salts or other foreign materials. If the storage temperature is between 90 and 110 F, the shelf life is 3 months.

Strip IPS is a water-based product, which must be protected from freezing. When required, heat the storage tank to keep it from freezing, but avoid heating the product in excess of 110 F for an extended period of time (more than 2 hours). Heating should be done by using external electrical heating tapes (Raychem type). Do not use an internal heating probe as it can subject Strip IPS to high spot temperatures.

Concrete Producers Solutions Inc.
Telephone: (800) 231-6403 or (281) 398-6244
Fax: (281) 398-6242
16720 Park Row
Houston, Texas 77084-5021
email: concrete@concrete-solutions.com