All Under Coatings are a blend of different materials which must be stored and cared for so that they are in prime condition for use.
This is as important in the summertime for solvent based products as in the winter months for water-based products.
Both solvent and water-based coatings can continue to “cook” if stored outdoors and in direct sun light, The heat will “cook” the solvents out of the product which will then rise to the surface resulting in very thin product on top and thick product on the bottom. If not mixed back together you will use all the good thick product from the bottom with your pump and be left with thin product towards the bottom of the barrel that will not perform very well. Always store all products indoors. Ideal temperature range is 60°f - 90°f.
During cold weather any water-based product must be kept from freezing! All water based under coatings will be permanently damaged if ice crystals form in the product, this will break the emulsion and cause the product to separate, and it will not be able to be mixed back together. This is true for transportation as well as storage.
Solvent based products may thicken during cold weather but will not be damaged and will be fine when brought back to room temperature. All products should be stored, even when in use, on a pallet or drum dolly to keep them off cold concrete floors and away from outside walls or doors.
A drum heater or “belt” heater may be used but only to bring the product up to room temperature. Continued use of a drum heater will again “cook” the product.
As with any undercoating product all ValuGard coatings should be checked before use for uniform consistency and mixed as needed. This can be accomplished by “rolling” the drum or by inserting a pneumatic or electric mixer into the product and mixing thoroughly for a few minutes. It is not necessary to continue mixing during use.
Always keep the drums sealed to prevent solvent or water from escaping and to keep dirt and foreign material from entering the drums.