Glas-Tech 9000 aliphatic acrylic urethane system

An acrylic urethane system? It sounds like a bit of a contradiction. But more than 30 million successful applications say otherwise.

The coating is Glas-Tech 9000, manufactured by Hawk Research Laboratories Inc. The high-solid, two-component system combines the durability of a cross-linked two-component aliphatic urethane with the cosmetic benefits of an acrylic.

A worldwide favorite, Glas-Tech 9000 is popular for use in architectural, marine, and aerospace applications. But it is also a quality choice for painting professionals looking at coatings they expect to last for the long term. Specifically, it makes a great topcoat system for kitchen and bathroom refinishing.

The coating is high-gloss (95+), 100 percent resistant to ultraviolet rays, and cures in 24 hours at 70 degrees F. Available in more than 1,200 popular decorator colors, including clear, it can be used in refinishing bathroom fixtures and ceramic tile, and in a semigloss version, on countertops and kitchen cabinets.

The resin and catalyst are mixed together at the job site, starting the chemical reaction. Then, the result is applied to a surface that needs refinishing. Thanks to its high-solids content and an antisag additive, refinishers experience smooth, fast and precise applications with a relatively small amount of product.

But Glas-Tech 9000’s most important feature is its durability and long-term lifespan, possible because of something called “cross-linking density.” That’s the number of chemical bonds holding the molecules together, says Hawk product developer Peter Mosior. “On a molecular level, the cross-linking that takes place as the product hardens is much denser than typical urethane systems on the market. The denser the cross-linking, the tougher the film will become as it cures.”

When laboratory tested, Glas-Tech 9000 is even more resistant to chemical impact than a typical modified urethane. As the formula is curing, its pigment settles to the bottom of the film, and a clear resin-rich layer forms on top. The top layer offers long-term protection from extreme moisture and harsh impacts and stands up to stains, solvents and acids.

Customers will appreciate the coating’s factory-new finish, Mosior says, but Glas-Tech is more than just show. “The clear resin layer that naturally forms on the surface as it cures also provides the impact-, stain-, and acid-resistance that sets it apart from the competition.”