The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Permalac®

Here’s a handy guide that can be tacked up next to your work table for easy reference. Although not all-inclusive, the do’s and don’ts of using Permalac in this report should keep you safe, productive, and obtaining fantastic results.

NOTE: The following information pertains to all finish sheens: Permalac Black, Permalac EF Black, Permalac EF, Permalac NT, Permalac.

What Exactly is Permalac

That’s one of our favorite questions to address. There are so many definitions floating around on the Internet that it’s best if heard direct from the source.
Permalac is an air-dry lacquer and coating for metal, stone, and wood. It’s primarily designed for protecting exterior surfaces like bronze, copper, steel, silver, and aluminum. Additionally, Permalac has been used in many other applications such as stone surfaces like masonry, stone monuments, terracotta, concrete surfaces such as floors, even antique interior wooden chairs. Painted or unpainted wood substrates are easily protected with Permalac.

From our Website:

“Unlike most other protective clear coatings Permalac can be applied to most surfaces directly without the use of a primer. That is why it’s called a Direct to Substrate (DTS) coating. You can apply Permalac to most metal, wood, or stone surfaces whether the surfaces are bare or painted on.

Permalac protective clear coatings can be sprayed or brushed on. It air dries to the touch in less than 5 minutes and dries to a virtually indestructible finish in less than an hour. When retreatment is indicated, Permalac can be easily and completely removed by wiping the surface down with acetone.

Once Permalac protection has been applied, you can count on many years of service before re-coating is required.”

SUGGESTED CLEANING AND FINISHING PROCEDURES

Most failure of clear coatings over copper, brass, bronze and steel are not due to the failure of the coatings itself but rather to progressive staining and tarnishing of the metal underneath

Permalac inhibits UV and corrosion of properly prepared surfaces. Typically exterior metals like copper gutters might develop a patina beneath the lacquer’s surface, not as a result of Permalac failing.

Permalac Do’s

  • Do spray Permalac or brush on properly prepared surfaces
  • Do ensure that surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and dry prior to application
  • Do apply Permalac directly on prepared surfaces without the need for a primer
  • Do expect your Permalac finish to last for years to come. When resurfacing is required, simply remove with acetone
  • Do brush on Permalac if a large area exists and overspray can occur
  • Do expect Permalac to be effective against Ultra-Violet Light, Salt (and salt air), and acid rain.
  • Do spray large surfaces for speed of production if needed
  • Do use Permalac on jewelry, dipped is the best outcome but it can be sprayed or brushed
  • Do immediately wash affected skin to be cleaned with soap and water
  • Do wash eyes out properly should spray or overspray come in contact with eyes and report to an emergency room with eye damage to be treated effectively

Permalac Dont’s

  • Don’t use Permalac without proper ventilation
  • Don’t spray in confined spaces where other materials can be affected by overspray
  • Don’t allow large droplets to form when spraying or brushing Permalac
  • Don’t apply to materials that are not listed in this guide. e.i. plastics, certain alloys fiberglass, other not listed
  • Don’t allow exposed skin to remain in contact with Permalac for an extended period of time
  • Don’t allow spray or overspray to come in contact with eyes
  • Don’t thin Permalac if you are applying it with a brush unless in hot climates where you can dilute by 20%
  • Don’t attempt to spray on Permalac at full strength (unless you are using a spray can). Follow thinning instructions provided on the container
  • Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads of any kind. Wash finished surfaces with soap and water only

We hope this handy guide can be of service for all of your projects both large and small. Should you have any uncertainty or questions regarding the proper application of Permalac and its family of products, feel free to reach our customer service team.

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