Sherwin-Williams Launches Lowest Total Applied Cost Coatings Platform for Rail Cars

Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine is delivering notable cost-saving efficiencies to the rail car market with the launch of three new water-based coatings under its time-tested CarClad platform. The new line of water-based acrylics offers the lowest total applied cost for coating rail cars based on the durability and long service life of the coatings, as well as their application efficiencies. The line includes: CarClad® WB 2600, a direct-to-metal or two-coat exterior topcoat; CarClad WB 1400, an anti-corrosive primer; and CarClad 600, a fast-drying coating for carbon steel jacketed car interiors and tank car exteriors.

“When developing our new line of water-based CarClad WB coatings, we wanted to create a platform that can deliver the lowest total cost of ownership on the market,” said Taylor Lewis, Sales Director – Freight Rail, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. “That meant focusing on longevity of service, so cars can stay on the tracks and out of the coatings shop. It also meant ensuring shop applications can be completed as efficiently as possible, so cars can get back into service quickly. We’ve achieved both goals and more with the new CarClad WB offerings.”

The water-based acrylic CarClad WB coatings rival the long-term performance of traditional solvent-based epoxy coatings, providing corrosion protection, durability, excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, extended service life and reduced maintenance needs. For example, CarClad WB 2600 applied to a general freight car operating in non-corrosive environments is expected to last 15 to 20 years before a recoat is required. The coating’s flexibility helps with that longevity, as it can withstand impacts and hammering from aggressive loading and unloading without fracturing, which can happen with epoxies. In addition, the acrylic CarClad WB coatings offer excellent color and gloss retention, allowing owners to keep cars in operation longer without worrying about aesthetics.

The higher volume solids nature of the coatings also offers additional durability, as well as sustainability. CarClad WB solutions feature 40% volume solids – a high volume compared to most coatings in this category, which typically contain just 32-35% volume solids. The additional solids promote edge retention and durability, as more of the coating material remains on sharp corners and flat surfaces after curing. With higher volume solids content, the CarClad WB coatings also release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when curing, reducing their environmental impacts compared to lower volume solids formulations. Even the coating formulation itself is friendly to applicators, as it contains no chemicals or oils that are known to cause sensitization.

The three CarClad WB coatings are designed for ease of application and fast shop throughput. Each formulation dries quickly, allowing shops to apply stenciling shortly after applications and rapidly move completed cars off the line to enable quick returns to service. In most cases, CarClad WB 2600 is applied direct-to-metal in a single pass with no primer needed. The coating can be applied up to 10 to 12 mils dry film thickness in a single coat. While it dries quickly, the coating stays wet long enough to minimize the potential of creating a bumpy dry spray finish as crewmembers overspray each other’s work during applications. CarClad WB 2600 also allows for both lower-temperature and moisture-resistant applications, providing flexibility and efficiencies for shops based in different climates.

Applicators may use the CarClad WB 1400 primer when greater corrosion protection and durability are required, as well as to avoid flash rusting when steel components are to be staged for future assembly. For enhanced efficiency when using a two-coat system, they can apply the topcoat in a wet-on-wet application about 30 minutes after applying the primer.

For maintenance applications, the recoat window for the CarClad WB coatings is unlimited, allowing owners to perform easy touchups whenever required.

“Adding these versatile water-based acrylics to our comprehensive portfolio of rail car coatings and augmenting their performance enhances our ability to provide full service to the market and get them what they need when they need it,” said Lewis. “Coupling those capabilities with our domestic and international manufacturing capabilities, plus our well-established distribution channel, enables us to be a one-stop shop with a short supply chain for coating hopper cars, tank cars, gondolas, box cars, flat cars, autoracks and a wide variety of intermodal cars and containers.”

For more information on the complete line of water-based CarClad WB acrylic coatings for rail cars, click here.