Before starting the application procedure it is necessary to become familiar with the mechanics of the pen itself.
D. Immediately after use, gently press the cap back onto the pen to protect the applicator from dirt and damage. Do not use excessive force when replacing the protective cap. Cleaning Prior to Use
Begin the process with a clean, water break free, dry surface. If the water rinse or treatment beads up on the surface, it has not been properly cleaned or it was re-contaminated. Avoid finger marks! Clean latex gloves are highly effective at preventing finger oil and lint contamination during cleaning.
A preferred method of surface cleaning is the use of a wet Bear-Tex or Scotch Brite® Pad to abrade the surface. Abrasion of the surface in two directions at 90 degrees is recommended. After cleaning, rinse with water if appropriate and dry the surface with a clean cloth. If cleaning with a dry abrasive pad is required, a wipe with a clean damp cloth is recommended to help remove residues. Wipe until no dark residue is picked up from the surface. A surface clean of residue (smut, abrasive fines etc.) will help keep the felt tip from becoming fouled.
Cleaning and Deoxidizing:
STEP 1:
Pre-clean the surface. If a solvent is used, do not allow the solvent to dry on the surface, but remove the solvent and dry the surface with a clean lint free cloth.
STEP 2:
Wet a Bear-Tex, 3M Scotch-Brite or other similar abrasive pad materials with water and scrub the metal surface to remove oxides and expose a fresh metal surface. Abrade the substrate in two directions. Rinse with water while cleaning (if possible) and then look for a water break free surface. If there is a water break, then continue scrubbing until a water break free surface is obtained and rinse again.
STEP 3:
After rinsing, wipe the surface with a fresh, clean dry cloth. Insure the complete removal of all abrasive and loosened substrate residues. Allow the metal surface to dry before the coating application.
Note:
Wet cleaning is highly recommended. If water wet abrasive is not allowed due to sensitive components in the vicinity of the area to be treated, dry abrasive followed by a wipe with a clean water-damp wiper is recommended to remove cleaning residues. Wipe until no dark residue is picked up from the surface. A surface clean of residue (smut, etc.) will help keep the felt tip from becoming fouled.
Treating the Surface with ALODINE® 1132 TOUCH-N-PREP®:
STEP 1:
Pop the cap. Do not twist or turn. Activate by holding the applicator tip down on the surface to be treated. Press the pen tip down for 15 to 30 seconds to open the spring valve allowing Alodine 1132 to wet the applicator tip. When the Alodine 1132 just wets the tip, release the downward pressure. The unit is ready to use.
Note:
The operator must insure the tip does not become overly saturated with the treatment solution, especially when creating a coating for Class 3 applications.
STEP 2:
Apply TOUCH-N-PREP ALODINE 1132 to the metal surface with firm, smooth, even strokes. Be sure to cover all edges. Overlap each stroke 50% to insure full coverage. DO NOT PUDDLE! DO NOT RINSE! DO NOT WIPE!
Note:
Solution breaks (de-wetting) must not be observed. A void in the wet film indicates inadequate cleaning. If needed, repeat the cleaning. Firm strokes during application helps avoid de-wetting.
STEP 3:
A second coat is required at a 90-degree angle to the first coat for all MIL-DTL-81706A compliant applications (Class 1A and Class 3). Apply the second coat within 5 minutes after the first coat dries due to the fact that the treated surface becomes more hydrophobic as it ages. DO NOT PUDDLE! DO NOT RINSE! DO NOT WIPE!
Note:
As long as the Touch-N-Prep pen wets the surface, an adequate coating will form (at least 10mg/ft2 for a double coat). The dried coating deposited will range from nearly colorless to a moderately dark brown color.
STEP 4:
Alodine 1132 can be allowed to air dry. Using warm air or a radiant source such as a heat lamp is allowed (maximum recommended temperature is 140F (60C). A consumer hair dryer is ideal and will avoid overheating the surface. Do not disturb the wet film during drying; such as by excessive airflow or contact with the treated surface.
Note:
An uneven appearance in the dry film is normal. Pre-warming the surface will give a significantly smoother appearance, and is recommended especially when the ambient temperature is less than 50F (10C).
STEP 5:
To recharge applicator tip, repeat the activation process. Frequent short “jabs” during use are preferred to maintain constant coating weights and avoid over-wetting the felt tip.
STEP 6:
Always replace the cap when not in use to avoid evaporation and contamination.
STEP 7:
When Alodine 1132 dries thoroughly, primers or other coatings may be applied. The painted Alodine 1132 coating must be allowed to air dry for 14 days per MIL-DTL-81706A before being tested for wet paint adhesion (wet tape).
Note:
(1) For general purposes meaning non-military specification applications, Alodine 1132 may be used on ferrous metals and galvanized surfaces. (2) A new applicator tip can be cut to conform to any shape with a single edge razor blade.
Consult the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets for safety and handling guidelines for the products listed in this bulletin.
Scotch Brite® of the 3M Company.
MSDS1
