Rhodes Polarcoat

The Product

Polarcoat Refrigeration & Cleanroom Coating

A single-component, 100% solids, solvent-free coating that forms an extremely smooth, highly durable, abrasion, impact, and chemical-resistant surface — engineered specifically for cold rooms, walk-in freezers, food processing facilities, and medical cleanrooms.

Overview

What Makes Polarcoat Different

Polarcoat is a single-component, 100% solids, solvent-free synthetic polymer coating. It contains no solvents and no isocyanates — making it safe to apply in occupied cold rooms near food products without any risk of contamination from evaporated solvents or paint odors.

The properties of Polarcoat create optimal conditions to resist the growth and accumulation of bacteria on its easy-to-clean surface. In corners and junctions, Polarcoat used in conjunction with Smarttech Fabric creates a monolithic surface, leaving no crevices for the formation of bacteria.

Resistant to most aggressive chemicals, solvents, and UV attack — and uniquely able to cure at temperatures as low as 23°F, setting new standards for cold room coating applications.

Cures at 23°F

Apply and cure without raising cold room temperatures.

InS Certified Food Safe

Registration #1796973 — meets strictest food handling standards.

Solvent & Odor Free

No fumes, no contamination risk near food or sensitive equipment.

Monolithic Surface

Seamless, joint-free finish — no crevices for bacteria to form.

Single Component

No mixing required. Ready to use straight from the bucket.

Chemical Resistant

Withstands acids, alkalis, animal fats, and aggressive cleaners.

Specifications

Technical Data Sheet

Technical Data Table

TypeSolvent Free 1-Component Synthetic Polymer
Shelf Life (Unopened)12 months from manufacture date
Storage Temperature+40°F – 90°F
Application Temp (Ambient)23°F – 110°F
Application Temp (Surface)23°F – 95°F
Wet Film Thickness Per Coat10 mils
Dry Film Thickness Per Coat10 mils
Minimum Thickness Required20 mils
Minimum Coats Required2 coats
Coverage Per Coat50 ft²/gal (smooth surfaces complete system: 80 ft²/gal)
Weight12.5 lb/gal
Touch Dry2 hours at 32°F and 50% RH
Trafficable8 hours at 38°F and 50% RH
Full Cure14 days
Vapor Permeability4.2 Perms @ 20 mils
Food Safe CertificationInS Services, Registration #1796973
ColorBright White (other colors available on request)
PackagingPolarcoat — 1 gallon bucket | Smarttech Fabric — 4″ × 300ft roll

Compatible Substrates

  • Metal (including Stainless Steel)
  • Concrete & Masonry
  • Glass, Ceramic & Ceramic Tiles
  • GRP Panels (Glass Reinforced Polyester)
  • Wood *
  • Gypsum *

* Wood and gypsum may require priming with Smarttech Primer.

Chemical Resistance

  • Acetone
  • Butanol
  • MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)
  • White Spirits
  • Sulfuric Acid 5%
  • Sodium Hydroxide 5%
  • Animal Fats and Blood
  • Commercial Cleaning Chemicals

Allow 48 hours cure before exposure to aggressive cleaning chemicals.

How to Apply

Application Instructions

1

Surface Preparation

  • Surfaces must be sound, clean, and free of dust, oil, corrosion, fats, mildew, and algae.
  • Concrete and masonry should have moisture content below 8%.
  • Surfaces must be free of laitance and efflorescence.
  • Wipe down with denatured alcohol or appropriate cleaning fluid before application.
  • Gently stir product before use — do not entrain air.
2

Priming

  • Metal, concrete, masonry, glass, and ceramic require NO priming.
  • Wood and gypsum surfaces: prime with Smarttech Primer to prevent tannin bleed and seal porosity.
  • For other substrates not listed, contact our customer service line.
3

Coating Application

  • At all junctions, apply Smarttech Fabric to reinforce corners, panel joints, and penetrations.
  • Apply a moderate coat by brush or roller over joints, covering ~2" each side. Embed 4" fabric symmetrically.
  • Apply a moderate coat over the entire area. Allow to become touch dry (~2 hours at 38°F).
  • Lightly sand any surface imperfections from fabric application.
  • Apply a second moderate coat over the entire area. Do not over-apply to avoid runs.
  • Wall surfaces serviceable in 4 hours.

2 hrs

Touch Dry

at 32°F / 50% RH

8 hrs

Trafficable

at 38°F / 50% RH

4 hrs

Serviceable

wall surfaces

14 days

Full Cure

complete system

Why Choose Polarcoat

Product Advantages

1-component — ready to use, no mixing
Solvent free — no toxic fumes or odors
Containers can be resealed for future use
Can be applied to damp surfaces
No 28-day wait on new concrete & masonry
Seamless, joint-free monolithic surface
No locations for bacteria or germs to lodge
Odorless — safe near food products
Fast curing from +23°F
Resistant to animal fats, blood, and aggressive cleaning chemicals
Withstands 160°F+ hot water pressure rinsing
Contains no isocyanates — reduced health concerns
Adheres to most building surfaces without priming
Environmentally friendly formula

Storage

  • Unopened containers: 12 months from manufacture date.
  • Store between +40°F and 90°F.
  • Opened unused material: replace lid firmly. When reopening, remove any skin that may have developed and mix gently without entraining air bubbles.

Cleaning Tools

  • Uncured Polarcoat can be removed with White Spirits.
  • Cured Polarcoat can only be removed mechanically.

Safety & Caution

  • Read the Safety Data Sheet before use.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and skin — may cause irritation.
  • Eye contact: rinse for 15 minutes under running water.
  • If swallowed: do not induce vomiting — seek physician advice.
  • Do not apply over frozen matter.

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