The method to apply OxiTitan depends on the type and size surfaces to be coated and the importance of the cosmetics of the finish. OxiTitan can be sprayed, brushed, rolled or even printed onto any clean, dry surface. No mixing or primers are required. OxiTitan is synthesized and delivered in a ready to use water based formula and the goal is an even dispersion in a thin film. A finely atomized mist with very small droplets is ideal so as the water base that the nanocrystals are suspended in evaporates, excess concentration and spotting is eliminated. Just let air dry and enjoy the benefits of protection for several years of use. Heat drying can be used to accelerate cure time.
The simplest and easiest way to apply OxiTitan to a variety of surfaces is with an inexpensive High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) electric sprayer, available at home supply stores for under $100 or discounted in our online STORE (see Value Packages). A reasonably fine mist coat can be applied to a variety of substrates: matte walls, ceilings, furniture, textiles, carpet and touch-points. Typical yield is 400 square feet per liter of OxiTitan.
For large jobs and a better finish, an industrial quality HVLP sprayer, like the Fuji Mini-Mite with a fine atomizing nozzle (#3 aircap) can be used. Yield and cosmetic appearance are improved as the mist is more uniform and directed. Typical yield is 500 square feet per liter.
For OEM, professional application or cosmetically critical surfaces electro-static spraying will greatly increase coverage (up to 1,500 ft² /liter), enhance evenness and minimize spotting. We very highly recommend air-assisted water borne electrostatic spray equipment from MaxSpray International (www.maxspray.com). Our Smart Coating technology can be easily applied to virtually any surface including metals, glass, high gloss surfaces, and objects with complex shapes. Average coverage is approximately 1,500 square feet per liter making a protective OxiTitan finish available for pennies per square foot. The highly efficient electrostatic sprayer will give 2-3 times more coverage than HVLP spraying bringing OxiTitan material costs down to the 5 cents per square foot range.
About Electrostatic
OxiTitan comes in a ready to use water-based formula. For the best transparency and highest yield we recommend specially engineered waterborne electrostatic spraying. Electrostatic application is common in liquid and powder paint coating, ink-jet printing and agricultural pesticide spraying because creating opposite charges dramatically improves the deposition (coating) of droplets onto target surfaces by the forces of attraction.
The electrostatic sprayer is more effective than conventional methods because it creates an attractive force between charged droplets and the target. Since the electrostatic force on charged droplets is up to 75 times the force of gravity, the charged droplets of OxiTitan can be pulled up, down, sideways and even completely around the closest surface. This enables surfaces to be evenly coated, even with complex shapes and textures. By creating an electrostatic wraparound, the droplets can coat the underside, backside and every small crevice.
Additionally, the charged droplets resist coalescing into larger droplets both in transit and deposition because they resist the similar charge each carries. Coatings are uniform, virtually eliminating drips, runs and uncoated areas. Since the water in OxiTitan is only the carrier for the active nanoparticles, the smaller droplets evaporate quickly, leading to shorter drying times and faster bonding. The thin film coat produces superior transparency.
We have tested and evaluated numerous electrostatic sprayers for water-based coatings and highly recommend equipment from MaxSpray International. They have a wide range of sprayer models ranging from easily transportable to high volume production line sprayers. We recommend a 30 micron droplet (Volume Median Diameter) since it will deliver an even dispersion of OxiTitan nanocrystals to any given substrate. This provides a highly effective antimicrobial surface, yet requires a low volume for greatest cost efficiency. A properly applied electrostatic coating of OxiTitan is virtually invisible, even on high gloss surfaces such as glass and mirror.
The finely atomized spray from electrostatic is superior to ‘foggers’, which are non-directional, have no wrap-around effect and waste product though gravity (as much as a third). As with conventional sprayers, foggers produce an inferior, less even finish due to droplet coalescing, and with no electrostatic attraction, bounce back off of surfaces. For casual, low volume jobs, conventional HVLP sprayers can be effectively used, but for the most complete and uniform finish, lowest cost and ease of use, electrostatic spaying is the preferred method of application for OxiTitan Antimicrobial Coatings.
