Sherwin Duraplate 235 for fuel tank?
 

Anyone have any experience using Sherwin Williams duraplate 235 for coating a new aluminum fuel tank? I have a ton of this stuff lying around my shop and I'm considering using it instead of buying coal tar epoxy.

https://protective.sherwin-williams....3Aproduct-6830

Dura-Plate 235 Multi-Purpose Epoxy is a modified epoxy phenalkamine, formulated specifically for immersion and atmospheric service in marine and industrial environments. Dura- Plate 235 provides exceptional performance in corrosive environment, and can be applied at temperatures as low as 0°F.

Self-priming
Low temperature application
Surface tolerant - damp surfaces
Provides salt water and fresh water immersion resistance
Self-priming
Low temperature application
Surface tolerant - damp surfaces
Provides salt water and fresh water immersion resistance
Cures at temperatures as low as 0°F
Approved as a primer per MIL-P-23236, Type V, Class 7,
Grade C

RECOMMENDED USAGE
For use over prepared steel and masonry surfaces.

Salt water and fresh water immersion resistance
Ballast tanks, offshore and marine structures
Bilges and wet void areas
Above- and below- water hull areas
Decks and superstructures
Water and waste water tanks
Acceptable for use with cathodic protection systems

Shoot....most of that technical stuff is mumbo jumbo to me, however I'd use it just for this line. Especially if you already have it.

"Provides salt water and fresh water immersion resistance"

The tank that I just built will be getting an zinc chromate coating after a quick sanding then I will be using some left over 2 part epoxy that was for "marine coatings and water vessels". It was over $300 for the two part A&B mixes and may not be coal tar epoxy but I have half of it left and think it will probably work near as well. Plus the tank is 3/16" thick instead of 1/8th so Im not too worried any how.


I would use it if you got it....

In my experience, the key to aluminum and coatings is prep work. If it's not properly prepared coatings tend to not stick.

I paint aluminum at work on a very regular basis (with this very paint) so I feel pretty confident about prepping and applying properly. My only concern is how the paint might handle the expansion/contraction that a fuel tank undergoes during temp changes and filling/emptying. It's a relatively hard paint, and from what I understand, one of the reasons to choose coal tar epoxy is its flexibility

I built a new fuel tank for my boat (0.090 thick 5052 H32 aluminum), tested it with 3 psi air overnight, sanded and zinc chromated, and then took it to a shop that does bedliners and had it done. That was 12 years ago. The tank is still perfect (I can take the floor up to inspect the tank). Works for me.

I used this on the 21's fuel tank...at least 10 years ago, and it is doing just great...also painted the entire inside stringer and bilge area with that product...NO complaints.

did this today. thanks!

Hows the application? Is it hi gloss when it cures?

semi-gloss. I sprayed 3 heavy coats with an airless sprayer with good results. I didnt use any thinner, so it is pretty heavily orange peeled, but the paint should cure stronger this way and I'm not concerned about aesthetics of my tank or bilge.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qJ...=w1164-h872-no