Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all materials in CerarMix are natural.

CerarMix can be tinted to virtually any color desired. White is a color that requires tinting as pink is the natural color.

Absolutely YES. The typical finish of a CerarMix application will be smooth enough that NO foreign material will cling to it or be trapped on it. However, if an even more smooth finish is required, additional steps may be prescribed along with any additional labor necessary to obtain the desired finish.

NO. Absolutely no residue will adhere or cause for permanent staining. CerarMix is impervious and no discoloration will remain once standard cleaning measures are taken.

CerarMix surfaces are many times more durable than typical coatings used on railcars. Remember, CerarMix is a structural coating and due to our patented nanotechnology, the substrate and CerarMix become one. Surfaces can be sand blasted, pressure washed, sanded, and any form of abrasion, erosion, or chemical attack will not create damage to the substrate coated with CerarMix.

This answer is dependent upon the level of solution sought after. Different engineering solutions can be designed (i.e. bronze, silver, gold). Perhaps one solution would strengthen the steel where another solution would create a bladder that releases from the railcar upon impact to protect the cargo rather than the railcar. Pricing would be commensurate with the solution desired. We will work closely with a client’s engineering staff to support the research and development needed.

We see no challenges that CerarMix cannot handle. Any specific concerns found in the movement process will be engineered into the final solution.

CerarMix can be removed from the steel using a melting process that separates the steel from the CerarMix. Once the steel is melted, the remaining CerarMix can be disposed of without concern. CerarMix is completely inert and poses no harmful effects to the environment.

Since CerarMix has a zero transfer of heat or cold, the formula can be adjusted to protect the cargo to a specified temperature and time period. Our engineers can review findings from past railcar accidents to determine the best solution to address any temperature requirements and other related factors.

Applications of 1/16″ to 1/8″ thickness is customary. However, engineering will determine the appropriate specifications based on the project requirements.

Yes. If the metal is gauged prior to the application of CerarMix inside and out (or either) then subsequent measuring would show no change to the thickness as CerarMix is not effected by erosion or abrasion. In the event the steel is encapsulated within CerarMix, then the steel never comes in contact with exposure. Engineering may require that CerarMix be subject to inspection that requires a “cut away” to be performed, so it may be necessary to reduce the hardness to allow for such an inspection.​

The cargo to be carried would effect the necessary solution and thickness required. Typical cargoes might include the following: hydrogen peroxide, acid, sodium hydroxides, corn syrup, tallow, propylene glycol, alcohols, naptha, drilling fluids, molten sulphur, asphalt, adhesives, monomers, isocyanates, TDI, Gas Pressure cars – anhydrous ammonia, LPG, LNG, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or Hopper Cars transporting flour, starch, plastics. The best approach would be to coat for the harshest cargo and rest assured that all other cargo would be covered. Thickness could range from 1/16″ to 1/2″. If there is a cargo more damaging than what has been considered, it may be necessary to engineer multiple layering and reinforcement materials into the final solution. If during R&D it is determined that anything greater is needed we will immediately notify our clients.

Yes. CerarMix can also be used with stencils and applied as the labeling materials to mark and brand rail cars.

CerarMix is only as good as the substrate. For best results, CerarMix should be applied directly to the bare substrate itself. Thereafter, any cleansing process will remove the surface material as it cannot adhere to CerarMix. Pressure washing, sand blasting, white blasting have been used in the past all successfully.

Most results can be accomplished in a single application, but the desired end result can incorporate multi-layer processes. CerarMix curing time can be adjusted to the application, and therefore even if a multi-layer solution is needed, it can generally be applied immediately after the first coat (in as little as 30 seconds).

No heat is required.

The cure time is adjustable by formulation from 30 seconds to 30 hours as needed for specific applications. Generally, CerarMix will cure within 30 minutes for handling or re-coating and 24 hours will compete the process to the final objective state. Temperature ranges are wide and the curing time is effected minimally by atmospheric conditions. Obviously, applying in inclement weather is not advised.

The equipment required to apply CerarMix is our redundantly patented machinery, sprayers, and process. Only “CerarMix Applicator Specialists” can perform the application process thus insuring proper results. The equipment requires special training and certification.