PreKote® Wipes



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PreKote® Surface Pretreatment Wipes are a non-chrome surface wipe utilizing a safe, hazard free technology for use in the painting and coating industry. PreKote® single-use application wipes offer improved paint flexibility, and advanced corrosion protection on painted surfaces when used as part of a coating system.

PreKote® Benefits

• Fastest and easiest pretreatment process
• Provides maximum corrosion protection
• Ensures superior paint adhesion and flexibility
• Saves valuable time and money
• Minimizes number of chemicals used
• Reduces overall process time, getting aircraft back into service faster
• Available in both liquid and wipes
• Use on large surfaces, immersion, or touch-ups
• Safest product available
• Non-toxic: Hexavalent chromium-free*
• Non-hazardous; non-flammable; low VOCs
• Significantly reduces water usage
• Does not automatically trigger CIU status
• Significantly reduces HAZMAT shipping and storage, PPE, and wastewater treatment costs
• Reduces total product and process life cycle costs

Safety Benefits

PreKote has a long list of environmental, health, and safety benefits. PreKote does non contain chrome and is non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable, non-corrosive, CFC free, odor free, does not deplete ozone, and the liquid is also readily biodegradable upon disposal. Because PreKote is non-hazardous, users can reduce HAZMAT shipping and storage charges. The all-in-one product is simple and easy to use, and requires less rinsing which reduces water consumption.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found PreKote to have environmentally preferable chemistry. PreKote has been recognized with the Design for the Environment (DfE) award.  The EPA has also determined that PreKote is not one of the six core metal finishing effluent operations and does not trigger categorical industrial user (CIU) status.

Works on Any Paintable or Prepainted Surface

Aluminum | Anodized | Composite | Galvanized | Magnesium | Plastic | Steel | Titanium

Industries that use this product:

Aviation, Automotive, Transportation

SDS & Document Library

Product Info:

FAQs:

Instructions  Technical Info

Instructions 

Take one PreKote® Wipe from container and wipe area to be painted in one direction. Once PreKote has flash dried from the surface area, apply paint to treated area. Note: Prior to using PreKote wipes ensure that the surface area is free from loose debris such as heavy sanding residue or any other foreign matter.

Read the full PreKote Wipe Application Procedure on the Technical Data Sheet.

SPECS
• 065-1080 50 Wipe Refill w/o Container NSN 6850-01-602-6827
• 065-1081 50 Wipes with Container NSN 6850-01-602-6830

PRODUCT HANDLING
PreKote® Wipes are to be used only as recommended. A face shield/goggles and rubber gloves are recommended for handling during PreKote Wipes application. Please refer to the MSDS for more information or contact a Pantheon Enterprises technical representative. The recommended shelf life is 3 years from the date of manufacturing when maintained in protected storage at 40-100 F (4.4-37.7°C) in unopened containers. Once opened it is recommended that the product be used within 90 days. Containers should be sealed when not in use. Do not use dry and do not re-wet.

Technical Info

The studies conducted by coating industry leaders proved the superior efficiency of the PreKote system. PreKote not only performed beyond industry expectations but added savings and benefits never before achieved. The PreKote process can save up to 40 percent in time and labor compared to the chromate conversion process. Subsequent studies have shown that by eliminating chromate conversion coatings in the painting process, savings of up to $2.23 per square foot can be realized. What impact could this have on your business?

The 1998 Ogden Air Logistics Report, AETC Bans Alodine Article, AETC Final Report, C-130 Operational Report, and Testing on Missile Silo at F.E. Warren support the successful use of PreKote as a chromate conversion coating replacement:

Find PreKote Wipe technical documents in the Document Library

Why Should I Use PreKote?

PreKote's non-hazardous formula and unbeatable performance makes it the pretreatment of choice. It's an all-in-one, easy-to-use product which saves users valuable time and money. Multiple tests conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD) and other agencies have confirmed aircraft treated with PreKote held up better than those treated with conversion coatings. 

Where can PreKote be used?

PreKote is extremely versatile and can be used on any painted and paintable surface. It can be used on aluminum, anodized aluminum, cadmium, magnesium, titanium, steel, composites and plastics. In short, if you can paint it, you can PreKote it.

How does PreKote save me time? 

PreKote's application process is very quick and easy because it's an all-in-one product. That means you'll save by not having to apply other products such as alkaline wash, acids, de-oxidizers, chromate conversion coatings or solvent wipes. With PreKote, there is little to no masking required.

Are there military approvals for PreKote?

After passing numerous paint system specification tests by the US Air Force, Aerospace OEMs, and USAF flight-testing, the USAF specified PreKote as the only replacement for chromated conversion coatings in the T.O. 1-1-8, the umbrella Technical Order for aircraft painting.

What is the PreKote process like? Why is it faster?

The PreKote process is faster because it's easy and requires the least amount of products. The main steps are:
1. Rinse the aircraft
2. Apply PreKote and scrub horizontally
3. Reapply PreKote and scrub vertically
4. Rinse.

What size jobs can I use PreKote on?

PreKote is incredibly versatile and can be used on jobs of any size. PreKote comes in both liquid and wipes. For larger applications either spray the solution on or immerse the parts. For smaller applications, spray the solution on or use the pre-saturated wipes.

Can PreKote be used for touch-ups?

Yes, PreKote wipes are an excellent alternative to toxic, chromated touch-up pens. They are much easier to use, safer, less costly and provide better results.

Can I use PreKote with an immersion process?

Yes, parts can be immersed in PreKote. Contact Pantheon Technical Services at 888.608.7888 for advice on immersion processes.

How does PreKote prevent corrosion?

The application process cleans the surface and changes the surface tension which creates an extremely strong bond for coatings to stick to. This strong bond prevents corrosion.

Are there approvals for PreKote?

Yes. PreKote has passed numerous tests and has both military and commercial approvals. In fact, the USAF has specified that PreKote is the only replacement for chromated conversion coatings in the T.O. 1-1-8, the umbrella technical order for aircraft painting. PreKote has been qualified and is being used by Air Canada, Delta, Southwest, United Parcel Service (UPS), and American Eagle among others. Many of these customers have obtained OEM approval or NTOs to use PreKote. In addition, OEMs including Dassault Aviation and Mooney Airplane Company have approved and implemented PreKote for production aircraft. Contact Pantheon Technical Services at 888.608.7888 for the full PreKote approval list.

How much safer is PreKote than chromate conversion coatings?

PreKote is extremely safe. It's non-hazardous, non-toxic, and quickly biodegradable. It has a  pH of approximately 10–11.5. Chromated conversion coatings (such as Alodine) are highly corrosive acids (pH of 1.3–3.0), contain a known carcinogen, do not biodegrade, and are extremely hazardous to humans.

Do I have to mask composites or magnesium like I do with Alodine®? 

No. PreKote is safe for these materials.

Can PreKote be used on an aircraft previously treated with a conversion coating (such as Alodine®)? 

Yes. It can be used on surfaces previously treated with other surface pretreatments.

Can I use PreKote on scuffed primer?

Yes, PreKote is used extensively by the USAF on scuffed primer and topcoat. The application process is the same as for new or stripped surfaces. .

What tools are needed to apply PreKote?

Only three tools are needed; all available through Aviall:
1. Pump sprayer with nozzle
2. Aluminum oxide pads (3M Scotch-Brite 7447 non-woven pad 280-400 grit; for MILITARY: A-58054, Type I, Grade B)
3. For bigger jobs we recommend flexible pad holders that can attach to poles.
You will also need municipal water for rinsing.

What should I wear while using PreKote?

Please see the PreKote SDS available on pantheonchemical.com. We recommend wearing eye protection and rubber gloves, but please contact your company's Health & Safety Officer for your company's specific PPE policies and protocols..

Can PreKote be used on internal parts?

Yes. PreKote can be used on any paintable surface

Can it be used on fabrics?

No. Only paintable surfaces. 

Do I need to use ventilation or air exhaust equipment while using PreKote?

No. PreKote does not contain toxic vapors or fumes, so normal air circulation is sufficient.

What if PreKote gets on my skin or in my eyes?

Please see the PreKote SDS for first aid procedures. 

Why do I have to apply PreKote twice?

Applying PreKote twice ensures complete coverage. 

Why don't I need to rinse between applications?

Rinsing between applications is not required for the PreKote chemistry to work. The application process is designed to generate as little waste water as possible.

Why do I not rinse between applications?

Rinsing between applications is not required for the PreKote chemistry to work. The application process is designed to generate as little waste water as possible.

If my parts are already deoxidized, or I need to deoxidize them separately, do I still need to apply PreKote twice?

No, the first scrubbing application of PreKote is meant to remove the metal oxide layer. If the part is deoxidized prior to PreKote, a single application of PreKote with a two-minute dwell, immediately followed by a rinse is adequate. s.

What kind of primer can I use over PreKote?

PreKote works best with high-quality primers. It is compatible with any modern direct metal, chrome, non-chrome, epoxy, urethane primer, or topcoat from major manufacturers.

How soon after the PreKote application can primer or paint be applied?

Primers and paints can be applied as soon as the surface is completely dry. PreKote dry times are similar to that of water dry times. If ovens or heated air blowers are available, PreKote can be dried at temperatures of up to 150°F.

How long can I wait to paint? 

Prime or paint within 24 hours of the PreKote application. If the environment is dirty or the part is subject to the accumulation of dust and oil, 24 hours is the maximum suggested time before priming in order to achieve the best finish possible. If it's been more than 24 hours, or there is obvious dirt, dust, fuel, or oil, wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with PreKote to remove the contamination. Proceed with primer when dry.

Will I get a water break-free surface?

Yes. In most cases you will get a water break-free surface, indicating the part is clean and properly pretreated within 2-10 seconds. 

What if I don’t get a water break-free surface?

The surface may still be dirty or have an oxide layer. In this case, scrub the surface in question with PreKote. If repeated scrubbings do not yield a water break-free surface, there may be an issue with the rinse water. However, if the surface is clean the primer will stick even without a water break-free surface.

What if PreKote dries before it has been rinsed?

Simply reapply enough PreKote to fully wet the surface, lightly scrub, and immediately rinse off. 

What if I apply paint over a PreKote surface I have not rinsed?

Applying paint over a PreKote surface that has not been rinsed will cause paint adhesion failures. PreKote must be rinsed off while still wet. 

Can PreKote remove silicone contamination?

No, PreKote is not recommended for cleaning silicone contamination. Generally, the best means of removing silicone contamination is to sand out the contamination with fine aluminum oxide sand paper, then proceed with the normal PreKote application process.

How do I dispose of the rinse water?

Prekote contains no hazardous chemicals. However, depending upon the process used, as well as other materials and chemicals used, it's best to check with municipal waste stream for disposal.

How much PreKote do I need to use?

It depends upon the dispensing method. Higher volume dispensing systems (drum pumps) will treat 120–160 square feet per gallon. Low volume trigger spray bottles will yield 200–300 square feet per gallon of PreKote.

Are there any aircraft materials or parts that PreKote should not come into contact with?

No, but masking is recommended for any material not going to be primed and painted, including cockpits and windows.

Does the use of PreKote induce cadmium leaching from cadmium-plated substrates?

No, PreKote does not leach cadmium. PreKote operates in the alkaline range (pH=10-11.5) and therefore has no propensity to leach cadmium from cadmium-plated parts.

Application and Process Videos:

PreKote Application Training

PreKote Application for USAF F-16

PreKote Application for B1B Bomber