Bayer’s Tough, Durable and Long-Lasting Polyaspartic Gelcoat Technology Makes a Splash in Waterpark Industry

New Orleans, LA, October 07, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Millions of people slipped and slid their way down thousands of composite water slides last year. Yet, the large number of people catapulting down an individual water slide, along with continuous water flow, and sun and weather exposure, take a toll on a slide’s finish. Waterpark owners are seeking more durable gelcoats that maintain their attractive appearance to restore slides after the visitors have gone home.

Current gelcoats are vulnerable to the elements, which leads to premature chalking and down glossing. In addition to limited durability, these coatings are constrained by limited application temperature ranges and slower dry times that lengthen return-to-service.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC coatings experts have developed a breakthrough polyaspartic gelcoat technology that offers superior durability, color and gloss retention, ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and quick return-to-service for restoring water slides. Attendees can learn more about the polyaspartic gelcoat coating technology at Bayer’s booth, 759, during the World Waterpark Association Symposium and Trade Show taking place Oct. 3-7 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and Ernest M. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

The high-performance polyaspartic gelcoat technology offers better weather-ability and durability, for a life expectancy of years, not months. Accelerated weather testing also indicates the gelcoat technology provides superior color and gloss retention compared with traditional coating technology. Additionally, the spray-applied, two-component, ambient-cure gelcoat, which features ultra-low VOCs and low odor, can be applied at colder temperatures than currently available coatings. This wider temperature application range extends the season for restoring outdoor slides.

The technology also provides quick dry times, leading to faster return-to-service and helping applicators and water park operators meet tight deadlines. In one instance, slide operations were re-started within 24 hours of the coating application.

“As the outdoor and indoor water park market continues to grow, operators and applicators now have a coating solution that is not only durable, but also offers a wider application temperature range, ultra-low VOCs and superior gloss and color retention than existing technologies,” said Edward P. Squiller, director, Business Development, Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,700 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2010 sales of 10.2 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

###