Custom Coatings

How Does Gentoo Work?

Gentoo™ is a dense polymer system that forms a barrier against corrosion initiators. This is due to its low surface energy, high density, and low porosity. The system is conformal, pin-hole-free, and very thin (4-6 microns) compared with traditional polymer coatings but far more dense and durable. The higher density of the system provides an excellent barrier to water and corrosive ions.

Adhesion & Durability

Gentoo has robust adhesion to painted, plated, and bare metallic substrates, as well as glass and surface primed plastics. The coating has demonstrated excellent resistance to salt spray, UV exposure, and chemical exposure – significant improvements over traditional hydrophobic coatings.

Corrosion Resistance & Prevention

When used on top of other qualified systems, Gentoo further reduces corrosion and extends the lifetime of the barrier system and therefore the coated substrate. This is due to its excellent water and salt shedding properties and impact resistance. These properties also significantly reduce the effects of galvanic corrosion of dissimilar metals.

We’ve conducted in-depth testing around Gentoo’s anti-corrosion and prevention properties. Visit GentooCoating.com to learn more.

Graffiti Deterrent & Easy Cleaning

The low surface energy of the Gentoo coating makes it both hydrophobic and oleophobic. Combined with its high dirt and solvent resistance, also allows for easy cleaning of many surfaces with less water. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.

Gentoo makes for a great graffiti deterrent. Most spray paints consist of paint dissolved into a solvent or solvent mixture to keep them as a sprayable liquid. When the solvents evaporate, the paint is left behind to dry and adhere to the surface. On a Gentoo-coated surface, however, the solvent that would normally “wet out” the surface will bead up before it has a chance to evaporate, as intended. When the solvent does evaporate, the paint is left behind in these same beaded “globs.” In the globs, the paint mostly adheres to itself, with only a small portion loosely adhered to the surface, which is then easily removed.

As you can see in our video tests below, a “tagger” or graffiti “artist” would almost certainly be deterred from continuing their act upon seeing the paint fail to adhere to its intended surface. Gentoo is a huge win for local governments, schools, and private businesses alike, which are often targets of the nefarious tagging trade.

Application

Gentoo is a two-part coating that is mixed together and then applied as a single coat. It can be flow-coated, dip-coated, HVLP sprayed or painted on with a brush or roller. It provides a lightweight, thin (4-6 microns) coating with minimal surface preparation.

Chemical Resistance

Offers superior resistance to most oils, solvents, and acids.

Hydrophobic Data

Transparency Data

Taber Abrasion Test After Abrasion (500 cycles)

Battlefield Beginnings

In 2006, Army General John Caldwell challenged scientists at the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center to develop a “self-cleaning” uniform. Battlefield logistics can be complicated and the goals of the project were to (1) develop highly repellent and durable textiles that resist the attraction of liquid and solid contaminants and (2) minimize the battlefield logistics burden – reduce laundering and/or remove the necessity of detergents.

The team spent over six years developing the C6 chemistry that would meet the demands of the US Army.

The technology continues to be successfully tested by the Army and other military branches. Needless to say, the adoption of new technology can be an arduous process.

But while our fighting forces have to wait for this amazing technology, the rest of us can benefit right now.