New CARC easier, safer to use.

The Differences

There are a lot of differences between WD CARC and the old solvent-based CARC. And you'll be very happy with most of 'em.

* Solvent content. The solvent content of WD CARC is less than half that of solvent-based CARC. It also contains no hazardous air pollutants.

* Compatibility. Since WD CARC is fully compatible with all existing CARC primers and topcoats, you can use it to touch up a vehicle that's been painted with solvent-based CARC.

* Flexibility. WD CARC is more flexible after application. That means fewer problems with chipping and cracking.

* Mar resistant. WD CARC is more durable and doesn't scratch as easily as the old CARC. That means less time spot painting to fix scratches and scrapes.

* Weather resistant. WD CARC is much more durable in all weather conditions. In fact, tests have shown that WD CARC can last up to twice as long as the old solvent-based CARC.

* Color stability. WD CARC doesn't fade like the old CARC. So when you do have to spot paint, you won't have to worry about the colors not matching.

* Cost. WD CARC does cost a little more than the old CARC, but you won't need as much. Tests have shown that up to one-third less paint is needed during spray application.

The Similarities

Although WD CARC is water-based, the personal protective equipment required during spray and brush application remains the same as for solvent-based CARC.

* Clothes that cover all your skin. Coveralls work well.

* Boots and rubber gloves.

* Face shield or splash goggles to protect your eyes from paint.

* Respiratory protection. A respirator--not just a dust mask--is always required when spray painting with WD CARC. However, depending on the conditions and location for spot painting with a brush, you may or may not need a respirator. Contact your local occupational safety and health office to perform an evaluation of your work area.

If a respirator is required, they'll do a baseline medical evaluation, fit-test you for the proper respirator and train you in its use.

Mixing

WD CARC comes in two-component kits that have to be mixed before use. The mixing ratio is two parts of component A to one part of component B.

Once the two components are thoroughly mixed, you can thin the paint by adding up to one part deionized (or distilled) water to four parts of the mixed paint. You may want to thin a little less for brush painting. Again, you must thoroughly mix the paint to ensure the water and both components are completely blended.

Be careful not to over thin with water since that will make the paint unusable.

WD CARC NSNs

There are two types of WD CARC. Type I is better than the original CARC but contains silica-based extender pigments that are almost identical to those used in solvent-based CARC.

The extender pigments in Type II are replaced by small spherical beads. These beads are the main reason for the paint's improved performance properties and make it the recommended choice.

WD Primer NSNs

The military specification for solvent-based CARC (MIL-C-46168) will be cancelled at the end of 2004 and officially replaced by WD CARC (MIL-DTL-64159).

Water dispersible primer is also available to prep bare metal before painting. The white primer listed is lead- and chromate-free. The light green primer is lead-free, but contains chromate. Follow the instructions that come with the primer.

Type I WD CARC

                Federal               NSN
Color           Standard  Kit Size   8010-
                595 No.             01-492-

Green 383        34094    3-pt       6637
                          3-qt       6638
                          3-gal      6639
                          15-gal     6640
Brown 383        30051    3-pt       6641
                          3-qt       6642
                          3-gal      6643
                          15-gal     6644
Tan 686A         33446    3-pt       6645
                          3-qt       6646
                          3-gal      6648
                          15-gal     6649
Black            37030    3-pt       6650
                          3-qt       6651
                          3-gal      6652
                          15-gal     6654
Aircraft green   34031    3-pt       6655
                          3-qt       6656
                          3-gal      6657
                          15-gal     6658
Aircraft gray    36300    3-pt       6659
                          3-qt       6660
                          3-gal      6661
                          15-gal     6663

Type II WD CARC

                Federal               NSN
Color           Standard  Kit Size   8010-
                595 No.             01-493-

Green 383        34094    3-pt       3168
                          3-qt       3169
                          3-gal      3170
                          15-gal     3171
Brown 383        30051    3-pt       3172
                          3-qt       3173
                          3-gal      3174
                          15-gal     3175
Tan 686A         33446    3-pt       3176
                          3-qt       3177
                          3-gal      3179
                          15-gal     3180
Black            37030    3-pt       3182
                          3-qt       3183
                          3-gal      3190
                          15-gal     3191
Aircraft green   34031    3-pt       3192
                          3-qt       3193
                          3-gal      3194
                          15-gal     3195
Aircraft gray    36300    3-pt       3196
                          3-qt       3197
                          3-gal      3198
                          15-gal     3199

WD Primer

   Color       Size       NSN
                        8010-01-

White        1 1/4-qt   193-0519
White        1 1/4-gal  193-0520
White        5-gal      193-0521
Light green  1-qt       218-0856
Light green  1-gal      218-7354