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NOT MEASUREMENT
SENSITIVE

MIL-PRF-85285D
28 June 2002
SUPERSEDING
MIL-PRF-85285C
30 April 1997

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION

COATING: POLYURETHANE, AIRCRAFT AND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of
Defense.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers the requirements for polyurethane coating with a
maximum volatile organic compounds (VOC). The coating is furnished in kit form.

1.2 Classification. The coating covered by this specification is divided into the following
types and classes (see 6.2):

1.2.1 Type. The types of coatings are as follows:

Type I - Aircraft application (420 grams/liter g/l maximum VOC content)

Type II - Support equipment application (340 g/l maximum VOC content)

Type III – Aircraft and support equipment application (50 g/1 maximum VOC content)

Beneficial comments (recommendations, additions, deletions) and any pertinent data which may be
of use in improving this document should be addressed to: Commander, Naval Air Warfare
Center Aircraft Division, Code 414100 B120-3, Highway 547, Lakehurst, NJ 08733-5100, by
using the Standardization Document Improvement Proposal (DD Form 1426) appearing at the
end of this document or by letter.

AMSC N/A FSC 8010

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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1.2.2 Class. The classes of coatings are as follows:

Class H – High-solids formulation

Class W – Water-borne formulation

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3 and 4 of this
specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this specification
or recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has been made to
ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must meet all
specified requirements cited in sections 3 and 4 of this specification, whether or not they are
listed.

2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications and standards. The following specifications and standards form a part
of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these
documents are those listed in the issue of the Department of Defense Index of Specifications and
Standards (DoDISS) and supplement thereto, cited in the solicitation (see 6.2).

SPECIFICATIONS

FEDERAL

TT-R-2918 - Remover, Paint, No Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).

(Inactive for New Design)

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

MIL-C-5541 - Chemical Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and Aluminum

Alloys.
MIL-DTL-5624 - Turbine Fuel, Aviation, Grades JP-4, JP-5, and JP-5/JP-8ST.
MIL-A-8625 - Anodic Coatings for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys.
MIL-PRF-23377 - Primer Coatings: Epoxy, High-Solids.
MIL-PRF-23699 - Lubricating oil, Aircraft Turbine Engine, Synthetic Base,
NATO Code Number O-156
MIL-T-81772 - Thinner, Aircraft Coating.
MIL-PRF-83282 - Hydraulic Fluid, Fire Resistant, Synthetic Hydrocarbon Base,
Metric, NATO Code Number H-537.
MIL-PRF-85570 - Cleaning Compound, Aircraft, Exterior.
MIL-PRF-85582 - Primer Coatings: Epoxy, Waterborne.

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STANDARDS

FEDERAL

FED-STD-141 - Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Materials; Methods of

Inspection, Sampling and Testing.
FED-STD-595 - Colors Used in Government Procurement.

(Unless otherwise indicated, copies of the above specifications and standards are available
from the Standardization Document Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, Philadelphia,
PA 19111-5094.)

2.3 Non-Government publications. The following documents form a part of this document
to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of the documents which are
DoD adopted are those listed in the issue of the DoDISS cited in the solicitation. Unless
otherwise specified, the issues of documents not listed in the DoDISS are the issues of the
documents cited in the solicitation (see 6.2).

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)

ASTM-D185 - Pigments, Pastes, and Paints, Coarse Particles in. (DoD

Adopted)
ASTM-D522 - Mandrel Bend Test of Attached Organic Coatings. (DoD
Adopted)
ASTM-D523 - Gloss Specular. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D823 - Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Varnish, and
Related Product on Test Panels. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D1193 - Reagent water. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D1200 - Cup, Viscosity by Ford Viscosity. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D1210 - Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-Vehicle Systems, by
Hegman-Type Gage. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D1296 - Volatile Solvents and Diluents, Odor of. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D1364 - Water in Volatile Solvents (Karl Fischer Reagent Titration
Method). (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D1640 - Organic Coatings, Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of, at
Room Temperature. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D2243 - Water-Borne Coatings, Freeze-Thaw Resistance of.
(DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D2244 - Color Coordinates, Calculation of Color Differences From
Instrumentally Measured. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D2247 - Water Resistance Testing of Coatings in 100 Percent Relative
Humidity. (DoD Adopted)

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ASTM-D3335 - Lead, Cadmium, and Cobalt in Paint by Atomic Absorption

Spectroscopy, Test For Low Concentrations of. (DoD
Adopted)
ASTM-D3432 - Solutions by Gas Chromatography, Unreacted Toluene
Diisocyanates in Urethane Prepolymers and Coating. (DoD
Adopted)
ASTM-D3718 - Paint, Chromium in, by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy,
Low Concentrations of. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D3924 - Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials, Conditioning
and Testing, Standard Environment For. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-D3960 - Paints and Related Coatings, Determining Volatile Organic
Content (VOC) of. (DoD Adopted)
ASTM-E275 - Spectrophotometers, Describing and Measuring Performance
of.
ASTM-G155 - Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus
for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials.

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Society for Testing and
Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959)

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY CONTROL (ASQC)

ASQC-Z1.4 - Procedures, Sampling and Tables for Inspection by Attributes.

(DoD Adopted)

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Society for Quality Control,
P.O. Box 3005, 611 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53201-4606.)

SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS (SAE)

SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4 - Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet. (DoD Adopted)

(Application for copies should be addressed to the Society of Automotive Engineers, 400
Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.)

2.4 Order of precedence. In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and
the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document,
however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been
obtained.

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3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Qualification. The coatings furnished under this specification shall be products that are
authorized by the qualifying activity for listing on the applicable qualified products list (QPL)
before contract award (see 4.3 and 6.5).

3.2 Materials. Materials used to manufacture these coatings are not limited, provided that
the resulting coatings meet the requirements of this specification.

3.3 Toxicity. The coatings supplied under this specification shall have no adverse effect on
the health of personnel when used for their intended purpose and with the precautions listed in
3.10.3 (see 6.3 and 6.6).

3.4 Composition. The polyurethane coating furnished under this specification shall be in the
form of a kit consisting of Component A, containing the pigmented polyester resins and solvents,
Component B, containing the clear, aliphatic isocyanate resins (see 6.3) and solvents, and optional
Component C containing either organic solvents for class H, or deionized water for class W.
Component B shall act as the hardener or curing agent for Component A. The volume mixing
ratio shall be as specified by the manufacturer. The coating kit shall be supplied such that the
admixed coating consists of the minimum volume specified by the procuring activity (see 6.2).
When tested in accordance with 4.6, the total free isocyanate in the admixed coating shall not
exceed 1.0 percent by weight, no component of the coating shall contain cadmium, cadmium
compounds, or more than 0.06 percent by weight of lead metal or lead compounds, and the
coating shall not contain chromium.

3.4.1 Solvent content. All solvents necessary for thinning purposes shall be supplied as part
of either the base or the activator component of the coating kit. The resistivity of the solvents
shall permit application of class H coatings by electrostatic spray methods. When tested in
accordance with 4.6, the maximum VOC content shall be 420 grams per liter (g/l) for type I
coatings, 340 g/l for type II coatings, and 50 g/l for type III coatings. Solvents used for class H
shall be urethane grade and contain a minimum of water and alcohol (see 6.4). Class H coatings
shall be compatible with thinner conforming to MIL-T-81772, type I. Brominated and chlorinated
solvents, except for para-chlorotrifluoromethylbenzene or equal, shall be prohibited in the
formulation of this product.

3.5 Component properties.

3.5.1 Condition in container.

3.5.1.1 Component A. When tested in accordance with 4.6.1, component A shall be

smooth, homogeneous, and pourable. The coating shall be free of grit, skin, seeds, lumps, foreign
contaminants, and abnormal thickening or livering, and shall not exhibit pigment floatation nor
excessive settling that cannot be reincorporated into a smooth, homogeneous state by mixing with
a hand paddle.

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3.5.1.2 Component B. Component B shall be homogeneous, clear, and free from gelation or
detectable particulate matter, either suspended in solution or settled on the inner surface of the
container. Component B shall not cause its container to deform (see 4.6.1).

3.5.1.3 Component C (Class W only). Component C shall be water clear, free from
particles, have a ph between 5 and 8, and an electrical resistivity greater than or equal to
0.2 Mohm/cm (see 4.6).

3.5.2 Storage stability. The unopened coating components, as packaged by the

manufacturer, shall meet all the requirements of this specification after storage for a period of one
year where the daily temperature of the ambient air is maintained at 10 to 29.4 °C (50 to
85 °F) (see 4.6).

3.5.3 Accelerated storage stability (Component B only). The coating component, as

packaged by the manufacturer, shall exhibit no trace of gelation or particulate matter, either
suspended in solution or settled on the inner surface of the container (see 4.6.2).

3.5.4 Freeze-thaw stability (Class W only). The coating components, as packaged by the
manufacturer, shall meet all the requirements of this specification after being subjected to five
cycles of freezing and thawing as specified in 4.6.

3.5.5 Moisture content (Class H only). Component A shall contain no more than 2.0
percent by weight of water when tested as specified in 4.6.

3.6 Liquid properties.

3.6.1 Fineness of grind. The fineness of grind (measured on the Hegman scale) of the
admixed coating shall be a minimum of 7 for gloss colors and a minimum of 5 for camouflage
(flat or lusterless) colors when tested as specified in 4.6.

3.6.2 Coarse particles. Coarse particles retained on a No. 325 sieve shall be no more than
0.5 percent by weight of the admixed coating when tested as specified in 4.6.

3.6.3 Odor. The odor of the coating, as packaged components, as an admixed coating, and
as a film after application, shall be characteristic of the thinners used when tested as specified in
4.6. The air-dried coating shall retain no residual odor 48 hours after application.

3.6.4 Viscosity and pot life. The viscosity of the admixed coating when maintained under
continuous mixing (no vortex) in a closed container, and tested as specified in 4.6 through a No. 4
Ford cup, shall be as specified in table I:

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Table I. Viscosity.

Time from mix (minimum) Maximum time through a No. 4 Ford cup
Initially 30 seconds
4 hours 60 seconds
5 hours no gelation

3.7 Cured coating properties.

3.7.1 Drying time. When applied by spray techniques and tested as specified in 4.6, the
coating shall be set-to-touch within six hours and dry-hard within twelve hours.

3.7.2 Surface appearance. The coating shall dry to a uniform, smooth surface, free from
runs, sags, bubbles, streaks, hazing, seeding, dusting, floating, mottling, or other defects (see
4.6.3). No orange peel (wavy appearance) shall be evident when viewed from at least six feet
away.

3.7.3 Color. The admixed coating, when tested as specified in 4.6, using CIELAB color
coordinates, shall have a color difference (∆E) of less than 1 when compared to the specified
color chip in FED-STD-595.

3.7.4 Infrared reflectance (FED-STD-595, color number 34095 only). The total infrared
reflectance (specular and diffuse) of the coating (FED-STD-595, color number 34095), relative to
barium sulfate shall be not greater than 8 throughout the range of 700 to 2,600 nanometers (nm)
(see 4.6.4).

3.7.5 Gloss. The specular gloss of the coating, when tested as specified in 4.6, shall be as
shown in Table II at a 60° angle of incidence.

Table II. Specular gloss.

Color type Minimum Maximum

Gloss 90 ---
Semi-gloss 15 45
Camouflage (flat or lusterless) --- 5

A maximum of 9 for camouflage colors at an 85° angle of incidence.

3.7.6 Opacity (hiding power). The coating shall have a contrast ratio of no less than 0.95 for
all colors except yellow (FED-STD-595, Color 13538), which shall have a contrast ratio of not
less than 0.90, when cast to a dry film thickness of 1.9 to 2.1 mils [48 to 53 micrometer (µm)] on
a black and white chart and tested in accordance with 4.6.5.

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3.7.7 Adhesion. The coating shall not peel away from the primer when tested as specified in
4.6.6.

3.7.8 Flexibility.

3.7.8.1 Impact flexibility. The coating shall meet the following minimum requirements for
ambient temperature impact flexibility: type I, 40 percent; type II, 5 percent; and type III, 40
percent, when tested in accordance with 4.6.7.1.

3.7.8.2 Low-temperature flexibility (Type I and Type III only). The type I and type III
coating, at a temperature of -51 ±3 °C (-60 ±5 °F), shall exhibit no cracking when bent, coated
side away, over a 1.0 inch (in.) [25.4 millimeter (mm)] mandrel for gloss and semi-gloss colors,
and over a 2.0 in. (50.8 mm) mandrel for camouflage colors, when tested in accordance with
4.6.7.2

3.8 Resistance properties.

3.8.1 Fluid resistance. When immersed in lubricating oil conforming to MIL-L-23699,

hydraulic fluid conforming to MIL-PRF-83282, and JP-5 fuel conforming to MIL-DTL-5624, the
coating shall not exhibit any blistering, softening, or other coating defects. Slight staining of the
coating is acceptable (see 4.6.8).

3.8.2. Weather resistance. After exposure in Xenon-arc weatherometer for 500 hours as
specified in 4.6.9: (a) 60° specular gloss of the coating shall be, a minimum of 80 for gloss colors;
a minimum of 15 for semi-gloss colors; a maximum of 5 for camouflage colors, and (b) the
coating color difference (∆E) shall have a value of less than 1 when compared to an unexposed
sample of the same batch using CIELAB color coordinates.

3.8.3. Humidity resistance. The coating shall withstand exposure for no less than 30 days in
a humidity cabinet maintained at 49 ±2 °C (120 ±3 °F) and 100 percent relative humidity (RH)
without blistering, softening, exhibiting any loss of adhesion, nor other film defects when tested as
specified in 4.6.

3.8.4. Heat resistance (color change). The coating after exposure to 121 ±3 °C (250 ±5 °F)
in accordance with 4.6.10 for 60 minutes, shall have a color difference (∆E) less than or equal to
1.0 when compared to an unexposed sample of the same batch and tested as specified in 4.6.10
using CIELAB color coordinates.

3.8.5 Solvent resistance (cure). The coating shall withstand 25 double rubs with a cloth rag
soaked in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) solvent (see 6.10) when tested in accordance with 4.6.11.
Rubbing through to bare metal indicates failure of the coating due to improper cure.

3.8.6 Tape resistance. The coating shall not exhibit permanent marring caused by masking
tape applied to the coated test panels, when tested in accordance with 4.6.12.

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3.9 Working properties.

3.9.1 Mixing. When following the manufacturer’s instructions all components of the coating
shall mix readily using a hand-held paddle to a homogenous product.

3.9.2 Application. The coating shall be applied by conventional, airless, HVLP, or

electrostatic (Class H only) spray application. When spray is applied at 15.6 to 32.2 °C
(60 to 90°F) and a relative humidity of 20 to 80 percent, the coating material shall yield a smooth,
uniform film at a dry-film thickness of 1.7 to 2.3 mil. No orange peel (wavy appearance) shall be
evident when viewed from at least six feet away. When reducing the coating, caution shall be
taken not to exceed the maximum VOC content of 420 g/l for type I, 340 g/l for type II, and 50
g/l for type III.

3.9.3 Cleanability. The coating shall maintain a cleaning efficiency of not less than 75
percent, when cleaned in accordance with 4.6.13 through 4.6.13.5.

3.9.4 Strippability. A minimum of 90 percent of the coating shall be stripped in no more

than 4 hours, when tested in accordance with 4.6.14.

3.10 Identification of material. Individual containers greater than 1 pint and cases of
containers 1 pint or less, shall bear permanent labels showing the following:

Specification MIL-PRF-85285D, “Coating: Polyurethane, Aircraft and Support

Equipment”
Component A, B, or C (as applicable)
Type and Class
Color (name and FED-STD-595 color number)
Manufacturer's name, product number, and batch number
Date of manufacture by month and year
VOC content in grams/liter
Net contents
Mixing and thinning instructions

3.10.1 Component containers. All containers of toxic and hazardous chemicals and
materials shall be labeled in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and municipal laws,
statutes, regulations, and ordinances. In addition to the labeling, the following shall appear on
each component container in every kit, on each exterior shipping container, and on the case of
containers less than 1 pint.

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CAUTION
THIS COATING MATERIAL IS TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE
DO NOT USE IN CONFINED AREAS
DO NOT USE WHERE THERE ARE OPEN FLAMES, ARCING EQUIPMENT,
HOT SURFACES, NOR WHERE SMOKING IS PERMITTED.
USE ONLY WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION.
AVOID BREATHING OF VAPOR.
DO NOT GET IN EYES, ON SKIN, ON CLOTHING.
IN CASE OF CONTACT, IMMEDIATELY FLUSH EYES OR SKIN WITH PLENTY OF
WATER. FOR EYES, GET MEDICAL ATTENTION.

3.10.2 Lid (Component B only). Each lid of Component B material shall have a red printed
label with the following information:

"USE CAUTION.
OPEN SLOWLY."

3.10.3 Precautions. Each kit shall include a sheet listing the following precautions:

a. The surface to be coated must be clean (free of oil, dust, etc.)

b. Spray equipment must be adequately grounded. Clean equipment immediately
after use. For class W only, use water followed by thinner. For all other classes
use thinner only. In all cases thinner conforming to MIL-T-81772, type I, shall
be used.
c. Mix only the amount of coating to be used within four hours.
d. Never mix coating or individual component from one vendor with that of another vendor.
Components from different kits are not interchangeable. For example, do not use
Component A in white with Component B in gray.
e. Apply to pretreated metal or appropriately prepared organic matrix composite surfaces.
f. Dispose of, without opening, any container that is bulged or deformed.
g. Open component B carefully. If the contained material is not clear, dispose of it.
h. Perform production type operations only in specifically designated areas with local exhaust
ventilation and other environmental control measures, as may be recommended on the
basis of an on-site industrial hygiene survey.
i. Perform touch-up type operations only in areas with good ventilation (such as a hangar
deck or in a hangar with the doors open). Do not expose unprotected personnel in
adjacent areas to mist, spray, or vapor. Application shall be restricted to brush, roller, or
self-pressurized spray kit. No one person shall apply more than one quart of polyurethane
coating by self-pressurized spray in any 24-hour period.

4. VERIFICATION

4.1 Classification of inspections. The inspection requirements specified herein are classified
as follows:

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a. Qualification inspection (see 4.3).

b. Conformance inspection (see 4.4).

4.2 Inspection conditions. Unless otherwise specified, all inspections shall be performed in
accordance with the conditions specified in ASTM-D3924, and in duplicate. Unless otherwise
stated in the test method or paragraph herein, room temperature shall be 21° ±5°C (70° ±10°F)
and relative humidity as 50 ±10 percent.

4.3 Qualification inspection. The qualification inspection shall consist of all tests specified in
4.6 and table I.

4.4 Conformance inspection.

4.4.1 Tests. The conformance inspection shall consist of all the tests specified in table I,
except composition (3.4), storage stability (3.5.2), freeze-thaw stability (3.5.4), infrared
reflectance (3.7.4), weather resistance (3.8.2), humidity resistance (3.8.3), cleanability (3.9.3), and
strippability (3.9.4) (see 6.9).

4.4.1.1 Visual inspection of filled containers. Samples shall be selected at random from each
lot (see 6.8) in accordance with ASQC-Z1.4, inspection level S-2. The lot size for this
examination shall be the number of kits fully prepared for delivery. The samples shall be
examined for container fill, weight, and marking.

4.5 Test panels. All test panels shall be prepared under laboratory conditions (see 4.6).
The dimensions for all test panels shall be approximately 0.020 by 3 by 6 in. (0.5 by 76.2 by
152.4 mm). With the exception of the panels used for flexibility testing, test panels shall be
aluminum alloy 2024 (T3 temper) conforming to SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4. See 4.6.3 for test
panels to be used for flexibility testing.

4.5.1 Panel preparation. With the exception of the panels used for flexibility testing (4.6.3),
the panels shall be treated with conversion coating to produce coatings conforming to
MIL-C-5541, Class 1A.

4.5.2 Application of coatings.

4.5.2.1 Primer coating. Spray apply one cross-coat of primer coating conforming to
MIL-PRF-23377 or MIL-PRF-85582 to a dry-film thickness of 0.6 to 0.9 mil (15 to 23 µm) in
accordance with ASTM-D823 and air-dry for no less than one hour.

4.5.2.2 Topcoat. In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions the admixed topcoat
may be reduced with deionized or distilled water for class W, or thinner conforming to
MIL-T-81772, type I, for class H. If reducing with thinner, do not exceed the maximum
allowable VOC content (see 3.4.1). Allow the topcoat to stand no less than 30 minutes before

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using. Spray apply the topcoat in accordance with ASTM-D823 to a dry-film thickness of
1.7 to 2.3 mil (43 to 58 µm). Prior to testing, the applied coating shall be air-dried for no less
than 14 days at room temperature, or air-dried for no less than 24 hours followed by 24 hours at
150 °F (see 4.6).

4.6 Test methods. The tests of this specification shall be conducted in accordance with the
methods specified in table III, and 4.6.1 through 4.6.14.

TABLE III. Test methods.

Requirement Test Title Test Method FED-STD-141 ASTM

Paragraph Paragraph Method Number Method
3.4 Free isocyanate content --- --- D3432
3.4 Lead and cadmium content --- --- D3335
3.4 Chromium content --- --- D3718
3.4.1 VOC content --- --- D3960
3.5.1.1 Condition in container 4.6.1 --- ---
(component A)
3.5.1.2 Condition in container 4.6.1 --- ---
(component B)
3.5.1.3 Condition in container --- --- D1193
(component C)
3.5.2 Storage stability 4.6 – 4.6.14 --- ---
3.5.3 Accelerated storage stability 4.6.2 --- ---
(component B only)
3.5.4 Freeze-thaw stability (class W --- --- 1/
only) D2243
3.5.5 Moisture content (class H only) --- --- D1364
3.6.1 Fineness of grind --- --- D1210
3.6.2 Coarse particles --- --- D185
3.6.3 Odor --- --- D1296
3.6.4 Viscosity and pot life --- --- D1200
3.7.1 Drying time --- --- D1640
3.7.2 Surface appearance 4.6.3 --- ---
3.7.3 Color 2/ --- --- D2244
3.7.4 Infrared reflectance 4.6.4 --- ---
(color number 34095, only)
3.7.5 Gloss 2/ --- --- D523
3.7.6 Opacity (hiding power) 4.6.5 --- D2244
3.7.7 Adhesion, tape test 4.6.6 6301 ---
3.7.8.1 Impact flexibility 4.6.7.1 --- ---
3.7.8.2 Low-temperature flexibility (type I 4.6.7.2 --- D522
and type III)

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TABLE III. Test methods. – Continued.

Requirement Test Title Test Method FED-STD-141 ASTM

Paragraph Paragraph Method Number Method
3.8.1 Fluid resistance 4.6.8 --- ---
3.8.2 Weather resistance 4.6.9 --- G155
3.8.3 Humidity resistance 2/ --- --- D2247
3.8.4 Heat resistance (color change) 4.6.10 6051 ---
3.8.5 Solvent resistance (cure) 4.6.11 --- ---
3.8.6 Tape resistance 4.6.12 --- ---
3.9.3 Cleanability 4.6.13 --- ---
3.9.4 Strippability 4.6.14 --- ---
1/ One freeze-thaw cycle shall be 16 hours at –9 ± 3 °C (15 ± 5 °F) followed by 8 hours at a
room temperature of 18 - 29.5 °C (65 - 85 °F).
2/ The coating tested shall be applied to test panels in accordance with 4.5 through 4.5.2.

4.6.1 Condition in container. Allow component A to stand without agitation for no less
than 14 days in a closed container. Mix by hand with a paddle and within 5 minutes examine its
condition for conformance to 3.5.1.1. Examine the condition of Component B for conformance
to 3.5.1.2.

4.6.2 Accelerated Storage Stability (Component B only). The coating component, as

packaged by the manufacturer shall be stored at 57 ± 3 °C (135 ± 5 °F) for no less than 24 hours,
cooled to room temperature (see 4.2), and examined for conformance to 3.5.3.

4.6.3 Surface appearance. Within four hours after mixing, the coating shall be applied to
test panels in accordance with 4.5 through 4.5.2 and air dried for no less than 24 hours. Examine
both coatings for conformance to 3.7.2.

4.6.4 Infrared reflectance (FED-STD-595 color number 34095 only). The admixed coating
shall be applied to test panels in accordance with 4.5 through 4.5.2, and the total reflectance
(speclar and diffuse) of the coating relative to barium sulfate shall be measured using a Perkin-
Elmer LAMBDA 9, or equivalent spectrophotometer over a range of 700 to 2,600 nm. Examine
for conformance to 3.7.4.

4.6.5 Opacity (hiding power). Cast the admixed coating to a thickness of 1.9 to 2.1 mil [48
to 53 micrometer (µm)] on a black and white chart (Lenata Form 3B, or equivalent). The contrast
ratio shall be determined by measuring the “L” reflectance value of coating over the black and
white side of the chart, respectively. Determine the “L” value of the coating covering the white
and black part of the chart, LW and LB respectively, in accordance with ASTM-D2244. The
contrast ratio is calculated as follows: C = LB ÷ LW.

4.6.6 Adhesion. The coating shall be applied to test panels in accordance with 4.5 through
4.5.2. The test panel shall be immersed in distilled water for no less than 24 hours at room
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temperature (see 4.2), then tested in accordance with FED-STD-141, Method 6301 (see table III)
for conformance to 3.7.7

4.6.7 Flexibility. Test panels shall be aluminum alloy 2024 (0 temper) conforming to
SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4 and shall be anodized in accordance with MIL-A-8625, type I. Test
panel dimensions shall be 0.020 by 3.0 by 6.0 in. (0.5 by 76.2 by 152.4 mm). Apply the topcoat,
without a primer, in accordance with 4.5.2.2, and allow the test panels to air-dry for no less than
14 days before testing.

4.6.7.1 Impact flexibility. Two test panels, prepared in accordance with 4.6.7, shall be
tested with a GE Impact-Flexibility Tester, or equivalent, at 21 ±5 °C (70 ±10 °F) and 50 ±10
percent RH. Place the coated panel, film downward, on the rubber pad at the bottom of the
impacter guide. Drop the impacter on the panel so that the impression of the entire rim of the
impacter is made in the panel. Reverse the impacter ends; drop the impacter on the panel adjacent
to the first area of impact. After testing, examine the coating using ten-power magnification, to
determine surface cracking. Measure the percent elongation corresponding to the largest
spherical impression at which no cracking occurs. Examine the coating for conformance to
3.7.8.1.

4.6.7.2 Low-temperature flexibility. Two test panels, prepared as specified in 4.6.7, shall be
tested in accordance with ASTM-D522, Method B. The test shall be performed at a temperature
of -51 ±3 °C (-60 ±5 °F) using a 1.0 in. mandrel for gloss and semi-gloss colors and a 2.0 in.
mandrel for camouflage colors. After testing, examine the coating using the unaided eye, for
conformance to 3.7.8.2.

4.6.8 Fluid resistance. The coating applied to test panels in accordance with 4.5 through
4.5.2 shall be immersed in the fluids, at the temperature, and for the minimum time specified in
table IV. The film shall be examined one hour after removal from the fluid and examined for
conformance to 3.8.1.

Table IV. Immersion time.

Time of immersion
Fluid Fluid temperature
(minimum)
Lubricating oil (conforming to MIL-L-23699) 121 ±3 °C (250 ±5 °F) 24 hours
Hydraulic fluid (conforming to MIL-PRF-83282) 66 ±3 °C (150 ±5 °F) 24 hours
JP-5 fuel (conforming to MIL-DTL-5624) Room temperature 7 days

4.6.9 Weather resistance. The coating shall be applied to test panels in accordance with 4.5
through 4.5.2, and tested in accordance with ASTM-G155 using a Xenon-arc weatherometer
(Atlas Electric Devices Company or equivalent) that is cycling between 102 minutes of light only
and 18 minutes of light and water spray for not less than 500 hours. The following conditions
shall apply when tested in accordance with ASTM-G155:

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Cabinet temperature 42 ±3 °C (108 ±5 °F)

Black body temperature in cabinet: 63 ±3 °C (145 ±5 °F)
Relative humidity in cabinet: 50 ±5 percent
Intensity (spectral irradiance) 0.35 to 0.5 watt/meter2 at a wavelength of 340 nm

After removal from the weatherometer, the 60° specular gloss of the coating shall be tested in
accordance with ASTM-D523 to determine conformance to the 60° specular gloss 3.8.2(a). The
coating color shall then be tested in accordance with ASTM-D2244 to determine conformance to
3.8.2(b).

4.6.10 Heat resistance. Prepare two test panels in accordance with 4.5 through 4.5.2. One
test panel shall act as control, the other as the test specimen. Expose the test specimen to
121 ±3 °C (250 ±5 °F) for no less than 60 minutes, in accordance with FED-STD-141, Method
6051. After exposure, the coating shall be tested in accordance with ASTM-D2244 to determine
the color difference (∆E) value and examined for conformance to 3.8.4.

4.6.11 Solvent resistance (cure). Test panels shall be prepared in accordance with 4.5
through 4.5.2. A cotton, terrycloth rag shall be soaked in MEK solvent and rubbed back and
forth 25 times (50 passes) over the coating with firm finger pressure. The coating shall be
examined for conformance to 3.8.5.

4.6.12 Tape resistance. Test panels, prepared as specified in 4.5 through 4.5.2, shall be
air-dried for no less than twelve hours. A strip of masking tape (3M Company #250 or
equivalent), no less than 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) wide, shall be applied to each panel, adhesive side
down, and pressed down with one pass of a roller weighing no less than 4.5 pounds (2.04
kilograms (kg)). The tape shall remain in contact with the test panel for no less than one hour and
then shall be carefully removed. Examine the coating conformance to 3.8.6.

4.6.13 Cleanability. The cleanability test method shall be performed in accordance with
4.6.13.1 through 4.6.13.5 to determine conformance to 3.9.3.

4.6.13.1 Preparation of artificial soil. Place 50.0 ±0.5g of carbon black and 500.0 ±1.0g of
hydraulic fluid, conforming to MIL-PRF-83282, in a container, such as a one quart jar.
Homogenize the soil using a high shear (such as a Cowles dispersator, or equivalent) mixer for
15 ±1 minutes. Prior to application of the soil, stir or shake the mixture by hand.

4.6.13.2 Preparation of test panels. Prepare two test panels in accordance with 4.5 through
4.5.2. Using a clean, hog bristle brush, lightly scrub the coating of each panel with a 1.0 percent
(by weight) solution of Alconox detergent, or equivalent, in reagent water. Rinse each panel
thoroughly three times with reagent water. Dry for no less than18 hours at 49 ±2 °C (120 ±4 °F).
Using ASTM-D2244, determine the L value of the coating. This will be value "A"
(see 4.6.13.5).

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4.6.13.3 Soiling of test panels. Using a soft-bristle brush, coat the painted surfaces of test
panels with the prepared soil. Remove excess soil by covering the test panel surface with folded
absorbent tissue and exerting pressure by rolling the tissue with a 5 lb. rubber roller. Repeat this
blotting procedure twice. Brush the soiled surface parallel to the long dimension of the test panel,
using 10 brush strokes in each direction. Bake the test panel at 105 ±2 °C (221 ±4 °F) for 60 ±1
minutes. Determine the L value of the coating in accordance with ASTM-D2244. This will be
value "B" (see 4.6.13.5).

4.6.13.4 Procedure. Within 4 hours of soiling the test panels, conduct the cleanability test as
specified in MIL-PRF-85570, using the type II control formulation.

4.6.13.5 Calculation. Calculate the cleaning efficiency achieved on each test panel as
follows (value "A" from 4.6.13.2, value "B" from 4.6.13.3, and value "C" from 4.6.13.4) and
examine for conformance to 3.9.3:

Cleaning efficiency (%) = [(C - B) ÷ (A - B)] x 100

4.6.14 Strippability. Test panels, prepared as specified in 4.5 through 4.5.2 and weathered
for no less than 500 hours as specified in 4.6.9, shall be placed on a rack at a 60° angle with the
horizontal. Enough paint remover conforming to TT-R-2918, type I, shall be poured along the
upper edge of each test panel to completely cover the coating surface. After no less than 4 hours
of exposure, the loosened coating shall be brushed off and the test panels shall be rinsed while
brushing under a stream of cool water. Examine for conformance to 3.9.4. The amount of
coating stripped in this manner is determined by the percentage of substrate surface area exposed.

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Packaging. For acquisition purposes, the packaging requirements shall be as specified in
the contract or order (see 6.2). When actual packaging of materiel is to be performed by DoD
personnel, these personnel need to contact the responsible packaging activity to ascertain requisite
packaging requirements. Packaging requirements are maintained by the Inventory Control Point's
packaging activity within the Military Department or Defense Agency, or within the Military
Department's System Command. Packaging data retrieval is available from the managing Military
Department's or Defense Agency's automated packaging files, CD-ROM products, or by
contacting the responsible packaging activity.

6. NOTES

(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature which may be helpful,
but is not mandatory.)

6.1 Intended use. The combination of all properties of MIL-PRF-85285; component; liquid;
cured coating; resistance; mixing; application; cleanability; strippability; along with the
composition and solvent content provide the necessary requirements for a polyurethane coating

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used in the extremes of the naval aviation environment. There are no commercial equivalents that
meet the combination of all properties of MIL-PRF-85285. Type I of this polyurethane coating is
intended for use on aircraft weapons systems and other applications. Type II is intended for use
on support equipment. Type III is intended for use on aircraft and support equipment. No
additives other than the appropriate thinner for class H or deionized or distilled water for class W
to obtain the proper spray viscosity need to be added.

6.2 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents must specify the following:

a. Title, number, and date of this specification.

b. Type and class (see 1.2).

c. Issue of DoDISS to be cited in the solicitation and, if required, the specific issue of
individual documents referenced (see 2.2 and 2.3).

d. Quantity and size of containers.

e. If a retention sample is required and where to send it (see 4.4.2).

f. Color number and name (see 6.7).

g. Any formulation modifications.

6.3 Toxicity. Some free isocyanate is released during mixing and application of
multi-component polyurethane coatings. Released free isocyanates can produce significant
irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Personnel exposed to free isocyanates may
develop an allergic pulmonary sensitization, particularly if there is any inhalation of the vapor and
mist produced during spray application. This sensitization may cause an asthmatic reaction with
wheezing, dyspnea, and cough. Once sensitized, further exposure cannot be tolerated. For this
reason, there is a restriction on the issuance and use of this material. Personnel exposed to free
isocyanates on a regular basis should receive a periodic medical exam that includes a chest
roentgenograph (X-ray), pulmonary function tests, and an evaluation of any respiratory disease or
history of allergy. Periodic testing of pulmonary functions may aid in detecting the onset of
pulmonary sensitization. Questions pertinent to the effect(s) of these coatings on the health of
personnel using them should be referred by the procuring activity to the appropriate medical
service, who will act as an advisor.

6.3.1 Personnel protective methods. Eye protection and appropriate clothing to prevent
repeated or prolonged skin contact should be worn while applying material that contains free
isocyanates. Additional information pertaining to protective equipment and other necessary
precautions should be available from the coating application facility's Occupational Safety and
Health Office.

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6.4 Moisture (Class H only). Polyurethane materials should be kept dry. The presence of
moisture degrades the quality of the coating. Packaging of the materials should be done in a dry
atmosphere. Solvents and resins should be examined for evidence of contamination before they
are incorporated, even if they are "urethane grade," as solvents and thinners may become
contaminated with water in tank cars or storage tanks. The purchase of "urethane grade" solvents
and thinners is no guarantee that excessive moisture is not present. It is recommended that all
users check for moisture contamination prior to use.

6.4.1 Method to detect water in solvent used for polyurethane coatings. The following is a
suggested method that may be used to determine the presence of water in the solvents used for
polyurethane coatings: Add one drop of aluminum secondary butoxide to 100 ml of the solvent in
a stoppered flask and shake well. An appreciable amount of turbidity indicates the presence of
water.

6.5 Qualification. With respect to products requiring qualification, awards will be made only
for products which are, at the time of award of contract, qualified for inclusion in Qualified
Products List QPL-85285, whether or not such products have actually been so listed by that date.
The attention of the contractors is called to these requirements, and manufacturers are urged to
arrange to have the products that they propose to offer to the Federal Government tested for
qualification in order that they may be eligible to be awarded contracts or purchase orders for the
products covered by this specification. Information pertaining to qualification of products may be
obtained from the Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Attn.: Code 4.3.4.1,
Unit 5, Building 2188, Patuxent River, MD 20670.

6.5.1 Qualification inspection samples. The test samples should consist of a minimum of one
two quart kit consisting of the following FED-STD-595 colors: 17925 and 36375. The material
should be furnished in the type of containers to be used in filling contract orders. Samples should
be identified as follows and forwarded to the laboratory designated in the letter of authorization
(see 6.5).

Qualification inspection samples

Specification MIL-PRF-85285D; Type ________, Class ______, Color _____
“Coating: Polyurethane, Aircraft and Support Equipment”
Manufacturer's name and product number
Submitted by (name and date) for qualification testing in accordance with authorization
(reference authorizing letter)

6.5.2 Inspection and other information. In addition to the qualification test samples, the
qualifying activity will request the manufacturer to submit to the qualification activity: (a) one
copy of the MSDS (see 6.6); (b) a certified test report showing that the material conforms to the
requirements of this specification; and (c) certification that the following chemicals were not used
in the formulation of this coating: methylene chloride, trichloroethane and
trichlorotrifluoroethane.

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6.5.3 Retention of qualification. To retain qualification of products approved for listing on

the Qualified Products List (QPL), the manufacturer will be requested to verify by certification to
the qualifying activity that its product(s) comply with the requirements of this specification.
Unless otherwise specified by the qualifying activity, the time of periodic verification by
certification will be in two-year intervals from the date of original qualification and will be
initiated by the qualifying activity.

6.6 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). 29 CFR 1910.1200 requires that the MSDS for
each hazardous chemical used in an operation must be readily available to personnel using the
material. Contracting officers should identify the activities requiring copies of the MSDS.

6.7 Color designation codes: The five digit color designator is the FED-STD-595 color
number. The following is a list of colors frequently used by the Department of Defense, but is not
a list of all of the colors authorized, used, or available:

Color type: FED-STD-595 color number Color name

Gloss: 11136 Red
13538 Orange-yellow
14187 Green
15044 Insignia blue
15180 Blue
16440 Light gray
17038 Black
17925 Untinted white
Semi-gloss: 25200 Blue
26231 Gray
Camouflage (low gloss) 34095 Field green
34097 Green
35237 Blue gray
36081 Flat gray
36231 Lusterless gray
36320 Dark gray
36375 Medium gray
36440 Light gray
36495 Aircraft gray
37038 Black

6.8 Batch and lot formation. A batch consists of all coating material manufactured during
one continuous operation and forming part of one contract or order for delivery. A lot consists of
all coatings of the same color, manufactured at one time from one batch, forming part of one
contract, and submitted for acceptance.

6.9 Rejection and retest. Failure in any conformance test should result in rejection of that
batch and should constitute justification for removal from the qualified products list. Rejected
material should not be resubmitted for acceptance without written approval from the qualification
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activity (see 6.5). The application for resubmission should contain full particulars concerning
previous rejections and measures taken to correct these deficiencies. Samples for retest should be
randomly selected as in 4.4.2 and forwarded to the testing activity.

6.10 Safely handling MEK solvent. To minimize exposure to MEK solvent, it is

recommended that personnel conducting the solvent resistance (cure) test wear, as a minimum,
either butyl rubber or Teflon gloves and a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) approved half-face respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges and goggles or a
full-face respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges.

6.11 Special application solutions. Procuring activities may request minor solvent and
additive modifications to qualified products to solve unique application problems, such as faster
drying time and shorter pot-life coatings encountered for plural-component spray equipment.
Only application conditions are permitted to be modified. The cured coating (dry film) properties
of the coating are not permitted to be changed. Any modified coatings must be clearly identified
as such on its container and may only be furnished to the requesting activity. The specific
modifications and labeling instructions should be detailed in any procurement request for the
modified material.

6.12 Subject term (key word) listing.

Aliphatic polyurethane
Exterior use
Flammable
Isocyanate
Methyl ethyl ketone

6.13 Changes from previous issue. Marginal notations are not used in this revision to identify
changes with respect to the previous issue due to the extent of the changes.

CONCLUDING MATERIAL

Custodians: Preparing activity:

Army - MR Navy - AS
Navy - AS
Air Force - 99 (Project 8010-0172)

Review Activities:
Army - AR, AV
Navy - CG, MC, SH
Air Force - 11, 84
Other - DS

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STANDARDIZATION DOCUMENT IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS
1. The preparing activity must complete blocks 1, 2, 3, and 8. In block 1, both the document number and revision letter
should be given.

2. The submitter of this form must complete blocks 4, 5, 6, and 7.

3. The preparing activity must provide a reply within 30 days from receipt of the form.
NOTE: This form may not be used to request copies of documents, nor to request waivers, or clarification of requirements
on current contracts. Comments submitted on this form do not constitute or imply authorization to waive any portion of the
referenced document(s) or to amend contractual requirements.

1. DOCUMENT NUMBER 2. DOCUMENT DATE

I RECOMMEND A CHANGE: MIL-PRF-85285D (YYMMDD)
28 June 2002
3. DOCUMENT TITLE
COATING: POLYURETHANE, AIRCRAFT AND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
4. NATURE OF CHANGE (Identify paragraph number and include proposed rewrite, if possible. Attach extra sheets as needed.)

5. REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

6. SUBMITTER

a. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial) b. ORGANIZATION

c. ADDRESS (Include Zip Code) d. TELEPHONE (Include Area Code) 7. DATE SUBMITTED
(1) Commercial: (YYMMDD)

(2) DSN (if applicable):

8. PREPARING ACTIVITY

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include Area Code)

COMMANDER (1) Commercial (2) DSN
NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER (732) 323-2947 624-2947
AIRCRAFT DIVISION

c. ADDRESS (Include Zip Code) IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A REPLY WITHIN 45 DAYS, CONTACT:
CODE 414100B120-3 Defense Quality and Standardization Office, 5203 Leesburg Pike,
HIGHWAY 547 Suite 1403, Falls Church, VA 22041-3466
LAKEHURST, NJ 08733-5100 Telephone (703) 756-2340 DSN 289-2340

DD Form 1426, OCT 89 Previous editions are obsolete 198/290