logo for Andrews Powder Coating, Inc.
Linkedin
Home / CARC Powder Coating

CARC Powder Coating

Call us

818.700.1030

CARC Coatings

Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings or CARC are a series of powder coatings that are extremely chemically resistant and provide excellent corrosion protection.  CARC powder coatings are used on military vehicles and similar platforms.  The CARC powder coating process was developed to eliminate the hazardous chemicals used in their liquid paint cousins.  Without Isocyanyte (HDI), solvents or toluene diisocyanate (TDI) that are used in the liquid paint versions, powder coatings are a world class leader in low toxicity, 100% solids coatings.  These CARC powder coatings give specifiers the ability to develop military vehicles and platforms that can be exposed to chemical, or nuclear substances and then be cleaned for return to service.  All this without putting application personnel in danger from chemical exposure when applying a CARC powder coating.  Andrews Powder Coating, Inc. is one of a few certified applicators of CARC powder coatings for military use.

Request a Free Quote

Technical Specifications & MIL-SPEC Standards

To ensure mission readiness and equipment longevity, our CARC powder coating processes strictly adhere to Department of Defense (DoD) performance requirements. Unlike standard industrial finishes, CARC must meet rigorous chemical resistance and durability benchmarks.

We specialize in applying MIL-SPEC military coatings that meet the following primary standards:

  • MIL-DTL-53072: The foundational military standard governing the chemical agent resistant coating system application and inspection procedures.
  • MIL-PRF-32348: The performance specification for powder-based CARC, ensuring the finish provides the same level of protection as traditional liquid systems but with superior environmental benefits.
  • Chemical Decontamination: Our coatings are engineered to be non-porous. This prevents chemical warfare agents (CWAs) from being absorbed into the substrate, allowing for safe and effective decontamination using DS2 or other caustic cleaning solutions without damaging the finish.

Infrared Reflectance (IR) & Stealth Capabilities

Modern combat environments require more than just the right shade of green or tan. A critical feature of CARC powder coating is its ability to manage Near-Infrared (NIR) Reflectance.
  • Signature Management: Standard paints often appear bright white when viewed through night-vision goggles (NVGs) because they reflect high levels of infrared light.
  • Visual Mimicry: CARC is formulated with specialized pigments that mimic the infrared signature of natural surroundings, such as soil and vegetation. This makes vehicles and equipment significantly harder to detect, track, and target with infrared sensors and night-vision equipment.
  • Total Spectrum Protection: Our CARC finishes ensure that your hardware remains camouflaged across both the visible and the infrared spectrum.
Request a free quote

Comparison: Powder CARC vs. Liquid CARC

Switching to a powder-based CARC system offers significant advantages in durability, safety, and environmental impact without sacrificing military performance.

FeatureCARC Powder Coating (Our Process)Traditional Liquid CARC
VOC EmissionsZero VOCs – Environmentally friendly.High VOCs – Requires complex filtration.
Hazardous Air PollutantsNone (No Isocyanates or HAPs).Contains HAPs like Toluene and HDI.
Edge CoverageExcellent; wraps around sharp corners.Often thins out on sharp edges.
Impact ResistanceHigh; less prone to chipping and scratching.Moderate; more brittle over time.
Waste ManagementOverspray can be reclaimed/recycled.Generates hazardous liquid waste.
Cure TimeFast; ready for assembly once cooled.Long; requires hours of outgassing/drying.