TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
Durabak M26 (Military, Smooth) Technical Data Sheet
Aromatic (MDI) Moisture-Cured Polyurethane - MIL-PRF-32171B
1. Product Description
Durabak M26 is the military designation for the smooth-finish grade of Durabak, a single-component, moisture-cured polyurethane protective coating. It is the product referenced against MIL-PRF-32171B and is documented in a U.S. Navy ASTM F-718 application and test dossier, dated 2016-10-21. The M26 grade is supplied smooth (no recycled-rubber granules) for shipboard decks, equipment, and structures where a thick-film, abrasion-resistant, chemical-resistant polyurethane is specified.
M26 uses an MDI (aromatic) curative. It is NOT UV stable: the cured film ambers and fades with prolonged direct sunlight or UV exposure. For military surfaces in direct or sustained sun exposure (weather decks, exposed topside structures, vehicles), use Durabak-18 (aliphatic), which is covered by the Durabak-18 Outdoor Technical Data Sheet.
The coating cures by reaction with atmospheric moisture (releasing CO2). It is one part: no mixing, no catalyst, no induction time, and no plural-component or heated-line equipment. It bonds chemically to properly prepared steel, painted or sound-coated metal, aluminum, concrete, wood, fiberglass, rubber, most rigid plastics, and cured epoxy or primer. The cured film is flexible, waterproof, and bonds to itself for indefinite spot repair and recoat after light abrasion.
2. Recommended Uses / Features and Benefits
Recommended Uses
Smooth, thick-film protective coating for military, marine, and industrial service (interior, shaded, and submerged applications where UV stability is not required):
- Shipboard interior decks, passageways, and gangways
- Bilges, voids, tanks, and machinery spaces
- Military and tactical vehicle interiors, hulls, and undercoating
- Steel, aluminum, and concrete structures requiring abrasion and chemical resistance where UV exposure is not a factor
- Sealing and protecting corroded or pitted steel surfaces (prime bare steel)
Features and Benefits
- MIL-PRF-32171B / QPL. M26 is the smooth grade documented against MIL-PRF-32171B (current revision: B) and a Navy ASTM F-718 application/test dossier (see Section 8). Durabak M26 is QUALIFIED and listed on the Qualified Products List (QPL) under MIL-PRF-32171B.
- One-part system. No mixing and no catalyst. Reseal the can immediately after each pour.
- Moisture-cure. Cures with atmospheric moisture; higher relative humidity speeds cure. Avoid condensation or standing water on the surface before application.
- High-build film. Two coats deliver 29-39 mils dry total (per current Durabak Company datasheet), a thick protective film deposited in a single 1-part process without plural-component spray equipment.
- Abrasion resistance. 30.5 mg weight loss, Taber abraser, 1000 g load, 1000 cycles (ASTM D4060).
- Salt-water and chemical resistance. 100% salt-water resistance; salt spray no effect (ASTM B117 / D610); 7-day water immersion no effect (ASTM D1308). See the chemical-resistance table in Section 8.
- Flexibility. Elongation 497% (ASTM D2370); passes 1/8 inch mandrel bend with no cracking (ASTM D522). The cured film resists cracking and impact across a service temperature range of -60 F to +254 F.
- Repairability. Bonds to itself; spot-repair or recoat indefinitely after light abrasion, no removal of the existing film required.
- Fire test data. Flame spread index 01 (ASTM E-162); smoke generation 06 (ASTM E-662). Reported as tested values; not a fire rating.
- Low VOC. 250 g/L (2.08 lb/gal).
Note on slip resistance. The standard M26 grade is smooth and is NOT slip-rated. The published static coefficient-of-friction values (ASTM D1894 / ASTM D2047) apply to the textured (recycled-rubber granule) grade, not to the smooth M26. Where a non-skid deck profile is required, specify a textured Durabak grade or a separate non-skid system.
3. Product Data / Physical Properties
| Property | M26 (MDI, Aromatic) | Test Method / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry / binder | MDI aromatic polyurethane | NOT UV stable; ambers/fades in sun |
| Curative (isocyanate) | 4,4'-MDI (101-68-8), <5.3% | MDI is a respiratory sensitizer; see Section 12 |
| Ethylbenzene (constituent) | CAS 100-41-4, 5-10% | Constituent of the aromatic (xylene) solvent |
| Finish | Smooth (no granules) | M26 is supplied smooth |
| Components | 1 (single-pack) | No mixing required |
| Cure mechanism | Moisture-cure (atmospheric) | Generates CO2 on cure |
| Liquid density | 1.03 g/cm3 at 20 C | ASTM D1475; per Navy ASTM F-718 dossier |
| Weight (packaged) | approx. 10 lb/gal | Filled-can packaged weight (per current Durabak Company datasheet) |
| Viscosity | 67-72 KU (Krebs) | Krebs Viscous Meter |
| Solids by weight | 66% | per Navy ASTM F-718 / Durabak M26 Tests & Data |
| Solids by volume | 75.8% | per current Durabak Company datasheet |
| VOC | 250 g/L (2.08 lb/gal) | EPA Test Method 24 |
| Flash point | 27 C (80.6 F) | ASTM D56 |
| Gloss (smooth) | approx. 84.7% | M26 smooth measurement |
| pH | approx. 8.0 | |
| Boiling point | 140 C | Solvent fraction (xylene) |
| UV stability | NOT UV stable -- ambers/fades in sun | For UV/sun-exposed surfaces use Durabak-18 (aliphatic) |
| Service temp range | -60 F to +254 F | Freeze-thaw cycling; constant heat to 254 F |
| Shelf life | 12 months (unopened) | Store 32-104 F, sealed |
Solids by weight (66%) confirmed by the current Durabak Company datasheet and Navy ASTM F-718. Solids by volume: 75.8% per current Durabak Company datasheet.
Elongation: 497% (ASTM D2370); passes 1/8 inch mandrel bend with no cracking (ASTM D522). The cured film resists cracking and impact.
4. Surface Preparation
Surface must be clean, dry, and free of oil, grease, wax, dust, mildew, salts, and loose material. Adhesion fails on contaminated surfaces; solvent-wipe before mechanical prep if oils or mold-release agents are present.
| Substrate | Minimum Preparation | Primer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (bare or rusty) | Abrasive blast to SSPC-SP 10 (near-white) or SSPC-SP 11; 2-4 mil anchor profile (Testex Tape) | DuraPrime EP-90 2-part epoxy primer (approx. 70 sq ft/gal; VOC <=80 g/L) | Do not apply to bare steel without primer; zinc phosphate spray for rust-inhibitive touch-up |
| Painted/sound-coated metal | Scuff-sand all glossy surfaces; clean | Prime if coating is thin or questionable | Test adhesion on a small area first |
| Aluminum | Scuff-sand; degrease | Metcote etch primer (ivory, approx. 145 sq ft/qt) | 30 min dry before overcoat at 77 F; heat resistant to 428 F |
| Concrete | Remove laitance; acid-etch or grind; verify dry (moisture-meter check) | Prime if porous or carbonated | Allow 30 days cure for new concrete |
| Wood | Sand to remove gloss; dry thoroughly | Prime if highly porous | Pressure-treated lumber: allow weathering; resin bleed prevents adhesion |
| Fiberglass | Sand to dull the surface; degrease | Primer optional; test adhesion | Mold-release wax must be fully removed |
| Rubber (sound) | Scuff-sand; degrease | Not required | Test adhesion first |
| Rigid plastics (general) | Scuff-sand; degrease | Test adhesion first | Not suitable for glass, marble, or polished stone |
| Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other low-surface-energy plastics | Standard abrasion will not bond; flame/plasma treatment or a dedicated adhesion promoter is required, and a test patch is essential. | Dedicated adhesion promoter required | Test patch is essential |
| Cured epoxy / primer | Light abrasion; clean | Not required | Good bond substrate |
| Glass, polished stone, or any non-scuffable surface | NOT SUITABLE | NOT SUITABLE | No mechanical key available; coating will not adhere |
For Navy / military surface preparation, follow NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32 (surface preparation) and 009-26 (cleanliness) as applicable, verify soluble-salt contamination by the Bresle Patch Method, and confirm the prep grade and profile required by the specific MIL-PRF-32171B contract line.
5. Application
Environmental Conditions
All conditions must be met before and during application. Do not apply if any condition is out of range; cure and adhesion will be compromised.
| Parameter | Required Range |
|---|---|
| Ambient air temperature | 32 F to 95 F |
| Substrate temperature | 45 F to 90 F |
| Dew-point rule | Substrate surface must be at least 5 F ABOVE the dew point |
| Relative humidity | Normal ambient humidity drives cure; avoid condensation or standing water on the surface |
| Substrate condition | Dry; no frost, ice, or surface moisture |
Higher relative humidity accelerates cure. Application in hot, dry conditions lengthens dry-to-recoat time.
Mixing and Handling
Stir thoroughly before use and between coats. Do NOT shake the can; shaking entrains moisture and air, which can trigger premature surface cure and foam the film. Reseal the can immediately after each pour. Working/open time after opening the can is approximately 3 hr at 25 C (4 hr at 20 C, 6 hr at 10 C); the F-718 dossier labels this "pot life" although the product is one-part.
Application Tools
| Method | Tool Specification | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Roller (smooth) | 3/16 in short-nap mohair varnish roller; approx. 1-1.5 gal per 9-in sleeve | Smooth M26 finish; standard application |
| Brush | Soft paint brush; apply two coats at right angles | Edges, cut-in, small areas |
| Airless spray | 0.021-0.023 in tip; approx. 2.9 gpm class (e.g., Graco Bulldog 33:1); 90-100 psi inlet, approx. 3000 psi outlet | Large decks and structures; no heated lines, no plural-component equipment |
Conventional spray is also acceptable. No heated lines and no plural-component equipment are required.
Coats and Dry Film Thickness (DFT)
Apply a minimum of two coats.
| Variant | Wet Film per Coat | Dry Film per Coat | Total DFT (2 coats) | Measurement Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M26 (MDI, smooth) | 17-25 mils | -- | 29-39 mils | Per current Durabak Company datasheet (primary) |
Primary DFT: 29-39 mils total (2 coats) per current Durabak Company datasheet. Alternative measured value: 12-18 mils per coat; 24-35 mils total (Navy ASTM F-718, SSPC-PA 2). Confirm the DFT required by the specific MIL-PRF-32171B contract line.
Coverage
| Variant | Coverage per Gallon | Coverage per Quart |
|---|---|---|
| M26 smooth | 75 sq ft (at 2 coats) | 18 sq ft |
Coverage is practical coverage. Actual coverage varies with surface porosity, roughness, profile, and application technique.
Accelerator
An optional cure-accelerator additive is available. Use 1 packet per quart or 1 packet per gallon. The accelerator shortens cure time by up to 50% with no change to cured-film performance. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
6. Thinning / Reducer
Thinning is not normally required or recommended. If viscosity reduction is needed for spray application in cold conditions, use only an approved reducer:
| Reducer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Solvide | VOC-exempt; approved for all 50 states including California and Utah; preferred reducer |
| Xylene / Xylol | Approved thinner; NOT sold to customers in California or Utah (the restriction is on the thinner product, not the Durabak coating itself) |
Do NOT use generic lacquer thinner, acetone, MEK, or any unapproved solvent. Unapproved solvents alter viscosity unpredictably, can affect the moisture-cure reaction rate, and may void product performance data. Add reducer in small increments with stirring; over-thinning reduces DFT and solids deposition per coat.
7. Dry / Recoat / Cure Schedule
Times are approximate at 70-75 F and 50% relative humidity. Higher humidity and warmer temperatures shorten times; cooler temperatures and low humidity lengthen them. Schedule values are reconciled from the Navy ASTM F-718 dossier.
| Stage | Time (typical conditions) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tack / flash-off | 1.5-3 hr | Surface dry to light touch; not yet ready to recoat |
| Touch dry | 1.5-3 hr | Light-touch dry |
| Recoat window -- earliest | approx. 1 hr (light tack) | Apply second coat once first is touch-dry |
| Recoat window -- nominal | 6-12 hr | Preferred window for full intercoat adhesion |
| Recoat window -- maximum | 24 hr | Beyond 24 hr, abrade the surface before recoating to restore the bond |
| Walk-on / dry-to-handle | 6-12 hr | Minimum before foot traffic |
| Full cure / return to full service | 4 days (full cure; allow longer at cooler temperatures or low humidity) | |
| Working / open time (per open can) | 3 hr at 25 C | 4 hr at 20 C; 6 hr at 10 C; reseal promptly |
If the recoat window is missed (>24 hr), lightly sand with 80-120 grit, remove dust, and proceed. Do not skip this step; intercoat adhesion depends on it.
8. Performance and Test Data
M26 is the smooth grade documented against MIL-PRF-32171B and a U.S. Navy ASTM F-718 application and test dossier, dated 2016-10-21. The F-718 dossier is the source for the film-build, dry/recoat/cure, and application data in Sections 5 and 7. The F-718 reference chemistry is MDI (aromatic), confirmed by the 1.03 g/cm3 density in the dossier.
Physical Performance
| Property | Result | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion resistance | 30.5 mg weight loss | ASTM D4060 (Taber abraser, 1000 g load, 1000 cycles) |
| Salt spray resistance | No effect | ASTM B117 / D610 |
| Salt-water resistance | 100% salt-water resistance | Immersion; no effect |
| Water immersion (7-day) | No effect | ASTM D1308 |
| Flame spread index | 01 | ASTM E-162 |
| Smoke generation (specific optical density) | 06 | ASTM E-662 |
| Flash point | 27 C (80.6 F) | ASTM D56 |
| Service temperature | -60 F to +254 F | Freeze-thaw cycling; constant heat to 254 F |
| Slip resistance (smooth M26) | Not slip-rated | Smooth finish; CoF values apply to textured grade only |
| UV / weathering | NOT UV stable -- ambers/fades in sun | For UV/sun-exposed military surfaces use Durabak-18 (aliphatic) |
Note: fire test values are reported as tested results. They do not constitute a fire rating. Slip / traction coefficient-of-friction values (ASTM D1894: 0.95-0.98 dry / 1.41 wet; ASTM D2047: 1.21 dry / 0.67 wet) apply to the textured (recycled-rubber granule) grade and are NOT applicable to the smooth M26 product.
Chemical Resistance (7-Day Immersion)
Results from product manual 7-day immersion testing. Ratings: Excellent = no visible effect; Good = minor effect; Fair = moderate effect/check suitability; Poor = significant effect/not recommended.
| Chemical | Rating (7-day immersion) |
|---|---|
| Potable water | Excellent |
| Salt water | Excellent |
| Dilute acids | Excellent-Good |
| Alkalis | Excellent-Good |
| Diesel fuel | Good |
| Gasoline | Fair |
| Acetone | Poor |
| Concentrated chlorine | Discolors if not rinsed off immediately |
Concentrated industrial-strength chlorine will discolor the surface if left in contact. Rinse off immediately and use non-chlorinated cleaners for routine maintenance.
9. Clean-Up
Clean tools and equipment immediately after use. Cured Durabak is extremely difficult to remove.
| Cleaner | Notes |
|---|---|
| Solvide | Preferred; VOC-exempt; 50-state legal |
| Xylene / Xylol | Effective; NOT sold to CA or UT (thinner restriction) |
Dispose of solvent waste in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Do not pour solvent or coating residue into drains or waterways. Refer to the paired SDS for disposal guidance.
10. Storage and Shelf Life
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Shelf life (unopened) | 12 months from date of manufacture |
| Storage temperature | 32 F to 104 F |
| Storage condition | Sealed; dry area; away from heat, sparks, and open flame |
| Humidity | Keep moisture out of the can; reseal immediately after each use |
| Freeze | Do not allow to freeze |
This is a moisture-cure product. Any exposure of the liquid to atmospheric moisture (open can, improperly resealed lid, humid storage) reduces working life and can cause surface skinning or gellation. Reseal the can immediately after each pour.
11. Packaging and Colors
Packaging
| Size | Coverage (smooth, 2 coats) |
|---|---|
| Quart | 18 sq ft |
| Gallon | 75 sq ft |
Standard Colors (Smooth, 15)
black, bright red, clear/colorless, cream, dark blue (vivid), dark grey, forest green, light blue, light grey, military olive, orange, sand, tan, white, yellow.
Military olive is the common military finish. Custom color matching is available at a 75-gallon minimum order with lead time. Colors are also hand-mixable by the user.
12. Limitations and Health / Safety
Limitations
- Not UV stable. M26 (MDI, aromatic) ambers and fades with prolonged direct sun or UV exposure. For sun-exposed military surfaces (weather decks, exposed topside structures, vehicles), use Durabak-18 (aliphatic), covered by the Durabak-18 Outdoor Technical Data Sheet.
- Smooth, not slip-rated. M26 is a smooth finish. Where a non-skid deck profile is required, specify a textured Durabak grade or a separate non-skid system.
- Not suitable for glass, marble, polished stone, or any surface that cannot be mechanically abraded to provide a key.
- Not certified or suitable for potable-water contact or potable-water submersion.
- Concentrated chlorine contact must be minimized; rinse off immediately to prevent discoloration.
- Recoating beyond the 24-hour maximum window requires mechanical abrasion before applying the next coat.
- Apply only within the temperature, dew-point, and humidity limits in Section 5.
VOC
VOC: 250 g/L (2.08 lb/gal). Sold in California. CARB SCM-compliant as an Industrial Maintenance coating at <=250 g/L VOC. NOT available in the SCAQMD (greater Los Angeles) district or other air districts that enforce a 100 g/L Industrial Maintenance limit.
Isocyanate / Respiratory Hazard
M26 contains 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI, CAS 101-68-8) at less than 5.3% by weight. MDI is a known respiratory sensitizer (GHS H334: may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled) and a suspected carcinogen (GHS H351). Repeated or high-level inhalation exposure may cause sensitization, after which even very low concentrations can trigger severe asthmatic reactions.
Ventilation and respiratory protection:
- Ensure adequate mechanical ventilation during application and until the coating is tack-dry.
- In confined spaces or enclosed areas (tanks, bilges, voids), use supplied-air respiratory protection (airline respirator or SCBA).
- For general brush/roller application in well-ventilated areas, a half-face respirator with organic-vapor / P100 combination cartridges is the minimum.
- MDI (4,4'-MDI, CAS 101-68-8) occupational exposure limits: OSHA PEL none established; ACGIH TLV 0.005 ppm (0.051 mg/m3) TWA; NIOSH REL 0.005 ppm TWA / 0.020 ppm ceiling.
- Spray application generates the highest inhalation exposure; supplied-air respiratory protection is mandatory for spray in any condition.
- Keep bystanders out of the application area until the coating is tack-dry.
Xylene (CAS 1330-20-7, 20-30% by weight) and ethylbenzene (CAS 100-41-4, 5-10%) are present. US occupational exposure limits:
| Substance | OSHA PEL | ACGIH TLV |
|---|---|---|
| Xylene (1330-20-7) | 100 ppm (435 mg/m3) TWA | 100 ppm TWA / 150 ppm STEL |
| Ethylbenzene (100-41-4) | 100 ppm (435 mg/m3) TWA | 20 ppm TWA |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Minimum PPE during application:
- Respiratory: Half-face respirator with organic-vapor / P100 cartridges for brush/roller in ventilated areas; supplied-air for spray or confined spaces.
- Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene); long sleeves.
- Eyes: Chemical splash goggles.
- Clothing: Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
California Proposition 65
WARNING: This product can expose you to ethylbenzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Ethylbenzene (CAS 100-41-4) is the Prop 65-listed substance confirmed present in the current US SDS (rev 2020-04-24) as a constituent of the aromatic (xylene) solvent. DuraGrip anti-slip aggregate is silicon carbide (no crystalline silica); no crystalline silica Prop 65 warning is required.
Flammability
Flash point 27 C (80.6 F), ASTM D56. Classified Flammable Liquid, GHS Category 3 (H226). Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and hot surfaces. No smoking. Ground and bond metal containers during transfer. Extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, foam, or water fog. Do not use a direct water stream on burning liquid.
Additional Regulatory
- TSCA: All components are active or exempt on the US TSCA Inventory.
- Clean Air Act 112(b) HAPs: xylene and ethylbenzene are listed hazardous air pollutants.
- Clean Water Act: ethylbenzene is a Section 307 priority pollutant; xylene and ethylbenzene are Section 311 hazardous substances.
- SARA 302/304: No extremely hazardous substances present; reportable quantity not applicable.
- SARA 313: ethylbenzene (CAS 100-41-4) and xylene (CAS 1330-20-7) are listed toxic chemicals subject to supplier notification; applicable threshold reporting may apply.
- State right-to-know: xylene and ethylbenzene are listed under Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania RTK programs.
- RCRA (waste disposal): If discarded as supplied (unused), this product exhibits the RCRA characteristic of ignitability, waste code D001 (flash point <60 C / 140 F, per 40 CFR 261.21). Unused xylene-bearing waste may also carry listed code U239 (xylene). Confirm the codes for your actual waste stream.
- US DOT (49 CFR): UN1263, PAINT, Class 3, Packing Group III. Limited quantity = inner packagings not exceeding 5 L (1.3 gal) per 49 CFR 173.150; consumer-quantity reliefs may apply to retail quart/gallon packaging.
- International inventories: all components listed or exempt on the inventories of Australia, Canada, China, Japan (CSCL), Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, Taiwan, EU/Eurasian (Russia), Vietnam, and United States.
Consult the paired Safety Data Sheet before use.
13. Supplier / Manufacturer
Durabak Bergenfield, NJ 07621, USA
Telephone: 303-690-7190
Emergency Telephone: 303-690-7190
Website: durabakcompany.com
14. Disclaimer / Warranty
The information in this Technical Data Sheet is based on tests and data believed to be accurate and is provided as a guide for proper product use. Values stated represent typical or average results; normal variations in application conditions, surface preparation, and film build will produce variations in performance.
The applicator is responsible for determining the suitability of this product for any specific application and for ensuring all applicable safety, regulatory, contractual (including MIL-PRF-32171B and the governing NAVSEA Standard Items), and environmental requirements are met. Durabak makes no warranty, express or implied, beyond the product specifications stated herein. No statement in this document shall be construed as a recommendation to infringe any patent.
Revision date: 2026-06-18
Version: 1.0