Water‑Based Foundry Coatings

Engineered for safer handling and premium surface finish across ferrous and non‑ferrous castings. Optimized for brush, dip, flood, and spray.

Low VOC Dip / Brush / Spray High Refractoriness Consistent Film Build
Water-based refractory coating – lab sample

FAQs

When should I choose water-based coatings?

Use water-based when low VOC and safer handling are important while maintaining consistent finish and coverage.

Do water-based coatings match alcohol-based performance?

Often yes. We advise a short line trial to validate drying times and film characteristics in your process.

What application methods are supported?

Brush/swab, dip (controlled viscosity), and air/airless spray with process guidance available.

Water-Based Coatings

Water-based coatings are versatile solutions for all types of casting applications, catering to both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and are suitable for critical and non-critical components. These coatings ensure easy application, offering options for spraying, brushing, or dipping, and can be dried efficiently in an oven at a specific temperature or left to cool at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours.

Eco-Friendly & Safe

As non-ignition materials, they enhance workplace safety while being environmentally friendly due to low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions.

Cost-Effective

Their cost-effectiveness lies in reduced material costs and energy consumption, making them a sustainable choice for modern foundries.

Key Advantages

  • Excellent thermal resistance
  • Superior mechanical bonding
  • Customizable formulations
  • Improved air quality
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Reduced environmental impact

With excellent thermal resistance, superior mechanical bonding, and customizable formulations, water-based coatings help achieve high-quality, defect-free castings, making them indispensable for modern foundries focused on efficiency and sustainability.

Premium Water Based Foundry Coatings

Designed for exceptional performance in the most demanding foundry applications.

  • Eco-Friendly: Water-based formula with low VOC content for a safer working environment and reduced environmental impact.
  • Superior Performance: Delivers excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy for both ferrous and non-ferrous castings.
  • Versatile Applications: Suitable for green sand, chemically bonded sand, and shell molding.

Aluminum Silicate Water Based Coatings — DFCAST AS-990

DFCAST AS-990 aluminum silicate water-based coating

DFCAST AS-990 is an aluminosilicate-based, water-borne refractory coating designed for non-critical automotive castings. Formulated with high-quality aluminum silicates and optimized rheology, it helps prevent sand expansion defects and metal penetration while delivering a smooth surface finish. Ideal for resin-bonded cores; particularly suited to dipping and flooding applications.

High-Temp Performance

Withstands thermal stress during casting.

Defect Control

Reduces sand expansion defects and penetration.

Smooth Finish

Delivers clean, defect-free castings.

Water-Based

Safer handling; environmentally considerate.

Applications

  • Non-critical automotive castings
  • Resin-bonded cores and molds
  • Dipping and flooding processes

DFCAST AS-610 Graphite-Alumina Coating

DFCAST AS-610 graphite–alumina water-based coating

DFCAST AS-610 is a black, water-based refractory coating in paste form, engineered for tools and smaller cast components made of Cast Iron or SG Iron. The graphite–alumina system offers low reactivity with metal oxides, high-temperature stability, and delivers a uniform, smooth surface finish.

Graphite–Alumina Blend

Low reactivity to metal oxides.

High-Temp Stability

Reliable film at elevated temperatures.

Smooth Finish

Clean casting surfaces; minimal defects.

Ideal for Tools

Optimized for tools and small components.

Applications

  • Cast iron and SG iron tools
  • Small/medium cast components
  • Dipping application method

DFCAST AS-710 Insulating Refractory Coating

DFCAST AS-710 insulating coating sample DFCAST AS-710 application example

DFCAST AS-710 is an insulating, water-based refractory coating for resin-bonded molding and cores. It prevents sand expansion defects and metal penetration. Its advanced binder system enhances adhesion and achieves a more uniform, reliable insulating film for non‑critical castings.

Insulating Layer

Improves thermal control and reduces defects.

Enhanced Adhesion

Advanced binder system for uniform film.

Reliable Surface

Smoother finishes with consistent coating build.

Water-Based

Low VOCs and safer handling.

Applications

  • Resin-bonded sand molds and cores
  • Non‑critical automotive components
  • Dipping application for uniform coverage

DFCAST AS-140 Alumina-Silicate Coating

DFCAST AS-140 alumina–silicate water-based coating

High-performance, water-based alumina–silicate refractory coating for all cast-iron grades. Offers high-temperature stability, smooth surface finish, and compatibility with resin-bonded sand systems.

High Temp

Stable film at casting temperatures.

Smooth Finish

Minimizes burn-on and penetration.

Low Reactivity

Suitable for resin-bonded sand.

Water-Based

Safer handling and low VOC.

DFCAST AS-600 Graphite-Aluminosilicate Coating

DFCAST AS-600 graphite–aluminosilicate coating

Premium water-based coating for motor body castings. Provides excellent peel and release, high refractoriness, good dry bond strength, and humidity resistance across multiple application methods.

High Refractoriness

Reliable under thermal load.

Excellent Release

Improved peel and clean separation.

Humidity Resistant

Stable performance in moisture.

Versatile

Dip, brush, or flood.

DFCAST AS-1070 Graphite-Iron Oxide Coating

DFCAST AS-1070 graphite–iron oxide coating

Reddish refractory powder coating delivering superior high-temperature performance with smooth surfaces, low dusting, and no cracking. Supports multiple application methods.

High Temp

Thermal stability for demanding pours.

Versatile

Multiple application methods supported.

Smooth Surface

Minimal defects, clean finish.

DFCAST AS-1072 Insulating Coating

DFCAST AS-1072 insulating coating

High-performance, water-based insulating coating designed for critical automotive castings. Delivers exceptional insulation, defect prevention, and high refractoriness.

Exceptional Insulation

Reduces thermal defects.

Advanced Binder

Adhesion and gas permeability balance.

High Refractoriness

Stable under high thermal loads.

DFCAST AS WG Graphite-Based Coating

DFCAST AS WG graphite-based water coating

High-performance graphite-based, water-borne refractory coating for automotive casting applications. Suitable for ferrous castings and compatible with dipping or brushing, delivering a consistent black finish and thermal stability.

Graphite System

Black finish; thermal stability.

Ferrous Friendly

Optimized for sand molds and cores.

DFCAST AS 860 High-Performance Refractory Coating

DFCAST AS 860 high-performance water-based coating

Water-based insulating coating for critical automotive castings, delivering high-quality surfaces for cylinder blocks, heads, and hydraulic parts, while reducing defect rates on complex core geometries.

High Performance

Consistent finish on complex cores.

Reliable

Lower defect rates; robust insulation.

DFCAST AS 423 Insulating Coating

DFCAST AS 423 insulating coating

High-permeability water-based insulating coating delivering uniform, dense coatings on deep and complex cores while mitigating gas pressure to reduce defects.

DFCAST - AV (M) Insulating Coating

DFCAST - AV (M) insulating coating

High-performance insulating coating with gel binder for automotive castings. Provides excellent dry bond strength with robust adhesion and resistance to powdering, peeling, and cracking.

Robust Adhesion

Strong dry bond strength.

Defect Reduction

Minimizes powdering and cracking.

DFCAST - FM 100 High Refractory Alumino Silicate Coating

DFCAST - FM 100 alumino silicate water-based coating

Premium, high refractory alumino silicate water-based coating engineered for superior thermal protection and clean release. Optimized for thermacoal patterns and medium-sized mold castings with complex geometries.

High Refractory

Superior thermal protection.

Excellent Adhesion

Designed for thermacoal patterns.

Water-Based

Easy, safer application and cleanup.

Defect Control

Minimizes metal penetration and burn-on.

Applications

  • Thermacoal patterns
  • Medium castings
  • Complex geometries

DFCAST - TP 500 Zircon Water-Based Coating (Stainless Steel)

DFCAST - TP 500 zircon coating sample DFCAST - TP 500 application example

Premium zircon water-based coating designed for stainless steel and high‑temperature alloy castings. Delivers excellent thermal stability, superior surface finish, and effective reduction of metal penetration with easy mixing and application.

Zircon Formula

Outstanding thermal stability.

Multi‑Method

Brush, flow, or spray application.

Premium Finish

Smooth surfaces for stainless steel.

Defect Control

Reduces metal penetration effectively.

Easy Handling

Mixes easily; user‑friendly.

Shock Resistant

Excellent thermal shock resistance.

DFCAST - TP 100 Zircon-Graphite Water-Based Coating (Heavy Duty)

DFCAST - TP 100 zircon-graphite sample DFCAST - TP 100 graphite system example

Heavy-duty zircon–graphite water-based coating tailored for heavy cast iron and large molds. Combines superior thermal properties with excellent metal penetration resistance to significantly reduce casting defects.

Zircon–Graphite Blend

Superior thermal properties and insulation.

Heavy Duty

Ideal for heavy cast iron castings.

Defect Control

Excellent resistance to metal penetration.

Reliable

Long shelf life and easy storage.

Insulation

Excellent thermal insulation performance.

DFCAST - CF13 Alumino Silicate Coating (Non-Ferrous Pipes)

DFCAST - CF13 alumino silicate water-based coating

Specialized alumino silicate, water-based coating tailored for centrifugal casting of non‑ferrous pipes. Provides superior thermal insulation, promotes easy release of cast pipes, and supports efficient line throughput.

Optimized Process

Designed for centrifugal pipe casting.

Thermal Insulation

Superior heat barrier properties.

Easy Release

Promotes clean release of cast pipes.

Water‑Based

Simple application and cleanup.

Non‑Ferrous Ready

Ideal for copper and aluminum alloys.

DFCAST Z-600 Premium Zircon Coating (Centrifugal Casting)

DFCAST Z-600 zircon coating sample DFCAST Z-600 centrifugal process example

Premium zircon formulation engineered for centrifugal processes and precision components. Provides exceptional thermal stability and versatile performance across non‑ferrous metals while promoting an excellent surface finish.

High‑Purity Zircon

Delivers consistent, premium results.

Thermal Stability

Exceptional resistance under heat.

Centrifugal Ready

Optimized for centrifugal casting lines.

Versatile

Works across non‑ferrous alloys.

Surface Finish

Promotes smooth, clean surfaces.

Application Guidelines

1. Preparation

Storage & Handling

  • Store in a cool, dry place between 5°C to 35°C
  • Protect from freezing and direct sunlight
  • Ensure containers are tightly sealed when not in use

Mixing Instructions

  • Stir thoroughly before use to ensure uniform consistency
  • Use a mechanical stirrer for 5–10 minutes for best results
  • Check and adjust viscosity as per product specifications
  • Filter through 60–80 mesh screen if needed
2. Application Methods

Dipping Method

  • Ideal for complex cores and molds
  • Immerse for 2–5 seconds then drain excess
  • Rotate to ensure even coverage

Spraying Method

  • Use HVLP spray gun with 2.0–3.0 mm nozzle
  • Maintain 20–30 cm distance, apply thin even coats
  • Overlap each pass by 30–50%

Brushing Method

  • Use natural bristle brushes
  • Apply in smooth, even strokes with consistent thickness
3. Drying & Curing

Drying Conditions

  • Air dry at 20–35°C with 40–60% humidity
  • Drying time: 30–60 minutes depending on thickness and conditions
  • Use forced air circulation for faster drying

Curing

  • Allow complete drying before metal pouring
  • For best results, cure at 80–120°C for 1–2 hours
  • Ensure proper ventilation during curing
4. Troubleshooting

Cracking

Causes: Too thick application, rapid drying, or improper dilution

Solution: Apply thinner coats, control drying conditions, verify dilution ratio

Poor Adhesion

Causes: Contaminated surface, improper mixing, or incorrect application

Solution: Clean surface thoroughly, ensure proper mixing, follow application guidelines

Uneven Coating

Causes: Inconsistent application or improper viscosity

Solution: Maintain consistent technique, adjust viscosity as needed

Slow Drying

Causes: High humidity, low temperature, or excessive thickness

Solution: Improve ventilation, increase temperature, apply thinner coats

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Key Benefits

Discover the advantages of our premium foundry coatings

Understanding Refractory Coatings

Refractory coatings (also called foundry coatings, protective paints, blackings, and washes) are critical to metal casting. These liquid formulations suspend high‑temperature refractory minerals in a carrier to withstand molten metal and create a protective barrier between the hot metal and the core or mold.

As the coating is applied and dried, the carrier evaporates and a robust refractory layer remains. This layer provides several essential functions on the line:

  • Protects furnace and mold walls against thermal shock and chemical attack
  • Extends the lifespan of molds and cores
  • Prevents burn‑on and metal penetration
  • Improves casting surface quality
  • Reduces defects and improves dimensional accuracy

When and Why Use Refractory Coatings

Refractory coatings primarily protect surfaces from casting defects and operational damage, delivering reliable quality and efficiency across foundry operations.

Surface Protection

Barrier against molten metal penetration and thermal shock to prevent surface imperfections.

Improved Cleanliness

Prevents metal penetration into sand molds to reduce cleaning time and costs.

Sand Defect Repair

Repairs surface imperfections in molds and cores to reduce scrap rates.

Cost Reduction

Extends mold life, reduces material waste, and minimizes rework requirements.

Key Components of Refractory Coatings

  • Refractory Minerals — High-temperature resistance; forms the protective layer.
  • Carrier Liquid — Water or alcohol-based for easy application.
  • Binder — Ensures strong adhesion to the mold surface.
  • Suspending Agents — Keep particles evenly distributed.
  • Special Additives — Biocides, wetting agents, and performance enhancers.
Industry Standard: The use of refractory coatings is standard practice worldwide. Formulations are selected based on process economics and the application’s technical requirements.

Enhanced Surface Finish

Ensures optimal performance and reduces defects

High Thermal Stability

Withstands temperatures from 1,750°C to 1,800°C

Chemical Stability

Resistant to chemical reactions at high temperatures

Recyclability

Increases recoverable sand, enhancing recyclability

Reduced Fettling

Decreases fettling time and cost, easier knockout from molding

Easy Application

Simple to apply on molds and cores