Volatile Free

06/17/2026

are meant to be durable protection against weather conditions, impacts, and other daily wear and tear, so you might be surprised if they start to crack.

Cracking typically should not occur, but if it does, you’re probably wondering what caused it.

This type of defect is a stress-related failure, which stems from:

1. Substrate movement or lack of flexibility
2. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures
3. Improper application, which causes adhesion issues or failures

If you’d like to learn more about preventing cracks from occurring, check out VFI’s tech piece.

It covers proper application instructions to follow and provides alternative materials for various substrates.

https://volatilefree.com/why-is-my-hard-coat-cracking/

06/12/2026

In many cases, VFI deals with applicators who require hard coatings to protect surfaces such as EPS, wood, metal, concrete, and more.

However, there are some unique projects where applicators need to create a durable, yet flexible shield on flexible surfaces.

We have specialty coatings that work incredibly well for these purposes to protect projects involving spray-on cushioning for furniture, amusement ride pads, artificial tree bark and rocks, or flexible panels.

A big reason people look for these coatings is that they need a material that will bend and flex with the substrate without cracking.

If your project is subject to impact and thermocycling, many harder coatings won’t hold up, which is why these and are so desirable.

Visit the VFI website and check out our blog on our specialty products, such as VFI-270 and VFI-6031, for your project needs.

https://volatilefree.com/vfi-coatings-to-protect-flexible-surfaces/

06/10/2026

If you’re new to using to make plastic parts, you might not know all the ins and outs of a successful .

In some cases, users have experienced their not fully curing, which results in lost time and unusable .
If you’re experiencing this issue, it could be due to several mistakes, including:

1. Using the wrong mix ratio and mixing the material poorly
2. Working in cold temperatures that inhibit the cure of the material
3. Pouring the material too thin so it can’t generate enough heat to cure
4. Using incompatible additives like certain wet pigments or fillers

If you’d like to learn more about these mistakes and how to avoid them, check out VFI’s tech piece here: https://volatilefree.com/why-isnt-my-urethane-plastic-part-curing/

If you need immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out at (800) 307-9218. We’re happy to help!

06/05/2026

Do you work with EPS, Styrofoam, or other foams for sculpting and fabricating projects?

If you do, maybe you’re familiar with the materials you can use to protect your .

But if you’re new to , you might still be in the learning phase for creating a durable end piece.

Common materials use to protect their foam include , polyurea, and polyurea hybrids.

If you’d like to learn more about these materials, check out VFI’s blog here: https://volatilefree.com/how-to-harden-styrofoam/

OR

If you need immediate assistance to find the right product for your next project, contact (800) 307-9218.

06/03/2026

So, you’ve just poured a large mold, and you’re noticing bubbles forming.

This can be due to several reasons, with the biggest one being moisture or trapped air.

Bubbles may form because you’re working:
1. In an environment that’s too humid
2. With wet molding surfaces or porous stone masters that weren’t properly sealed
3. With wet mixing equipment or your mixing technique is whipping the material too much
4. With too much mold release

If you want to learn more about how you can avoid bubbles forming in your , check out VFI’s tech piece: https://volatilefree.com/why-are-there-bubbles-in-my-urethane-rubber/

05/29/2026

If you’re in the industrial spray coating market, there’s a chance you’ve heard of .

These materials are typically sprayed through high-pressure equipment due to their speed, so they’ll require trained professionals for application.

If you’re unfamiliar with , you may not know all the applications it can be used for, including:

- Mining and excavation projects
- Work and utility vehicles
- Commercial flooring
- Oil & gas containment

If you want to learn more about the advantages or alternatives to using polyurea, check out VFI’s blog here: https://volatilefree.com/what-is-polyurea/

05/27/2026

While IAAPA is still 6 months away, VFI is already gearing up for our 2nd Annual Theming & Hard Coat Design Contest.

We had a very successful competition last year with Plague Productions, Iron, Wood & Glitter, and Space/Craft Worldwide, but this year we wanted to open it up to even more individuals.

We are actively determining the number of participants and fabrications we can accommodate at the booth this year, which could include you!

What’s in it for you if you compete?

- Exposure in front of your customers and peers
- A free sample of VFI-6185 80 D Machinable Hard Coat to use on the contest piece
- A full-page ad in Funworld to announce the contestants
- A FREE drum set or 18 cases of cartridges if you WIN

If you’re interested in competing this year, please reach out to [email protected].

We will reach out with more details in the coming weeks.

05/22/2026

Next Monday, we pause to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. In observation of Memorial Day, VFI will be closed on May 25th and will resume regular business operations the following day.

We hope you have time to relax with friends and family this weekend while also taking a moment to reflect and remember.

05/20/2026

If you’re working with a brushable hard coat for the first time to protect your EPS and fabrications, there are a few things you must know for successful application.

1. Make sure to apply it to the recommended thickness listed on the technical data sheet (TDS).

2. Make sure to follow the mix ratio listed on the TDS.

3. Make sure to thoroughly mix the components together.

4. Make sure you’re working in a temperature-controlled environment with low humidity.

If you don’t follow these steps, you may experience issues with your drying.

Learn more by checking out VFI’s tech piece: https://volatilefree.com/why-isnt-my-urethane-hard-coat-drying/

You can also call our main line (800) 307-9218 to speak directly with one of our experts about any of our materials.

05/15/2026

Did you know pourable thermoset urethanes are compatible with 3D printing materials like PLA?

In this new video from VFI, we take you through the full process of 3D printing a mold and then casting one of our 90 A fast-setting elastomers to make chess set pieces.

Urethane casting elastomers like this one are typically best used in an injection molding system, but due to the size of the parts, we were able to pour them by hand before they cured.

If you’re interested in a material like this or want to familiarize yourself with other 3D-printing compatible materials from VFI, please reach out through the website or by calling (800) 307-9218.

Learn how to use VFI's elastomers and plastics for part-making projects with a 3D printed mold made from PLA. Contact VFI if you need more information on our...