Tectyl 506 Rust Preventive Coating
Wax-Based Long-Term Corrosion Protection for Metal Parts, Storage and Shipping
Tectyl 506 is a solvent-based, wax-type rust preventive coating designed to protect metal parts from corrosion during long-term storage, domestic shipping and overseas transportation.
Once applied and cured, Tectyl 506 leaves an amber, firm, wax-like and pliable protective film. The coating helps isolate metal surfaces from moisture and environmental exposure while remaining removable when the protected component is ready for service.
Tectyl 506 is also specified for certain industrial applications such as protecting spare parts and serving as a bond-breaker on dowel bars used in concrete contraction joints.
Key Features
- Wax-based long-term rust preventive coating
- Amber liquid and dry-film color
- Forms a firm, wax-like, pliable protective film
- Designed for long-term protection of metal parts
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor storage
- Suitable for domestic and overseas shipping
- 1,000-hour ASTM B117 salt-spray performance at recommended dry film thickness
- 1,500-hour ASTM D1748 relative-humidity performance at recommended dry film thickness
- Listed indoor exposure protection of 3 years
- Listed outdoor exposure protection of 1.5 years
- Can be applied by brush, spray or dip
- Removable with mineral spirits or citrus-based cleaners
- Can be used as a bond-breaker on dowel bars in contraction joints
Long-Term Rust Protection
Tectyl 506 is part of Daubert Chemical's 506 family of long-term wax-based corrosion preventive coatings.
The product is designed to leave a protective film on metal components exposed to moisture and environmental conditions during storage or transportation.
Daubert lists typical exposure performance of:
- Indoor exposure: 3 years
- Outdoor exposure: 1.5 years
Actual protection time can vary with surface preparation, coating thickness, environmental exposure, handling and storage conditions.
Protection During Storage and Shipping
Tectyl 506 is particularly suited to protecting metal goods that may remain unused for extended periods or travel through changing environmental conditions.
Typical uses include:
- Spare parts
- Machined metal components
- Industrial equipment components
- Metal goods prepared for domestic shipping
- Metal goods prepared for overseas shipping
- Components placed into long-term storage
The firm cured film provides a physical corrosion barrier while allowing the coating to be removed when the component is returned to service.
Salt Spray and Humidity Performance
Daubert publishes laboratory corrosion-resistance data for Tectyl 506 at the recommended dry film thickness.
ASTM B117 Salt Spray:
1,000 hours
ASTM D1748, 100% Relative Humidity:
1,500 hours
These accelerated laboratory tests provide comparative corrosion-protection data. They should not be interpreted as a direct conversion to a specific number of months or years in every real-world environment.
Recommended Film Thickness
The current Daubert Product Information Sheet lists the following Tectyl 506 film thicknesses:
- Wet Film Thickness: 1.6 mils
- Dry Film Thickness: 1.3 mils
Daubert notes that the published film-thickness values are based on dip application.
Application by spray or brush may require process adjustment to obtain the appropriate protective film.
Coverage
Tectyl 506 has a published theoretical coverage of approximately:
600 square feet per gallon
Coverage is based on the listed film thickness and can vary with:
- Application method
- Surface profile
- Overspray
- Equipment settings
- Operator technique
- Part geometry
- Material loss during application
Drying and Cure Time
At the conditions used for Daubert's published data, Tectyl 506 has:
- Dry to Touch: approximately 4 hours
- Cure Time: approximately 24 hours
Actual drying and curing can vary with temperature, ventilation, film thickness and environmental conditions.
Application Methods
Tectyl 506 is formulated to be used as supplied.
Before application, ensure the product has a uniform consistency. Daubert states that continued stirring is generally not required.
Tectyl 506 can be applied by:
If the product thickens because of cold storage or solvent loss during use, Daubert recommends an aliphatic solvent such as mineral spirits.
Always review the current Safety Data Sheet before thinning, spraying or transferring the product.
Bond-Breaker Application
Tectyl 506 has also been specified as a bond-breaker on dowel bars used in concrete contraction joints.
The coating prevents the concrete from bonding directly to the coated dowel bar, allowing the joint to function as intended.
This is a specialized application, so users should confirm the project specification and application requirements before use.
Removing Tectyl 506
Both wet and dry Tectyl 506 films can be removed using:
- Mineral spirits
- Citrus-based cleaners
Removal requirements can depend on the protected surface and subsequent manufacturing or finishing process. Test the selected cleaner on the substrate when compatibility is uncertain.
Tectyl 506 vs. Tectyl 506EH and 506EH-WD
Tectyl 506 is the standard product in Daubert's 506 long-term rust preventive family.
Tectyl 506EH is a more concentrated version of Tectyl 506.
Tectyl 506EH-WD is also more concentrated and contains additional water-displacing compounds for marine applications.
These products have different solids content, film thickness, coverage and corrosion-test performance, so they should not be treated as identical formulations.
Typical Technical Properties
| Property |
Typical Value |
| Liquid Appearance |
Amber |
| Dry Film Color |
Amber |
| Film Type |
Firm |
| Non-Volatiles by Weight |
54.3% |
| Non-Volatiles by Volume |
49.2% |
| Specific Gravity |
0.864 |
| Weight per Gallon |
7.20 lb |
| VOC, Minus Water |
3.28 lb/gal |
| Viscosity at 100°F |
80 cSt |
| Flash Point |
105°F |
| Wet Film Thickness |
1.6 mils |
| Dry Film Thickness |
1.3 mils |
| Coverage |
600 sq. ft./gal |
| Dry to Touch |
4 hours |
| Cure Time |
24 hours |
| ASTM B117 Salt Spray |
1,000 hours |
| ASTM D1748 Relative Humidity |
1,500 hours |
| Indoor Exposure |
3 years |
| Outdoor Exposure |
1.5 years |
Typical properties and exposure data are provided for reference and should not be treated as guaranteed performance under every service condition. Published wet and dry film thickness values are based on dip application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tectyl 506?
Tectyl 506 is a solvent-based, wax-type rust preventive coating designed for long-term corrosion protection of metal parts during storage and shipping.
What does Tectyl 506 dry to?
Tectyl 506 dries to an amber, firm, wax-like and pliable protective film.
Is Tectyl 506 a wax coating?
Yes. Daubert classifies the 506 product family as wax-based long-term rust preventive coatings.
What is Tectyl 506 used for?
Common uses include corrosion protection of spare parts, metal components placed into storage, goods transported domestically or overseas, and specialized bond-breaker applications on dowel bars.
How long does Tectyl 506 protect outdoors?
Daubert lists approximately 1.5 years of outdoor exposure protection at the recommended dry film thickness. Actual service life varies with the environment, film thickness, surface preparation and exposure conditions.
How long does Tectyl 506 protect indoors?
Daubert lists approximately 3 years of indoor exposure protection at the recommended dry film thickness.
What is the recommended dry film thickness for Tectyl 506?
The current Product Information Sheet lists approximately 1.3 mils dry film thickness.
What is the recommended wet film thickness?
The published wet film thickness is approximately 1.6 mils. Daubert notes that the published film-thickness values are based on dip application.
How much area does one gallon of Tectyl 506 cover?
The current Product Information Sheet lists theoretical coverage of approximately 600 square feet per gallon at the published film thickness.
How long does Tectyl 506 take to dry?
Daubert lists approximately 4 hours to dry to the touch and approximately 24 hours for cure.
Can Tectyl 506 be sprayed?
Yes. Tectyl 506 can be applied by spray, brush or dip.
Does Tectyl 506 need to be diluted?
It is formulated to be used as supplied. If it thickens because of cold storage or solvent loss, Daubert recommends an aliphatic solvent such as mineral spirits.
Does Tectyl 506 need to be stirred?
The product should have a uniform consistency before use. Daubert states that continued stirring is generally not required.
How do you remove Tectyl 506?
Wet and dry Tectyl 506 film can be removed using mineral spirits or citrus-based cleaners.
What is the salt-spray rating of Tectyl 506?
Daubert lists 1,000 hours under ASTM B117 at the recommended dry film thickness.
What is the humidity resistance of Tectyl 506?
The current data lists 1,500 hours under ASTM D1748 at 100% relative humidity at the recommended dry film thickness.
Can Tectyl 506 be used as a concrete bond breaker?
Tectyl 506 has long been specified as a bond-breaker coating on dowel bars used in concrete contraction joints. Confirm the project specification before use.
What color is Tectyl 506?
Both the liquid appearance and dry film are listed as amber.
Is Tectyl 506 the same as Tectyl 506EH?
No. Tectyl 506EH is a more concentrated version with higher non-volatile content and a thicker recommended film.
What is the difference between Tectyl 506 and Tectyl 506EH-WD?
Tectyl 506EH-WD is a more concentrated version of Tectyl 506 and contains additional water-displacing compounds intended for marine applications.
Is Tectyl 506 UV resistant?
The current 2023 Daubert Product Information Sheet does not make a specific UV-resistance claim for Tectyl 506. For that reason, UV protection should not be treated as a primary product claim unless supported by additional current manufacturer documentation.
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