Professional Documents
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version 2.0
We have absolutely no financial benefit from any of this in any way. It is simply a passion of the Eco-insulation
concept and non-toxic cenospheres just as is our passion for the ISBU technology concept.
In 2006 our founder was introduced to the technology and use of “ceramic coatings” and cenosphere technology
while conducting his research on shipping container construction. His interest was instant, simple and very
understandable. Ceramic coatings are extremely compatible with steel, they are safe, sustainable, non-toxic and
certainly plentiful for as long as the world burns coal.
As our founder noted, “one day quite by accident, I was at a shipping facility with two side-by-side shipping
containers and this technology grabbed my attention”. In front of him at a container manufacturer were two
identical shipping containers but one with normal paint and the other coated with ceramic paint. “I could feel the
difference immediately”, he said. “One was extremely hot to touch, the other was just warm. Then when I walked
inside, one was a virtual oven but the coated container was just normal temperature”. “I needed no more
introduction to this incredible ceramic technology”, said Mr. Naef, “I only wanted to know how to use it properly”.
To avoid any controversy our organization has not accepted any funds or sponsorship from these companies.
Additionally we have also rejected anyone in the ceramic coating or cenosphere industry who has wanted to join
the ISBU Association as a corporate member or to sponsor any of our research. We want to keep far away from
any potential controversy and conduct our research and tests with our own funds supported only by our ISBA
Members. We believe our research and opinions are about as pure and un-bias as you can get and we plan to
conduct our own testing and give truthful opinions even if we eventually accept advertising from these groups.
We believe in it's potential, economy, safety and environmental benefits. It's that simple.
We recommend it's use; we discourage the hype; we hope our exposure will encourage lower consumer prices;
our formulas are accurate; and the sources we recommend offer the highest quality if you follow our guidelines
and recommendations in specifications and purchasing.
We are in the process of conducting our own testing and research for different coating applications.
We are in the process of conducting our own side-by-side comparisons of popular ceramic paint brands.
For the detailed 22 page Cermaic Coatings BizReport you may order by going to the Reports Updates section,
then click on BizGuides, then scroll down to the How To: Ceramic Coatings. This is the detailed professional
version with commplete formulas and wholesale sources.
Preface- Ceramic coatings and Cenospheres
This is not intended to be a scientific exposé on ceramic coatings but a simple, factual and easy to understand
report on the technical and marketing aspects of the cenosphere and ceramic coating products and ceramic
coatings industry.
A “ceramic coating”, as referred to in this report, is a coating comprised of cenospheres or ceramic nano
particles which are suspended in a liquid and painted onto a surface. The liquid can be virtually any type of paint,
epoxy, coating or other material that is liquid and can be dried. This can also include high heat powder coatings.
As you read the Glossary and definitions below we want you to closely observe that ceramics are now very
technical and posses strong thermal and insulating properties which has made our space age and electronic
inventions possible; for example the highly efficient superconductors and micro-electronic technology for
computers, solar cells and aerospace.
NOTE-
Since complete testing has not yet been done by any independent organization we cannot recommend that
Ceramic Coatings are a 100% replacement for the commonly known insulations such as fiberglass and foams.
However, sufficient tests by both government and responsible corporations have concluded that Ceramic
Coatings are the most economical amplifier to any new or older construction which results in added efficiencies
of 20% or more depending on the climate and application.
There is absolutely no doubt that Ceramic Coatings have many other applications in and around the home,
business and industry that are not yet being used to it's fullest potential.
Due to it's low cost, availability, sustainability and non-toxic features it needs to be used to much greater extents.
Our organization will be conducting more of our own extensive testing over the next few weeks and months to
better understand the uses and limitations of Ceramic Coatings and Cenospheres.
After more than 2 years of research we are very certain of this technology and our endorsement of it.
All our independent research has been, and will continue to be paid solely by our ISBA Members and proceeds
from the sale of our educational materials and not by contributions or sponsorship from the Cenosphere or
Ceramic Coating trade, distributors or manufacturers.
PREFACE.......................................................................................................... 1
1. GLOSSARY........................................................................................................ 4
2. UNDERSTANDING THE TECHNOLOGY.......................................................... 5
Proven Technology.......................................................................................... 5
Microscopic Barrier Process........................................................................... 6
Discovery and Controversy............................................................................. 7
Is It Insulation.................................................................................................. 8
How Do Micro-thin Layers Insulate................................................................. 8
Why Is The Formula and Size Important......................................................... 9
3. HOW TO USE CENOSPHERES........................................................................ 9
Mixing Instructions........................................................................................... 10
Painting and Coatings..................................................................................... 10
4. CONSUMER SOURCES................................................................................... 12
5. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS................................................................. 14
Glossary-
Ceramic materials:
One or more of earths natural elements or minerals can be called ceramic. Ceramics are an
array of chemicals and elements once known mainly in the manufacture of artwork, pottery,
décor, cookware and floor tiles; ceramics are now also commonly used in electronics,
superconductors, aerospace, solar cells, catalytic converters, micro-electronic thermal
barriers and micro-electronic insulations. Ceramics generally posses very powerful “non-
conductive” and insulative properties. Examples of some common ceramics are silicate glass,
irons, carbides, aluminum, pure oxides, titanium, clays, and zirconium.
The total diameter of the cenosphere is the thickness of a hair or even smaller. The grade of
a cenosphere most often used for high quality and smooth coatings is more like fine dust and
not granular like sand. These microscopic hollow beads still insulate well even in thin layers.
They are clean, extremely hard, pure, non-toxic, light grey and the approximate Ph of water,
therefore the cenospheres can be used in virtually any type oil or water base paint, coating,
solvent or adhesive and is very compatible with any of the other ingredients.
Because they are hollow glass like balls they neither float nor settle to the bottom of most
paints or emulsions but they remain in suspension with little stirring.
Why are they called ceramic? There are many types and grades of cenospeheres.
Depending upon the type cenosphere you choose it can be made of many elements and
percentages of silica, aluminum, iron, titanium, zirconium, etc. Different cenospheres have
different properties, specifications and uses. Using the correct cenosphere in a ceramic
coating is critical to it's proper performance.
How are cenospheres made? A cenosphere is the byproduct of coal combustion process in
coal power plants. Often confused with “fly ash” which is also a byproduct of the coal
combustion but having quite different properties and quality than cenospheres. The
cenospheres are produced only by a highly filtered processing of the fly ash.
Colloidal: a liquid suspension of microscopic particles. A colloidal process has the unique
ability to suspend minerals, metals and ceramics evenly in a liquid form. A common example
would be colloidal silver. The size of such particles is much smaller than cenospheres. They
are only 1-4 µm size rather than the 20-150 µm used in high quality cenosphere formulas.
This colloidal suspension principle is often referred to by some scientists as nano technology.
The use of colloidal ceramics allow much thinner insulative coatings often used in aerospace
and microelectronics. A coating for a home or roof does not need such thin coatings.
Emissivity: the ability of an object or surface to emit or deflect Infrared (IR) energy. Their
emissivity can have a value from 0 (shiny mirror) to 1.0 (blackbody). Most surfaces have
emissivity values close to 0.95.
Absorption and deflection are a simple way to think of emissivity. A shiny mirror deflects heat
and energy and is rated Low-e. Black bodied, asphalt and concrete absorb energy and heat
and therefore are rated High-e. Ceramic coatings are Low-e materials and create Low-e
surfaces.
Flyash: a dark grey byproduct of the coal burning process. Also referred to by some as fly
ash or coal ash. By a careful filtration process the flyash is separated into a unique glass like
compounds called cenospheres which are lighter in color, extremely hard, non-toxic, hollow
and Ph neutral.
Glass micro-spheres: a very different process of manufacturing and possess very different
ceramic properties. These are man made and more expensive than cenospeheres. A glass
microsphere has the same insulative abilities but may not be as effective in UV deflection due
to it's lack of multiple ceramics.
Certain formulas of ceramics are well known and commonly used in aerospace and high tech
manufacturing.
Nano technology: meaning extremely small, or the smallest possible. Nano particles are
referring to super micro sized particles only observable with a high power microscope.
As relating to Ceramic Coatings, nano can mean ultra small cenospheres, which is probably a
hyped misuse of the word nano, or nano may refer to colloidal ceramic solutions which would
be a more accurate use of the word nano.
Most true nano technology regarding Ceramic coatings is done with fine powders and the
colloidal compounds for high heat ceramics not necessary for home or roof coatings. The cost
of the nano particles is considerably higher than using cenospheres. (see Colloidal)
Understanding The Technology
The purpose of this bulletin is not to debate whether or not Ceramic Coatings are a valid
technology, but rather realizing they absolutely are and how can they best be used effectively.
The principle reason many people feel the Ceramic Coating technology is a scam is simply
lack of education or understanding. Any intelligent person must realize that this technology is
being used “commonly” on the buildings and equipment of the largest corporations globally.
Without thinking too deeply one must quickly realize the CEO's and management of these do
not pay thousands and millions of dollars on such technology without absolute proof and
confidence it is real.
Additionally, container loads of cenospheres are very commonly used daily in virtually every
technology and manufacturing industry on the planet because of their unique thermal abilities
and non-toxic characteristics. To any slightly intelligent person it isn't a question of whether
the Ceramic coating and microscopic barrier functions, but a question of how can it be better
utilized and what are it's true limitations.
What was the theory that first created the interest in “cenosphere technology” by scientists
and electronic researches?
Cenospheres are the key ingredient in Ceramic coatings. Cenospheres are derived “flyash” in
a multi filtration process, then filtered again to separate the specific grades and qualities of
cenosphere used in coatings and high tech.
Flyash is used principally in asphalt, cement and road construction. Cenospheres, it's hollow
and more sophisticated cousin is used in high tech manufacturing, aerospace space and
other technologies.
Although flyash has been used in construction and cement manufacturing since the '30s and
'40s, there is not much known of cenospheres until the mid '70s when they became of great
interest by aerospace and high tech researchers.
The 1907 invention continues today with the same efficiency utilizing the scientific principle of
hollow layers of glass which reduce the conductivity of heat/cold exchange and thus create
the extremely efficient insulation process. ...not thick layers off fiberglass or foams but very
thin layers of hollow glass.
The principal of Cenospheres and Ceramic coatings are similar but with other advantages.
Besides the hollow glass principal, the cenospheres themselves are are made of insulative
ceramics that are insulative even without the hollow void principle used by the thermos.
Highly insulative, UV resistant, IR resistant ceramics with a hollow core.... Thick or thin, these
principles function well in heating or cooling everything from foods to microelectronics.
Who discovered the cenosphere technology and why has there been so much controversy?
Cenospheres have been known for many decades but only after NASA began to investigate
ceramics in the 1970's were their unique properties fully discovered. Back in those days
ceramics were not being investigated for deterring sunlight but for insulating the space
shuttles from the high heat developed upon re-entry to earth. But either way, ceramics were
discovered and utilized because of the “heat deflection” and “insulative properties”. These
properties cannot and are not disputed by any scientist or any educated technician.
The key researcher for those projects was Dr. Rex Churchward.
So why so much controversy regarding the use of ceramic paints as a thermal barrier on and
in homes, offices and industrial facilities?
We have been investigating and compiling information on ceramic coatings for almost three
years and here is what we have concluded:
2 - The damage has been that most of the manufacturers of “ceramic paints” have been
overstating their performance and without documentation, thus opening this excellent
“proven” technology to much doubt and criticism.
In more than two years of conducting our research and interviewing customers and
companies who have used virtually all the known brands we see virtually no difference
between any of the “Ceramic Coating” paint brands no matter how much they hype, advertise
and promote their products or NASA connected research.
When we contacted NASA and the Ames Research Center in 2007 regarding the Ceramic
coatings and original projects, we were told that Dr. Rex Churchward was the key researcher
and that many, many other researchers were also involved in some aspect of the research
and many people could claim to have “inside” information.
However, we want our readers to clearly understand, after consulting many chemists and
labs, we are certain this principle, technology and formula is not so complicated.
We are told the ceramic powders are very much the same, but only the adhesion research
and paint formulas are different. Certainly, different paints and coatings for different projects,
interiors, exteriors, roofs or super high heat. Yes, different paints will be used but the ceramic
powder is the same “four ceramic” powder used by every manufacturer.
3 - R-factor claims:
All of the brands of Ceramic Coatings seem to produce similar results and none seem to be
any better than another.
4 - Fraud and Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Virtually all the fraudulent manufacturers
and distributors are out of business. There were several companies from 2001 to 2006. Our
investigations have found:
-Some selling paints with absolutely no cenospheres in them. That is just plain fraud and scams as can be
common in any trade or industry.
-Some claiming to be distributors of famous quality brands but, in fact, were selling and applying fake paint
products of lower quality. Again just plain fraud and scams, not an issue with Ceramic paint itself.
-There were a few issues with a couple of American and Canadian/Chinese businessmen who began selling
very sub-standard Ceramic paint using low quality and bad formulas of Ceramic paint.
5 - A few incidents of well meaning entrepreneurs using “glass cenospheres” in their formula
rather than “ceramic cenospheres” and the UV and infrared deflection and ultimate result is
much different. Additional problems arise in using the wrong sizes of Cenosphere.
Since mid 2008 we believe virtually all the fraudulent companies are out of business and the
hype and claims of most of the legitimate Ceramic paint manufacturers are quite toned down.
Every day our organization receives calls and emails from people wanting to know which
brands are best. Our official reply, “virtually any brand of ceramic paint or paint additive will
perform well if applied properly”.
We do not see any significant differences between higher or lower priced powder additives.
The biggest difference is in the paint formula and paint type used, and/or the surface
preparation before painting. We believe virtually all “ceramic powder additives” are the same
and no company has given us any evidence otherwise or even disputed this comment.
We prefer to accept laboratory comparison facts. We are in the process of conduction our
own.
Unfortunately the only approved R-value testing methods are according to ASTM (American
Society of Testing and Materials) guidelines and to begin a test your insulative material must
be a minimum 1” thick. We hope that standard will change soon.
No matter how you look at it ceramic coatings are deflecting heat and reducing “heat transfer”
between two objects. To the world of science and also to a consumer that is insulation. But to
those stuck on R-value and conventional building codes as they are now there is no way to
compare.
We are very thankful that microelectronics, superconductors and the new solar cell
technology does not require R-factor to use microscopic ceramic insulation in the new chips.
If so we would have no PC's, cell phones or other space age technology.
Can a micro thin layer of ceramic actually insulate?
Ceramics can, and do. The micro electronics industry use even thinner layers of ceramics and
ceramic materials to insulate and stop conduction. Ceramic paint coatings are many times
thicker than the ceramic insulation in the electronic industry.
Actually there are many types of cenospheres and many grades of cenospheres. These are
the critical points in developing a successful formula:
Maximum size of the sphere. Larger sizes are noticeable and do not allow for a smooth paint
or coating surface. We suggest 300 to be the largest; 150 to be preferred; and 75 or smaller
for only very specialized applications. The 150 size is quite smooth and also cost effective.
Various sizes or size range. You must have various sizes and a broad size range to be
effective. The failure of some brands has been due to the lack of size range. That means the
formula must contain various sizes to next, compress and fill in gaps.
-Four ceramics claim: The four (4) ceramics claim is actually valid with most ceramic coating
manufacturers who use high quality cenospheres.
-Low-e rating. Meaning it has a very low emissivity rating and significantly deflects heat from a
surface and does not absorb. Therefore accounts for the fact is functions either outdoors or
indoors. Example of emissivity: Steel and concrete have high-e ratings while ceramic coatings
and aluminum have low-e ratings.
-Mold resistant. Cenospheres do not support mold growth and also assist the paint in
becoming a little more naturally water resistant.
-Non conductive. Cenospheres and it's ceramics resist both heat transfer and electrical
transfer and are therefore used in many industries as insulators. Electronic micro-chip
manufacturers use micro thin layers of ceramics as their insulators. Non corrosive.
-Sound proofing. Due to the non-conductive hollow structure, cenospheres are very efficient
at reducing sound transmission even with the thin coating.
-Thermal insulative. Because the ceramic coating is Low-e, non-conductive and UV resistant
a two layer coating can safely achieve 20% reduction in heat loss. That is easily tested and
proven with a heat gun.
-Fire Retardant. Yes & No. Cenospheres themselves are absolutely fire proof. However, the
paint or coating you use may not be. If a Fire Retardant is your key focus then ask your dealer
for either an additive or a Ceramic paint or Ceramic paint additive which contains it.
How to use Cenospheres-
The DIY consumer has two option when purchasing Ceramic coatings:
1) Ready made and pre-mixed paints.
2) Ceramic Additive you can add to your favorite paint.
If you are unfamiliar with paints you may choose to simply buy the Ceramic paint with the
cenospheres (ceramic additive) already mixed into the paint or coating.
Whether you buy the paint “ready-made” or buy the Ceramic additive and mix your own paint,
you will find the Ceramic paints to be a bit thicker than normal paint and you will need to apply
two good coatings of the Ceramic paint. SUGGESTION: One coating can be a primer with the
Ceramic additive included, then the second coat of the normal Ceramic paint.
Mixing instructions-
If you chose to mix your own you can buy the recommended grades from many sources.
(see sources below)
If you buy the grade we recommend it will automatically contain the “four ceramics” without
further mixing or processing by you. They should arrive in 33# bags if you buy the proper
grade we recommend.
Tools:
1 bag Cenospheres (proper specifications)
(Enough for 40+ gallons of mix. Which actually yields 50+ gallons of paint)
1 drill type mixer (maximum 300 RPM)
1 face dust mask
1 dry cup or dry quart measure
1 over sized paint bucket
Paint brush, paint roller, airless sprayer. The airless sprayer is preferred for fast even coating.
1 - Tint the paint first. With darker colors they may require one shade darker than the swatch.
2 - The powder is non toxic but is a dust. Before measuring the cenospheres we recommend
wearing a simple, cheap white disposable mask as is used in construction or painting.
3 - Simply open the bag or container of Ceramic additive and sprinkle in the recommended
quantity. Follow the manufacturers instructions closely.
From our experience and the experience of many, many others it is much easier to use the
Ceramic coating than most people expect. You generally use any paint; paint as normal.
Sources of Ceramic Additives and Ceramic Coatings-
The sources below are sources with usually two types of Ceramic products:
- Ceramic Additive- a dry powder which you mix into your favorite paint. The dry ceramic powder is a specific
type, combination, and sizes of cenospheres. These specific cenospheres are vital to its performance.
- Ceramic Paint- Paints with the Ceramic Additive already added and pre-mixed.
We recommend the use of the Ceramic Additive. The benefits are more flexibility and also the cost of shipping
paints is extremely high and unnecessary. You can purchase any type paint locally, get local expert advice, then
add the Ceramic Additive at your home or on the project.
Some Ceramic Coating companies have local dealers so the cost of shipping the paint is not necessary.
- Roof coatings can be difficult. Unless you are skilled and know what you are doing it is best to either buy a
pre-mixed Ceramic roof coating and apply it yourself, or have a local roof specialist apply the Ceramic coating.
Dealers/Distributors
Insuladd Company
Location: US and globally
Website: http://www.insuladd.com
Ceramic additive or Ceramic coatings
Hy-Tech Sales
Location: US/Canada
Website: http://www.hytechsales.com
Ceramic additive or Ceramic coatings
Thermo-Sheild
Location: US/Global
Website: http://www.thermoshield.com
Ceramic coatings only
Hawaiian Sunguard
Location: Hawaii only
Website: http://www.hawaiiansunguard.com
Ceramic coatings only
Richards Paint
Location: US, southeastern states
Website: http://www.richardspaint.com/ceramic_coatings.cfm
Ceramic coatings only
Inca Coatings
Location: US
Website: http://www.incacoatings.com/new_index.html
Ceramic coatings only
Thermo-Tek, Ltd.
Location: US
Website: http://thermotekltd.com
Ceramic coatings only. Micro-spheres
Mascoat
Location: US
Website: http://www.mascoat.com
Ceramic coatings only
Wessex Inc.
Location: US/ Global
Website: http://emisshield.com
High heat ceramic coatings only
Q-Some brands use a full pound of Ceramic Additive buy you only recommend 10 oz. (1 qt.)
A-You are using the pure un-cut cenospheres with no additives or fillers. A “good” brand will have no fillers
because it actually causes the formula to be less effective. The only additives should be fire retardants if you
want a formula with a strong fire retardant rating.
Q-I live in a country with no insulation standard and the cost of insulation is prohibitive. I was hoping to be able to
simply use Ceramic paint.
A-Yes, this is very common and users in these countries are very pleased with the performance of the Ceramic
coating without other insulation.
Q-I see many companies and racing professionals using this as a thermal barrier in the car and engine areas.
A-Absolutely! However, you need to use proper thicker paints and double the amount of Ceramic Additive.
Additionally when you use thicker paints and resins you must stir slowly to avoid too much air or bubbles.
Q-I've heard that if I create my own product I will be legally infringing on patents.
A-That's not correct. We have had the known patents reviewed and they are not on the use of cenospheres to
manufacture thermal coatings, but they are generally in a very specific bonding process or type of paint. This is
more related to a specialized adhesion process.
Q-What happens if my baby is around the Ceramic Additive or puts it in her mouth?
A-Cenospheres that we recommend are absolutely non-toxic in any way. It is no more dangerous than purified
sand. You should be more concerned about your child and the paint.
Our research is very much ongoing. We are in the process of conducting some very thorough
tests of cenospheres and ceramic coating products.
Please purchase the BizGuide: Ceramic Coatings version if these test results and and more
detailed information are of interest to you.
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