Meaning of "Ready to Use Products"

The term "ready to use" generally refers to a coating product as it will be applied to a substrate. For a single component epoxy, that would be inclusive of any thinning solvents that the manufacturer recommends adding prior to application. For a two part epoxy, that would be the final VOC content after the components are combined. Any representation of VOC content in technical data, on a website, in advertising or on a label is fair game for regulatory legal oversight by district, state or federal agencies. The <500 g/L statement may not be the manufacturer's final word on VOC content for regulatory purposes or in the context of a LEED credit documentation. Generally, epoxy has a higher solids content than allowed in the Low Solids category and VOC content claims should be less water and exempt solvents. To be on the safe side, you should verify information with the manufacturer. They should expect VOC verification and conformance documentation requests as part of being able to claim conformance with LEED credit criteria. With the exception of some very specialized coatings, the January 1, 2004 version of SCAQMD Rule 1113 doesn't have category limits in the 500 g/L range. The most common categories for epoxies are Industrial Maintenance (250 g/L) and Waterproofing Concrete Masonry Sealers (400 g/L). Feel free to email me for a copy of the 2004 rule at dwayne.fuhlhage@prosoco.com.

According to the SCAQMD Rule 1113 that I am reading the limits for Industrial Maintenance coatings are 100g/l, 340 g/l and 420 g/l depending on the specific use. However I haven´t found the 250 g/l limit that Dwayne states. Am I reading the right document?

The chart reads across, and represents the VOC limits by effective dates; and, at this point, the LEED NC program is using rules in effect on January 1, 2004. If there is is no limit in the 2004 column, utilize the 2003. Therefore, in response to your question: Industrial Maintenance (IM) Coatings 250g/l High Temperature IM Coatings 450g/l Zinc-Rich IM Primers 340 g/l