Process for applying coatings

A process for applying a thermoplastic coating to a hygroscopic substrate, comprising the steps of:

• heating the substrate;
• then
• applying an air knife along the heated substrate to remove gases and cool the substrate;
• and then
• applying a thermoplastic coating to the substrate.

A process for applying a thermoplastic coating to a hygroscopic substrate having a surface, a subsurface, and an interior, comprising the steps of:

• applying a solvent to the substrate;
• then
• applying an air knife which Generates a high volume, high velocity air flow along the surface of the substrate, while maintaining a small, controlled gap between the air knife and the substrate and while providing relative movement between the air knife and the substrate, thereby removing volatile materials from the surface and subsurface of the substrate and forming an evacuated, insulating boundary layer between the surface of the substrate and the interior of the substrate;
• and then
• applying a thermoplastic coating to the substrate.

A process for applying a thermoplastic coating to a hygroscopic substrate, comprising the steps of:

• heating the substrate and applying a solvent to the substrate;
• then
• applying an air knife along the substrate to remove gases and cool the heated substrate;
• and then
• applying a thermoplastic coating to the substrate.

A process for applying a thermoplastic coating to a hygroscopic substrate, comprising the steps of:

• heating the surface of the substrate to a temperature in the range of 225-350 degrees Fahrenheit;
• then
• applying an air knife along the surface of the heated substrate to remove gases and cool the surface of the substrate to a temperature below 180 degrees Fahrenheit;
• and then
• applying a thermoplastic coating to the surface of the substrate.