When defense contractors or military component manufacturers come to Winona Powder Coating, we know up front there’s no room for quality issues or missed specifications.
We’re talking about MIL-spec equipment that often faces harsh outdoor environments and chemical exposure, in addition to general hard use. Those are the exact conditions that Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) were engineered to withstand, and it's why Winona Powder Coating has invested in full certification to apply them.
We are Sherwin-Williams Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) E-Coat Primer and Powder Top Coat Certified to MIL-DTL-53072G-2021. That isn't a certification every finishing shop can claim. It requires carefully verified processes, approved materials, and the discipline to meet some of the most demanding coating specifications of any industry.
Government and Defense Contract Experience: Durable MIL-Spec Coatings
Winona Powder Coating has a strong track record serving government and military manufacturers, proudly supporting the American defense industry.
Our MIL-spec projects have included powder coating military vehicle components, ground support equipment, and other parts where coating failure is simply not an option.
Naturally, these projects demand carefully documented compliance, consistent results across production runs, and a coating partner who understands how specifications directly impact field performance.
Whether we're finishing military vehicle brackets or processing structural components for a government contractor, we apply the same precision and accountability that MIL-spec work demands.
What Is CARC Coating? What Are the Specifications?
Chemical Agent Resistant Coating, or CARC, is a specialized, high-performance paint system used primarily by the U.S. military. The specifications are designed to protect vehicles, aircraft, and other military equipment from chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) agents.
One of the most crucial parameters is resistance to chemical warfare agents, preventing them from bonding to the surface so that equipment can be effectively decontaminated in the field. Beyond that, CARC coatings deliver strong corrosion resistance, UV stability, and infrared signature management, all of which are essential for modern MIL-spec equipment operating in tactical environments.
Standard commercial coatings don't necessarily meet these requirements. MIL-DTL-53072G-2021 governs the technical requirements for the full CARC system, covering surface preparation, primer application, and top coat performance. Compliance with this specification isn't optional for defense applications. It's the baseline.
CARC Coatings – Technical Specification Chart:
|
Military Spec Compliance |
MIL-PRF-32348 Type III, Class I; MIL-DTL-53072G-2021 |
|
Coating System |
Sherwin-Williams CARC E-Coat Primer + Powder Topcoat |
|
Available Colors |
Black 37030, Green 383 34094, Tan 686A 33446 |
|
Gloss Level |
Near-zero / low gloss for tactical non-detectability |
|
Dry Film Thickness |
~2.5 mils (60 µm) typical |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
1,500 hrs salt spray (Types I & II); exceeds liquid CARC |
|
VOC Content |
Minimal to zero VOC (vs. liquid CARC at up to 3.5 lb/gal) |
|
Quality Certification |
ISO 9001:2015; CMMC L1 compliant |
High-Performance E-Coat Primer and Powder Top Coat System
Our certified process combines e-coat for the primer layer with powder coating for the top coat, delivering performance that neither process achieves on its own.
E-coat primer provides exceptional corrosion protection by depositing a uniform layer across the entire surface, including recesses and complex geometries that are difficult to reach with spray application. This complete, even coverage is critical for parts that will face moisture, salt, and harsh field conditions throughout their service life.
The powder top coat then delivers the durability, chemical resistance, and low-gloss finish that military applications require. Powder coating produces a tough, consistent film that resists chipping, abrasion, and UV degradation while meeting the infrared reflectance properties specified for CARC systems.
Together, these two layers form a coating system built to perform in demanding conditions for extended life in the field.
Certified Processes, Reliable Results
Meeting MIL-DTL-53072G-2021 certification means our process has been validated against strict military standards. We use Sherwin-Williams CARC-approved materials, follow controlled application procedures, and maintain the documentation that defense contracts require. This level of process discipline ensures that every coated part leaving our facility meets specification, batch after batch.
- Sherwin Williams Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) E-Coat Primer and Powder Top Coat Certified, MIL-DTL-53072G-2021
For defense manufacturers, military contractors, and procurement teams sourcing coatings for defense applications, Winona is a finishing partner you can count on to deliver compliant results no matter the run size.
Is CARC Certification Right for Your Application?
If you're producing components for military vehicles, ground support equipment, weapons systems, or any government platform that requires MIL-spec coatings, Winona Powder Coating is equipped to help. Our CARC certification, combined with hands-on experience in defense finishing, makes us a capable and credible partner for your project.
Get in touch to tell us about your specifications, or to learn how our certified CARC coating process can meet your performance requirements.
