Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine recently introduced Sher-Bar TEC, which it describes as a transformative new coating technology for the concrete industry. 

Designed for an array of construction applications and environments, the textured epoxy coating (TEC) aims to redefine standards for rebar coatings. Benefits include increased bond strength, damage tolerance, and corrosion resistance for both horizontal and vertical concrete projects, according to the manufacturer.

These properties are designed to enable improved asset longevity and reduced environmental impacts associated with construction and maintenance.

New Era of Sustainability

“Sher-Bar TEC is a breakthrough in concrete and construction innovation,” said Jeffrey Rogozinski, the company’s global director of functional coatings. “The textured epoxy coating has the potential to significantly extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure assets, offering a cost-effective solution that adds unprecedented value. With this novel TEC technology, Sherwin-Williams is ushering in a new era of infrastructure protection and sustainability.”

As a secondary coating, Sher-Bar TEC was designed to provide added protection for the industry’s leading corrosion protection solution: epoxy-coated rebar (ECR), which is commonly referred to as “green bar,” according to the manufacturer. 

With a smoother surface than uncoated rebar, ECR results in reduced bond strength with concrete, necessitating the use of more rebar in projects. This additional rebar adds costs and weight, as well as on-site rebar grid congestion when pouring concrete. These drawbacks have limited the use of ECR worldwide, leaving structures susceptible to corrosion and decay.

Sher-Bar TEC, with its textured elements, offers significant improvements over both ECR and uncoated rebar, known as “black bar.” Tests by independent labs and research universities have documented and demonstrated Sher-Bar TEC’s superior performance in bond strength, durability and corrosion resistance, according to the manufacturer.

The research led to the development of the new ASTM A1124/A1124M-23 “Standard Specification for Textured Epoxy-Coated Steel Reinforcing Bars,” which underlines the importance of TEC in the construction industry.

Findings From Related Studies

According to a Wisconsin Department of Transportation study, Sher-Bar TEC can reduce rebar overlap by 10% to 60%, relative to black bar and ECR. This reduction helps to lower project weights, raw material costs, and logistical expenses while also potentially allowing for the use of higher grades of concrete.

Elsewhere, tests at the University of Illinois showed that cracks in concrete with Sher-Bar TEC-coated rebar were about half as wide as those with ECR bars. This suggests that less road salt and water will be able to infiltrate concrete and meet rebar, where it could promote corrosion, the manufacturer explained.

Additional tests showed that concrete with Sher-Bar TEC-coated rebar had lower levels of stress, because the textured rebar was more engaged in the structure.

“Extensive testing has shown that Sher-Bar TEC is a unique and value-adding solution compared to existing rebar coatings and black bar,” said Anthony Del Percio, North American sales manager for rebar, valve, and traffic markings. “Its performance marks a significant leap forward in the realm of concrete reinforcement.” 

Practical, Efficient Application

The application of Sher-Bar TEC is also practical and efficient in highly controlled shop conditions, the manufacturer explained. After coating the rebar with powdered fusion-bonded epoxy to create ECR, the powdered product is immediately applied. The two layers cure simultaneously and form a seamless, monolithic coating while enhancing barrier and durability properties. These deliver superior corrosion resistance and damage tolerance, according to the manufacturer. 

Additionally, the resulting texture restores the desired bonding interaction between the steel and concrete, which can be lost with smooth ECR surfaces.

Sher-Bar TEC also provides favorable sustainability impacts, the manufacturer reports. Made with up to 30% upcycled materials redirected from landfills, the coating supports environmentally friendly practices and promotes the potential use of alternative cementitious technologies — which could reduce carbon emissions associated with concrete production.

To learn more about Sher-Bar TEC, visit the company’s web page. 

For more information, contact: Sherwin-Williams, (800) 524-5979, protective.sherwin-williams.com