Steelpaint GmbH’s Stelcatec moisture-cured urethane coating system was approved in January 2025 by Network Rail and is now listed under specification XM92/M24. Distributed by Recoat UK, the three-layer coating is designed to simplify steel maintenance and corrosion protection across rail infrastructure.

Stelcatec enables in-field application without the need for multi-component mixing or extensive equipment. In a March demonstration at Specialist Painting Group’s facility in Peterborough, the system was applied to manually cleaned steel substrates using only rollers under 13 °C ambient conditions. Pull-off adhesion testing confirmed its performance on marginally prepared surfaces.

“This isn’t about just meeting the spec,” said Andreas Engert, technical director at Steelpaint. “This is about optimising steel protection, application process and cost efficiencies.”

Representatives from Network Rail, painting contractors, and consultants attended the demonstration. Steelpaint director Frank Müller noted that the system supports more agile rail infrastructure maintenance by reducing application time and operational disruption.

Unlike traditional epoxies, Stelcatec is a single-component polyurethane applied directly from the can, cures quickly in high humidity, and adheres well without blast cleaning.

Recoat UK has signed a contract to apply Stelcatec to the bridge at Roding Valley station, with additional trials underway. The company noted rising demand for coatings that reduce labor and closure times while meeting durability standards.