Overview
Desmodur N 3390 BA is an HDI trimer (aliphatic polyisocyanurate) hardener supplied at approximately 90% non-volatile content in n-butyl acetate. It is designed for lightfast, weather-resistant two-component (2K) polyurethane coatings that require excellent gloss retention and long-term color stability. This profile makes it a preferred choice for industrial buyers sourcing hardeners for automotive OEM and refinish coatings, transportation equipment finishes, and high-performance industrial topcoats where UV resistance and appearance retention are critical.

Key Specifications
| Property | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| NCO Content | 19.6 ± 0.3% |
| Non-volatile Content | 90 ± 1% |
| Viscosity at 23°C | 500 ± 150 mPa·s |
| Color Value | ≤40 Hazen |
| Chemical Type | Aliphatic polyisocyanate, HDI trimer |
| Supply Form | Approximately 90% in n-butyl acetate |
Specific values should be confirmed against the current-batch Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Certificate of Analysis (COA), as Covestro also offers Desmodur® Ultra N 3390 BA, a lower free-monomer variant of this hardener.
Product Types
·PIC
·Polyisocyanurate
·Reactive system
·HDI trimer
·Aliphatic polyisocyanate
·Crosslinkers
·Polyisocyanate
·Hardeners
Solubility / thinnability
Desmodur N 3390 BA can be thinned with esters, ketones and aromatic hydrocarbons such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methoxypropylacetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, toluene, xylene, solvent naphtha® 100 and mixtures thereof. Generally speaking, it has good compatibility with the solvents listed. However, the solutions formed must be tested for their storage stability. For buyers building out a broader auxiliary agent and additive program, our technical team can help confirm solvent selection. Only PU grade solvents should be used (max. 0.05 % water, absence of reactive groups such as hydroxyl or amino groups). Aliphatic hydrocarbons are unsuitable as solvents. Desmodur N 3390 BA should not be thinned to below a solids content of 40 %. Prolonged storage of a solution with a lower binder content may result in turbidity and sedimentation.
Application
Desmodur N 3390 BA is used primarily as the hardener component for lightfast two-component polyurethane coatings with high resistance to chemicals and weathering, very good gloss retention and outstanding mechanical properties. Preferred co-reactants are polyacrylate or polyester polyols. The main applications for systems based on Desmodur N 3390 BA are air- and force-drying coatings for automotive OEM, automotive refinishing, transportation, industrial finishing and plastics.
Selection Guidance
Desmodur N 3390 BA is generally selected when a relatively low-viscosity, high-solids HDI trimer is required for lightfast 2K polyurethane coatings. Compared with Desmodur® N 75 MPA/X, it has a higher non-volatile content and can support higher-solids coating formulations. Compared with Desmodur® Ultra N 3300, N 3390 BA is supplied in solvent and has a significantly lower application viscosity. Final selection should be confirmed according to solids content, solvent system, application viscosity, drying conditions and required coating performance.
Key Benefits
- Aliphatic polyisocyanate hardener for lightfast, non-yellowing 2K PU coatings
- High resistance to chemicals and weathering with very good gloss retention
- Outstanding mechanical properties when paired with polyacrylate or polyester polyols
- Compatible with a broad range of PU-grade solvents (ester, ketone, aromatic hydrocarbon types)
Buyer Information
- Available packaging: Bulk drum packaging; exact package sizes available upon request
- MOQ: Available upon request based on order volume
- Lead time: Available upon request based on packaging format and destination
- Country of origin: Available upon request
- TDS / SDS availability: Available upon request for each shipment
- COA availability: Available upon request for each shipment
- Sample availability: Available upon request
- Export documentation: Available upon request
- Global shipping support: Yes, supported for coatings manufacturers worldwide
Technical Support
Our team can advise on co-reactant selection (polyacrylate or polyester polyols), solvent compatibility, and formulation troubleshooting for Desmodur N 3390 BA. Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) documentation are available on request for each shipment.
Packaging & Shipping
Desmodur N 3390 BA is available in standard drum packaging for bulk supply, with global shipping support for coatings manufacturers. Contact us for current packaging options, minimum order quantities, and lead times to your destination.
FAQ
What is Desmodur N 3390 BA used for?
It is used as the hardener component in two-component (2K) polyurethane coatings for automotive OEM, automotive refinishing, transportation, industrial finishing and plastics applications.
Is Desmodur N 3390 BA an aromatic or aliphatic polyisocyanate?
Desmodur N 3390 BA is an aliphatic polyisocyanate (HDI trimer). It is not based on TDI or other aromatic isocyanates, which is why it delivers superior color and gloss stability under UV exposure compared with aromatic-based hardeners.
What is the difference between this hardener and Desmodur® N 75 MPA/X?
this hardener has a higher non-volatile content than Desmodur® N 75 MPA/X and can support higher-solids coating formulations. Final selection should be confirmed based on required solids content, solvent system, application viscosity and coating performance targets.
Can you provide TDS, SDS and COA?
Yes. Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) for this hardener are available upon request for each shipment.
What is the MOQ and lead time?
MOQ and lead time depend on packaging format and destination. Contact our team with your target volume and delivery location for a specific quote.
What solvents are compatible with this hardener?
this hardener is compatible with esters, ketones and aromatic hydrocarbons such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone and xylene. Only PU-grade solvents (max. 0.05% water, free of reactive hydroxyl or amino groups) should be used; aliphatic hydrocarbons are not suitable as solvents.
How should this hardener be stored?
Store in a cool, dry, moisture-free area, as isocyanates react with water. Refer to the SDS for complete storage and handling guidance. For plastics and composites testing standards referenced across the coatings industry, see the ASTM D20 committee on plastics.
Need this hardener for Your Coating System?
Contact us for a quote, technical data sheet, or COA/MSDS for this hardener. Our team supports bulk supply and global shipping for coatings manufacturers.