Propeller Coat Technical Data & Application Guide
Propeller Coat is an environmentally friendly foul release coating for boat propellers and running gear which prevents the attachment of marine growth by low critical surface tension. Propeller Coat does not contain cuprous oxide or TBT compounds or any other toxic substances which might cause environmental pollution. Propeller Coat is sold in 3 size kits. Small, Medium and Large.
Each Propeller Coat Kit contains various sizes of Primer Base (Part 1), Primer Hardener (Part 2), and a Clear Top Coat, 2 x paint brushes and 1 pair of gloves.
- Small Box 200ml Contents: 80ML Primer Base, 20ML Primer Hardener, 100ML Clear Topcoat
- Medium Box 500ml Contents: 160ML Primer Base, 40ML Primer Hardener, 300ML Clear Topcoat
- Large Box 1500ML Contents: 400ML Primer Base, 100ML Primer Hardener, 1000ML Clear Topcoat
This Propeller Coat Technical Data & Application Guide will detail how to apply any size kit by detailing the best preparation of the surface and application of the etching primer, and the final application of the Clear Topcoat. Preparation of the Surface The preparation of the surfaces to be coated with Propeller Coat is the key for the product to work effectively.
- Remove previous coatings, fouling organisms/marine growth from metal surfaces. All substrates that are to be coated with Propeller Coat must be bare metal. These areas should be machine sanded with a Dual Action sander fitted with a soft pad and 60-80 grit abrasive discs sandpaper. Sanding the surface by hand is recommended at hard-to reach areas where the dual action sander cannot reach. Use 60 – 80 grit wet/dry sandpaper, with water as a lubricant. Make sure the sand paper is changed frequently to ensure the necessary profile is achieved. Hand sanding these hard-to-reach areas is required to ensure the surface is properly abraded. The shaft should be done with hand sanding rather than using a machine. From this point forward wear the gloves provided as there shouldn’t be any direct hand contact to areas which are to be coated with Propeller Coat.
- Once the surface sanding process is completed, wash all the areas with clean fresh water and wipe with clean, lint free cotton rags soaked in water to wipe off sanding residue. Continue doing this until the rags don’t show any sign of residue, contaminants, or discoloration.
- After cleansing with water is completed, use a rag soaked in acetone or denatured alcohol to remove water on the sanded surface. Continue to use the rag until it becomes dry from evaporation of the acetone or denatured alcohol. Use one or more rags as required, until the rag looks white clean, as there will be no contaminants when the rag is white clean. Again, care should be taken not to touch cleaned surfaces with bare hands. This is because fingers and hands contain oils which can transfer to the cleaned surfaces and therefore would inhibit the adhesion of the coatings.
How To Apply The Etching Primer
Apply the Etching Primer There is a Primer Base (Part 1) and a Primer Hardener (Part 2) to activate the primer base. This two-component etching primer dries chemically by reaction of the mixed components and provides protection against corrosion and increases the adhesive property of the subsequent coats. It may be used as a pre-treatment primer on non-ferrous metals such as bronze and aluminum as well as zinc and galvanized iron. May also be used as pre-treatment primer on blast-cleaned steel plates. Temperature Limitations: Primer and Topcoat should be brought to 70-80°F (21-27°C) temperature range prior to mixing and application. Apply in good weather conditions when air and surface temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). Surface temperature must be a least 50°F (10°C). Propeller Coat Etching Primer Physical Properties Mixing Ratio: Primer Base (Part 1) : Primer Hardener (Part 2) = 4 : 1 by volume Colour: Primer Base (Part 1) : Yellow, Primer Hardener (Part 2) : Clear Dry Film Thickness: 8 microns Drying Time: 5-15 minutes touch dry (temperature dependent)- 1 hour hard dry @ 20°C/68°F Painting Interval: Apply Propeller Coat Clear Top Coat when Etching Primer is just touch dry Pot Life: 8 hrs @ 20°C/68°F
- Agitate the Primer Base (Part 1) contents by scraping the bottom and sides of the can, as there will be settling. Mix contents of primer until the settled parts are incorporated back into solution and uniformly blended. Do not strain material, even if particles are present.
- Stir Primer Hardener (Part 2) then add entire contents to the Primer Base (Part 1) container. Mix primer base and hardener for 30 seconds and apply mixture to sanded surface immediately after mixing.
- Application of the Primer Base/Hardener mixture should be thin. The film should be thin enough, so that it is barely coating the surface, yet it does not provide sections or lines on the sanded surface that are not coated. Do not touch the primer mixture as it dries. The method of application of the primer may be done by using either a natural bristle brush which is provided or on bigger areas you can use a foam roller.
- Apply a second coat of Primer Base/Hardener mixture after the first coat dries.
Applying The Clear (Silicon) Top Coat
Apply the clear Top Coat (silicon) to the last coat of etch primer, this should be applied to the Etching Primer within 5-15 minutes. The Clear Top Coat serves as a slick finish that will inhibit marine growth from attaching to the surface.
After 10-15 minutes (depending on temperature) you can add another top coat silicon layer, not to thick that it leaves runs on the final finish. Brush only, you cannot use a foam roller for this. Leave for 8 hours before launching , over night is best.
Propeller Coat Clear Top Coat Physical Properties:
- Binder type: Silicone Polymer
- Solvent: Xylene
- Colour: Clear coating
- Finish: Glossy
- Dry time: 45 minutes touch dry ; 8 hours hard dry @ 20°C
- Thinning: N/A
- Clean up: Acetone
- Shelf life: 12 months plus if stored correctly