PROPSPEED Clear Top Coat User Guide
- June 3, 2024
- PROPSPEED
Table of Contents
PROPSPEED Clear Top Coat
IN THE KIT
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PROPCLEAN
The denatured alcohol in Propclean ensures that the metal surface is completely free of contaminants and ready for Propprep. -
PROPPREP
Propprep is critical in the chemical preparation of the metal surface to be coated. The low percentage of phosphoric acid treats the metal in preparation for the Propspeed Etching Primer. -
ETCHING PRIMER BASE & HARDENER
Propspeed Etching Primer Base & Hardener combined are one of the best underwater Etching Primers on the market. Known best for its tenacious adhesion and corrosion resistance. -
CLEAR COAT
The non-toxic, slick top coat that repels marine growth and contributes to lowering boat owners’ running costs. More Speed, Less Fuel™
PROPSPEED APPLICATION TIP:
- The process to apply Propspeed isn’t difficult, but it must be strictly adhered to in order to get a superior result. Failure to follow the instructions accurately will likely result in premature failure of the coating.
- We strongly recommend watching the application video before starting.
- Available at www.propspeed.com/application
- Ambient temperature has an effect on the application of Propspeed, and the drying times of the Etching Primer and the Clear Coat. We recommend a minimum temperature of 10°C / 50° F. It is also recommended to avoid applying the product in direct sunlight or humidity above 85%.
THE TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:
- Paper paint suits
- Disposab le gloves
- Eye protection
- Dust sanding mask
- Dual action sander
- Wet and dry 80 grit sandpaper
- Plenty of clean rags
- Disposable plastic paint trays Plastic mixing containers
- Disposable foam rollers (for the Etching Primer) Disposable brushes (for the Clear Coat)
PREPARATION
METAL PREPARATION
Metal surfaces must be abraded to an 80 grit profile for the coating to form a mechanical bond. You must wear a dust sanding mask when removing old Propspeed – inhaling any residue could be harmful.
INITIAL CLEAN
From this step onwards, you must wear gloves at all times when touching any surface that is to be coated. Wipe down the surfaces with Propclean wipes, immediately wiping with a clean, dry rag. Repeat until there is no residue left on the cloth
METAL CONDITIONING
Wipe down the surfaces with Propprep wipes, immediately wiping with a clean, dry rag. Repeat until there is no residue left on the cloth. Propprep contains no corrosion inhibitors, so proceed with Step 3 as soon as possible, but definitely within 4 hours
PROPSPEED APPLICATION TIP:
Be prepared! Once you start this stage of the application process you need to finish it without breaks. Ensure all product is mixed and ready to go, and all the tools you’ll need are easy to access. You may need to work in se ctions, applying both Primer Coats and the Clear Coat to one area before moving on to the next.
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
COATING
ETCHING PRIMER
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The yellow pigment in the bottom of the Etching Primer Base must be thoroughly mixed before adding the Etching Primer Hardener. This usually takes no more than 2 or 3 minutes.
Note: Failure to thoroughly mix the Etching Primer Base, as described above, may lead to premature hardening, inconsistencies and short life expectancy of the final coating system. -
Once there are no solids left in the can, add the Etching Primer Hardener to the can and mix again. Any product not being used immediately can be re-sealed in the can and left in the shade for up to 6 hours.
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You can use foam rollers or brushes to apply the Etching Primer.
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The Propspeed system requires 2 generous coats of Etching Primer. To access all parts of the propeller and shaft we recommend turning the prop using a brush, wooden stick, or gloved hands.
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Once you have applied the first coat of Etching Primer wait approximately 3 to 5 minutes before applying the next coat. The timing of each coat is essential to enable the required chemical bond between coats.
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To test if it is ready, use the dry-to-touch test method: touch the wet Etching Primer with your gloved finger – if it leaves a small print on the primed surface but no Etching Primer transfers to your fingertip, then you can begin applying the next coat. The wait between coats of Etching Primer is very important and must be adhered to.
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The 3-5 minute re-coat timing is based on 27°C / 80° F temperatures, cooler temperatures will slow down the re-coat time between the 2 coats of primer, as will warmer temperatures and windy conditions speed up the re-coat time between the 2.
CLEAR COAT
- You need to proceed with the Clear Coat as soon as the last coat of Etching Primer is dry to touch. Allowing the Etching Primer to dry completely may result in a failure in adhesion between the coats.
- Ensure the Clear Coat is well mixed. Apply using a brush only (no foam rollers). Apply one coat only, much the same way you would the last coat of varnish.
- Make sure there are no heavy runs or sags in the Clear Coat. You’ll have anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to touch these up. Any drips that harden on the edges of the propeller blades can be carefully cut off the following day.
- Make sure the surface is completely coated with Clear Coat. Any missed areas will appear dull in luster. When you have finished coating the entire propeller with Clear Coat, give the propeller one more visual inspection just to make sure there are no areas that you might have missed and to check again that there are no runs in the Clear Coat.
- Propspeed requires a minimum of 8 hours to dry before launching. In cold conditions, 5-13°C / 40-60° F, we recommend at least 24 hours drying before launching. Unlike traditional bottom paints Propspeed’s effectiveness is not adversely affected by sitting out of the water for extended periods of time in warm or cold climates, however it does need to be covered to protect against UV light.
- During cleaning of your hull only use a soft cloth on the Propspeed. If the wiping cloth collects shells remove them before proceeding with the wipe down so as not to damage the Propspeed.
- Avoid any abrasive cleaning materials or direct high-pressure water.
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