Pettit Hydrocoat ECO Antifouling Bottom Paint

Hydrocoat Eco contains biocides. As a result, there is a tendency for settling to occur, especially if the paint has been on the shelf for several months. It is necessary to thoroughly mix the paint before using. If possible, shake the can of paint on a mechanical paint shaker. Before using, check the sides and bottom of the can to make sure all the pigment has been mixed in. If mixing is going to be done with a wooden paddle or an electric drill mixer, pour off half of the liquid from the top of the can into another can and then properly mix in any settled pigment; then remix the two parts together thoroughly. Adhere to all application instructions, precautions, conditions, and limitations to obtain optimum performance. Refer to individual labels and tech sheets for detailed instructions when using associated products, etc. When spraying, do not thin Hydrocoat Eco more than 10% (12 ounces per gallon) or inadequate paint film thickness will occur and premature erosion of the finish will be likely.

Surface Preparation: Coating performance, in general, is proportional to the degree of surface preparation. Follow recommendations carefully, avoiding shortcuts. Inadequate preparation of surfaces will virtually assure inadequate coating performance.

Maintenance: No antifouling paint can be effective under all conditions of exposure. Man made pollution and natural occurrences can adversely affect antifouling paint performance. Extreme hot and cold water temperatures, silt, dirt, oil, brackish water, and even electrolysis can ruin an antifouling paint. Therefore, we strongly suggest that the bottom of the boat be checked regularly to make sure it is clean, and that no growth is occurring. Lightly clean the bottom with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any growth or contaminants from the antifouling paint surface. Cleaning is particularly important with boats that are idle for extended periods of time. The self-cleaning nature of the coating is most effective when the boat is used periodically. Burnishing of the surface to create a slicker finish should be done with 400-600 grit wet-or-dry paper after the coating has dried for seven (7) days.

Hydrocoat Eco is very easily applied by brush, roller or spray. When rolling, the following technique will help ensure a smoother finish: Thin the paint approximately 5-10% with clean fresh water. Wet the surface to be painted thoroughly with clean fresh water as well. This aids the "hold out" of the coating, resulting in a truer color and smoother finish. Slight variations in color and surface texture are not uncommon and should not be viewed with dismay. The painted surface becomes smoother once in the water and any mottling of the color will diminish as well.

Previously Painted Surfaces: To paint old, hard antifoulings, thoroughly wipe down the surface with 120 Brushing Thinner, paying particular attention to waterline areas, then sand painted surface with 80 grit sandpaper. Wipe clean of sanding residue with water and apply Hydrocoat Eco. Old tin or copper copolymers or Teflon based antifoulings should be sanded thoroughly with 80 grit sandpaper to remove the chalky outer surface, wiped clean of sanding residue, and then may be over coated directly with Hydrocoat Eco. Traditional, soft antifoulings should be removed before applying Hydrocoat Eco.

Bare Fiberglass: All bare fiberglass, regardless of age, should be thoroughly cleaned with 92 Bio-Blue Hull Surface Prep or de-waxed several times with Pettit D-95 Dewaxer or 120 Brushing Thinner. Sand thoroughly with 80 grit sandpaper to a dull, frosty finish and rewash the sanded surface with 120 Brushing Thinner to remove sanding residue. Then apply two or three coats of Hydrocoat Eco, following application instructions. Careful observation of the above instructions will help ensure long term adhesion of this and subsequent years' antifouling paint.

To eliminate the sanding operation, prep the surface with 92 Bio-Blue Hull Surface Prep or wash the fiberglass three times using Pettit 95 Dewaxer only. Then apply one thin coat of Pettit 6998 Skip-Sand Primer. Use a 3/16" or less nap when applying by roller. Consult the primer label for complete application and antifouling top coating instructions. Apply two or three coats of Hydrocoat Eco.

Easy 2-Step Sandless Method - Thoroughly clean and prep hull using 92 Bio-Blue and a Scotch-brite pad as described above. Make sure that the entire surface has a dull, frosty finish. Wipe surface to remove any excess moisture and apply two coats of Hydrocoat Eco.

Barrier Coat: Fiberglass bottoms potentially can form osmotic blisters within the gelcoat and into the laminate. To render the bottom as water impermeable as possible, prepare the fiberglass surface as mentioned above (sanding method) then apply three coats of Pettit Protect 4700/4701 High Build Epoxy Primer per label directions. Apply two or three finish coats of Hydrocoat Eco.

Blistered Fiberglass: See Pettit Technical Bulletin TB-1000 Gelcoat Blister Repair and Prevention Specification for detailed instructions.

Bare Aluminum: Sandblast to clean, bright metal and remove blasting residue with clean, dry compressed air or a clean brush. Immediately apply three coats of Pettit 4400/4401 Aluma Protect Epoxy Primer followed by two finish coats of this product. Read and follow carefully the instructions on the Pettit 4400/4401 Aluma Protect Epoxy Primer label. If the surface to be painted is smooth aluminum, apply one coat of 6455/044 Metal Primer and allow to dry for 2 hours, then apply two finish coats of this product. Read and follow carefully the instructions for application and top-coating on the 6455/044 primer label.

Bare Wood: Sand entire surface with 80 grit paper; wash clean with 120 Brushing Thinner. Apply a coat of Hydrocoat Eco thinned 25% with 120 Brushing Thinner, allow an overnight dry, lightly sand and wipe clean. Apply two finish coats of Hydrocoat Eco. Any metal parts must be primed before applying the bottom paint.

Steel Hulls: To remove loose rust and scale from the metal surface, scrape, sandblast or wire brush. Solvent clean the surface to remove grease and dirt then apply one or two coats of Pettit 6980 Rustlok* followed by two coats of Pettit 4700/4701 High Build Epoxy Primer. Follow with Hydrocoat Eco.

Underwater Metal Parts: Abrade to clean bright metal by scraping, sandblasting or wire brushing. Solvent clean and apply one thin coat of Pettit 6455/044 Metal Primer*. Let dry two hours and apply two coats of Pettit 6627 Tie Coat Primer*. Let the second coat of 6627 Tie-Coat Primer dry at least four hours and apply Hydrocoat Eco.

*These are simplified systems for small areas. Please consult your Pettit representative or the Pettit Technical Department for more complex, professional systems. Always read the labels or tech sheets for all products specified herein before using.