Surface Preparation & Application Methods

Select Product Rustonic (Classic or Eco) Rustcoat (Classic or Eco) Rustguard (Classic or Eco) Rustonic-Mastic (Classic or Eco) Rustcoat-Mastic (Classic or Eco) Rustguard-Mastic (Classic or Eco) Rust-Converto Container Coating UniSac Coating Epoxy Ballast Tank Polyamide Epoxy Gloss Coating (MIL-23236) Epoxy Marine Bottom Paint (MIL-DTL-24441) Interior and Exterior White Enamel (MIL-E-1115D) Waterbase Epoxy Ballast Tank Coating UniGuard Coat

Rustonic™ (Classic or Eco)

SURFACE PREPARATION:

1. All chlorides, loose rust, rust scale and old non-adherent paint are to be removed from the joint-seam areas to be treated.
2. Coat the edges of all seams first. Then work down the sides of the joint from the top to bottom. Thoroughly wet the seam with Rustonic™ in a manner to propel the sealer into the joint.
3. The recommended method of application is pressure spray or by brushing material into crevices and seams. Deposit enough coating to thoroughly wet the joint-seams. Coat the upper edges of all seams first, working down the side of the joint from the top to bottom.
4. Moisture will be displaced from the joint and should be allowed to exit freely from the bottom of the joint area. Wipe excessive rundown from exposed surface.
5. Allow to penetrate a minimum of 6 hours before applying a final coat of Rustonic™, if necessary. Rustonic™ may be applied by spraying, brushing, dipping, or fill-and-drain methods according to the specifications for ballast tanks of ships and submarines.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix Rustonic™ by power mixing. Slow mixing and agitation should continue while product is being applied or sprayed. DO NOT THIN!
2. For spray application, the recommended method of use is Graco's Xtreme Bulldog 244458 or equivalent. Check recommended nozzle tip size with local Graco representative. Set pump for 33:1. Hose diameter: ½ inch; hose length: 25 - 50 ft. Contact local Graco representative for any clarifications.

Note: There is no difference in surface preparation for Rustonic™-Classic and Rustonic™-Eco.

SURFACE PREPARATION:

1. All chlorides, loose rust, rust scale and old non-adherent paint are to be removed from the joint-seam areas to be treated.
2. Coat the edges of all seams first. Then work down the sides of the joint from the top to bottom. Thoroughly wet the seam with Rustcoat™ in a manner to propel the sealer into the joint.
3. The recommended method of application is pressure spray or by brushing material into crevices and seams. Deposit enough coating to thoroughly wet the joint-seams. Coat the upper edges of all seams first, working down the side of the joint from the top to bottom.
4. Moisture will be displaced from the joint and should be allowed to exit freely from the bottom of the joint area. Wipe excessive rundown from exposed surface.
5. Allow to penetrate a minimum of 6 hours before applying a final coat of Rustcoat™, if necessary. Rustcoat™ may be applied by either spraying or dipping.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix Rustcoat™ by power mixing. Slow mixing and agitation should continue while product is being applied or sprayed. DO NOT THIN!
2. For spray application, the recommended method of use is Graco's Xtreme Bulldog 244458 or equivalent. Check recommended nozzle tip size with local Graco representative. Set pump for 33:1. Hose diameter: ½ inch; hose length: 25 - 50 ft. Contact local Graco representative for any clarifications.

Rustguard™ (Classic or Eco)

SURFACE PREPARATION:

1. All chlorides, loose rust, rust scale and old non-adherent paint are to be removed from the joint-seam areas to be treated.
2. Coat the edges of all seams first. Then work down the sides of the joint from the top to bottom. Thoroughly wet the seam with Rustguard™ in a manner to propel the sealer into the joint.
3. The recommended method of application is pressure spray or by brushing material into crevices and seams. Deposit enough coating to thoroughly wet the joint-seams. Coat the upper edges of all seams first, working down the side of the joint from the top to bottom.
4. Moisture will be displaced from the joint and should be allowed to exit freely from the bottom of the joint area. Wipe excessive rundown from exposed surface.
5. Allow to penetrate a minimum of 6 hours before applying a final coat of Rustguard™, if necessary. Rustguard™ may be applied by either spraying or dipping.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix Rustguard™ by power mixing. Slow mixing and agitation should continue while product is being applied or sprayed. DO NOT THIN!
2. For spray application, the recommended method of use is Graco's Xtreme Bulldog 244458 or equivalent. Check recommended nozzle tip size with local Graco representative. Set pump for 33:1. Hose diameter: ½ inch; hose length: 25 - 50 ft. Contact local Graco representative for any clarifications.

Rustonic-Mastic™ (Classic or Eco)

SURFACE PREPARATION:

1. All chlorides, loose rust, rust scale and old non-adherent paint are to be removed from the joint-seam areas to be treated.
2. Coat the edges of all seams first. Then work down the sides of the joint from the top to bottom. Thoroughly wet the seam with Rustonic-Mastic™ in a manner to propel the sealer into the joint.
3. The recommended method of application is pressure spray or by brushing material into crevices and seams. Deposit enough coating to thoroughly wet the joint-seams. Coat the upper edges of all seams first, working down the side of the joint from the top to bottom.
4. Moisture will be displaced from the joint and should be allowed to exit freely from the bottom of the joint area. Wipe excessive rundown from exposed surface.
5. Allow to penetrate a minimum of 6 hours before applying a final coat of Rustonic-Mastic™, if necessary. Rustonic-Mastic™ may be applied by brushing, rolling, or airless spray gun. For airless spray gun: Use maximum-sized, nozzle tip and pump pressure.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix Rustonic-Mastic™ by power mixing. Slow mixing and agitation should continue while product is being applied or sprayed. DO NOT THIN!
2. For spray application, the recommended method of use is Graco's Xtreme King 244478 or equivalent. Check recommended nozzle tip size with local Graco representative. Set pump for 56:1. Hose diameter: ½ inch; hose length: 25 - 50 ft. Contact local Graco representative for any clarifications.

Rustcoat-Mastic™ (Classic or Eco)

SURFACE PREPARATION:

1. All chlorides, loose rust, rust scale and old non-adherent paint are to be removed from the joint-seam areas to be treated.
2. Coat the edges of all seams first. Then work down the sides of the joint from the top to bottom. Thoroughly wet the seam with Rustcoat-Mastic™ in a manner to propel the sealer into the joint.
3. The recommended method of application is pressure spray or by brushing material into crevices and seams. Deposit enough coating to thoroughly wet the joint-seams. Coat the upper edges of all seams first, working down the side of the joint from the top to bottom.
4. Moisture will be displaced from the joint and should be allowed to exit freely from the bottom of the joint area. Wipe excessive rundown from exposed surface.
5. Allow to penetrate a minimum of 6 hours before applying a final coat of Rustcoat-Mastic™, if necessary. Rustcoat-Mastic™ may be applied by brushing, rolling, or airless spray gun. For airless spray gun: Use maximum-sized, nozzle tip and pump.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix Rustcoat-Mastic™ by power mixing. Slow mixing and agitation should continue while product is being applied or sprayed. DO NOT THIN
2. For spray application, the recommended method of use is Graco's Xtreme King 244478 or equivalent. Check recommended nozzle tip size with local Graco representative. Set pump for 56:1. Hose diameter: ½ inch; hose length: 25 - 50 ft. Contact local Graco representative for any clarifications.

Rustguard-Mastic™ (Classic or Eco)

SURFACE PREPARATION:

1. All chlorides, loose rust, rust scale and old non-adherent paint are to be removed from the joint-seam areas to be treated.
2. Coat the edges of all seams first. Then work down the sides of the joint from the top to bottom. Thoroughly wet the seam with Rustguard-Mastic™ in a manner to propel the sealer into the joint.
3. The recommended method of application is pressure spray or by brushing material into crevices and seams. Deposit enough coating to thoroughly wet the joint-seams. Coat the upper edges of all seams first, working down the side of the joint from the top to bottom.
4. Moisture will be displaced from the joint and should be allowed to exit freely from the bottom of the joint area. Wipe excessive rundown from exposed surface.
5. Allow to penetrate a minimum of 6 hours before applying a final coat of Rustguard-Mastic™, if necessary. Rustguard-Mastic™ may be applied by brushing, rolling or airless spray gun. For airless spray gun: Use maximum-sized, nozzle tip and pump pressure.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix Rustguard-Mastic™ by power mixing. Slow mixing and agitation should continue while product is being applied or sprayed. DO NOT THIN!
2. For spray application, the recommended method of use is Graco Xtreme King 244478 or equivalent. Check recommended nozzle tip size with local Graco representative. Set pump for 56:1. Hose diameter: ½ inch; hose length: 25 - 50 ft. Contact local Graco representative for any clarifications.

SURFACE PREPARATION:

1. Remove all oil, grease, salt or water soluble chemicals with a high-strength cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with water.
2. Remove blistered and loose paint, loose rust scale and heavy rust buildup.
3. Mix Rust-Converto™ thoroughly before using.

Use of rubber gloves is recommended because Rust-Converto™ is difficult to remove from the skin.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pour the estimated amount needed for the job into a clean container.

NOTE: RUST-CONVERTO™ CANNOT BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER AFTER USE. APPLY ONE THIN COAT AT A TIME.


2. For maximum penetration, work Rust-Converto™ into the rusted surface with a synthetic bristle brush. On large areas, use a roller or paint spray equipment.

IMPORTANT: If applying two coats, treat only enough surface area so that the second coat can be applied in 20 - 30 minutes. Apply the second coating within 20 - 30 minutes in a cross direction to the previous coat. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Rust-Converto™ dries to a black, matte finish, and is extremely difficult to remove when it is dry. Clean all equipment immediately after use with cold water and dish soap.

Container Coating

SURFACE PREPARATION:
Previously Painted or Primed Surfaces

1. Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, salts and any other contaminants. All blistered and loose paint must be removed.
2. All bare areas must be primed.
3. Glossy surfaces should be roughened before recoating.
   

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

• Due to the rapid dry of this coating, only small areas may be coated by brush, applicator pad or roller. Generally, this paint is best applied by spray.
• Care must be taken to achieve the specified wet and dry film thicknesses.
• Uniform, even coats must be obtained.
  

Application Equipment: Conventional or airless spray, brush or roller recommended. Certain colors
may require two coats depending on method of application and color of the prime or intermediate
coat.

Conventional:

• Spray Equipment Recommendations: Binks Model 62 Spray Gun or equal.
• Fluid Nozzle Air Nozzle Atomizing Air Pressure Fluid Pressure (measured at gun inlet) - 63B (.040") 63PB 45 PSI 15 PSI.
• Low temperatures or longer hoses require higher pot pressure. Proper atomization is necessary to obtain a smooth finish.
• H.V.L.P. Equipment Recommendations: Binks Model Mach 1 Spray Gun or equal.
  Fluid Nozzle Air Nozzle - 94 (.055") 97P.
  

Airless Spray:

• CAUTION! When applying this product using airless spray, a reduction in gloss level will occur.
  

Roller:

• Use a 1/4" nap synthetic cover. Do not use medium or long nap roller covers.
  

UniSac Coating

SURFACE PREPARATION:

1. Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, salts, and any other contaminants. All blistered and loose paint must be removed.
2. All bare areas must be primed.
3. Glossy surfaces should be roughened before recoating.
4. Surface should be dry, clean & free of contaminants. SSPC SP-2 minimum surface preparation.

NOTICE: Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes, which contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For additional information, contact the USEPA/Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-LEAD-FYI.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

• May be coated by brush, mitt, applicator pad, roller, or spray bottle. Generally, this paint is best applied by spray bottle. Care must be taken to achieve the specified wet and dry film thicknesses. Uniform, even coats must be obtained.
• Roller: Use phenolic core roller. The nap length will vary depending on surface texture. Short nap for smooth surfaces; medium nap for coarse abraded surfaces.

Epoxy Ballast Tank Polyamide Epoxy Gloss Coating (MIL-23236)

SURFACE PREPARATION:
Previously Painted or Primed Surfaces

1. Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, salts and any other contaminants. All blistered and loose paint must be removed.
2. All bare areas must be primed.
3. Glossy surfaces should be roughened before recoating.

Concrete and Masonry

1. Remove all loose particles, laitance, oil, grease, form release agents and any other contaminants.
2. New concrete and masonry must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days.
3. Before painting, roughen the surface by abrasive blasting, acid etching or scarifying.

Wood

1. Ensure the wood is clean and dry.
2. Sand all rough areas to a smooth appearance.

NOTICE: Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes which contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For additional information, contact the USEPA/Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-LEAD-FYI.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

• Due to the rapid dry of this coating, only small areas may be coated by brush, applicator pad, or roller. Generally, this paint is best applied by spray.
• Care must be taken to achieve the specified wet and dry film thicknesses.
• Uniform, even coats must be obtained.

Application Equipment:

Air or airless spray, brush or roller:

• Certain colors may require two coats depending on method of application and color of the prime or intermediate coat.

Air Spray suggested equipment, or equal:

• Gun Fluid Tip Air Cap Air Hose Mat'l Hose Atomizing Pot DeVilbiss 510 E 704 5/8" - 3/8" 40–50 10–20 765 P.S.I.
• Low temperatures or longer hoses require higher pot pressure.
• Proper atomization is necessary to obtain a smooth finish.

Airless Spray Tip Atomizing Mat'l Hose Orifice:

• .015 to .021, 1/4", 2400 P.S.I.

Roller:

• Use phenolic core roller. The nap length will vary depending on surface texture. Short nap for smooth surfaces;
  medium nap for coarse abraded surfaces.

CAUTION! Use 100 mesh manifold filter and gun with 100 mesh tip strainer. Use appropriate tip
and atomizing pressure for equipment, applicator technique and weather conditions.

Epoxy Marine Bottom Paint (MIL-DTL-24441)

SURFACE PREPARATION:
Previously Painted or Primed Surfaces

• Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, salts, and any other contaminants. All blistered and loose paint must be removed.
• All bare areas must be primed. Glossy surfaces should be roughened before recoating.

Concrete and Masonry

• Remove all loose particles, laitance, oil, grease, form release agents, and any other contaminants.
• New concrete and masonry must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days.
• Before painting, roughen the surface by abrasive blasting, acid etching or scarifying.

Wood

• Ensure the wood is clean and dry.
• Sand all rough areas to a smooth appearance.

NOTICE: Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes which contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For additional information, contact the USEPA/Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-LEAD-FYI.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

• May be coated by brush, applicator pad, or roller.
• Generally, this paint is best applied by spray.
• Care must be taken to achieve the specified wet and dry film thicknesses.
• Uniform, even coats must be obtained.

Application Equipment: Air or airless spray, brush or roller. Certain colors may require two coats
depending on method of application and color of the prime or intermediate coat.

Air Spray suggested equipment, or equal:

• Gun Fluid Tip Air Cap Air Hose Mat'l Hose Atomizing Pot DeVilbiss 510 E 704 5/8" - 3/8" 40-50 10-20 765 P.S.I.
• Low temperatures or longer hoses require higher pot pressure.
• Proper atomization is necessary to obtain a smooth finish.

 
Airless Spray Tip Atomizing Mat'l Hose:

• Orifice - .015 to .021, 1/4", 2400 P.S.I.
• CAUTION! Use 100 mesh manifold filter and gun with 100 mesh tip strainer. Use appropriate tip and atomizing pressure for equipment, applicator technique and weather conditions.

Roller:

• Use phenolic core roller.
• The nap length will vary depending on surface texture. Short nap for smooth surfaces; medium nap for coarse abraded surfaces.
  

Interior And Exterior White Enamel (MIL-E-1115D)

SURFACE PREPARATION:
This enamel is intended for application over previously painted or primed metal surfaces.

• The surface must be clean, dry and free of loose paint, rust, oil and grease.
• If surface is rusted, remove rust, feather painted surface and apply primer to bare steel.
• Wait for primer to dry, in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Previously painted surfaces in good condition: sand lightly prior to application.

Previously Painted or Primed Surfaces:

• Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, salts, and any other contaminants. All blistered and loose paint must be removed.
• All bare areas must be primed.
• Glossy surfaces should be roughened before recoating.

Concrete and Masonry:

• Remove all loose particles, laitance, oil, grease, form release agents, and any other contaminants.
• New concrete and masonry must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days.
• Before painting, roughen the surface by abrasive blasting, acid etching or scarifying.

Wood:

• Ensure the wood is clean and dry.
• Sand all rough areas to a smooth appearance.

NOTICE: Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes which contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For additional information, contact the USEPA/Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-LEAD-FYI.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Spray (conventional air, airless, AA/A), brush or roller recommended.

Application Equipment:

• Air or airless spray, brush or roller.
• Certain colors may require two coats depending on method of application and color of the prime or intermediate coat.
  

Air Spray Suggested equipment, or equal:

• Gun Fluid Tip Air Cap Air Hose Mat'l Hose Atomizing Pot DeVilbiss 510 E 704 5/8" - 3/8" 40–50 10–20 765 P.S.I.
  Low temperatures or longer hoses require higher pot pressure.
• Proper atomization is necessary to obtain a smooth finish.

Airless Spray Tip Atomizing Mat'l Hose Orifice:

• .015 to .021, 1/4", 2400 P.S.I.

Roller:

• Use phenolic core roller. The nap length will vary depending on surface texture. Short nap for smooth surfaces; medium nap for coarse abraded surfaces.

CAUTION! Use 100 mesh manifold filter and gun with 100 mesh tip strainer. Use appropriate tip
and atomizing pressure for equipment, applicator technique and weather conditions.

Waterbase Epoxy Ballast Tank Coating

SURFACE PREPARATION:
Previously Painted or Primed Surfaces

1. Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, salts and any other contaminants. All blistered and loose paint must be removed.
2. All bare areas must be primed.
3. Glossy surfaces should be roughened before recoating.

Bare Steel

1. All surfaces shall be free of rust, millscale and contaminants such as oil, grease, dirt, and salts.
2. Before any surface preparation is attempted, oil and grease must be removed by employing SSPC-SP1 Solvent Cleaning.
3. For large areas, use an Oil & Grease Emulsifier.
4. Use Power Tool Cleaning to SSPC-SP3 to remove all loose millscale, rust, and other loose solid contaminants.

For Improved Performance:

• Use Commercial Blast Cleaning to SSPC-SP6 to remove millscale, rust, and other contaminants and leave a roughened surface.
• Use Brush-Off Blast Cleaning to SSPC-SP7 to remove all loose millscale, rust, and other contaminants. Firmly adherent millscale is not removed by this technique. The surface will be roughened. Use Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal SSPC-SP11 to remove millscale, rust, and other contaminants and leave a roughened surface.

Concrete and Masonry

1. Remove all loose particles, laitance, oil, grease, form release agents, and any other contaminants.
2. New concrete and masonry must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days.
3. Before painting, roughen the surface by abrasive blasting, acid etching or scarifying.

Wood

1. Ensure the wood is clean and dry.
2. Sand all rough areas to a smooth appearance.

NOTICE: Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes which contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For additional information, contact the USEPA/Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-LEAD-FYI.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

1. Due to the rapid dry of this coating, only small areas may be coated by brush, applicator pad, or roller. Generally, this paint is best applied by spray.
2. Care must be taken to achieve the specified wet and dry film thicknesses.
3. Uniform, even coats must be obtained.

Application Equipment:

• Air or airless spray, brush or roller.
• Certain colors may require two coats depending on method of application and color of the prime or intermediate coat.

Air Spray Suggested equipment, or equal:

• Binks 62, 66 css, 63PB, 5/8" - 3/8", 40–70, 10–20, Gun Fluid Tip Air Cap Air Hose Mat'l Hose Atomizing Pot. 
• Low temperatures or longer hoses require higher pot pressure.
• Proper atomization is necessary to obtain a smooth finish.
  Airless Spray Tip Atomizing Mat'l Hose, Orifice - .015 to .021, 1/2", 2400 P.S.I.

CAUTION! Use 100 mesh manifold filter and gun with 100 mesh tip strainer. Use appropriate tip and atomizing pressure for equipment, applicator technique and weather conditions.

Roller:

• Use ¼” nap synthetic roller.
• The nap length will vary depending on surface texture. Short nap for smooth, medium nap for coarse abraded surfaces.

UniGuard Coat

SURFACE PREPARATION:
Hulls

1. For good adhesion of UniGuard Coat, the surface should be free from fouling, old paints, oil or grease and slightly roughened to provide a good key. The surface should also be dry and free from dust.
2. Remove any macro fouling.
3. Remove any oil and grease by solvent cleaning. Use dry wiping and scraping to remove heavy deposits of oil and grease followed by localised wiping with clean rags dampened with solvent avoiding spread of contaminants.
4. Lightly gritblast the entire surface to remove all traces of fouling and old paints. Use fine abrasives and low pressures in order to just remove the contaminants and provide a clean roughened surface, but without damaging the hull.
5. Following gritblasting thoroughly wash the surfaces with high pressure water (or low pressure and a brush) to remove any dust. When completely dry, the surface will be ready for the application of UniGuard Coat.
6. An alternative to 4 & 5 above is to slurry blast the surfaces (water and abrasive mixed).
7. Another alternative to item 4 above is to sand the surface - by hand or mechanically - to achieve a clean roughened surface, but washing as in item 5 will still be required.

Steel

1. This procedure supplements recognized white metal grit blasting standards to provide control of surface profile, surface cleanliness and environment.
2. Oil and grease shall be removed by solvent cleaning prior to grit blasting. Use dry wiping and scraping to remove heavy deposits of oil and grease followed by localised wiping with clean rags dampened with solvent. Avoid spread of contaminants. 
3. The surface shall be grit blasted to minimum Sa 2½ standard. The surface profile shall be minimum 3 mils.
4. The particle size of all abrasives used for blast cleaning shall be capable of producing the above surface profile. Blast products and debris shall be removed from the surface of blast-cleaned steel by high-pressure air and/or vacuum cleaning. Compressed air used for blasting shall be clean, dry, and free from oil and water.
5. Separators shall be placed as close as possible to the blast cleaning equipment.  Remove contaminants such as oil, grease, handprints and other foreign matter from blast cleaned steel by solvent. Re-blasting to specification shall follow cleaning. An inhibitive treatment shall not be applied to blast cleaned steel.

MATERIAL MIXING:
UniGuard Coat is a 2-component coating. The quantity of MEKP 9% (catalyst) used can be varied to suit the ambient temperature, and rate of cure desired. The range is from 1% to 4%. Ideal is 1% for spray application. The ambient temperature will govern the pot life of the material and batch size should be determined accordingly. Mixing should be by powered equipment such as a drill motor with an appropriate whip. Carefully measure the required amount of material into the mixing container, measure the required amount of MEKP 9% (catalyst) and add to the material. Mix thoroughly to ensure full dispersal of MEKP 9% (catalyst) and any Styrene (thinner). (Approx. 2-3 minutes.)

Required Amount

• MEKP 9% (catalyst):                    1 1/4% = 6.8 fl oz per 5 gallon                1.4 fl oz per 1 gallon
• Styrene (thinner) (if required):   3% = 19 fl oz per 5 gallon                        3.8 fl oz per 1 gallon                 

Clean Up
The best cleaning product for the pump installation is acetone.

APPLICATION:
Coat 1:

1. Using spray equipment (or a long soft bristle brush), apply one full coat of catalysed material to a DFT thickness of 20 mils (39 mils wet). Allow to cure.
2. The second coat can be applied as soon as this coat is hard, approximately 1 - 2 hours at a temperature of 20°C or above.

Coat 2:

1. Using spray equipment (or a long soft bristle brush), apply the second full coat of catalysed material to a DFT thickness of 20 mils (39 mils wet).
2. The total DFT shall be minimum 40 mils.
3. For ballast or product tanks, all welds, corners, sharp edges, etc shall be stripe-coated with one coat of UniGuard Coat in between the first and second coats. 
4. For brush application, please refer to the notes at the end of this procedure.

Spray Equipment:

• The Graco King 45:1 ratio Airless Spray Pump is recommended (or similar). 
• Spare packing should be available on all large contracts.
• There should be no filters or strainers in the pump unit, the fluid lines or the gun, nor should there be diffusers in the tip. No foot extension should be used on the pump. This is all to promote the free flow of the material and to prevent packing of the glass platelets, which can cause blockages leading to premature curing in the body of the spray pump.

NOTE:  If there is no pressure release valve in the system, caution should be exercised when removing lines/guns. Bleed off the remaining pressure carefully. The fluid hose should be 3/8” internal diameter and the shortest length suitable for practical application to promote free flow of the material and minimise pressure loss. No restrictive couplings should be used on the fluid hose; the gun should be hooked up directly to the line. A swivel hook-up is a must and will give easy manoeuvrability of the gun when spraying. The preferred spray gun is the Graco Golden, or Silver (high volume) without diffuser. This should be used in conjunction with a ‘Reverse-A-Quick’ head with a 0.023”-.0.030” tip, again with no strainers or diffusers.

Spray Procedure:

• UniGuard Coat cures by chemical reaction, which starts as soon as MEKP 9% (catalyst) is added and then proceeds quite quickly.
• When spraying use the minimum amount of MEKP 9% (catalyst) permissible i.e. 1% by volume.
• If the correct equipment is used, UniGuard Coat can be applied at high application rates. It is a simple material to apply if the recommended procedure is followed.
  
  Test Spray – Using no MEKP 9% (catalyst)
• Assemble full equipment and flush through with solvent.
• Remove the gun and circulate material through lines.
• Attach gun and check that the spray pattern is satisfactory by adjusting the pressure.
• Remove gun from the line, and the pump from the material.
• Mix material as detailed above and replace the pump.
• Circulate material back into the mix container until all un-catalysed material has been removed from the lines.
• Re-attach gun and trigger and remove solvent from gun and line.

NOTE: Do not add solvent to material. The equipment is now ready for use.

Remember:

• Use throat seal liquid in wet cup to avoid overheating.
• Avoid airlocks by ensuring that the fluid leg is always immersed.
• As always, extreme care should be taken to avoid contamination of the material and the working equipment to minimize the possibility of foreign matter entering the system and causing blockages.  This will ensure a continuous flow of the material and reduce the possibility of premature curing in the equipment.
• The material should be sprayed at a minimum distance of 2 feet from the surface. Ideally, the distance should be 3-4 feet where possible. Passes should be made keeping the gun at an even distance from the surface. At least 2 small passes will be required to attain the specified thickness. Successive passes should be at right angles to previous pass.

Cleaning

• First, cut off the air pressure at the pump and bleed carefully to release the pressure on the fluid line and gun. Remove the Reverse-A-Quick head from the gun and clean with solvent.
• Flush out the pump, line and gun with solvent and allow this to circulate for a few minutes.
• To recommence spraying, purge line and gun with material before replacing tip.
• It is advisable to flush pump and lines by the above procedure every 25 to 30 minutes.
• When spraying is complete or before down time, it is essential to clean the equipment thoroughly by the above procedure but allow solvent to circulate for 15 to 20 minutes, finally flushing with clean solvent.

NOTE: Do not leave catalysed material standing in the pump, line or gun.
     
If these procedures are followed, clogging or packing should not occur. Should blockages arise, these must be dealt with swiftly by progressively cleaning the tip, gun, line and pump as indicated in the cleaning procedure. If delays occur for any reason when the material is mixed and spraying has commenced, care must be taken not to exceed the pot life or the material. If there is any danger of this happening or the pump shows signs of labouring the pump unit, fluid lines and guns should be flushed out with solvent as described above. Depending on the length of time of the delay, it may be necessary for a fresh container of material to be mixed (after flushing) before continuing the operation.

Application Quality Control:
During application, spot-check thickness with a wet film gauge for both coats. This is especially important on glass fiber since DFT readings cannot be taken.

Quality Control – Final Inspection:

• After a minimum 12 hours cure, thickness DFT readings should be taken using an Elcometer gauge or similar. Additionally, for hulls, after a minimum 12 hours cure, coatings for immersion service should be checked for visual defects and thin spots. Thin spots can be seen as areas that are relatively rough, see notes below.
• Final thickness should be 40 mils after application of the two layers.

DO NOT APPLY UNIGUARD COAT WHEN:

! HUMIDITY IS ABOVE 85%.
! THE TEMPERATURE OF THE GLASS FIBER OR STEEL AT THE COLDEST POINT IS LESS THAN 3°C ABOVE THE DEW POINT.
! THE SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF THE GLASS FIBER OR MATERIAL TO BE COATED IS LESS THAN  0°C.
! THE TEMPERATURE OF THE STEEL SURFACE IS 60°C OR HIGHER.

Defect Repair:

• Defective areas may be re-coated following the coating procedures explained above.
• For steel surfaces, areas with less than the required DFT should be recoated following the general principles as explained above.
• UniGuard Coat damaged after application should be repaired.