What is Epifanes Washprimer AQ and why choose it?
Epifanes Washprimer AQ is a waterborne, solvent-free bonding primer based on acrylic resin. It is designed as an adhesion primer for new aluminium, zinc-coated and galvanized steel, non-ferrous metals, glass and ceramics. The product combines excellent adhesion with a VOC level of 0 g/l, making it suitable for professional and industrial users who require reliable bonding performance with minimal solvent emissions.
With a physical drying mechanism, off-white colour that dries fully transparent and a matt finish, Washprimer AQ prepares the substrate without altering the final colour scheme of subsequent coating systems. It can be used indoors and outdoors, both above and below the waterline, as part of one-component or two-component paint systems specified by Epifanes.
Main features
- Waterborne, solvent-free formulation with VOC level 0 g/l.
- Acrylic resin based physical-drying bonding primer.
- Excellent adhesion to new aluminium, zinc-coated and galvanized steel, non-ferrous metals, glass and ceramics.
- For interior and exterior use, suitable above and below the waterline.
- Off-white colour that dries fully transparent with a matt appearance.
- Recommended wet film thickness of 30–40 µm (10–15 µm dry).
- Theoretical coverage of 16 m²/l at 10 µm dry film thickness.
- Dust dry in approx. 2 hours, touch dry in approx. 6 hours at 20 °C and 65 % RH.
- Recoatable after a minimum of 2 hours and up to 14 days at 20 °C and 65 % RH.
- Supplied ready for use; can be thinned with fresh water if necessary.
- Compatible with Epifanes single- and two-component systems, including Epifanes Multi Marine Primer, Epoxy Primer, Epoxy HB Coat and Poly-urethane Primer (according to the specified recoatability guidelines).
- Non-classified under CLP/GHS and considered only slightly hazardous for water (water hazard class 1, self-assessment).
Technical specifications
- Product name: Epifanes Washprimer AQ
- Type: Physical drying, waterborne, solvent-free bonding primer
- Base: Acrylic resin
- Colour: Off white, dries fully transparent
- Gloss: Matt
- pH value: approx. 5.5 (product information sheet) / not determined (SDS US/EU)
- Density: approx. 1.20 kg/dm³ (1.2 g/cm³) at 20 °C
- Viscosity: approx. 300 cps (Brookfield RVT 100 t/n needle M3)
- Solids content: 20 ± 2 vol.%
- VOC level: 0 g/l (0.00 %)
- State: Liquid
- Odour: Characteristic
- Water solubility: Not miscible or only slightly miscible
- Flash point: > 100 °C (according to US SDS)
- Explosive properties: Product is not explosive
- Packaging: 500 ml and 1000 ml
- Shelf life: At least 3 years in closed, original container, stored in a dark place at 5–25 °C
- Recommended wet film thickness per coat: 30–40 µm (10–15 µm dry)
- Theoretical coverage: approx. 16 m²/l at 10 µm dry
Application conditions and tools
- Ambient and substrate temperature during application: minimum 5 °C, maximum 28 °C
- Relative air humidity during application: minimum 50 %, maximum 75 %
- Substrate conditions during application and drying: temperature of paint, object and work area not below 10 °C; relative humidity not above 85 %
- Recommended application tools: Moltopren foam roller, soft brush or air spray
- Thinner: Preferably use unthinned; if needed thin with fresh water
- Cleaner: Fresh water
Spray application data
| Method | Thinning | Nozzle | Pressure |
| Air spray | Do not thin | 1.5–1.8 mm | 3–4 bar |
| Airless spray | Do not thin | 0.011–0.013 inch | 80–100 bar |
| Roller/brush | Do not thin | – | – |
Applications and use cases
Recommended fields of application
- New aluminium surfaces
- Zinc-coated and galvanized steel
- Non-ferrous metals and stainless steel
- Glass and ceramics
The product is intended for use on new, non-corroded metallic and mineral surfaces. For existing surfaces with corrosion, the manufacturer specifies the use of Epifanes Multi Marine Primer as the adhesion primer instead.
Washprimer AQ is suitable for interior and exterior use, including marine applications above and below the waterline, when used within the compatible Epifanes coating systems mentioned in the product information.
Substrate preparation
- General: Do not sand the substrate prior to applying this washprimer.
- New aluminium:
- Remove all water-soluble salts and other dirt using fresh water and a brush.
- Remove oil, grease and other contamination with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint and Varnish.
- Do not sand the surface.
- Zinc-treated surfaces:
- Remove all water-soluble salts and other dirt with fresh water.
- Remove dust and any possible salts with water and a stiff brush.
- Do not sand the surface.
- Non-ferrous metals / stainless steel:
- Remove all water-soluble salts and other dirt with fresh water and a brush.
- Degrease with an appropriate degreaser.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Do not sand the surface.
Application recommendations
- Do not apply below 5 °C.
- Avoid excessively high wet film thickness to prevent drying problems.
- Ensure adequate ventilation during application and drying.
- Use only plastic or stainless steel spray nozzles.
- Apply only a thin, even coat and avoid curtain formation.
- Do not sand Epifanes Washprimer AQ after application.
Drying and overcoating
- Dust dry: approx. 2 hours at 20 °C / 65 % RH / 10 µm dry film thickness
- Touch dry: approx. 6 hours under the same conditions
- Recoatable: minimum 2 hours, maximum 14 days at 20 °C / 65 % RH
Recoatability and compatible systems
- One-component systems: Epifanes Multi Marine Primer.
- Two-component systems: Epifanes Epoxy Primer, Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat, Epifanes Poly-urethane Primer.
- Below the waterline: Epifanes Epoxy Primer and Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat.
- Remark on zinc substrates: The combination of alkyd-based primers and paints with zinc may lead to migration of fatty acids and formation of zinc soap, causing loss of adhesion.
FAQ – Epifanes Washprimer AQ
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On which substrates can I use Epifanes Washprimer AQ?
It is intended for new aluminium, zinc-coated and galvanized steel, non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, glass and ceramics.
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Can I use this primer on corroded metal?
No. For existing surfaces with corrosion, the manufacturer specifies Epifanes Multi Marine Primer as the adhesion primer.
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Is sanding required before applying Washprimer AQ?
No. For all specified substrates (new aluminium, zinc-treated surfaces, non-ferrous metals and stainless steel), sanding is explicitly not recommended.
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Do I need to thin the product?
Preferably apply the product unthinned. If necessary, it may be thinned with fresh water.
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How long can I wait before overcoating?
At 20 °C and 65 % relative humidity, Washprimer AQ can be recoated after a minimum of 2 hours and within a maximum of 14 days.
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Which topcoats are compatible?
It can be followed by Epifanes Multi Marine Primer (one-component) or by Epifanes Epoxy Primer, Epoxy HB Coat and Poly-urethane Primer (two-component), including systems for use below the waterline as indicated in the technical documentation.
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Is Epifanes Washprimer AQ solvent-free?
Yes. It is a waterborne, solvent-free primer with a VOC content of 0 g/l.
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Is the product classified as hazardous?
According to the available safety data sheets, the product is not classified under CLP/GHS. Nonetheless, general precautions for handling chemical products should be observed.
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Can it be used in marine environments?
Yes. The field of application includes interior and exterior use above and below the waterline when used as part of the recommended Epifanes systems.
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How should I clean tools after use?
Application tools such as rollers, brushes or spray equipment should be cleaned with fresh water.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number: Not assigned / void (ADR, IMDG, IATA, DOT).
- UN proper shipping name: None specified; product is not classified as dangerous for transport. (DOT/IMDG: Consumer commodity, ORM-D as per US SDS.)
- Transport hazard class: Not classified as hazardous for transport (ADR, IMDG, IATA, ADN/R).
- Packing group: Not assigned / void.
- Marine pollutant: No.
- ADN: Not restricted.
- Special precautions for user: Not applicable according to the safety data sheet.
- Transport in bulk according to IMO instruments / Annex II of MARPOL and the IBC Code: Not applicable.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
Exposure controls and personal protective equipment
- Technical controls: No special measures indicated beyond normal ventilation appropriate for handling chemical products.
- General hygiene measures: Follow standard safety practices for handling chemicals.
- Respiratory protection: Not required under normal conditions of use, according to the safety data sheet.
- Hand protection:
- Use gloves that are impermeable and resistant to the product.
- The exact glove material must be selected considering breakthrough times, permeability and degradation as specified by the glove manufacturer.
- For permanent contact up to 15 minutes (EU SDS), butyl rubber gloves are considered suitable.
- The US SDS additionally specifies for permanent contact nitrile rubber gloves (recommended thickness > 0.45 mm, permeation time > 480 min according to EN 374) and for splash protection chloroprene or thinner nitrile gloves with breakthrough time > 60 min according to EN 374.
- Eye/face protection: Safety goggles are recommended during product transfer and refilling.
*Contenido generado por IA