MULTIFORTE

What is Epifanes Multiforte and why choose it?

Epifanes Multiforte is a fast-drying, one-component satin coating from Epifanes, designed for use above the waterline. It provides a tough, hard-wearing finish with excellent adhesion, making it particularly suitable for decks, gangways and other intensively used areas. The product is also suitable for painting concrete floors.

This coating can be applied over virtually any existing single-pack paint system, regardless of brand, and over Epifanes one-component primers. It is formulated for demanding marine and industrial environments where durability, coverage and quick drying are essential.

Main features

• Fast-drying satin finish for decks, gangways and other high-traffic areas above the waterline.
• Tough and hard coating that withstands intensive use.
• Excellent adhesion on properly prepared substrates and compatible single-pack coatings.
• Versatile use: suitable for above-waterline parts of boats and for concrete floors.
• Single-pack system (oxidative drying) for straightforward application and maintenance.
• Multiple colours: Black, Dark Grey, Mid Grey, Light Grey, White, Red Brown, Green, Electric Blue; RAL colours available on request.
• Can be recoated with itself; when changing to other Epifanes systems the Multiforte layer must be removed.
• Suitable application methods: roller, spray or brush (for small areas and edges).

Technical specifications

• Brand: Epifanes
• Product name: Epifanes Multiforte (all colours)
• Type: One-component, oxidative drying coating
• Base: Urethane resin / alkyd resin, acrylate copolymer resin
• Finish: Satin
• Colours: Black, Dark Grey, Mid Grey, Light Grey, White, Red Brown, Green, Electric Blue; on request available in RAL colours
• Recommended field of use: Above-waterline decks and gangways; also suitable for concrete floors
• Compatibility: Can be applied over every single-pack paint (any brand) and over Epifanes one-component primers. Should not be overcoated with other one-part paints except Epifanes Multiforte itself.
• Density (at 68 °F): 1.00–1.23 g/cm³ depending on colour
• Viscosity: 45 s ISO-cup 6 mm
• Solids content: 55 ± 2 vol. %
• VOC content: approx. 410 g/L (about 33.3 %)
• Packing: 4000 ml
• Shelf life: approx. 3 years in unopened container, stored dry at 41–86 °F
• Recommended film thickness: approx. 4 mil wet ≈ 2 mil dry per coat
• Theoretical coverage: approx. 100 ft²/L at about 2 mil dry film thickness
• Drying times at 2 mil dry film and 65% RH:
  • 50 °F: dust dry 4 h; sandable/recoatable 20 h
  • 59 °F: dust dry 2 h; sandable/recoatable 10 h
  • 68 °F: dust dry 15 min; sandable/recoatable 6 h
  • 77 °F: dust dry 10 min; sandable/recoatable 4 h
• Thinners (brush): Epifanes Brushthinner for Paint & Varnish or 100% mineral spirits (not low VOC)
• Thinners (spray): Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish or denatured alcohol (according to technical data)
• General thinning: Depends on product temperature and working conditions; avoid over-thinning.
• Spray guidelines:
  • Thinning: approx. 5–15%
  • Nozzle: approx. 1.2–1.5 mm
  • Pressure: approx. 30–45 psi
  • Viscosity: 20–22 s DIN-cup 4 mm
• Storage: Keep container tightly closed in original packaging, protected from heat and direct sunlight.
• Hazard classification (selection from Safety Data Sheet): Flammable liquid and vapour; may cause drowsiness or dizziness; may cause an allergic skin reaction; suspected of causing cancer; harmful to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects.

Applications and use cases

Typical substrates

• GRP/FRP (fibreglass) above the waterline
• Wood (including decks and gangways)
• Steel above the waterline
• Aluminium (new aluminium in combination with appropriate primers)
• Concrete floors (as stated in product description)
• Existing single-pack paint systems in good condition

Recommended primers by substrate

• All substrates: Epifanes Multi Marine Primer or Epifanes Undercoat
• Wood: Epifanes Woodprimer
• New aluminium: Epifanes Washprimer AQ

Surface preparation (summary from technical datasheet)

• Bare FRP: Clean and degrease with Epifanes Fibreglass Prep Cleaner, sand with 220G and apply 1 primer coat.
• Bare wood: Clean, dry and degreased with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish, sand with 220G and apply 1–2 primer coats.
• Bare steel: Clean, dry, free of corrosion and degreased with Epifanes Cleaning Solution, sand with 60G and apply 3 primer coats.
• Existing paintwork: Ensure good adhesion, dry and degreased with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish, sand with 220G.
• After curing, sand each primer coat with 220G before applying Epifanes Multiforte.

Recommended system build-up

• Apply the appropriate primer system according to substrate.
• Finish with 3 full-bodied coats of Epifanes Multiforte.
• Lightly sand between Multiforte coats with 320G or Scotch-Brite.

Application conditions and tips

• Ambient temperature: approx. 47–86 °F
• Relative humidity: approx. 50–85%
• Best results are achieved by roller or spray application.
• Distribute the paint evenly and do not re-tip or apply wet-on-wet.
• Avoid excessive wet film thickness to prevent curtains and drying problems, especially on horizontal areas.
• Avoid direct sunlight and strong wind during application to prevent too rapid solvent loss and reduced flow.
• Maximum recommended temperature difference between surface and paint: approx. 38 °F.
• If the product “pulls” or becomes difficult to apply, up to about 10% Epifanes Brushthinner may be added.
• After drying, always sand fresh coats by hand before recoating.

FAQ – Epifanes Multiforte

1. Can Epifanes Multiforte be used below the waterline?

   No. The product is specified as a tough and hard satin coating for use above the waterline.

2. On which surfaces can I apply Epifanes Multiforte?

   According to the technical datasheet it can be applied on bare FRP, bare wood, bare steel, new aluminium (with suitable primer), concrete floors and well-adhering existing single-pack coatings, using the primer systems and surface preparation described by Epifanes.

3. Can I apply another one-part paint over Epifanes Multiforte?

   No. The datasheet states that this paint should not be overcoated with another one-part paint other than Epifanes Multiforte itself, as the new paint may fail due to tension differences.

4. What is the recommended number of coats?

   After application of the appropriate primer system, the recommendation is to finish with three full-bodied coats of Epifanes Multiforte, sanding lightly between coats.

5. How much area does one liter cover?

   The theoretical coverage is about 100 ft² per liter at approximately 2 mil dry film thickness. Practical coverage will be lower and depends on substrate condition, application method, shape of the object and application conditions.

6. How long should I wait before recoating?

   At 68 °F and a dry film thickness of about 2 mil, Epifanes Multiforte is sandable and recoatable after approximately 6 hours. At lower temperatures the drying times are longer as specified in the drying table.

7. Which application methods are recommended?

   The datasheet indicates that the best results are obtained by roller or spray application. Brushing is possible for smaller areas, edges or details, using the recommended brush thinner.

8. Is Epifanes Multiforte flammable?

   Yes. The Safety Data Sheet classifies it as a flammable liquid (class 3), with a flash point above 42 °C. It should be kept away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces, and used only with adequate ventilation.

9. Is the product suitable for both professional and consumer use?

   According to the Safety Data Sheet, Epifanes Multiforte is intended for professional users (such as craftsmen and service providers) and for consumer use in private households, provided that the safety instructions are followed.

10. How should leftover product and empty containers be disposed of?

    The Safety Data Sheet states that this product and its residues must not be disposed of with household waste or into the sewer system. Disposal must follow local, regional and national regulations, and unused product is classified as waste from paint and varnish containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances.

Section 14 – Transport information

• UN number: UN1263
• UN proper shipping name:
  • ADR: 1263 Paint (VERF)
  • IMDG / IATA: PAINT
• Transport hazard class: Class 3, flammable liquids
• Label: 3
• Packing group: III
• Environmental hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant according to the Safety Data Sheet.
• Special precautions for user: Warning – flammable liquids; keep away from ignition sources.
• Kemler code (ADR): 33
• EMS code (IMDG): F-E, S-E; Stowage category A
• Limited quantities (ADR/IMDG): 5 L
• Excepted quantities: Code E1 (maximum 30 ml per inner packaging; 1000 ml per outer packaging)

Section 8 – Individual protection measures

The Safety Data Sheet for Epifanes Multiforte specifies the following personal protective equipment and exposure control measures:

• General hygiene measures:
  • Remove contaminated clothing immediately.
  • Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
  • Avoid inhaling gases, vapours, mists or aerosols.
• Respiratory protection:
  • Respiratory protection is recommended.
  • With good ventilation, respiratory protection may not be necessary; if ventilation is inadequate, use a suitable respirator with an AX filter, as indicated in the Safety Data Sheet.
• Hand protection:
  • Wear protective gloves that are impermeable and resistant to the product.
  • For prolonged contact, gloves of nitrile rubber are indicated, with a recommended thickness of >0.45 mm and a permeation time >480 minutes according to EN 374 (as stated in the Safety Data Sheet).
  • For splash protection, nitrile gloves of thickness >0.45 mm with a breakthrough time >30 minutes (EN 374) are indicated.
  • The exact breakthrough time must be obtained from the glove manufacturer.
• Eye protection:
  • Wear tightly sealed safety goggles.
• Additional measures in case of accidental release (from Safety Data Sheet):
  • Ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Use respiratory protection and protective clothing; keep unprotected persons away.