YACHT ENAMEL

What is Epifanes Yacht Enamel and why choose it?

Epifanes Yacht Enamel is a one-component, oxidative drying, high gloss yacht coating designed for use above the waterline. Based on linseed oil and alkyd resin, it offers very good flowing and covering properties, long-lasting gloss retention and excellent weather durability. It is suitable for new work and maintenance on wood, steel, aluminium and GRP and can be used over both one- and two-component systems regardless of brand.

Available in 46 standard colours (with custom RAL K7 colours on request), Epifanes Yacht Enamel combines professional-grade performance with easy application by brush, roller or spray at a wide range of temperatures.

Main features

• One-component high gloss enamel: traditional marine finish with long-term gloss retention.
• Oxidative drying system: based on linseed oil / alkyd resin.
• Excellent flow and coverage: unique flow characteristics for an even, smooth finish and high covering power.
• Interior and exterior use above the waterline: suitable for wood, steel, aluminium and GRP when used with the appropriate primer.
• Maintenance friendly: suitable for overcoating intact one- and two-component paint systems, regardless of brand.
• Wide colour range: 46 standard colours plus custom RAL K7 colours on request.
• High solids content: approx. 55–60 ±2 vol.% for durable film build.
• Good durability: excellent weather resistance when applied to the recommended total dry film thickness.
• Versatile application: can be applied by soft longhaired brush, foam roller or conventional air spray.

Technical specifications

• Type: Oxidative drying.
• Base: Linseed oil / alkyd resin (modified alkyd in some technical data).
• Gloss: High gloss.
• Colour range: 46 standard colours; custom colours (RAL K7) on request.
• Density (20 °C): approx. 0.95–1.30 g/cm³ (depending on colour).
• Viscosity: approx. 40 s (ISO cup 6 mm).
• Solids content: approx. 55–60 ±2 vol.%.
• VOC level: approx. 329 g/l (around 30% by weight).
• Recommended wet film thickness per coat: 70–80 µm.
• Recommended dry film thickness per coat: 40–45 µm.
• Theoretical coverage: approx. 14 m²/l at 45 µm dry film thickness.
• Packing: 750 ml; various colours also in 2000 ml.
• Shelf life: approx. 3 years in unopened containers stored dry at 5–30 °C.
• Conditions during application: temperature 8–30 °C; relative humidity 50–85%.
• Drying times at 65% R.H. and 40 µm dry film:
  • At 10 °C: dust dry 8 h; sandable/recoatable 48 h.
  • At 15 °C: dust dry 6 h; sandable/recoatable 36 h.
  • At 20 °C: dust dry 4 h; sandable/recoatable 24 h.
  • At 25 °C: dust dry 2 h; sandable/recoatable 20 h.
• Application tools: longhaired soft brush, foam roller, or spray equipment.
• Thinner (brush): Epifanes Brushthinner for Paint & Varnish or good quality white spirit.
• Thinner (spray): Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish or denatured alcohol.
• Typical spray settings (air spray): thinning 5–15%; nozzle 1.2–1.5 mm; pressure 2–3 bar; 20–22 s DIN cup 4 mm.

Applications and recommended systems

Fields of use

• Finishing coat in new systems for wood, steel, aluminium and GRP above the waterline, in combination with suitable Epifanes primers.
• Maintenance and refurbishment of intact one- and two-component paint systems above the waterline, regardless of brand.
• Suitable for interior and exterior yacht and boat surfaces above the waterline.

Substrate preparation and primers

• Bare GRP: Clean and degrease with Epifanes Fibreglass Prep Cleaner, sand P220–240 and apply 1 primer coat before Yacht Enamel.
• Bare wood: Clean, dry, degrease with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish, sand P220–240 and apply 1–2 primer coats.
• Bare steel: Clean, dry, free of corrosion, degrease with Epifanes Cleaning Solution, sand with P60 and apply 3 primer coats.
• Existing paintwork: Well-bonding, dry and degreased with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish, sanded with P220–240.
• Appropriate primers: Epifanes Multi Marine Primer, Epifanes Undercoat; for wood Epifanes Woodprimer; for new aluminium Epifanes Washprimer AQ.
• After curing, sand each primer coat with P180–220 before applying finishing coats.

System build-up and application advice

• After priming, apply 3 full-bodied coats of Epifanes Yacht Enamel.
• Lightly sand between coats with P400 wet abrasive paper or Scotch Brite, always by hand.
• Distribute the paint evenly with a roller or longhaired soft brush; do not apply wet-on-wet and avoid retipping.
• Do not apply excessive wet film to avoid curtains and drying problems.
• Avoid painting in direct sunlight or strong wind to prevent rapid solvent loss and reduced flow.
• If the product “pulls” and becomes difficult to apply, up to 10% Epifanes Brushthinner may be added.

Compatibility and overcoating

• Can be used for maintenance of existing one- and two-component paint systems above the waterline, regardless of brand, provided they are intact, well-adhering, cleaned, degreased and sanded.
• Recoatable with various Epifanes products, including:
  • Epifanes Mono-urethane Yacht Paint
  • Epifanes Nautiforte Yacht Paint
  • Epifanes Nonskid Deckcoating
  • Epifanes Waterline Paint
  • Epifanes Multiforte
  • Epifanes Satin Finish
  • Epifanes Flat Black

FAQ

1. 1. On which substrates can I use Epifanes Yacht Enamel?

   It is suitable for wood, steel, aluminium and GRP above the waterline when used with the appropriate Epifanes primer. It can also be applied over intact existing one- or two-component paint systems after proper cleaning and sanding.

2. 2. How many coats are recommended for a durable finish?

   After the appropriate primer build-up, apply 3 full-bodied coats of Epifanes Yacht Enamel, sanding lightly between coats. This typically achieves about 100–120 µm total dry film thickness when applied by brush (4 coats if applied by roller as indicated in earlier product information).

3. 3. What is the theoretical coverage?

   The theoretical coverage is approximately 14 m² per litre at a dry film thickness of 45 µm. Practical coverage will be lower and depends on substrate condition, application method and environmental conditions.

4. 4. Can I apply this product in cold or hot conditions?

   Recommended application temperatures are between 8 °C and 30 °C with relative humidity between 50% and 85%. Avoid large temperature differences between paint and substrate (maximum 3 °C) and avoid direct sunlight or strong wind during application.

5. 5. How long should I wait before sanding or recoating?

   At 20 °C and 65% relative humidity, Epifanes Yacht Enamel is typically dust dry in about 4 hours and sandable/recoatable after about 24 hours. Lower temperatures or higher film thickness will increase drying times.

6. 6. Which thinners should I use?

   For brushing, use Epifanes Brushthinner for Paint & Varnish or good quality white spirit. For spray application, use Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish or denatured alcohol. The exact thinning ratio depends on product temperature and working conditions; avoid overthinning.

7. 7. Is Epifanes Yacht Enamel suitable below the waterline?

   The product is specified as a yacht coating for use above the waterline only.

8. 8. How should I prepare existing paintwork before overcoating?

   Ensure the existing system is intact and well-adhering, then clean, degrease with the appropriate Epifanes cleaner or thinner, and sand (typically P220–240). Remove dust before applying Epifanes Yacht Enamel.

9. 9. Can this product be used by both professionals and consumers?

   Yes. The safety data sheets identify both professional use (public domain, craftsmen) and consumer use (private households/general public) for this product, provided all safety and handling instructions are followed.

10. 10. How should leftover paint and empty cans be disposed of?

    Do not dispose of with household garbage and do not allow product to reach the sewage system. Dispose of contents and containers according to local, regional, national or international regulations.

Section 14 – Transport information

• UN number / ID number: UN1263.
• UN proper shipping name: PAINT.
• Transport hazard class: Class 3 (flammable liquids); label 3.
• Packing group: III.
• Marine pollutant: No.
• Special precautions for user: classified as flammable liquid; keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.
• ADR specific data:
  • Limited quantities (LQ): 5 l.
  • Excepted quantities (EQ): Code E1 (30 ml maximum per inner packaging, 1000 ml per outer packaging).
  • Transport category: 3.
  • Tunnel restriction code: D/E.
  • Packaging <450 l may fall under viscous substances exemption 2.2.3.1.5; >450 l: 3 F1, III.
• IMDG / IATA specific data:
  • Class 3, packing group III.
  • Limited quantities (LQ): 5 l.
  • Excepted quantities (EQ): Code E1 (30 ml maximum per inner packaging, 1000 ml per outer packaging).
  • EMS code: F-E, S-E.
  • Stowage category: E.

Section 8 – Individual protection measures

According to the safety data sheets, the following personal protective equipment and hygiene measures are recommended when handling Epifanes Yacht Enamel:

• General hygiene: immediately remove soiled or contaminated clothing. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
• Respiratory protection: for short or low exposure, use a breathing filter device. For intensive or prolonged exposure, use respiratory equipment independent of ambient air. A half-face mask for organic vapours and solvents according to EN140 type A1 or A2 is recommended.
• Hand protection: wear protective gloves that are impermeable and resistant to the product. Due to the mixture nature, resistance must be confirmed with the glove manufacturer.
  • For permanent contact up to 15 minutes: butyl rubber (BR) gloves are suitable.
  • For splash protection: chloroprene gloves (>0.7 mm, breakthrough time >60 min, EN374) or nitrile rubber gloves (>0.3 mm, breakthrough time >60 min, EN374).
• Eye/face protection: tightly sealed safety goggles.
• Additional safety notes:
  • Classified as a flammable liquid (Flam. Liq. 3, H226).
  • May cause drowsiness or dizziness (STOT SE 3, H336).
  • Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking (EUH066).
  • Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas and avoid breathing spray or mist.