What Micron 300 is and why choose it
MICRON 300 from International Náutica is a premium polishing antifouling coating designed to protect boat hulls against fouling organisms such as slime, aquatic plants and animals. Suitable for both professional yards and private owners, it can be applied on vessels operating in fresh or salt water. Its controlled polishing system delivers up to 2 years of antifouling performance, prevents excessive paint build-up and maintains a smooth, low-drag surface with optimum biocide release, even during idle periods. MICRON 300 can be applied up to 12 months before launch, providing excellent planning flexibility for refit and maintenance work.
Main features
- Premium polishing antifouling for long-lasting protection of hulls in fresh and salt water.
- Effective against a wide range of fouling: slime, aquatic plants and animals.
- Up to 24 months service interval when applied with the recommended film thickness and number of coats.
- Self-polishing surface that continuously smooths, helping to minimise drag and maintain boat speed and fuel efficiency.
- Optimised biocide release, including during periods when the vessel is stationary.
- Flexible application window: can be applied up to 12 months before launch (5–35 °C, within stated immersion limits).
- Versatile application methods: brush, roller or airless spray (spray for professional use only).
- Wide colour range: Black (YBB643), Navy (YBB644), Blue (YBB645), Green (YBB646), Dark Grey (YBB647), Dover White (YBB648), Red (YBB649).
- Compatible with multiple substrates: suitably primed GRP, wood, steel/iron and lead (not suitable for aluminium/alloy or zinc-sprayed surfaces).
- Organotin-free ablative technology compliant with the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships (2001).
Technical specifications
Product data
- Type: Solvent-borne polishing antifouling coating (PT21 Antifouling products, liquid paint).
- Finish: Matt.
- Colours: YBB643 Black, YBB644 Navy, YBB645 Blue, YBB646 Green, YBB647 Dark Grey, YBB648 Dover White, YBB649 Red.
- Specific gravity: 1.9 (average).
- Volume solids: 58% (average).
- Typical shelf life: 2 years.
- VOC (as supplied): 364 g/L (average).
- VOC (EU Solvent Emissions Directive): 193 g/kg (average), Council Directive 1999/13/EC.
- Recommended thinner / cleaner: YTA085 International Antifouling Thinners No. 3.
- Thinning: Not recommended; antifouling performance may be compromised if the correct dry film thickness is not achieved.
- Available pack sizes: 750 mL, 2.5 L, 5 L, 20 L.
Drying and immersion times
Touch dry (approximate):
- 5 °C: 1 hour
- 15 °C: 45 minutes
- 23 °C: 30 minutes
- 35 °C: 20 minutes
Minimum time before immersion:
- 5 °C: 24 hours
- 15 °C: 12 hours
- 23 °C: 8 hours
- 35 °C: 6 hours
Maximum immersion window: from 5–35 °C, up to 12 months after application.
Overcoating intervals – Micron 300 over Micron 300
- At 5 °C: minimum 16 hours; no maximum (ext).
- At 15 °C: minimum 10 hours; no maximum (ext).
- At 23 °C: minimum 6 hours; no maximum (ext).
- At 35 °C: minimum 4 hours; no maximum (ext).
Recommended film thickness and coverage
- By brush/roller:
- Recommended DFT per coat: 60 microns dry.
- Recommended WFT per coat: 103 microns wet.
- Coverage (theoretical): 10 m²/L per coat.
- Coverage (practical): 9 m²/L per coat.
- By airless spray (professional only):
- For 24‑month schemes: 90 microns dry / 155 microns wet; theoretical coverage 6.67 m²/L per coat; practical coverage 4 m²/L per coat.
- For 12‑month schemes: 120 microns dry / 207 microns wet; theoretical coverage 4.83 m²/L per coat; practical coverage 2.9 m²/L per coat.
- Typical spray parameters: 176–220 bar (2500–3200 psi), tip size 517–521.
Number of coats (hull service life)
- Brush / roller:
- 12 months protection: 2 x 60 microns dry (total DFT 120 microns).
- 24 months protection: 3 x 60 microns dry (total DFT 180 microns).
- Airless spray (professional only):
- 12 months protection: 1 x 120 microns dry (total DFT 120 microns).
- 24 months protection: 2 x 90 microns dry (total DFT 180 microns).
- In all schemes, apply an extra stripe coat in high-wear areas such as chines, rudders, sterngear and leading edges.
Substrate compatibility and priming
- Suitable substrates: suitably primed GRP, wood, steel/iron, lead.
- Unsuitable substrates: aluminium/alloy and zinc-sprayed surfaces.
- Over existing antifouling: can be applied directly over most types of sound, compatible antifoulings, except VC17m and PTFE-based antifoulings.
- Primers for bare substrates:
- Bare GRP: Gelshield 200 for osmosis protection, or Primocon, or Interprotect.
- Steel/iron/lead/wood: Interprotect or Primocon.
Surface preparation
- Previously antifouled surfaces in good condition:
- Remove all fouling, contamination and the leached layer.
- High-pressure fresh-water wash at approximately 3000 psi / 207 bar.
- Scrape and wet sand with 80–120 grade abrasive paper.
- Do not dry sand. If existing antifouling is incompatible or unknown, apply a suitable International barrier/sealer coat.
- Previously antifouled surfaces in poor condition:
- Remove all traces of old antifouling using Interstrip.
Environmental and safety notes
- Contains biocides. Classified as hazardous; see Safety Data Sheet for full hazard and precautionary statements.
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; avoid release to the environment and collect any spillage.
- Antifoulings should only be wet sanded. Never dry sand or burn off old antifoulings.
Applications and typical use cases
- Recreational sailing yachts and motorboats operating in marinas, coastal waters, lakes and rivers.
- Professional and commercial vessels requiring a high-performance ablative antifouling with up to two-year docking intervals (within product limitations).
- Mixed cruising and racing programmes where sustained hull smoothness and low drag are important.
- Boats with seasonal or intermittent use: the polishing system maintains biocide release even during stationary periods.
- Refit and winter lay-up projects, as MICRON 300 can be applied up to 12 months before relaunch (subject to max immersion times).
FAQ
1. On which substrates can MICRON 300 be applied?
It is suitable for use over suitably primed GRP, wood, steel/iron and lead. It is not suitable for aluminium/alloy substrates or zinc-sprayed surfaces.
2. Can I apply MICRON 300 over my existing antifouling?
Yes, it can be applied directly over most types of antifouling that are in sound condition, except VC17m and PTFE-based antifoulings. If compatibility is uncertain, apply a suitable International barrier/sealer coat or consult your local International Paint representative.
3. How many coats do I need for one or two seasons?
For application by brush or roller, apply 2 coats (60 microns dry each) for 12 months or 3 coats for 24 months. For professional airless spray, apply 1 x 120 microns dry for 12 months or 2 x 90 microns dry for 24 months, plus a stripe coat in areas of high wear.
4. Can MICRON 300 be thinned?
Thinning is not recommended. Reducing the film thickness can compromise antifouling performance and service life.
5. What are the minimum and maximum times before launching?
Depending on temperature, the minimum time before immersion ranges from 6 to 24 hours. The maximum immersion window is 12 months between 5 °C and 35 °C.
6. How should I prepare a previously painted hull in good condition?
Remove all fouling and contamination, including the leached layer, using high-pressure fresh water (around 3000 psi / 207 bar) and/or scraping and wet sanding with 80–120 grade abrasive. Do not dry sand. Ensure the existing coating is sound and compatible.
7. Is MICRON 300 suitable for aluminium hulls or drives?
No. MICRON 300 is not suitable for aluminium/alloy substrates or zinc-sprayed surfaces.
8. Can I dry sand MICRON 300?
No. Antifoulings should only be wet sanded. Do not dry sand or burn off old antifoulings.
9. How should leftover paint and empty tins be disposed of?
Do not pour paint into watercourses or drains and do not dispose of remains via normal municipal waste routes without a permit. Allow paint to harden and arrange disposal of residues and contaminated packaging with the relevant local authorities or a licensed waste contractor.
10. Is the product compliant with modern antifouling regulations?
Yes. MICRON 300 is an organotin-free ablative antifouling, compliant with the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships (2001). It contains approved biocidal active substances such as dicopper oxide and copper compounds.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number / ID number: UN1263.
- UN proper shipping name: PAINT.
- Transport hazard class: Class 3 (flammable liquid).
- Packing group: III.
- Environmental hazards:
- ADR/RID: hazardous to the environment (yes).
- IMDG: marine pollutant, containing dicopper oxide and zinc oxide.
- IATA: environmentally hazardous substance mark may appear if required by other transport regulations.
- Special precautions for users:
- Within user premises, always transport in closed containers that are upright and securely fastened.
- Ensure personnel involved in transport know the procedures in case of accident or spillage.
- Avoid damage to containers and prevent release to drains, soil or watercourses.
- Additional ADR/RID information: Tunnel restriction code (D/E). The environmentally hazardous substance mark is not required when transported in pack sizes of 5 L or less or 5 kg or less.
- Additional IMDG information: Emergency schedules F-E, S-E. Marine pollutant mark not required for sizes ≤5 L or ≤5 kg.
- Transport in bulk according to IMO instruments: Not applicable.
Section 8 – Personal protective measures
The following information is derived from the Safety Data Sheet for Micron 300 Dark Grey and applies during professional or consumer handling and application. Always follow local regulations and perform a site-specific risk assessment.
Engineering controls and hygiene
- Use only with adequate ventilation; employ local exhaust or process enclosure to keep airborne concentrations below occupational exposure limits and below the lower explosion limit.
- Use explosion-proof ventilation and electrical equipment in areas where product is handled.
- Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling, before eating, drinking or smoking and at the end of the work period.
- Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas; wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
- Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are located close to the work area.
Hand protection
- Wear chemical-resistant, impervious gloves compliant with an approved standard whenever handling the product.
- For prolonged or frequently repeated contact, use gloves providing protection class 6 (breakthrough time > 480 minutes according to EN374). Recommended: Viton or nitrile, thickness ≥ 0.38 mm.
- For brief contact, use at least protection class 2 (breakthrough time > 30 minutes according to EN374). Recommended: nitrile gloves, thickness ≥ 0.12 mm.
- Replace gloves regularly and immediately if damaged. The user must verify glove suitability for the specific conditions of use.
Eye and face protection
- Use safety eyewear complying with an approved standard whenever there is a risk of splashes, mists or aerosols.
- As a minimum, wear chemical splash goggles; where a higher level of protection is required, use a face shield in combination with goggles.
- If inhalation hazards exist (e.g. during spraying), a full-face respirator may be required instead of goggles.
Respiratory protection
- When ventilation is inadequate or exposure limits may be exceeded, wear a respirator conforming to EN140 fitted with an A/P2 filter or better.
- Respirators must be used within a formal respiratory protection program, including fit testing, training and maintenance.
- Dry sanding, flame cutting or welding of the dry paint film can produce hazardous dust and fumes; wet sanding/flatting should be used wherever possible. If exposure cannot be controlled by local exhaust, use suitable respiratory protection.
Body and skin protection
- Select protective clothing (overalls, aprons, sleeves) based on the task and risk assessment; clothing should be chemical resistant.
- Where there is a risk of ignition from static electricity, wear anti-static protective clothing conforming to EN 1149 (including anti-static overalls, boots and gloves).
- Use appropriate protective footwear and any additional skin protection measures as required and approved by a safety specialist.
General safety notes
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while using this product.
- Keep out of reach of children; treated surfaces should be allowed to dry fully before children are allowed near them.
- Avoid breathing vapours, spray or mist; hazardous respirable droplets may be formed during spraying.
- Avoid release to the environment; collect spillage immediately.
*Contenido generado por IA
