What is ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 Converter and why choose it?
ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 Converter (C1617) is the dedicated hardener for the two-component epoxy-based ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 system. Formulated as a polyamine/amino-adduct hardener, it activates the epoxy base to deliver excellent adhesion promotion and long-term corrosion protection on steel and aluminium substrates, above and below the waterline. The converter is designed for professional industrial and marine coating applications where reliable curing performance, long recoat windows and low flame-spread characteristics are required.
Used in the specified mixing ratio with ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 Base (P1610), this converter helps achieve an economical application process with a recoat window of up to 6 months without sanding, while maintaining the mechanical and protective properties of the system.
Main features
- Dedicated converter for ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 – ensures correct curing and performance of the epoxy primer system.
- Polyamine/amino-adduct hardener – chemical nature tailored for epoxy crosslinking and long-term durability.
- Clear appearance – converter is supplied as a clear liquid to maintain the white colour of the mixed primer.
- Supports excellent adhesion and corrosion protection – in combination with P1610 base, promotes adhesion on multiple substrates and corrosion protection on steel and aluminium.
- Long recoat window – mixed Protective Primer 161 can be recoated for up to 6 months without sanding (within specified conditions), optimising workflow.
- Approved marine system – when used in ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161, the system is approved by IMO Resolution MSC.307 (88) (FTP-Code 2010) as a marine paint with low flame-spread characteristics.
- Professional-grade – classified as a flammable liquid (Category 3) with specific health and environmental hazards; for professional use only.
Technical specifications
- Product type: Hardener based on polyamine / amino adduct
- Trade name: ALEXSEAL C1617 – Protective Primer 161 Converter
- Intended use: Industrial serial painting, as converter for ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161
- Appearance (converter): Clear liquid (colour according to product name)
- Mixing ratio with P1610 base: 6 parts by volume P1610 base : 1 part by volume C1617 converter
- Recommended reduction (system): 5–10% by volume ALEXSEAL Epoxy Primer Reducer R4042 (up to 25% for special applications)
- Physical state: Liquid (20–25 °C, 1,013 hPa)
- Density: Approx. 0.95 g/cm³ (20 °C)
- Flash point: 27 °C (ISO 13736)
- Viscosity (converter): Kinematic viscosity > 21 mm²/s; flow time 30 s (DIN 53211, 4 mm) / 21 s (ISO 2431, 6 mm)
- pH (10% solution, 20 °C): 7–9
- Water solubility: Insoluble; immiscible with water
- VOC content (converter): 39.9 %, 380 g/l (Directive 2010/75/EU)
- Volume solids of mixed primer (base + converter, without reduction): 48 %
- Coverage (mixed system, theoretical at 80–100 µm DFT): 4.8 m²/l; 18 m²/gal; 196 sq. ft./gal
- Pot life of mixed system: Approx. 8 h at 15–20 °C, 6 h at 25 °C, 4 h at 30 °C
- Dust free (mixed system): 40 min at 15 °C; 30 min at 20 °C; 20 min at 25 °C; 10 min at 30 °C
- Full cure of mixed system: 11 days at 15 °C; 9 days at 20 °C; 7 days at 25 °C; 5 days at 30 °C
- Recoating with ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 (mixed system): Minimum 6 / 4 / 2 / 2 h (15 / 20 / 25 / 30 °C), maximum 6 months (sanding required after maximum time)
- Overcoating with other ALEXSEAL products (e.g. 202, 212, 302, 303, 328, 442, 414, 501): Minimum 32 / 16 / 16 / 12 h (15 / 20 / 25 / 30 °C), maximum 6 months (sanding required after maximum time)
- Hazard classification (converter): Flammable liquids Category 3; Skin irritation Category 2; Serious eye damage Category 1; STOT single exposure Category 3 (respiratory irritation); STOT repeated exposure Category 2; Aquatic chronic Category 3
Applications and use cases
Recommended application areas (with P1610 base)
- Marine and yacht coatings: As part of ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161, used on steel and aluminium hulls and structures, above and below the waterline (with additional water barrier primer before antifouling below waterline).
- Industrial metal structures: For corrosion protection and adhesion promotion on properly prepared steel and aluminium components.
- Tie-coat over composites: The mixed primer can be applied as a tie-coat primer before fairing on gel coat and raw polyester resin lay-up, following the specified surface preparation.
Key application parameters (mixed system)
- Recommended environment for application: 15–30 °C (60–85 °F), 40–80 % relative humidity; at least 3 °C (5.4 °F) above dew point.
- Application by spraying: Apply 1 cross coat or 2 coats to a total wet film thickness (WFT) of 200–300 µm (8–12 mils) to achieve 90–135 µm (3–5 mils) dry film thickness (DFT).
- Application equipment (conventional & HVLP):
- Gravity gun nozzle: 1.8–2.5 mm
- Siphon cup nozzle: 1.6 mm
- Pressure pot fluid nozzle: 1.4–1.6 mm
- Atomizing pressure: 2.0–4.0 bar (30–60 PSI)
- Pot pressure: 0.7–1.5 bar (10–22 PSI)
- Airless equipment: Tip 0.35–0.43 mm / 60° (0.014–0.017 / 60°); inlet pressure 2–3 bar (29–44 PSI).
FAQ
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What is the correct mixing ratio for Protective Primer 161 Base and Converter?
Mix 6 parts by volume of ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 Base (P1610) with 1 part by volume of ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 Converter (C1617). Then add 5–10 % by volume of ALEXSEAL Epoxy Primer Reducer R4042, up to 25 % for special applications.
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Can I use C1617 with other epoxy primers?
C1617 is specified as the converter for ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 Base. Use with other products: Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
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What substrates can the mixed Protective Primer 161 system be used on?
It is used for corrosion protection and adhesion promotion on steel and aluminium substrates, both above and below the waterline. It may also be used as a tie-coat primer before fairing over gel coat and raw polyester resin lay-up, following the recommended surface preparation.
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Do I need a barrier coat below the waterline?
Yes. Below the waterline an additional water barrier primer must be used before applying the antifouling coating.
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What is the pot life of the mixed primer?
The pot life of the mixed Protective Primer 161 system is approximately 8 hours at 15–20 °C, 6 hours at 25 °C and 4 hours at 30 °C.
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How long can I wait before recoating without sanding?
For recoating with another coat of ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161, the maximum interval is 6 months. For overcoating with other specified ALEXSEAL products (such as 202, 212, 302, 303, 328, 442, 414, 501), the maximum interval is also 6 months. After the maximum time, surface preparation including sanding is required.
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Is the converter classified as hazardous?
Yes. It is classified as a flammable liquid (Category 3) and can cause skin irritation, serious eye damage, respiratory irritation and organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure. It is also harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
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What is the appearance of the mixed primer?
The colour of the mixed ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 system is white.
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Can this product be used by non-professionals?
No. Both the converter and the complete primer system are designated for professional use only.
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How should leftover converter be disposed of?
Dispose of the product and any contaminated packaging in accordance with local regulations.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number / ID number (ADR/IMDG/IATA): UN 1263
- UN proper shipping name: PAINT RELATED MATERIAL
- Transport hazard class: Class 3 (Flammable liquids)
- Packing group: III
- ADR classification code: F1
- ADR hazard identification number: 30
- ADR tunnel restriction code: (D/E)
- IMDG EmS code: F-E, S-E
- IATA packing instructions: 366 (cargo aircraft); 355 (passenger aircraft); Y344 (limited quantities)
- Environmentally hazardous (ADR): No
- Marine pollutant (IMDG): No
- Special note: If transported within the user’s premises, always transport in closed, upright and secure containers and ensure personnel are familiar with emergency procedures in case of incident or spillage.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
The following personal protective equipment and measures are recommended when handling ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 Converter and the mixed primer system:
- Engineering controls: Provide adequate ventilation with local exhaust and general extraction. If vapour or aerosol concentrations cannot be kept below occupational exposure limits, use suitable respiratory protection.
- Eye/face protection: Wear safety goggles to protect against solvent splashes.
- Hand protection:
- Use chemical-resistant protective gloves tested in compliance with EN 374.
- Recommended materials for short-term contact (splash protection): nitrile rubber or neoprene.
- Minimum material thickness: > 0.4 mm; breakthrough time: > 480 min.
- Check gloves for workplace suitability and follow the glove manufacturer’s instructions. Replace gloves immediately if damaged or worn.
- Skin and body protection: Wear appropriate protective clothing adapted to the potential for explosive atmospheres where applicable.
- Respiratory protection: If solvent concentrations exceed air limit values, wear an approved breathing apparatus. Use a half-mask with appropriate cartridges or an air-fed system as required.
- General protective measures: Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with the product. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Avoid inhalation of sanding dusts, particulates and spray mist generated during application.
*Contenido generado por IA
