CLEAR TOP COAT

What Propspeed CLEAR TOP COAT is and why choose it

Propspeed CLEAR TOP COAT is a clear, glossy foul-release coating designed specifically for submerged metal components on boats. Based on a high-solids silicone polymer system, it creates a very low surface tension finish that makes it difficult for marine growth to adhere to propellers and running gear. The coating is biocide free and contains no copper or tin compounds, helping to reduce the risk of environmental contamination while still delivering reliable fouling prevention for one to two seasons.

Used as the final clear layer of the Propspeed system, CLEAR TOP COAT is applied over Propspeed Etching Primer to provide a smooth, durable and hydrodynamic surface on propellers, shafts, rudders and other underwater metal hardware.

Main features

• Clear, glossy finish: colourless top coat that leaves a clean, translucent coating over metal surfaces.
• Biocide-free foul-release technology: prevents attachment of marine growth through low critical surface tension rather than toxic antifouling agents.
• Environmentally considerate formulation: no copper, tin or other heavy-metal biocides that may cause environmental pollution.
• Long service life: typical performance of approximately 1 to 2 seasons when correctly applied as part of the Propspeed system.
• High solids silicone polymer binder: 83% volume solids for an efficient film build and reliable protection.
• Designed for submerged metals: suitable for propellers, shafts, struts, rudders, underwater lights, keel coolers, bow thrusters and areas close to stern drives and rudder assemblies.
• Single clear topcoat: system requires two coats of Propspeed Etching Primer followed by one full coat of CLEAR TOP COAT.
• Good coverage: theoretical coverage of 11 m²/L (448 sq ft per US gallon) at the recommended film thickness.

Technical specifications

• Product type: silicone polymer clear coat for foul-release systems.
• Binder type: silicone polymer.
• Colour: clear coating.
• Finish: glossy.
• Recommended number of coats: 1 coat CLEAR TOP COAT over 2 coats Propspeed Etching Primer.
• Theoretical coverage: 11 m²/L | 448 sq ft/US gallon.
• Wet film thickness (per coat): 90 microns | 3–4 mils.
• Dry film thickness (per coat): 75 microns | 3 mils.
• Volume solids: 83%.
• VOC level: 129 g/L | 1.08 lbs/US gallon.
• Drying time at 20°C: approx. 3 hours touch dry; 8 hours hard dry.
• Minimum immersion time: do not immerse for at least 8 hours after application.
• Recoat: recoating of the clear coat is not recommended; old coating must be removed before reapplication.
• Shelf life: 2 years at 25°C (77°F).
• Solvent type: aromatic/aliphatic blend.
• Clean-up solvent: xylene.
• Physical state: liquid.
• Odour: solvent / petrol-like.
• Boiling point: 136.2 – 144.4°C.
• Flash point: 28.2°C.
• Auto-ignition temperature: 432°C.
• Explosive limits: lower 1.1% v/v, upper 7% v/v.
• Vapour pressure: 1333 Pa at 32°C.
• Relative density: 0.94 – 1.04 g/mL.
• Viscosity: 500 – 800 mPa·s at 23–25°C.
• Water solubility: insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents.

Applications and use cases

Typical uses

• Foul-release coating for boat propellers and running gear.
• Protection of submerged metallic components such as shafts, struts and rudders.
• Use around stern drives, rudder assemblies, underwater lights, keel coolers and bow thrusters where copper-containing coatings are not suitable.

Surface preparation and application overview

For optimum performance CLEAR TOP COAT must be applied as part of the full Propspeed system over correctly prepared metal and Propspeed Etching Primer.

• Existing propellers, shafts and rudders:
  1. Remove all marine growth.
  2. Strip old Propspeed using Stripspeed.
  3. Abrade metal surface to an 80-grit profile.
  4. Degrease thoroughly with Propclean, wiping on and immediately off with a clean cloth until the surface is clean.
  5. Apply Propprep to chemically condition the metal and wipe off with a clean cloth.
  6. Apply 2 coats of Propspeed Etching Primer.
  7. When the primer is touch dry, apply 1 full coat of CLEAR TOP COAT using a Propspeed roller or brush, making sure edges are free from drips.
  8. Allow a minimum of 8 hours before immersion.
• New propellers:
  1. Abrade the metal to an 80-grit profile.
  2. Pre-condition all metal surfaces with Propclean and Propprep.
  3. Apply Etching Primer followed by CLEAR TOP COAT as above.

Removal and recoating

• Remove existing Propspeed completely using Stripspeed.
• Abrade to an 80-grit profile and clean thoroughly with Propclean and Propprep.
• Reapply the Propspeed system following the standard instructions.

FAQ – Propspeed CLEAR TOP COAT

1. Is CLEAR TOP COAT an antifouling paint?

   No. It is a foul-release coating based on low surface tension. It does not contain copper, tin or biocides; instead it creates a slick silicone surface that discourages marine growth from attaching.

2. Can I apply it directly to bare metal?

   No. CLEAR TOP COAT must be applied over the Propspeed Etching Primer system on properly prepared metal surfaces.

3. How many coats are required?

   The system requires 2 coats of Propspeed Etching Primer followed by 1 full coat of CLEAR TOP COAT.

4. How long before the boat can go back in the water?

   Do not immerse coated components for a minimum of 8 hours after applying CLEAR TOP COAT at 20°C.

5. How long does the coating last in service?

   When correctly applied as part of the Propspeed system, CLEAR TOP COAT typically provides a service life of about 1 to 2 seasons.

6. How do I remove or renew the coating?

   Use Stripspeed to remove the old Propspeed system, abrade to an 80-grit profile, clean with Propclean and Propprep, then reapply Etching Primer and CLEAR TOP COAT.

7. Is it suitable for use on equipment in contact with food or aquaculture installations?

   No. The Propspeed system is not recommended or approved for use in aquaculture or in contact with food products.

8. How should tools be cleaned after use?

   Clean rollers, brushes and equipment with xylene.

Section 14 – Transport information

Propspeed CLEAR TOP COAT is classified as a flammable liquid for transport.

• UN number: UN1263.
• Proper shipping name: PAINT (PINTURA).
• Transport hazard class: 3 (flammable liquid).
• Packing group: III.
• Hazchem code: 3Y.
• Environmentally hazardous: not classified as dangerous for the environment for transport purposes.
• General transport precautions: always transport in sound, correctly labelled packaging. Ensure that personnel transporting the product know what to do in case of accident or accidental release.
• Limited quantities (example NZS 5433 guidance): individual containers below 5 L/kg may be transported as non-dangerous goods if packaging remains correctly labelled and the driver carries appropriate safety information.

Section 8 – Individual protection measures

When handling Propspeed CLEAR TOP COAT, follow the personal protection guidance from the Safety Data Sheet to minimise exposure to solvents and reactive components.

Exposure controls

• Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and provide local exhaust where vapours or spray may be generated.
• Avoid breathing fumes, vapours or spray. Do not eat, drink or smoke while using the product. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and at the end of each work period.
• Pregnant women should not be exposed to this product.

Recommended personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Eye and face protection: safety goggles or a tight-fitting face shield providing protection against splashes.
• Hand protection:
  • Protective gloves are mandatory when handling the product.
  • For splashes: nitrile rubber gloves, thickness > 0.4 mm, breakthrough time approximately 10–30 minutes.
  • For prolonged or immersion contact: butyl rubber gloves, thickness > 0.3 mm, breakthrough time > 480 minutes.
• Skin and body protection: suitable protective clothing or impervious overalls to avoid skin contact.
• Respiratory protection (EU guidance):
  • When exposure may exceed occupational exposure limits, use a full-face respirator in accordance with standards such as NF EN 136.
  • Recommended filters: gas filter ABEK for gases and vapours (inorganic, organic and acidic, ammonia/amines), or combined ABEK-P2 filter when aerosols or mists may be present.
• Respiratory protection (general guidance): in confined spaces or where ventilation is inadequate, wear suitable respiratory protection; if aerosol or mist is generated, use an appropriate respirator.

*Contenido generado por IA