HULLGARD EXTRA EPOXY PRIMER

What it is and why choose it

HULLGARD EXTRA EPOXY PRIMER is a two-component epoxy substrate primer designed for professional and industrial use on yacht and marine structures. With 46% volume solids and excellent anticorrosive properties, it provides long-term protection and an outstanding aged recoatability window. It forms an ideal, stable base for subsequent fairing with Awlfair fairing compounds and other compatible epoxy fillers.

Main features

• Two-component epoxy system (Base D6120 + Converter D3730) for robust adhesion and chemical resistance.
• Excellent anticorrosive performance on properly prepared steel, aluminium, fibreglass and wood substrates.
• High build in a single coat: up to 100 µm dry film thickness by airless spray.
• Extended recoatability: maximum recoat time without sanding up to 6 months under cover, with inspection for cleanliness.
• Compatible with Awlfair fairing systems, providing a smooth and sound base before fairing.
• Multiple application methods: airless spray, conventional spray, brush and roller.
• Controlled VOC content: mixed product VOC 468 g/L (theoretical).

Technical specifications

• Product type: Two-component epoxy primer.
• Brand: Awlgrip.
• Base: D6120.
• Converter: D3730.
• Volume solids: 46%.
• Specific gravity: 1.37.
• Standard colour: White.
• Available pack sizes: 1 US Quart, 1 US Gallon, 5 US Gallon (EU only).
• Mix ratio (Base:Converter): 10:1.5 by volume.
• Recommended reducer: T0006 (0–15% if required; typical 5% at low temperature). Do not reduce more than 15%.
• Equipment cleaning: T0002 or T0006.
• Theoretical coverage (airless / conventional spray):
  • Recommended per coat: 217 µm wet (8.5 mil) to obtain 100 µm dry (3.9 mil).
  • Theoretical coverage at 100 µm DFT: 4.6 m²/L (187.4 ft²/Gal).
• Theoretical coverage (brush / roller):
  • Recommended per coat: 130 µm wet (5.1 mil) to obtain 60 µm dry (2.4 mil).
  • Two coats recommended.
  • Theoretical coverage at 60 µm DFT: 7.7 m²/L (313.7 ft²/Gal).
• VOC (as supplied, without reducer):
  • D6120 Base: 482 g/L (4.02 lb/gal).
  • D3730 Converter: 376 g/L (3.14 lb/gal).
  • Hullgard Extra Epoxy Primer mixed: 468 g/L (3.91 lb/gal).
• Drying times (approximate) at 50% RH:
  • 15°C (59°F): Touch dry 2 h; hard dry 48 h.
  • 25°C (77°F): Touch dry 60 min; hard dry 24 h.
  • 35°C (95°F): Touch dry 60 min; hard dry 12 h.
• Pot life: 8 hours at 25°C (77°F) / 50% RH.
• Recoat intervals (typical):
  • Over itself: minimum 16 hours; maximum 6 months without sanding (under cover, cleanliness to be checked).
  • Overcoating with Awlfair fairing compounds: minimum 16 or 24 hours depending on product; maximum extended (practically open-ended), with 6-month non-sanding limit referenced.
• Application temperature limits:
  • Substrate at least 3°C (5°F) above dew point.
  • Substrate not warmer than 41°C (105°F).
  • Ambient temperature between 13°C (55°F) and 41°C (105°F).

Applications and use cases

• Marine and yacht hulls where a durable epoxy anticorrosive system is required before fairing and topcoating.
• Grit-blasted steel prepared to SSPC-SP10 with 50–75 µm (2–3 mil) profile (or Sa 2½ outside the US).
• Mechanically abraded steel using 24–36 grit discs where blasting is not possible.
• Abraded aluminium (36 grit disc) requiring a stable epoxy tie and corrosion-resistant build.
• Fibreglass (GRP) after degreasing and sanding with 180 grit paper.
• Wood substrates that are clean and sanded with 80–180 grit paper.
• High-performance anticorrosive systems where Hullgard Extra follows a dedicated primer such as Max Cor CF on suitably prepared steel or aluminium.

Surface preparation summary

• Clean and degrease all surfaces.
• Steel: grit blast to SSPC-SP10, 50–75 µm profile, or power grind (P24–P36) to achieve similar profile.
• Aluminium: abrade with P36 disc.
• Fibreglass: degrease and sand with P180.
• Wood: sand with P80–P180, remove dust.
• For maximum corrosion resistance on steel or aluminium, apply Max Cor CF before Hullgard Extra according to its technical data.

Application guidelines

• Mixing: check for settling, then thoroughly mix base D6120 until homogeneous. Add converter D3730 at 10:1.5 volume ratio and mix again. Allow for the specified induction time if stated in the local data sheet.
• Thinning: normally not required. At low temperatures add small amounts of T0006 (about 5%), never exceeding 15%.
• Airless / conventional spray: one coat at 217 µm WFT to achieve 100 µm DFT.
• Brush / roller: typically two coats at 130 µm WFT to achieve 60 µm DFT per coat. Multiple coats may be required to reach target film build.
• Roller direct to metal should be avoided due to risk of fibre snagging and associated defects.

FAQ

1. On which substrates can HULLGARD EXTRA EPOXY PRIMER be used?

   It can be applied to grit-blasted or power-abraded steel, abraded aluminium, fibreglass (after degreasing and sanding with 180 grit), and clean, sanded wood (80–180 grit).

2. What is the recommended mixing ratio?

   The mix ratio is 10 parts D6120 base to 1.5 parts D3730 converter by volume.

3. Do I always need to thin the product?

   No. Reduction is normally not required. At low temperatures small amounts of T0006 reducer (around 5%) can be used. Do not reduce more than 15%.

4. How long can I wait before recoating without sanding?

   When kept under cover and clean, the maximum recoat time without sanding is 6 months. Cleanliness should always be inspected before recoating.

5. What coverage can I expect?

   At 100 µm dry film thickness, theoretical coverage is about 4.6 m²/L with spray application. At 60 µm dry per coat by brush or roller, theoretical coverage is about 7.7 m²/L. Actual coverage depends on equipment, technique and geometry.

6. Which fairing compounds can be applied over this primer?

   It is designed to provide a base for Awlfair fairing compounds such as Awlfair FL, Awlfair LW and Awlfair LW / Fast, as well as compatible Interfill products, within the stated overcoating windows.

7. What are the minimum and maximum application temperatures?

   Ambient temperature should be between 13°C and 41°C. The substrate must be at least 3°C above the dew point and not warmer than 41°C.

Section 14 – Transport information

• UN number / ID: UN1263.
• UN proper shipping name: Paint / Paint related material.
• Transport hazard class: Class 3 (flammable liquid).
• Packing group: III.
• Environmental hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous for transport according to the supplied data.
• ADR/RID tunnel code: (D/E) where applicable.
• IMDG emergency schedules: F-E, S-E.
• On-site transport precautions:
  • Always transport in tightly closed containers kept upright and secure.
  • Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and other sources of ignition.
  • Ensure personnel transporting the product are informed about emergency procedures in case of accident or spillage.

Section 8 – Personal protective measures

Exposure controls and individual protection

• Engineering controls: Use only with adequate ventilation. Apply local exhaust or process enclosure to keep vapour concentrations below occupational limits and below the lower explosive limit. Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment.
• Eye and face protection: Wear chemical splash goggles and/or a face shield that comply with approved standards when there is a risk of liquid splashes, mist or spray. If inhalation hazards exist, a full-face respirator may be required.
• Hand protection: Use chemical-resistant, impervious gloves meeting EN 374 or equivalent. For prolonged or frequently repeated contact, gloves of protection class 6 (breakthrough time > 480 min) such as Viton or nitrile with suitable thickness are recommended. For brief contact, class 2 or higher nitrile gloves may be used. Replace gloves regularly and when any sign of damage appears.
• Skin and body protection: Wear suitable protective clothing selected according to the task and risks. When there is a risk of ignition from static electricity, use antistatic protective garments. For maximum protection, clothing should include antistatic overalls, boots and gloves (refer to EN 1149 for design and material guidance).
• Respiratory protection: Where ventilation is insufficient or exposure limits may be exceeded, use a respirator conforming to EN 140 fitted with an A/P2 filter or better. During dry sanding, flame cutting or welding of cured films, provide local extraction or use appropriate respiratory protection because harmful dusts and fumes can be generated.
• Hygiene measures: Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking or smoking. Remove contaminated clothing and PPE before entering eating areas. Wash contaminated garments before reuse and ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are accessible.
• Environmental controls: Check emissions from ventilation or process equipment to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Use fume scrubbers, filters or design modifications where necessary to reduce emissions.