What is Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat and why choose it?
Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat is a two-component, high build epoxy paint designed for fast, watertight protection on fiberglass/GRP, steel, plywood and aluminum, both above and below the waterline. Its high anti-corrosive performance on steel and excellent anti-osmosis protection on GRP, combined with quick drying and very high solids content, allow you to rapidly build an epoxy barrier coat with reduced solvent emissions.
This system consists of Component A (modified epoxy resin) and Component B (curing agent). Together they form a semi-gloss, highly durable coating suitable for new construction, repairs, maintenance of existing epoxy systems and coating of concrete surfaces.
Main features
- High build epoxy system: 4–8 mils wet (3–7 mils dry) per coat for fast film thickness build-up.
- High solids content: 87 ± 2 vol. % for reduced solvent content and excellent coverage.
- Corrosion protection on steel: High anti-corrosive performance when applied over properly prepared metal substrates.
- Anti-osmosis protection on GRP: Helps protect fiberglass/GRP hulls against osmosis and is suitable for anti-osmosis repair systems.
- Versatile substrate range: For fiberglass/GRP, steel, plywood, aluminum and concrete surfaces.
- Above and below waterline: Suitable for exterior and interior areas, including below the waterline, superstructures and wet bilge areas.
- Quick drying: Recoatable from 4–15 hours at 65 % relative humidity depending on temperature and film thickness.
- Semi-gloss finish: Available in black and light grey for technical, high-coverage undercoats.
- Chemical curing: Durable modified epoxy resin system with chemical drying mechanism.
- Compatible with Epifanes systems: Can be used in combination with Epifanes epoxy primers, polyurethane primers, polyurethane topcoats, Interimcoat and antifouling as specified.
Technical specifications
General product data
- Product type: Two-component high build epoxy coating
- Curing: Chemical drying
- Base (Component A): Modified epoxy resin
- Gloss level: Semi gloss
- Colours: Black, Light Grey
- Density (mixed product, 68 °F / 20 °C): 1.68 g/dm³ (Component A SDS lists 1.8 g/cm³)
- Viscosity: 100 seconds, DIN 4 mm cup
- Solids content: 87 ± 2 vol. % (Component A)
- VOC level (mixed product): 213 g/L (approx. 239.2 g/L stated in SDS for Component A)
Packing and shelf life
- Standard pack sizes:
- 625 ml Component A + 125 ml Component B = 750 ml set
- 3,335 ml Component A + 625 ml Component B = 4,000 ml set
- Shelf life (unopened, 41–77 °F / 5–25 °C):
- Component A (Base): 2 years after production date
- Component B (Curing agent): 1 year after production date
Mixing and application
- Mixing ratio by volume: 100 parts Component A : 20 parts Component B (5 : 1)
- Mixing ratio by weight: 100 parts Component A : 12 parts Component B
- Recommended wet film thickness: 4–8 mils (3–7 mils dry)
- Theoretical coverage: 60 ft²/L at 3 mils dry film thickness
- Practical coverage: Depends on film thickness, surface profile, application method and thinning.
- Brush/roller: approximately 90 % of theoretical coverage
- Spray, large surfaces: approximately 70 % of theoretical coverage
- Spray, small surfaces: approximately 50 % of theoretical coverage
- Pot life after mixing:
- 59 °F (15 °C): 4 hours
- 68 °F (20 °C): 3 hours
- 77 °F (25 °C): 1.5 hours
- Recommended thinners:
- Brush/roller: Epifanes D-601 Epoxy Thinner
- Spray: Epifanes D-601 Epoxy Thinner
- General thinning guideline: Thinning ratio depends on product temperature and working conditions. Over-thinning should be avoided. For exact ratios, Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
Drying and recoating (65 % RLV / RAH)
At a dry film thickness of approximately 3 mils and 65 % relative humidity:
- Dust dry:
- 54 °F (12 °C): 5 hours
- 59 °F (15 °C): 3 hours
- 68 °F (20 °C): 2 hours
- 77 °F (25 °C): 1 hour
- Recoatable:
- 54 °F (12 °C): 15 hours
- 59 °F (15 °C): 10 hours
- 68 °F (20 °C): 6 hours
- 77 °F (25 °C): 4 hours
- Further drying (through-dry / overcoating with other systems):
- 54 °F (12 °C): 48 hours
- 59 °F (15 °C): 36 hours
- 68 °F (20 °C): 24 hours
- 77 °F (25 °C): 20 hours
If the next coat of Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat is applied within 24 hours, intercoat sanding is not required. After 24 hours, always sand with P120 before recoating. Do not apply wet-on-wet.
Application conditions and methods
- Substrate temperature during application: minimum 54 °F (12 °C), maximum 82 °F (28 °C)
- Relative humidity during application: 50–75 %
- Maximum temperature difference between paint and substrate: 5 °F (approx. 3 °C)
- Recommended tools: Roller, long-haired soft brush or spray equipment.
- Application notes:
- Distribute the paint evenly and avoid re-tipping.
- Do not apply wet-on-wet.
- Avoid excessive wet film thickness to prevent sagging and drying problems.
- Avoid direct sunlight and strong wind to prevent too rapid solvent loss.
- If the coating “pulls” or is difficult to apply, up to 10 % Epifanes D-601 Epoxy Thinner may be added.
- After each coat has dried, sand with dry P120 before applying the next coat.
Spray application guidelines
- Air spray:
- Nozzle: 1.3–1.6 mm
- Pressure: 2–2.5 bar
- Thinning: 5–25 % Epifanes D-601 Epoxy Thinner
- Airless spray:
- Tip size: 0.016–0.018 inch
- Pressure: 170–250 bar
- Thinning: 0–5 % Epifanes D-601 Epoxy Thinner
Substrate preparation
Steel
- Remove all rust, scale, grease, oil, salt and contaminants.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and, if required, high-pressure cleaner or emulsifier to remove water-soluble contamination.
- Degrease with suitable cleaning agent (for example water with ammonia).
- Coarse sanding: P60–80.
GRP (fiberglass)
- Degrease with Epifanes Polyester Degreaser.
- Sand with P240.
Aluminum
- On new aluminum it is recommended to apply one coat of Epifanes Wasprimer AQ before Epoxy HB Coat.
Existing painted surfaces
- Clean surface thoroughly and degrease with Epifanes Spray Thinner.
- Sand with P180–220.
- Clean and degrease again with Epifanes Spray Thinner for Paint & Varnish.
- On old epoxy systems thin the first coat of Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat by 20–25 %.
Compatible primers, fillers and topcoats
- Suitable primer (under Epoxy HB Coat): Epifanes Epoxy Primer, dry, clean, degreased and sanded P120–150.
- Recoatable above waterline with:
- Epifanes Epoxy Primer
- Epifanes Poly-urethane Primer
- Epifanes Poly-urethane Yacht Coating
- Recoatable below waterline with:
- Epifanes Interimcoat + antifouling
- Suitable epoxy fillers (after degreasing and sanding P120):
- Epifanes Epoxy Filler 1500
- Epifanes Epoxy Finishing Filler
Applications and use cases
- Osmosis prevention and repair on GRP: Build up multiple coats to create a watertight epoxy barrier on fiberglass hulls and structures.
- Corrosion protection on steel: Use as a high build epoxy coat over properly prepared and primed steel to resist corrosion in marine environments.
- Yacht hulls above and below waterline: Applied inside and outside hulls for fast build of a watertight system before topcoats or antifouling.
- Inside superstructures: High build epoxy undercoat for decks, superstructures and other topside areas.
- Wet bilge areas: Durable, chemically resistant coating for wet bilges and other areas subject to intermittent water contact.
- Plywood and aluminum boats or structures: Barrier coat to seal and protect wooden or aluminum substrates as part of a complete Epifanes paint system.
- Concrete surfaces: Coating of concrete surfaces where an epoxy system is specified.
- Maintenance of existing epoxy systems: Refurbishment and overcoating of sound epoxy coatings after correct sanding and degreasing.
FAQ – Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat
1. On which substrates can Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat be used?
It can be applied on fiberglass/GRP, steel, plywood, aluminum and concrete, provided the surface is properly cleaned, degreased and sanded as specified.
2. Is it suitable for use below the waterline?
Yes. Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat is designed for use both above and below the waterline and is especially suitable as an anti-osmosis system on GRP and as part of underwater paint systems with Epifanes Interimcoat and antifouling.
3. Do I need to sand between coats?
If the next coat of Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat is applied within 24 hours, sanding is not required. After 24 hours, always sand with P120 before applying a fresh coat.
4. Which thinner should I use?
For both brush/roller and spray application, use Epifanes D-601 Epoxy Thinner. Thinning percentages depend on temperature, application method and local conditions.
5. What is the pot life after mixing Components A and B?
At 59 °F (15 °C) pot life is about 4 hours, at 68 °F (20 °C) about 3 hours, and at 77 °F (25 °C) about 1.5 hours.
6. What is the theoretical coverage?
The theoretical coverage is approximately 60 ft² per liter at 3 mils dry film thickness. Practical coverage will be lower depending on surface roughness, application method and thinning.
7. Can it be overcoated with Epifanes Poly-urethane Yacht Coating?
Yes. Above the waterline, properly dried and sanded Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat can be recoated with Epifanes Epoxy Primer, Epifanes Poly-urethane Primer and Epifanes Poly-urethane Yacht Coating.
8. Is Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat solvent-rich?
The product has a very high solids content of approximately 87 vol. %, which reduces solvent load compared to conventional coatings. The VOC level of the mixed product is about 213 g/L.
9. How should I prepare old painted surfaces?
Clean and degrease with Epifanes Spray Thinner, sand with P180–220, then clean and degrease again before applying Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat. On existing epoxy systems, thin the first coat by 20–25 %.
10. Is it safe for use in bilge areas?
Yes. The product is recommended for inside superstructures and wet bilge areas when applied as part of the appropriate Epifanes epoxy system.
Section 14 – Transport information
The following transport data are taken from the Safety Data Sheets of Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat Component A and Component B.
Component A – Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat Comp. A
- UN number: UN1263
- Proper shipping name ADR: 1263 PAINT, ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS
- Proper shipping name IMDG: PAINT, MARINE POLLUTANT
- Proper shipping name IATA: PAINT
- Transport hazard class: Class 3 – Flammable liquids
- Label: 3
- Packing group: III
- Marine pollutant: Yes (symbol fish and tree indicated for ADR/IMDG)
- ADR tunnel restriction code: D/E
- ADR limited quantities (LQ): 5 L
- ADR excepted quantities (EQ): Code E1 (max. 30 ml per inner packaging, 1,000 ml per outer packaging)
- Transport category: 3
Component B – Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat Comp. B
