What is Propspeed Etching Primer Base + Hardener and why choose it?
Propspeed Etching Primer Base + Hardener is a two-component etching primer system designed as a pre-treatment for metallic surfaces on marine vessels. When the yellow Base is mixed with the clear Hardener in a 4:1 ratio, the product cures chemically to form a thin, matte, corrosion-resistant layer that significantly improves adhesion of subsequent coats, such as Propspeed Clear. It is formulated for professional use in the marine industry and is especially suited to underwater metals like propellers, shafts and rudders.
Main features
- Two-component wash primer system – Base and Hardener react chemically on the surface, providing durable corrosion protection and excellent adhesion for following coats.
- Optimised for marine metals – Recommended as a pre-treatment on non-ferrous metals such as bronze and aluminium, as well as zinc, galvanised iron and blast-cleaned steel plates.
- High-performance, thin film build – Two coats give an approximate dry film thickness of 8 microns per coat, maintaining tight clearances on precision components like propellers and shafts.
- Fast drying and overcoating – Touch dry in about 10 minutes at 20 °C and hard dry in 1 hour, allowing Propspeed Clear to be applied as soon as the primer is just touch dry.
- Good coverage and low film thickness – Theoretical coverage of 11 m²/L (448 sq ft/US gallon) at the specified film thickness.
- Compatible with Propspeed application tools – Can be applied using the Propspeed Application Kit rollers (PSAP4KIT, PSAP4-10), brush or foam roller.
- Part of the complete Propspeed system – Forms the etching primer stage before the application of Propspeed Clear on submerged metallic surfaces.
Technical specifications
General product data
- Product type: Two-component etching primer (Base + Hardener)
- Identified use: Metal primer base (marine industry, Part A) and hardener for metal primer base
- Finish: Matte
- Colour: Base – Yellow; Hardener – Clear
Mixing and application
- Mixing ratio (by volume): Base : Hardener = 4 : 1 (as supplied)
- Recommended number of coats: 2 coats of Propspeed Etching Primer
- Application tools: Propspeed Application Kit Roller (PSAP4KIT, PSAP4-10), brush, foam roller
- Painting interval: Apply Propspeed Clear when the Etching Primer is just touch dry
- Pot life: 8 hours at 20 °C (68 °F)
Film build and coverage
- 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): 8 microns | < 1 mil
- Volume solids: 9 %
Drying and curing
- Touch dry: Approx. 10 minutes at 20 °C (68 °F), temperature dependent
- Hard dry: Approx. 1 hour at 20 °C (68 °F)
- Do not immerse: Minimum 8 hours after application of the complete Propspeed system
Physical and chemical properties (primer system)
- VOC level: 676 g/L | 5.64 lbs/US gallon
- Specific gravity: 0.87 – 0.92 g/cm³
- Solvents: Xylene, isopropyl alcohol and isobutyl alcohol blend (primer system)
- Clean-up solvents: Acetone or Xylene
- Shelf life: 2 years at 25 °C (77 °F)
Selected safety and classification information
Etching Primer Base
- Classification (CLP): Flam. Liq. 2 (H225), Skin Irrit. 2 (H315), Skin Sens. 1 (H317), Eye Dam. 1 (H318), STOT SE 3 (H335, H336), Carc. 1A (H350), STOT RE 2 (H373), Aquatic Acute 1 (H400), Aquatic Chronic 2 (H411)
- Appearance: Yellow liquid paint
- Boiling point: 81 – 108 °C
- Flash point: 14 °C
- Viscosity: 500 – 750 cP
Etching Primer Hardener
- Classification (CLP): Flam. Liq. 2 (H225), Skin Corr. 1C (H314), STOT SE 3 (H336)
- Main components: Propan-2-ol (2-propanol) and orthophosphoric acid
- Appearance: Colourless, transparent liquid
- pH: 1.2 – 1.5
- Initial boiling point: 82 – 83 °C
- Flash point: 15 °C
- Explosive limits: 1.1 % (lower) – 12.0 % (upper)
Applications and use cases
Pre-treatment of propellers, shafts and rudders
- Remove all marine growth.
- Strip old Propspeed using Stripspeed.
- Abrade the metal surface to an 80-grit profile.
- Use Propclean to remove organic contaminants (grease, oil, fingerprints) and wipe clean with a cloth.
- Apply Propprep to chemically condition the surface and wipe off with a clean cloth.
- Apply 2 coats of Propspeed Etching Primer.
- When the second coat is just touch dry, apply 1 full coat of Propspeed Clear, ensuring edges are free from drips.
- Do not immerse the coated item for a minimum of 8 hours.
New propellers
- Abrade all metal surfaces to an 80-grit profile.
- Pre-condition metal with Propclean and Propprep before applying Propspeed Etching Primer.
- Apply Etching Primer Base + Hardener as specified, followed by Propspeed Clear.
Removal and recoating of existing Propspeed systems
- Remove the old Propspeed coating using Stripspeed.
- Abrade to an 80-grit profile and clean the entire area thoroughly with Propclean and Propprep.
- Reapply Propspeed Etching Primer Base + Hardener and the full Propspeed system in accordance with the application instructions.
Other suitable metal substrates
- Non-ferrous metals: bronze, aluminium, zinc.
- Galvanised iron.
- Blast-cleaned steel plates.
FAQ – Propspeed Etching Primer Base + Hardener
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What is the correct mixing ratio for the Primer Base and Hardener?
The mixing ratio is 4 parts Propspeed Etching Primer Base to 1 part Hardener by volume, as supplied.
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How many coats of etching primer should be applied?
Apply 2 coats of Propspeed Etching Primer before overcoating with Propspeed Clear.
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When can I apply Propspeed Clear over the etching primer?
Apply Propspeed Clear when the Etching Primer is just touch dry. At 20 °C this is typically around 10 minutes, but it is temperature dependent.
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What surface preparation is required before using the primer?
Remove all marine growth and any old Propspeed (using Stripspeed), abrade the metal to an 80-grit profile, then clean with Propclean and condition the surface with Propprep before applying the primer.
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Can the product be immersed immediately after application?
No. After completing the Propspeed system, do not immerse the coated surfaces for a minimum of 8 hours.
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What is the theoretical coverage of Propspeed Etching Primer?
The theoretical coverage is 11 m² per litre (448 sq ft per US gallon) at the specified film thickness.
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How long is the pot life once Base and Hardener are mixed?
The pot life is approximately 8 hours at 20 °C (68 °F).
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How should I clean tools and equipment after use?
Clean application tools with acetone or xylene.
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What is the shelf life of the unopened product?
The shelf life is 2 years when stored at 25 °C (77 °F) in unopened containers.
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On which metals can Propspeed Etching Primer Base + Hardener be used?
It can be used as a pre-treatment primer on non-ferrous metals such as bronze and aluminium, on zinc and galvanised iron, and on blast-cleaned steel plates.
Section 14 – Transport information
Propspeed Etching Primer (system)
- UN number: 1263
- UN proper shipping name: Paint (etching primer)
- Transport hazard class: 3
- Hazchem code (primer system): 3(Y)E
- Packing group: II
Etching Primer Base (component)
- ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA UN number: UN1263
- UN proper shipping name: PAINT
- Transport hazard class: 3
- Packing group: II
- Environmental hazard: 3YE; Marine Pollutant: No*
- EmS (IMDG): F-E, S-E
- Limited quantities statement: If the individual container is below 5 L or kg, it can be transported as a non-dangerous good provided the packaging is still labelled according to dangerous goods requirements and the driver is given safety information in accordance with Chapter 3.4 of the UNRTDG.
Etching Primer Hardener (component)
- ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA UN number: UN3469
- UN proper shipping name: PAINT, FLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE
- Transport hazard class: 3(8)
- Packing group: II
- Environmental hazard: No
- Hazchem code: 3WE
General transport precautions
- Always transport in correct, secure packaging.
- Ensure persons transporting the product know what to do in case of an accident or accidental release.
- Keep away from sources of heat, sparks and open flames during transport.
Section 8 – Individual protective measures
General exposure controls
- Provide adequate ventilation, especially in confined areas.
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
- Do not breathe vapours, fumes or spray mist.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using the product.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before breaks.
- Keep contaminated work clothing separate and launder before reuse.
Eye and face protection
- Wear tight-fitting safety goggles or a face shield with side protection, compliant with EN 166.
- Avoid using contact lenses when handling the Etching Primer Base.
Hand protection
- Protective gloves are mandatory when handling the Base or Hardener.
- Recommended material (general handling and splashes): Nitrile rubber.
- Minimum thickness: > 0.4 mm.
- Typical breakthrough time: > 480 minutes for nitrile gloves (Base); for Hardener, 10 – 30 minutes for nitrile in splash contact and > 480 minutes for butyl rubber in immersion.
- Check gloves before use and follow glove supplier recommendations for permeability and breakthrough times.
Skin and body protection
- Wear long-sleeved, impervious protective clothing to avoid any liquid/vapour contact.
- For the Etching Primer Base, wear flame-retardant, anti-static protective clothing suitable for flammable liquids.
Respiratory protection
- Use appropriate certified respiratory protection when adequate ventilation cannot be ensured or when exposure limits may be exceeded.
- For the Etching Primer Base, use a suitable respirator in accordance with European standards (NF EN), matched to the workplace concentrations.
- For the Hardener, use a respirator with full mask and gas filter type ABEK (for inorganic, organic and acidic gases and vapours, ammonia/amines), compliant with NF EN 14387.
- Observe maximum wearing times for respiratory equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and replacement.
Environmental protection
- Do not allow the product to enter drains, surface water or groundwater.
- Spillages should be contained with inert, non-combustible absorbent material and disposed of as hazardous waste according to local regulations.
*Contenido generado por IA
