What GELSHIELD PLUS is and why choose it
GELSHIELD PLUS from International Náutica is a high build, solventless, two-component epoxy coating specifically formulated for the treatment of osmosis in GRP/FRP polyester hulls. With 100% volume solids and no added solvent, it delivers a dense, low-permeability barrier that helps prevent reblistering by stopping water migration into the laminate. Contrasting green and blue colours simplify multi-coat application and inspection, while wide overcoating windows provide flexibility for professional refit schedules.
Main features
- High build epoxy barrier: Achieves at least 150 microns wet and dry film thickness per coat by brush or roller.
- Solventless formulation: 100% volume solids and 0 g/L VOC as supplied; contains no harmful solvents that could migrate into the hull and cause reblistering.
- Two contrasting colours: Supplied as a base (YAA222) to be mixed with green (YAA220) or blue (YAA221) curing agents; alternating colours help control coverage and ensure continuous film.
- Wide overcoating windows: Can be recoated once firm, even while still tacky, with generous maximum overcoating times to accommodate yard work planning.
- High sheen finish: Smooth, high-sheen surface improves subsequent fairing and tie-coat applications.
- Professional osmosis system: Designed to work with Epiglass HT9000 epoxy resin, Interfill 830/833 or Watertite fillers, and Gelshield 200 as antifouling tie-coat.
- Temperature-tolerant application: Pot life and overcoating ranges defined from 10°C to 35°C for controlled curing in a variety of climates.
Technical specifications
- Product type: Two-component, solventless epoxy coating for osmosis treatment.
- Brand: International Náutica.
- Colour system: Base YAA222 mixed with curing agents YAA220 (green) or YAA221 (blue); available in solid green and solid blue.
- Finish: High sheen.
- Mix ratio: 2:1 by volume (base:curing agent, as supplied).
- Volume solids: 100%.
- Specific gravity: Approx. 1.19.
- VOC (as supplied): 0 g/L.
- Recommended substrates: Cured polyester laminates and epoxy fillers. Not suitable for direct application to gelcoat.
- Number of coats (treatment): 4 coats.
- Recommended WFT per coat: 150 microns wet minimum (brush/roller).
- Recommended DFT per coat: 150 microns dry minimum (brush/roller).
- Theoretical coverage: Approx. 6.7 m²/L per coat by brush or roller.
- Practical coverage: Approx. 6.0 m²/L per coat by brush or roller.
- Unit size: 2.25 L kit.
- Typical shelf life: 2 years (when stored as recommended).
- Pot life at 10°C: Approx. 45 minutes (1 L mixture in a flat tray).
- Pot life at 15°C: Approx. 35 minutes.
- Pot life at 23°C: Approx. 25 minutes.
- Pot life at 35°C: Approx. 15 minutes.
- Flash point: Approx. 150°C (closed cup) for the epoxy base.
- Application methods: Brush and roller only (not for spray or laminating work).
- Temperature limits during application:
- Product: 15–35°C.
- Ambient: 10–35°C.
- Substrate: up to 35°C and at least 3°C above dew point.
Overcoating intervals (guideline)
Minimum and maximum times between coats depend on substrate temperature:
- At 10°C:
- Overcoat with GELSHIELD PLUS: min 16 h, max 4 days.
- Overcoat with Gelshield 200: min 24 h, max 7 days.
- Overcoat with Interfill 830/833 or Watertite: min 16 h, max 4 days.
- Overcoat with Interprotect (Professional): min 24 h, max 7 days.
- At 15°C:
- Overcoat with GELSHIELD PLUS: min 7 h, max 4 days.
- Overcoat with Gelshield 200: min 12 h, max 7 days.
- At 23°C:
- Overcoat with GELSHIELD PLUS: min 4 h, max 2 days.
- Overcoat with Gelshield 200: min 12 h, max 7 days.
- At 35°C:
- Overcoat with GELSHIELD PLUS: min 1.5 h, max 24 h.
- Overcoat with Gelshield 200: min 8 h, max 24 h.
As soon as GELSHIELD PLUS is sufficiently firm, it can be recoated with itself, even if the surface remains tacky.
Applications and use cases
Osmosis treatment of GRP/FRP hulls
- Gelcoat removal: The original gelcoat should be removed by blasting, or by peeling followed by light blasting. The exposed laminate must be professionally evaluated as chemically dry, clean and sound.
- Initial sealing coat: Apply the first coat of GELSHIELD PLUS with a thin foam roller and work the material into the surface using a brush, aiming for at least 150 microns wet film thickness. As an alternative, a first coat of Epiglass HT9000 epoxy resin can be used instead of GELSHIELD PLUS.
- Fairing and filling: After the first coat has cured sufficiently, fair the surface using compatible epoxy fillers such as Interfill 830, Interfill 833 or Watertite. At 10–15°C, the fast cure versions of Interfill 830 and 833 are recommended. Sand the filler if required before recoating.
- Barrier build-up: Apply a further three coats of GELSHIELD PLUS by roller, each at a minimum of 150 microns wet film thickness. Alternating green and blue coats helps verify even coverage and full film build.
- Wet-on-tacky technique: For shorter project times, subsequent coats may be applied as soon as the previous coat is firm but still tacky.
- Tie-coat and antifouling: Before applying antifouling, apply a tie coat of Gelshield 200 within the specified overcoating window, then finish with the chosen International antifouling system.
Compatible systems
- Epiglass HT9000: For initial sealing coats or for rebuilding and relaminating damaged laminates prior to GELSHIELD PLUS.
- Interfill 830 / Interfill 833: High-build and finishing epoxy fairing fillers for large areas, including fast-cure versions for low temperatures.
- Watertite: Epoxy filler for smaller repairs within the osmosis treatment scheme.
- Gelshield 200: Epoxy tie-coat and barrier primer applied over GELSHIELD PLUS before antifouling.
FAQ
How many coats of GELSHIELD PLUS are required for an osmosis treatment?
The recommended treatment scheme is 4 coats in total, each applied at a minimum of 150 microns wet and dry film thickness by brush or roller.
Can GELSHIELD PLUS be applied directly over gelcoat?
No. GELSHIELD PLUS is not suitable for direct application to gelcoat. The gelcoat must be removed (by blasting or peeling plus light blasting) and the underlying laminate must be clean, dry and evaluated as chemically dry before application.
What substrates are suitable for GELSHIELD PLUS?
It is designed for cured polyester laminates and compatible epoxy fillers (such as Interfill 830/833 and Watertite). It should not be used for laminating work and should not be applied directly onto gelcoat.
Do I need to thin GELSHIELD PLUS?
No. The product must not be thinned under any circumstances. Its solventless formulation is designed to be applied neat by brush or roller.
What is the working (pot) life after mixing?
Pot life depends on temperature and is approximately 45 minutes at 10°C, 35 minutes at 15°C, 25 minutes at 23°C and 15 minutes at 35°C for a 1 L mixture poured into a flat tray.
When can I overcoat GELSHIELD PLUS with further coats or fillers?
As soon as the coating is firm enough, it may be overcoated with itself or with compatible fillers, even if the surface remains tacky. Minimum and maximum overcoating times vary with temperature and are specified for 10–35°C.
Is a tie-coat needed before antifouling?
Yes. Before applying antifouling, a tie-coat of Gelshield 200 must be applied over GELSHIELD PLUS within the recommended overcoating window.
Can GELSHIELD PLUS be sprayed?
No. GELSHIELD PLUS is for brush and roller application only. It should not be used in spray equipment or for laminating.
What happens if overcoating times are exceeded?
If self-on-self or final overcoating times are exceeded, the surface should be thoroughly abraded to remove gloss (typically with grade 80 abrasive before Gelshield 200) before recoating.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number: UN3082.
- Proper shipping name (ADR/RID, IMDG): Substance dangerous to the environment, liquid, n.o.s. (epoxy resin components such as phenol-formaldehyde epichlorohydrin polymer and bisphenol A-based epoxy).
- Proper shipping name (IATA): Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s. (epoxy resin components).
- Transport hazard class: Class 9.
- Packing group: III.
- Environmental hazards: Classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment; marine pollutant under IMDG.
- Limited quantities: When transported in pack sizes of ≤5 L or ≤5 kg and in compliant packaging, the product is not regulated as a dangerous good under ADR/RID, IMDG or IATA.
- General transport precautions:
- Keep containers securely closed, upright and properly labelled during transport and storage.
- Avoid exposure to extremes of temperature and direct sunlight (recommended storage 5–35°C).
- Ensure personnel transporting the product know what to do in case of accident or spillage.
Section 8 – Personal protective measures
GELSHIELD PLUS contains epoxy resins and curing agents classified as skin irritants, eye irritants and skin sensitisers, and is toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects. Appropriate personal protection and safe handling are essential.
Individual protection equipment (PPE)
- Hand protection:
- Use chemical-resistant gloves complying with EN 374.
- For frequent or prolonged contact: protective gloves of class 6 with breakthrough time > 480 minutes; recommended materials include Viton or nitrile with minimum thickness around 0.38 mm.
- For brief contact: class 2 or higher gloves (breakthrough time > 30 minutes); recommended nitrile gloves with minimum thickness around 0.12 mm.
- Replace gloves regularly and immediately if damaged.
- Eye and face protection:
- Wear approved chemical splash goggles to prevent contact with liquid splashes or mists.
- Skin and body protection:
- Wear protective clothing covering arms and legs; no exposed skin should remain during mixing and application.
- Use suitable protective footwear and, where necessary, additional protective garments approved by a safety specialist.
- Respiratory protection:
- Ensure adequate general and local ventilation in the work area.
- If ventilation is insufficient, wear respiratory protection conforming to relevant standards; a half-mask respirator with A/P2 filter (or equivalent) is recommended for vapours and fine mists.
Safe handling and hygiene measures
- Avoid skin and eye contact; do not breathe vapours or mist.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where the product is stored, handled or applied.
- Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering clean areas; wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
- Do not use Gelshield Plus for laminating work and do not spray-apply.
- Prevent product and cleaning residues from entering drains, watercourses or soil; disposal must follow local regulations.
*Contenido generado por IA
