PROTECTIVE PRIMER 162

What it is and why choose it

PROTECTIVE PRIMER 162 by Alexseal is an epoxy-based, two-component primer designed for professional use. Thanks to specific corrosion inhibitors and a combination of epoxy resin binders, it provides excellent adhesion promotion on a wide range of substrates together with high-level corrosion protection on steel and aluminium. Once cured, it serves as an ideal adhesion-promoting layer for subsequent Alexseal coating systems and has been approved as a marine paint with low flame-spread characteristics according to IMO Resolution MSC.307 (88)-(FTP-Code 2010).

Main features

• Epoxy two-component technology providing durable mechanical performance and chemical resistance.
• High corrosion protection on steel and aluminium substrates, both above and below the waterline (with additional barrier primer required below the waterline before antifouling).
• Excellent adhesion promotion on properly prepared steel, aluminium, gel coat and fiberglass resin surfaces.
• Long recoat window of up to 6 months without sanding for overcoating with Alexseal Protective Primer 161, enabling economical application processes.
• Low flame-spread marine approval according to IMO Resolution MSC.307 (88) (FTP-Code 2010).
• White mixed colour for easy coverage control and subsequent topcoat application.
• Optimised application properties for conventional, HVLP and airless spray, as well as brush and roller application.

Technical characteristics

Colour and components

• Colour of mixture: White
• Base material: White
• Converter: Clear
• Base trade name: P1610 ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 White (1 Gal & 5 Gal)
• Converter trade name: C1617 ALEXSEAL Protective Primer 161 Converter (0.167 Gal for 1 Gal / 0.833 Gal for 5 Gal)
• Reducer trade name: R4042 ALEXSEAL Epoxy Primer Reducer (1 QT & 1 Gal)

Solids and coverage

• Volume solids (catalyzed, without reduction): 48 %

Typical practical coverage at a recommended dry film thickness (DFT) of 80–100 µm (3–4 mils):

• Conventional air spray: approx. 2.4 m²/l (9.2 m²/gal; 100 sq. ft./gal)
• HVLP spray: approx. 2.6 m²/l (10.2 m²/gal; 110 sq. ft./gal)
• Airless spray: approx. 2.9 m²/l (11.2 m²/gal; 120 sq. ft./gal)
• Brush/roller: approx. 3.5 m²/l (13.2 m²/gal; 142 sq. ft./gal)

Mixing ratio

• Base :Converter = 6 : 1 parts by volume
• Reducer addition: 5–10 % by volume R4042 Epoxy Primer Reducer
• Example: 6 : 1 : 0.5 (base : converter : reducer) ≈ 7 % reduction
• For special applications: reduction can be increased up to 25 % depending on application conditions.

Application parameters

• Viscosity: Zahn #2 ≈ 80 s; DIN 4 cup 4 mm ≈ 70 s
• Nozzle size, gravity gun: 1.8–2.5 mm (0.071–0.098 in) – Conventional & HVLP
• Nozzle size, siphon cup: 1.6 mm (0.060 in) – Conventional & HVLP
• Fluid nozzle, pressure pot: 1.4–1.6 mm (0.055–0.063 in) – Conventional & HVLP
• Atomizing pressure: 2.0–4.0 bar (30–60 psi) – Conventional & HVLP
• Pot pressure: 0.7–1.5 bar (10–22 psi) – Conventional & HVLP
• Airless tip size: 0.35–0.43 mm / 60° (0.014–0.017 in / 60°)
• Airless inlet pressure: 2–3 bar (29–44 psi)

Spray application recommendation: Apply 1 cross coat or 2 coats to a total wet film thickness (WFT) of 200–300 µm (8–12 mils) to achieve 90–135 µm (3–5 mils) DFT.

Substrate preparation

The substrate must be clean, dry and free from dust, grease, oil and other contamination. Application should be carried out on a properly cleaned and prepared surface, ideally within 6 hours of preparation.

• Steel: Sandblast to a minimum of near white metal SA 2.5 (SSPC–SP10–85) or grind with P36–P40 grit to a 50–100 µm (2–4 mils) profile. White metal Sa 3 (SSPC–SP5–85) is preferred.
• Aluminium: Sandblast or grind with 36–60 grit to bright, clean aluminium with a 50–100 µm (2–4 mils) profile.
• Gel coat: Sand with P80–P100 grit before fairing application.
• Fiberglass resin: Grind with P36–P60 and/or sandblast. The entire surface and profile bottoms must be dull and abraded with no shiny spots.

Pot life and drying (typical)

Optimal application environment: 15–30 °C (60–85 °F), 40–80 % RH. Minimum application temperature during drying: 15 °C (60 °F). Ideal temperature: 25 °C (77 °F). Application conditions should be at least 3 °C (5.4 °F) above dew point.

Recoat and overcoat intervals

Actual drying and recoating times are influenced by surface temperature, air flow, sunlight exposure, total film thickness and reducer quantity.

Applications and use cases

• Marine newbuild and refit: Corrosion protection and adhesion-promoting primer for steel and aluminium hulls and superstructures above and below the waterline (with additional water barrier primer required before antifouling below the waterline).
• Yacht and commercial vessel coating systems: Ideal first coat in Alexseal multi-layer systems, providing a stable base for subsequent primers, fillers, surfacers and topcoats.
• Fairing systems over composites: Tie coat primer over prepared gel coat and raw fiberglass resin lay-up prior to application of fairing compounds.
• Industrial serial painting: Intended for professional, industrial-scale coating operations where controlled conditions and proper ventilation are available.

FAQ

• On which substrates can this primer be used?

  It is designed for properly prepared steel and aluminium substrates and can also be used as a tie coat primer over sanded gel coat and fiberglass resin.

• Can it be applied below the waterline?

  Yes, it can be used below the waterline on steel and aluminium, but an additional water barrier primer must be applied before any antifouling coating.

• What is the recommended mixing ratio?

  The mixing ratio is 6 parts base to 1 part converter by volume, with 5–10 % reducer. For special applications, reduction can be increased up to 25 %.

• How thick should the film be applied?

  Apply 1 cross coat or 2 coats to reach a total wet film thickness of 200–300 µm (8–12 mils), resulting in a dry film thickness of approximately 90–135 µm (3–5 mils).

• How long can I wait before recoating without sanding?

  Recoating with another coat of Alexseal Protective Primer 161 is possible up to 6 months after application. After this maximum time, sanding is required.

• When can I overcoat with other Alexseal products?

  Depending on temperature, minimum overcoat times range from 32 h at 15 °C to 12 h at 30 °C. The maximum overcoat time is 6 months; after that, surface preparation including sanding is necessary.

• What is the pot life of the mixed product?

  Pot life is approximately 8 hours at 15–20 °C, 6 hours at 25 °C and 4 hours at 30 °C.

• Is this product suitable for professional use only?

  Yes, all supplied documentation specifies “Professional Use Only”.

Section 14 – Transport information

According to the Safety Data Sheet for ALEXSEAL P1611-LVOC Protective Primer 161 Base:

• UN number: UN 1263
• UN proper shipping name: PAINT
• Transport hazard class: Class 3 (Flammable liquids) for ADR, IMDG and IATA
• Packing group: III (ADR, IMDG, IATA)
• ADR classification code: F1
• Hazard identification number: 30
• ADR tunnel restriction code: (D/E)
• IMDG EmS code: F-E, S-E
• IATA packing instructions: 366 (cargo aircraft), 355 (passenger aircraft)
• Environmentally hazardous / marine pollutant: No
• Special precautions for user: When transported within the user’s premises, the product should always be in closed, upright and safe containers. Personnel handling the containers must be aware of emergency procedures in case of incident or spillage.
• Transport in bulk according to MARPOL Annex II / IBC Code: Not applicable for the product as supplied.

Section 8 – Personal protective measures

Based on the Safety Data Sheet for ALEXSEAL P1611-LVOC Protective Primer 161 Base:

Engineering controls

• Provide adequate ventilation using local exhaust and good general extraction.
• If aerosol and solvent vapour concentrations cannot be kept below occupational exposure limits, suitable respiratory protection must be used.

Eye and face protection

• Wear safety goggles to protect against solvent splashes.

Hand protection

• Use chemical-resistant protective gloves tested according to EN 374.
• Recommended glove materials for short-term contact (splash protection): nitrile rubber or neoprene.
• Minimum material thickness: > 0.4 mm.
• Minimum breakthrough time: > 480 minutes.
• Gloves must be checked for workplace suitability and replaced immediately when damaged or worn.
• Preventive skin protection (skin protection cream) and immediate washing of contaminated skin are recommended.

Skin and body protection

• Wear antistatic clothing made of natural fibre or high temperature resistant synthetic fibre.
• All parts of the body should be washed after contact with the product.

Respiratory protection

• If exposure levels exceed occupational limits, use appropriate certified respirators (e.g. half-mask with cartridge or air-fed systems).
• Dry grinding, torch cutting or welding on coated surfaces can produce hazardous dust and/or vapour; use wet methods where possible and local exhaust hoods, or wear suitable respiratory equipment.
• When working inside spray booths where ventilation is insufficient, operators should wear compressed air-fed respirators during spraying until particulate and solvent vapour concentrations fall below exposure limits.

General protective measures

• No eating, drinking or smoking during work.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
• Avoid inhalation of dust from sanding, particulates and spray mist.