PROPPREP

What is Propprep and why choose it?

Propprep by Propspeed is a specialised metal treatment and conditioner formulated to create a chemically conditioned surface prior to coating. It is designed specifically for preparing metal parts on boats before applying the Propspeed foul-release system or other compatible coatings. By optimising the metal surface, Propprep promotes strong, reliable coating adhesion and improves overall performance and service life of the protective system.

Main features

• Specialised metal conditioner – aqueous phosphoric acid solution that chemically prepares metal surfaces before coating.
• Optimised for marine propulsion components – typical uses include propellers, shafts, struts and rudders prior to applying the Propspeed foul release system.
• Pre-paint treatment – used immediately before Propspeed Etching Primer to ensure the surface is properly conditioned.
• Fast overcoating window – treated surfaces should be painted as soon as possible, preferably within 4 hours of application.
• High-performance surface preparation – described as an excellent chemical conditioner that effectively prepares the metal substrate.
• Clear, colourless liquid – solvent odour, specific gravity approx. 1.10–1.20 g/cm³, pH < 2 at 20 °C.
• Combustible liquid – flash point 64 °C.
• Corrosive, acute toxicity Category 4 – causes severe skin burns and eye damage; harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled (H314, H302, H312, H332).
• Not PBT or vPvB – mixture does not contain components classified as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, or very persistent and very bioaccumulative at ≥0.1%.

Technical specifications

• Product name: Propprep
• Product line: Propprep
• Identified use: Specialised metal treatment to provide a chemically conditioned surface prior to coating.
• Physical state: Liquid
• Colour: Transparent, colourless
• Odour: Solvent
• pH: < 2 at 20 °C
• Boiling point: > 100 °C
• Flash point: 64 °C
• Flammability: Combustible liquid
• Solubility: Soluble/fully soluble in water
• Specific gravity: 1.10 – 1.20 g/cm³
• Chemical nature: Aqueous solution of phosphoric acid
• Main components:
  • Orthophosphoric acid: approx. 5–15% (Skin Corr. 1B, H314)
  • 2-butoxyethanol: < 5% (Skin Irrit. 2, Eye Irrit. 2, Acute Tox. 4 – oral, dermal, inhalation)
  • Also contains surfactants and water not classified as hazardous according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008.
• Classification (Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008):
  • Skin corrosion/irritation Category 1 (H314)
  • Acute toxicity Category 4 – oral, dermal, inhalation (H302, H312, H332)
• UFI: THYX-W14U-V00A-NTRC
• Storage conditions: Store locked up, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, in original corrosive-resistant container with resistant inner liner; keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces, water and moisture; recommended storage temperature < 25 °C.
• Incompatible materials: Metals (including aluminium, iron/iron-containing alloys, zinc, mild steel), strong oxidising agents, bases, alcohols, amines and halogenated agents.

Applications and use cases

Typical applications

• Pre-treatment of propellers before application of the Propspeed foul-release system.
• Surface conditioning of shafts, struts and rudders on boats before coating.
• General preparation of suitable metal surfaces on marine equipment prior to applying Propspeed Etching Primer and subsequent coatings.

Application overview

• Apply Propprep liberally using a rag or wipes, working on small areas at a time.
• Do not allow the solution to dry on the surface.
• Remove Propprep thoroughly with a clean rag.
• Use Propprep immediately before applying the Propspeed Etching Primer.
• After treatment, paint the surface as soon as possible, preferably within 4 hours.

Limitations of use

• Do not use Propprep on zinc, cadmium or magnesium, as these metals are susceptible to chemical attack by acids.

FAQ – Propprep metal conditioner

1. What is Propprep used for?

   Propprep is a specialised metal treatment used to chemically condition metal surfaces on boats, such as propellers, shafts, struts and rudders, before applying the Propspeed foul-release coating system.

2. How should I apply Propprep?

   Apply the solution liberally with a rag or wipes over small areas. Do not let it dry on the surface. Wipe off thoroughly with a clean rag, then proceed with the Propspeed Etching Primer.

3. How soon must I paint after using Propprep?

   The treated surface should be coated as soon as possible after application, preferably within 4 hours.

4. Can Propprep be used on all metals?

   No. Propprep should not be used on zinc, cadmium or magnesium, as these metals are susceptible to chemical attack by acids.

5. Is Propprep hazardous?

   Yes. It is classified as corrosive and acutely toxic Category 4. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage and is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin.

6. What should I do if Propprep gets on my skin?

   Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash the affected skin thoroughly with plenty of soap and water for at least 10–15 minutes. Seek medical attention; acid burns require immediate medical care.

7. What if Propprep gets into my eyes?

   Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if easy to do and continue rinsing. Seek medical attention immediately.

8. How should I store Propprep?

   Store locked up in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, in the original corrosive-resistant container with a resistant inner liner. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces, water, moisture and incompatible materials.

9. How do I dispose of unused product or empty containers?

   Product and packaging are classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of in accordance with European and local regulations. Do not discharge into sewers. Empty containers may contain flammable or explosive vapours and must be handled accordingly.

10. Does Propprep have any environmental classifications?

    The mixture does not contain components classified as PBT or vPvB at ≥0.1%, and it is not assigned specific environmental hazards in transport. Nevertheless, release to the environment should be avoided.

Section 14 – Transport information

• UN number: UN1805
• UN proper shipping name: Phosphoric Acid
• Transport hazard class: 8 (corrosive)
• Packing group: III
• Environmental hazards: Not classified as hazardous to the environment for transport purposes (ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA: No).
• Hazchem code: 2R
• Special precautions for user: Always transport in correct, secure packaging. Ensure that persons transporting the product understand the measures to take in case of accident or accidental release.

Section 8 – Individual protection measures

General exposure controls

• Ensure adequate ventilation; use local mechanical exhaust if vapours or mist are generated.
• Do not breathe vapours, fumes, aerosols or spray mist.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
• Keep emergency eyewash stations and safety showers close to the workstation.
• Remove contaminated clothing immediately and keep work clothing separate from personal garments.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product; wash hands before breaks and after work.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Eye and face protection

• Wear tightly fitting safety goggles with side protection or a face shield, in accordance with EN 166.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses.

Hand protection

• Protective gloves are mandatory when handling Propprep.
• Recommended glove materials (EN 374):
  • Nitrile rubber, material thickness > 0.3 mm, breakthrough time > 480 minutes.
  • Butyl rubber, material thickness > 0.7 mm, breakthrough time > 240 minutes.
• Inspect gloves before use and follow supplier instructions on permeability and breakthrough times.
• Change gloves regularly; consider shorter in-use times due to temperature and working conditions.
• Use barrier creams or protective ointments as preventive skin protection and remove gloves carefully to avoid skin contact.

Skin and body protection

• Wear long-sleeved, acid-resistant protective clothing (full suit).
• Use flame-retardant, antistatic garments where specified.
• Wear rubber boots or other suitable chemical-resistant footwear.

Respiratory protection

• Use an appropriate certified respirator when adequate ventilation cannot be guaranteed, when exposure limits are exceeded, or when vapours/aerosols are present.
• If a filtering device is used, it must be equipped with a type E or B filter, according to relevant European standards (NF EN).
• Observe maximum wearing times and ensure correct fit, maintenance, cleaning and testing of respiratory protective devices as per manufacturer instructions.

Environmental exposure controls

• Prevent Propprep from entering drains, surface water and groundwater.