ACRYLIC TOPCOAT X

What is ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X and why choose it?

ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X is a professional, two-component acrylic topcoat that combines advanced acrylic and polyester technology. Developed for the yachting industry, it delivers very high gloss and exceptional depth of image while providing excellent color stability and resistance to UV radiation, salt water, abrasion and fuel. The product is easy to apply, levels very well, and can be sanded and polished after a short curing period, making it suitable for demanding marine finishing work.

Main features

• Two-component acrylic topcoat with converter and reducer for spray application.
• High gloss and depth of image designed specifically for yacht and marine finishes.
• Excellent color stability with additional resistance to UV rays, salt water, abrasion and fuel.
• Easy to sand and polish after curing; suitable for high-end buffed finishes.
• Good leveling for smooth, uniform surfaces.
• For exterior areas that are not exposed to permanent water immersion.
• Available in clear, white and colors in standard factory shades and custom colors on request.
• Professional-use system with dedicated converters, reducers and accelerator.

Key specifications

Chemistry and composition

• Type: Two-component acrylic topcoat with polyester technology.
• Chemical nature (SDS): Mixture of synthetic resins, organic solvents and pigments.
• Physical state: Liquid (20 – 25 °C, 1,013 hPa).
• VOC content: 44.64 %, 446 g/l (Directive 2010/75/EU).

Colors

• Supplied as clear, white and colored versions.
• Standard factory-packaged colors plus custom colors available on request (part numbers via color card or product overview).

Coverage

• Volume solids catalyzed (without reduction):
  • Clear: 47 %
  • Whites: 60 %
  • Colors: 57 %
• Theoretical coverage at 70 µm (3 mils) DFT: 8.6 m²/l; 34 m²/gal; 350 sq. ft./gal.
• Practical coverage at 70 µm (3 mils) DFT:
  • Conventional air spray: 5.2 m²/l; 20 m²/gal; 210 sq. ft./gal.
  • HVLP spray: 6.5 m²/l; 25 m²/gal; 263 sq. ft./gal.
• Note: Coverage figures are based on base and converter; reducer is added as a percentage of the combined base and converter volume.

Recommended substrate preparation

• Substrate must be clean, dry and free from dust, grease, oil and other contaminants.
• Recommended primer: ALEXSEAL Finish Primer 442.
• Final sanding of ALEXSEAL Finish Primer 442: smooth sanding with 320 grit sandpaper.
• Apply ALEXSEAL Topcoat within 4 days after sanding (2 days if exposed outside) to maintain adhesion. For extended times on interior work, consult your sales representative.

System components and packaging

• Base material: X… ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X (Base Color) – 1 QT and 1 Gal.
• Converter: C5120 ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X Converter Spray – 1 Pt and ½ Gal.
• Reducers:
  • R5101 ALEXSEAL Acrylic Reducer #1 Standard – 1 QT and 1 Gal.
  • R5102 ALEXSEAL Acrylic Reducer #2 Cold – 1 QT and 1 Gal.
  • R5103 ALEXSEAL Acrylic Reducer #3 Hot – 1 QT and 1 Gal.
• Accelerator: A5035 ALEXSEAL Topcoat Accelerator – 4 ounces.

Mixing ratio for spray application

• 2 parts by volume ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X (Base Color).
• 1 part by volume C5120 ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X Converter Spray.
• 40 – 60 % by volume ALEXSEAL Acrylic Reducer (R5101 / R5102 / R5103 as appropriate).
• Example: 2 : 1 : 1.5 = 50 % reduction.
• Mixed material must be filtered before application using a suitable paint filter.

Application parameters

• Viscosity for spray:
  • Zahn #2 Signature Cup: approx. 18 – 22 s.
  • DIN 4 cup (4 mm): approx. 13 – 16 s.
  • ISO 3 mm: approx. 60 – 80 s.
• Nozzle size (gravity gun): 1.0 – 1.4 mm (0.039 – 0.055 in), conventional and HVLP.
• Nozzle size (siphon cup): 1.6 mm (0.063 in), conventional and HVLP.
• Fluid nozzle size (pressure pot): 1.0 – 1.3 mm (0.039 – 0.051 in), conventional and HVLP.
• Atomizing pressure: 3.0 – 5.0 bar (42 – 60 PSI), conventional and HVLP.
• Pot pressure: 0.7 – 1.5 bar (10 – 20 PSI), conventional and HVLP.
• Airmix equipment: 0.18 – 0.28 mm (0.007 – 0.011 in), inlet pressure 3.0 – 5.0 bar (42 – 70 PSI).

Recommended film thickness

• Apply 2 coats at 50 – 75 µm (2 – 3 mils) wet film thickness (WFT) per coat.
• Allow 20 – 60 minutes tack-up between coats.
• Typical dry film thickness (DFT) for 2-coat application: 40 – 60 µm (1.5 – 2 mils).
• Maximum recommended film thickness in spray application: 3 coats totaling 300 µm (12 mils) WFT or 100 µm (4 mils) DFT.

Pot life and drying times

Optimal application environment range: minimum 15 °C (60 °F) / 40 % RH, up to maximum 30 °C (85 °F) / 80 % RH.

Note: Actual tack-up, recoat, overcoat and drying times depend on surface temperature, air flow, direct or indirect sunlight, reducer type and quantity, and film thickness. During drying the minimum temperature is 15 °C (60 °F); ideal temperature is 25 °C (77 °F). Application conditions should be at least 3 °C (5.4 °F) above dew point.

Use of accelerator

• ALEXSEAL Topcoat Accelerator can be added to reduce drying time.
• For each mixed (catalyzed and reduced) 2 quarts (2 liters) of ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X, a maximum of 3 caps or 30 ml (1 ounce) of accelerator may be added.
• Higher amounts reduce pot life and are not recommended.

Physical and safety-related properties (SDS)

• Flash point: 35 °C (ISO 13736).
• Boiling range: approx. 120 °C.
• Density: approx. 1.00 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
• Water solubility: Insoluble; immiscible with water.
• Explosion limits: 1 % (V) lower; 10 % (V) upper.
• Auto-ignition temperature: > 400 °C.
• CLP classification: Flammable liquid, Category 3 (H226); Skin sensitisation, Category 1 (H317); STOT SE 3 (H336, central nervous system); Aquatic Chronic 3 (H412).

Applications and use cases

• Marine and yachting exteriors requiring a high-gloss, durable finish with superior color stability.
• Topside and superstructure coatings where resistance to UV, salt water, abrasion and fuel is critical.
• Areas to be polished or buffed for a mirror-like finish after curing.
• Exterior components that are not subjected to permanent water immersion.

FAQ

Is ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X suitable for underwater hulls or areas with permanent water immersion?

No. The product is specified for external areas that are not subject to permanent water immersion.

What is the recommended mixing ratio for spray application?

The standard mix ratio is 2 parts Acrylic Topcoat X base, 1 part Converter C5120, and 40–60 % by volume Acrylic Reducer (R5101, R5102 or R5103), for example 2 : 1 : 1.5 corresponding to 50 % reduction.

How many coats should I apply and what film thickness is recommended?

Apply 2 spray coats at 50–75 µm (2–3 mils) WFT per coat. This yields 40–60 µm (1.5–2 mils) DFT for a two-coat application. Maximum recommended thickness is 3 coats totalling 300 µm (12 mils) WFT or 100 µm (4 mils) DFT.

When can the surface be polished?

Without accelerator, the coating is polishable after approximately 36 h at 15 °C, 30 h at 20 °C, 24 h at 25 °C or 18 h at 30 °C.

Can I speed up drying with an accelerator?

Yes. Up to 30 ml (1 oz) of ALEXSEAL Topcoat Accelerator may be added per mixed 2 quarts (2 liters) of product. This shortens drying and tape times but also reduces pot life.

What is the pot life after mixing?

Approximate pot life is 6 h at 15 °C, 4 h at 20 °C, 3 h at 25 °C and 2 h at 30 °C. With accelerator, pot life is reduced to 3 h at 15–20 °C and 2 h at 25–30 °C.

Which primer should be used under Acrylic Topcoat X?

ALEXSEAL Finish Primer 442 is recommended, sanded smooth with 320 grit before topcoat application.

How soon after sanding the primer must I apply the topcoat?

Apply ALEXSEAL Topcoat within 4 days after sanding, or within 2 days if the surface is exposed outside, to ensure adhesion. For longer intervals on interior work, consult your sales representative.

Can this product be used on interior parts?

The technical data focus on exterior areas not subject to permanent water immersion. For specific interior applications and extended recoat intervals, consult your sales representative. Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.

Section 14: Transport information

According to the Safety Data Sheet, ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X is classified as dangerous goods for transport.

• UN number / ID number: UN 1263.
• UN proper shipping name: PAINT.
• Transport hazard class: Class 3 (flammable liquids) for ADR, IMDG and IATA.
• Packing group: III.
• ADR details:
  • Classification code: F1.
  • Hazard identification number: 30.
  • Labels: 3.
  • Tunnel restriction code: (D/E).
  • Note: Receptacles with less than 450 litres capacity are not subject to ADR 4.1, 5.2 and 6.1 (ADR 2.2.3.1.5).
• IMDG details:
  • Packing group: III.
  • Labels: 3.
  • EmS code: F-E, S-E.
  • Marine pollutant: No.
  • Note: Receptacles with less than 450 litres capacity are not subject to IMDG chapters 4.1, 5.2 and 6.1 (IMDG 2.3.2.5).
• IATA (air transport):
  • Cargo aircraft packing instruction: 366, Packing group III, label “Flammable Liquids”.
  • Passenger aircraft packing instruction: 355, Limited Quantities (LQ) Y344, Packing group III, label “Flammable Liquids”.
• Environmental hazards for transport:
  • ADR environmentally hazardous: No.
  • IMDG marine pollutant: No.
• Special precautions for user:
  • Within the user’s premises, transport only in closed, upright and secure containers.
  • Ensure all personnel handling containers are aware of procedures in case of incident or spillage.
• Bulk transport: Maritime transport in bulk according to IMO instruments is not applicable for the product as supplied.

Section 8: Personal protective measures

Based on the Safety Data Sheet, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling precautions are required when working with ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X.

Engineering controls

• Provide adequate general and local exhaust ventilation to keep aerosol and solvent vapour concentrations below occupational exposure limits.
• If ventilation is insufficient, 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 materials for short-term contact (splash protection): nitrile rubber or neoprene.
• Minimum glove thickness: > 0.4 mm.
• Breakthrough time: > 480 minutes.
• Before use, verify glove suitability for the specific workstation (mechanical resistance, product compatibility, antistatic properties) and follow manufacturer instructions for use, storage and replacement.
• Replace gloves immediately if damaged or worn. Preventive skin protection cream and prompt washing of contaminated skin are recommended.

Skin and body protection

• Depending on the likelihood of explosive atmospheres, wear appropriate protective clothing.
• Operators should use antistatic footwear and clothing where electrostatic charging may occur.

Respiratory protection

• If solvent concentrations exceed limit values, wear an approved breathing apparatus.
• Use a half-mask with appropriate cartridges or an air-fed system.
• Dry grinding, torch cutting and welding can produce hazardous dust and vapours; if possible, use wet methods and local exhaust hoods, and wear suitable respiratory protection.
• When operators must work inside spray booths, they should wear compressed air-fed respirators during spraying until particulate and solvent vapour levels are below exposure limits.

General protective measures and hygiene

• Do not eat, drink or smoke in the work area.
• Avoid contact of product with skin, eyes and clothing.
• Avoid inhalation of sanding dust, particulates and spray mist from the coating.