COMBI FILLER

What is Epifanes Combi Filler and why choose it?

Epifanes Combi Filler is a traditional, air-drying, one-component knifing filler based on alkyd resin. It has a very fine structure designed for levelling small surface imperfections with excellent sandability. Intended for use above the waterline, it is suitable on wood and steel as part of one-component paint systems and can also be applied over existing, sanded paint layers.

Main features

• One-component knifing filler for easy, convenient application.
• Fine structure ideal for levelling small imperfections and surface irregularities.
• Excellent sandability for smooth, even surfaces ready for priming and finishing.
• Air-drying alkyd resin base compatible with Epifanes one-component primers and topcoats.
• For use above the waterline on wood and steel substrates.
• Suitable over existing coatings once these have been properly sanded.
• Available packaging in 225 ml tube and 900 g tin for small touch-ups or larger repair work.

Technical specifications

• Product type: Traditional knifing filler, one-component.
• Drying mechanism: Air drying.
• Base: Alkyd resin.
• Colour: Beige.
• Density: 1.83 kg/dm³ (approx. 1.82–1.83 g/cm³ at 20 °C).
• Packaging: 225 ml tube; 900 g pack.
• Shelf life: Approx. 3 years in unopened container stored in a dark location between 41–77 °F (5–25 °C). For 900 g packs, replace the protective foil after each use to avoid drying of the remaining filler.
• Recommended film thickness per coat: Apply in thin layers only, maximum 1 mm per layer.
• Multiple layers: For deeper filling, apply several thin layers; sand each filler layer with P280 dry abrasive paper before recoating.
• Application tool: Clean filling knife.
• Use area: Above the waterline only.
• Substrates: Wood and steel in one-component paint systems; levelled existing paint layers (after sanding).

Drying and overcoating (1 mm layer)

• At 54 °F (12 °C):
  • Sandable: 36 hours
  • Recoatable: 36 hours
• At 68 °F (20 °C):
  • Sandable: 24 hours
  • Recoatable: 24 hours
• At 82 °F (28 °C):
  • Sandable: 18 hours
  • Recoatable: 18 hours

Environmental and application conditions

• Application temperature (surface and product): Minimum 54 °F (12 °C), maximum 86 °F (30 °C).
• Relative humidity during application: Minimum 50 %, maximum 85 %.
• Dew point: Surface temperature must be at least 5 °F above dew point.
• Application notes:
  • Do not apply wet-in-wet.
  • Avoid large temperature differences between surface and filler.
  • Apply only in thin layers (max. 1 mm each).

Surface preparation

• All surfaces must be dry and clean.
• Remove all forms of contamination such as oil, grease or waste, as these can prevent proper adhesion.
• Sand suitable primers and existing coatings as specified below before applying Combi Filler.

Suitable primers

• Wood:
  • Epifanes Multi Marine Primer
  • Epifanes Woodprimer
• Steel:
  • Epifanes Multi Marine Primer
  • Epifanes Metalprimer
• Sanding of primer coats: Sand every primer coat with P180–220 abrasive paper before applying Combi Filler.

Compatible finish coats (recoatability)

• Epifanes Mono-urethane Yacht Paint
• Epifanes Nautiforte Yacht Paint
• Epifanes Yacht Enamel
• Epifanes Satin Finish

Finishing advice

• After drying, sand Combi Filler with P280 dry abrasive paper.
• To avoid moisture intake and possible matt areas caused by finish coats sinking into the filler, apply a precoat of finish thinned 15–20 % before building up full finish coats.

Applications and use cases

• Yacht and boat maintenance above the waterline on wooden and steel hulls using Epifanes one-component systems.
• Levelling minor defects such as small dents, scratches, sanding marks or pinholes prior to priming and finishing.
• Refurbishing existing coatings by filling local imperfections after sanding sound, aged paint layers.
• Professional and consumer use in workshops, boatyards and for private boat owners (as indicated for both professional and consumer sectors).

FAQ

1. Can Epifanes Combi Filler be used below the waterline?

   No. The product is specified for use above the waterline only.

2. What is the maximum thickness I can apply in one pass?

   Apply in thin layers with a maximum of 1 mm per layer. For deeper repairs, use multiple layers and sand each layer with P280 dry abrasive paper after drying.

3. On which substrates can I apply Combi Filler?

   On properly primed wood and steel within one-component paint systems, and on sanded existing paint layers above the waterline.

4. Do I need a primer before using Combi Filler?

   Yes. Suitable primers include Epifanes Multi Marine Primer and Epifanes Woodprimer on wood, or Epifanes Multi Marine Primer and Epifanes Metalprimer on steel. Each primer coat should be sanded with P180–220 before applying Combi Filler.

5. How long should I wait before sanding and recoating?

   For a 1 mm layer, typical times are: 36 hours at 54 °F, 24 hours at 68 °F and 18 hours at 82 °F for both sanding and recoating.

6. Which Epifanes topcoats are compatible?

   Epifanes Mono-urethane Yacht Paint, Nautiforte Yacht Paint, Yacht Enamel and Satin Finish are listed as compatible finish coats.

7. How should I store the 900 g packing after opening?

   Store in a dark location between 41–77 °F and always replace the protective foil on the remaining filler after each use to prevent drying.

8. Is there any special step before applying finish coats?

   Yes. After sanding the dried filler with P280 dry paper, precoat the area with a 15–20 % thinned finish coat to minimise moisture uptake and prevent matt spots.

Section 14 – Transport information

• UN number / ID number: UN1263
• UN proper shipping name: PAINT
• Transport hazard class: Class 3, flammable liquids (ADR, IMDG, IATA, DOT).
• Label: 3 (flammable liquid).
• Packing group: III.
• Marine pollutant: No.
• Special precautions for user: Warning: flammable liquids.
• Hazard identification number (Kemler code): 30.
• EMS (IMDG): F-E, S-E.
• Stowage category (IMDG): A.
• ADR limited quantities (LQ): 5 L.
• ADR excepted quantities (EQ): Code E1 – maximum 30 g per inner packaging, 1000 g per outer packaging.
• IMDG limited quantities (LQ): 5 L.
• IMDG excepted quantities (EQ): Code E1 – maximum 30 g per inner packaging, 1000 g per outer packaging.
• UN model regulation designation: UN 1263 PAINT, 3, III.

Section 8 – Personal protective measures

• General hygiene measures:
  • Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and feed.
  • Immediately remove all soiled and contaminated clothing.
  • Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
  • Store protective clothing separately.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
• Respiratory protection: Not required under normal conditions of use with adequate ventilation.
• Hand protection:
  • Wear protective gloves impermeable and resistant to the product.
  • For permanent contact, gloves made of nitrile rubber with a recommended thickness > 0.45 mm and permeation time > 480 min (EN 374) are suitable.
  • For short-term contact (up to 15 minutes), gloves made of butyl rubber are suitable.
  • The exact breakthrough time and suitability must be confirmed with the glove manufacturer.
• Eye/face protection: Tightly sealed safety goggles.