Speedcoat-49 Application Guide for Aluminum, Fiberglass or Gel-coated surfaces

1.) Climate Control Prep: Do not apply on days where relative humidity is above 75%, or the temperature below 50°F. The lower the humidity, the better the cure. We advise trying to apply Speedcoat-49 when it is below 60% relative humidity. Dehumidifiers, fans and sunshine are always a plus.

2.) Surface Prep: Make sure the paint on a painted hull is not ablative (sacrificial, leaching) and that it is adhering well to the hull before overcoating with Speecoat-49. Clean and “roughen” the surface of the hull by sanding with 150 grit paper. This enhances the adhesion of Speedcoat-49 to the hull. Wipe down the entire area to be coated with an acetone dampened rag. This removes sanding dust, oils, waxes and any other contaminants that could adversely affect adhesion. Keep wiping with the rag until it comes away clean. Mask your boundaries. Masking tape and registration stickers do not adhere well to a Speedcoat-49 coated surface. Plan your masking and state ID stickers accordingly.

3.) Mixing Instructions: Speedcoat-49 is a 2-component product. Begin by shaking both the “A” and “B” components violently, at least 30 seconds each. Now, pour the entire contents of component “B” into component “A”. Mix together thoroughly. Only catalyze the amount of coating needed for the project. For example, if you want to only use ½ of the container, simply pour out ½ of the A into a clean container, then pour ½ of the B directly into the A. Mix the A and B until completely blended. Once catalyzed, Speedcoat-49 has a workable pot life of 1 hour. (Note: catalyzed coating will gradually thicken through the pot life).

4.) Application: *note- Multiple, thin coats are always better than 1 thick coat.

• If Spraying – For the smoothest finish, apply by spraying. Speedcoat-49 can sometimes have a slight “orange peel” finish when applied by sprayer. This effect is usually the result of either varying application techniques (a learning curve is expected), or allowing the coating to thicken too far in pot life before spraying.
• If Rolling – For a smooth surface, we recommend a 3/8 inch nap mohair, or “fine finish” roller. When rolling the first coat, Speedcoat-49 will fisheye or separate –this is normal. The Speedcoat-49 will tighten up with subsequent coats for a uniform surface. Simply wait a few minutes and then smooth the coating out with your roller. The fisheye will diminish. Wait 15-30 minutes before applying the remainder of your catalyzed coating. If you can run your fingers along the surface of Speedcoat-49, it is ready for another layer. Continue until all of your catalyzed coating is used.
• If Rolling – For a more dimpled surface, allow the Speedcoat-49 to dry for a 2-3 minutes, then backroll the layer with your mostly dry roller to introduce some texture into the surface.
• A foam brush should be kept handy for hard to reach areas and welds, rivets, and seams.

5.) Pull tape within one hour of applying the last coat.

6.) Clean application equipment with water.

7.) Curing: (5-7 day cure) After application completion, wait at least 5 days before putting the boat back into service. If you can press your fingernail into the coating IT IS NOT FULLY CURED YET.

8.) Optional Forced/Faster Curing: (3-4 day cure) Adding heat after application, either by heaters, direct sunlight or other method, will speed up the curing process and will provide a harder coating. If adding heat, do not begin to add the heat until 8 hours after coated surface has been room temperature curing. Then add heat gradually, not to surpass 200 degrees F surface temperature.

9.) Store Speedcoat-49 at standard room temperature. Do not allow to freeze. The shelf life for the Speedcoat-49 product is 6 months. After the 6 month period, you can extend the shelf life by shaking the containers periodically (every 2 weeks). Some contents will settle and harden on the bottom.