What is Coppercoat?
Coppercoat is the combination of a specially developed solvent-free water based epoxy resin and high purity (99%) copper. Each litre of resin is impregnated with 2 kilos of ultra fine copper, the maximum allowed by law, making Coppercoat the strongest copper based antifouling available. Indeed no other anti-fouling exposes as much active copper to unwanted marine life.
Unlike many paint companies we do not manufacture different types of anti-fouling for different styles of boats and/or particular locations. Instead, Coppercoat is only available in one full-strength hard-wearing version. The epoxy carrier is filled with the maximum amount of copper allowed by law and consequently will keep fouling at bay in virtually all conditions. Furthermore, while the non-eroding epoxy can easily withstand use by high powered motor-boats and racing craft this coating is equally effective on commercial vessels as well as less frequently used and slower moving leisure vessels.
Classified as non-leaching, this highly effective coating is considerably kinder to the environment than its self eroding competitors, whilst continuing to deter growth year after year. Indeed, correctly applied treatments resist weed and barnacle growth for a decade or more! The complete treatment has been tested and approved by the Health and Safety Executive, in compliance with UK and EU law. Holding HSE Certificate Number 7532 our anti-fouling is fully approved for use by both professional tradesmen and the general public. Furthermore, Coppercoat fully complies with current (2001) International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Resolution MEPC.102(48).
Today Coppercoat alone has a proven lifespan of 10 years plus, with an unequalled continual sales record dating back to 1991.
How it works
On immersion sea water attacks the exposed pure copper powder, causing the formation of cuprous oxide. This highly effective antifouling agent deters growth until the surface degrades further to become cupric hydrochloride. This final copper form is highly unstable, and is washed away by the movement of the yacht, thereby removing any accumulating silt or slime. This automatically reveals a fresh copper rich surface, whereby the process recommences.
With an average thickness of at least 200 microns of Coppercoat being applied in a treatment, and a typical corrosion rate of 5 microns per year, it is easy to appreciate how this coating offers such long lasting and effective protection.
Furthermore, the inherent waterproofing qualities of the epoxy ensure that a treatment of Coppercoat will help prevent osmosis in GRP craft and offer extra protection against corrosion in steel vessels.
With the resin carrier insulating each copper particle, the final coating is inert and non conductive. Consequently Coppercoat does not cause electroloysis problems or cathodic decay in steel or aluminium craft. Sacrificial anodes should be fitted in the usual manner.
Surface Preparation:
GRP: As is common with all epoxy coatings, it is important that the substrate to be coated is well prepared. All surfaces must be must be cleaned of all contaminates, including dirt, dust, grease, rust or loose paint. Two-pack epoxy coatings, such as Coppercoat, must be applied to sound and permanent substrates – consequently all surfaces must be cleaned of any previously applied single-pack paint coatings or conventional anti- fouling. The best way to achieve this is to low-pressure slurry blast the hull, though old paint can be removed by hand. Finally, the hull must be abraded to provide a good key for the new epoxy coating. The most efficient method is to use a random orbital electric sander with dust extraction using 60 to 120 grade discs or by wet hand sanding. All old paint residues should be disposed of responsibly. Remove the resulting dust before proceeding with the Coppercoat application – either using a soft brush or cloth. The hull can be washed with fresh water, but ensure this is allowed to dry before proceeding. Under no circumstances clean the hull with any solvents or oil-based products (such as Acetone).
Iron, Steel, Aluminum, Ferro-Cement, and Wood: All can be equally successfully treated with Coppercoat. However, once these substrates have been cleaned, they must be primed with the appropriate epoxy system before proceeding with the Coppercoat application. Full instructions can be obtained from Aquarius Marine Coatings, as can a full range of the necessary epoxy primers.
