Propspeed
PROPSPEED is a product that prevents the growth of marine vegetation on metal surfaces below the waterline.
Improves Performance
PROPSPEED is able to protect metal surfaces below the waterline. Its extraordinary formula reduces the seal and consequently the propagation of algae and crustaceans on the surfaces on which it is applied, helping to reduce fuel consumption and increase cruising speed.
Guaranteed Savings
The algae and crustaceans that form on the hull and on the propellers can cause greater friction of a smooth and perfectly smooth surface. PROPSPEED, by preventing the formation of these organisms, and by keeping the surfaces smooth, improves performance and reduces fuel consumption.
Lasting Formula
The silicone formula of PROPSPEED, combined with its high adhesion, results in a longer life of the surfaces without the formation of encrustations compared to classic antifouling products, thus allowing the owner of the boat to reduce costly maintenance interventions on the submerged parts.
This is especially suitable for boats that are not put aground during the winter or that want to undertake long periods of navigation
Eco Friendly & Completely Eco-Sustainable
PROPSPEED does not release any toxic elements into the water and is completely eco-sustainable as it does not contain copper and zinc.
Usually, the products for the prevention of scaling for propellers on the market contain toxic substances that attack and kill the organisms that try to take root on submerged surfaces, with their consequent dispersion into the sea.
PROPSPEED’s formula is a winner as it is slippery and non-toxic.
Application
1) Overview of the Propspeed application
The Propspeed application process is not difficult, but it must be strictly adhered to. We recommend using a Propspeed approved professional, or experienced ship painter.
For the experienced applicator, there are 5 simple steps to get a great result:
- Preparation of the metal surface
- Initial cleaning
- Metal conditioning
- Primer application
- Transparent paint
In addition to the Propspeed kit, you will need these items:
- A double action sander
- 60-80 grit sandpaper
- Lots of rags
- Disposable brushes
- Disposable foam rollers
- Disposable plastic paint tubs
- Mixing sticks
- Coveralls / overalls of paper
- Disposable gloves
- Eye protection
- Powder sanding mask.
2) Surface Preparation – Using sandpaper or PROPSTRIP
Also in this case, the first step to obtain an optimal result is the preparation of the surface on which we will then apply PROPSPEED. Coats of paint or an old PROPSPEED treatment must be carefully removed before applying the new product. Wash the surfaces with pressurized water to obtain a clean surface. Once the surfaces have dried, use sandpaper (60-80) by hand or with a sander, always in at least two directions. As an alternative to sandpaper, PROPSTRIP can be used
Propstrip is a safe, low-toxicity cleaner that reduces the labor costs of removing Propspeed by up to 70%.
Make sure the area you are working with is completely dry. Propstrip does NOT like humidity. As water completely neutralizes the product.
If the prop still has a layer of silicone, it may be necessary to abrade the surface with 80 grit sandpaper. This will allow the Propstrip to work more effectively by penetrating the silicone faster.
Apply Propstrip generously with a brush making sure there is a thick coating on 100% of the surface to be treated.
Once the old Propspeed is removed, sand the surface to an 80 grit profile. If your boat has never had Propspeed applied before, simply sand the surface down to an 80 grit profile. This can be done using a mechanical sander. For difficult areas, sand by hand with wet or dry 80-grit sandpaper.
From this point on, gloves must be worn. Make sure you have plenty of rags on hand for the next two steps.
3) Surface Cleaning – Using PROPCLEAN / Denatured Alcohol
Once all traces of the old paint or Propspeed layer have been eliminated, the cleaning phase with PROPCLEAN can begin. Taking care not to touch the parts that will affect the treatment with bare hands, proceed with cleaning the surface with PROPCLEAN using latex gloves and clean rags.
Rub the surface until there is no residue on the cotton rag.
4) Metal Conditioning – Using PROPPREP
Once the cleaning phase is finished, apply PROPPREP on the metal surfaces, taking care immediately after passing a clean rag over the product (PROPREP must not dry on the metal). This step is essential for the chemical preparation of the metal before applying PROPSPEED PRIMER.
Always remember to use clean latex gloves.
PROPPREP is an acid product, so pay special attention when cleaning the surface. The Propprep solution does not contain corrosive inhibitors, so the treated surface must be treated with the next step as soon as possible.
5) Metal Painting – “Metal Primer”
Environmental and atmospheric conditions affect the application of Propspeed and the drying times of the Metal Primer. Make sure the temperature is not below 8 ° C and the humidity does not exceed 85%, do not apply in direct sun.
Open the can of “Metal Primer” taking care to mix the contents thoroughly and remove lumps or deposits before adding the catalyst.
Note: Failure to mix the Metal Primer base thoroughly can lead to premature curing, anomalies and a short life of the final coating system.
Etching Primer can be applied with a brush and / or a foam roller. The application process must be well planned due to the rapid reapplication times between coats. The timing of each coat is essential to allow for the required chemical adhesion between coats.
Using 27 ° C as a reference, we have on average 3 to 5 minutes from the start of the application of the first coat to the beginning of the application of the second coat.
6) Transparent Final Paint – “Clear Coat”
Mix the silicone thoroughly before applying it. As in the previous phase, the application times between the 2 coats are 3-5 minutes at a temperature of 27 ° C.
Apply the silicone like a traditional varnish, using a brush and taking care to distribute it evenly over the entire surface in a homogeneous way.
Propspeed takes a minimum of eight hours to dry before putting in the water. In cold climates, we recommend at least 24 hours of drying.
Below you can download the application guide in PDF format, with complete and exhaustive instructions.
Other PROPSPEED Products
LIGHTSPEED
Lightspeed is the first non-stick clear coat developed specifically for underwater lights.
Protect your underwater lights from marine fouling, including barnacles, oysters, mussels and seaweed
Underwater lights generate light and heat, creating environmental conditions that favor the growth of microorganisms.
Conventional antifouling paint designed to prevent algae and fouling growth on submerged hulls and equipment is not suitable for underwater lights as it is not transparent. Fortunately, Oceanmax has the solution: LIGHTSPEED
FOULFREE
The revolutionary non-stick coating that protects transducers from marine growth, certified by Airmar.
Marine fouling on the surface of transducers can reduce their accuracy, reducing image detail on the screen, decreasing image detail, causing echo refractions and distorting fish data. Keep your transducer at peak performance with FOULFREE.
FOULFREE forms a smooth, slippery surface that microorganisms cannot cling to, keeping the transducer surface clean and clear.
FOULFREE is a non-stick coating that does not poison marine microorganisms and does not release toxins into the environment.
The shelf life of FOULFREE is at least 12 months, with an even greater yield in colder climates.