Protect Against Gelcoat Blisters with Interlux Interprotect
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Protection is always better than cure and it really does make sense to protect a new boat as well as an older craft. To achieve this protection it is necessary to sheath the hull with a water barrier to seal the surface. This is done over the existing gelcoat. There is no better time to apply an anti-osmosis system than when the boat has not yet been launched. Some boat builders now offer Interlux's Interprotect treatment as part of their production process, so it is worth finding out if this is the case. However, it must be stressed that protective systems cannot stop osmosis once it has started, or prevent it from occurring in poorly constructed hulls. It is important that a full check is undertaken before starting.
Recommended Overcoating Intervals |
| Temperatures |
TIME BETWEEN COATS OF
INTERPROTECT® 2000E** |
FIRST COATING OF
ANTIFOULING |
| Min |
Max |
Min |
Max |
| 50°F (10°C) |
5 Hours |
2 Weeks |
7 Hours |
9 Hours |
| 60°F (15°C) |
4 Hours |
2 Weeks |
6 Hours |
8 Hours |
| 77°F (25°C) |
3 Hours |
2 Weeks |
5 Hours |
7 Hours |
| 95°F (35°C) |
2 Hours |
2 Weeks |
3 Hours |
5 Hours |
| Number of Coats |
4/5 |
1 |
*It usually takes 4-5 coats of Interprotect 2000E/2001E but the final film thickness of 10 mils D.F.T. is more important than the number of coats.
**If you exceed the maximum dry times between coats of epoxy you must sand with 80 grit and apply at least one more coat of Interprotect 2000E/2001E to ensure having 10 mils D.F.T.
***Overcoating times will vary due to wide variations in temperature and humidity. The best method to determine when the Interprotect 2000E is Ready-to-Overcoat is to check the paint film using the "Thumb Print" test. If the Interprotect 2000E feels tacky and you can leave a thumbprint in the paint film without getting any paint on your thumb it is ready for overcoating.
Test the paint film 1 hour after starting the application. Continue testing every 15 minutes using the "Thumb Print" test until reaching the ready-to-overcoat stage. Immediately, begin to apply the Interlux antifouling paint once the primer has reached the Ready-To-Overcoat stage. Do not use this method with Epiglass Epoxy or Interprotect® 3000.
These times do not apply to VC Offshore or Baltoplate, Micron® Optima or Fiberglass Bottomkote Aqua.
Typical work schedule for application of InterProtect® 2000E at 70°F (21°C)
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DAY ONE
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| 8 a.m. |
Give boat final sanding and wipe down |
| 9 a.m. |
Apply first coat of InterProtect 2000E |
| 12 noon |
Apply second coat of InterProtect 2000E |
| 3 p.m. |
Apply third coat of InterProtect 2000E |
DAY TWO — Up to 6 months is allowed between coats of InterProtect 2000E
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| 8 a.m. |
Apply fourth coat of InterProtect 2000E |
| 12 noon |
Apply fifth coat of InterProtect 2000E (if needed) |
| 4 p.m. |
Apply first coat of Interlux® antifouling paint |
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It usually takes 4-5 coats to apply the proper amount of Interprotect® 2000E/2001E, but the amount of paint is more important than the number of coats.
See page 28 for the amount of InterProtect 2000E needed.
Original article from Interlux (pdf)
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