TotalBoat 2-Part Epoxy Primers are for marine use prior to the application of a topcoat. Their VOC levels of <420 g/L (Surfacing Primer, admixed) and <350 g/L (High Build Primer, admixed) meet all current guidelines.

The recommended thinner is TotalBoat Epoxy Primer Thinner 200 (sold separately) formulated to extend wet film flow, especially when applying primer through a spray nozzle. This reducer can also be used as a surface prep cleaner, and as a solvent for cleaning equipment.

Surface Preparation

Fiberglass/Wood: Abrade with 100-150 grit sandpaper. Solvent wipe with TotalBoat Epoxy Primer Thinner 200 to remove surface contaminants. Follow with a dry, clean, lint-free cotton rag, and allow to dry completely.
Steel: Sandblast or grind to SSPC-6 Commercial Blast. Remove residue with a vacuum or air hose, solvent wipe with TotalBoat Epoxy Primer Thinner 200, and allow the surface to dry completely.
Aluminum: Sandblast, grind, or sand the surface with 100-150 grit sandpaper, then use TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash, as directed. Dry the surface completely and apply TotalBoat 2-Part Epoxy Primer within a maximum of 4 hours.
Previously Primed or Painted Surfaces: Ensure that the substrate is a 2-component system. If no corrosion byproducts are present, abrade the surface with 100-150 grit sandpaper to remove gloss. Wipe away any surface contamination with a lint-free rag wetted with TotalBoat Epoxy Primer Thinner 200. Follow with a clean-dry, lint-free rag to ensure no contaminants were spread or left behind.

Mixing

Shake or stir the primer base well such that no material is settled on the bottom or sides of the can. Mix 1 part primer base with one part primer activator by volume. Allow an induction period of approximately 30 minutes prior to reduction and application. See Epoxy Primer Thinner 200 data (below) for details on thinning the product, if desired.

Application

Spray Application: SURFACING PRIMER: After induction period, reduce 15-25% with TotalBoat Epoxy Primer Thinner 200 for desired application and film thickness control. Coats can be applied at 3-4 wet mils building up to 12 wet mils thick, waiting 1-3 hours between coats. For single-coat application (3-4 wet mils). it can be sanded after 4 hours. HIGH BUILD PRIMER: After the induction period, for desired application and film thickness control, reduce 15-25% with TotalBoat Epoxy Primer Thinner 200. Apply with a 1.8-2mm spray tip. Coats can be applied at 3-4 mils wet each, building up to 20 wet mils thick, waiting 1-3 hours between coats. For single-coat application (3-4 mils wet), it can be sanded after 4 hours.

Roll/Brushing Application: Thinning should not be needed, but if reduction is desired for flow, use TotalBoat Epoxy Primer Thinner 200. If rolling, use only 1/8-inch nap epoxy/solvent-safe foam rollers. Subsequent coats can be applied every 1-3 hours, up to 12 wet mils thick (Surfacing Primer) or 20 wet mils thick (High Build Primer).

Sanding

For multiple-coat application, after the final coat, allow 16 hours to cure before sanding. If possible, do not wait more than 24 hours to sand, especially with only one or two coats, as the primer will get increasingly harder. Use 220-grit or finer sandpaper for optimum topcoat appearance.

Precautions

Use with adequate ventilation and proper respiratory protection. See SDS for complete details of composition and precautions.

Warning: Do not apply paint materials to surfaces less than 5°F above dew point, or to surfaces warmer than 125°F. Ambient air and surface temperatures should be above 45°F and below 125°F.