Paint Manual - Dove-Medows Marine Coatings Ltd

2. Cleaning and degreasing
Good surface preparation is the key to achieving a great
finish. Part of this preparation is making sure the surface is
free from dirt and contamination.
Pre-Cleaning
Pre-Clean is a high strength cleaner
and degreaser for pre-cleaning gelcoat
and painted surfaces in order to
remove fuel, oil, grease, waxes and
silicones. You should use this before
painting, and for deep cleaning.
• Dilute 1 part Pre-Clean to 20 parts
water for general cleaning, 1:10 for
more demanding cleaning jobs.
• Don’t use on bare or untreated
wood, as it may absorb the water.
You can also use Pre-Clean to clean
brushes covered in part cured paint.
Degreasing
Use Degreaser to remove surface
contaminants, especially wax or
silicone on new gelcoat. Do not use
it on single component conventional
paint systems, as the solvents in
Degreaser can damage the coating.
• Work in a well ventilated area using
a clean absorbent, lint free cloth
soaked in Degreaser.
• Using the soaked cloth in a
longitudinal motion, clean 1m 2 at
a time, changing the cloth surface
before the next section – wear
solvent resistant gloves and eye
protection while doing this.
• Wipe excess Degreaser from the
surface using a new dry cloth.
Key Advice:
For general cleaning, see Boatcare section, page 76–80.
Check the surface for grease by
sprinkling it with water. If pearly
drops form, the surface is still greasy
and needs a further treatment with
Degreaser. If the water flows out
evenly, no grease is left on the surface.
11
Surface preparation