The Paint Manual - Hempel

46
Using Gel/High Protect
Apply Gel/High Protect with roller Lay off Gel/High Protect in opposite direction
with brush
Curing
Gel/High Protect should be touch dry
within 6 to 8 hours.
If the temperature drops below 10 o C Gel/
High Protect is likely to stop curing. The
curing will start again once the temperature
increases, however an inadequate curing
temperature may cause amine sweating to
occur. This is a condition where a thin film
of amine carbomate forms on the surface
of the epoxy and this amine sweat must be
degreased or washed off with fresh water
before overcoating.
Planning overcoating times is essential to
avoid rubbing down between coats. See
painting specifications for more detail.
Full cure of Gel/High Protect will
take approximately 10 days at 20 o C.
Subsequent coats of primer and antifouling
can be applied. (See specification table on
previous page). It is recommended that the
boat is not launched during this period as it
could affect the curing of the coating.
Good practice
• If Gel/High Protect application cannot
be carried out indoors, it is advisable to
erect a cover around the hull to provide
protection from the elements.
• If Gel/High Protect is being applied
at 10 o C, keep the product indoors at
normal room temperature before use.
• Move the tape line up with each coat
to avoid a hard ridge at
the waterline.
• Gel/High Protect is produced in
2 colours to allow application of
alternative layers of cream and grey to
ensure total coverage of each coat.
• Stir both the base and activator of
Gel/High Protect thoroughly before
mixing together. Once mixed together,
again stir well to achieve an even
consistency.
• Do not thin Gel/High Protect.
• Thorough surface preparation and the
careful following of all instructions is
the key to a successful finish.