Coppercoat Application Guide
This guide outlines the professional application process for COPPERCOAT. Following these steps ensures the required 250-micron thickness and the long-term performance of the biostatic barrier.
1. Surface Preparation
The hull must be completely free of all previous antifouling coatings. Remove existing layers by blasting, sanding or chemical treatment until only the gelcoat or existing epoxy primer remains. The surface must be clean, dry and free from grease or dust, with a sanded finish suitable for optimum adhesion.
2. Priming and Metal Protection
- GRP Hulls: If an epoxy primer is required for additional protection, use a solvent-free system such as Hempel High Build or Jotun Jotamastic. Apply the first coat of COPPERCOAT while the primer remains tacky.
- Metal Fittings: Through-hull fittings and rudders should receive one or two coats of solvent-free primer to insulate the metal from the copper.
- Keels: Iron or lead keels require two to four coats of epoxy primer before application.
- Non-GRP Boats: For steel, wood or aluminium hulls, apply at least two coats of solvent-free epoxy primer. Apply COPPERCOAT before the primer fully cures, or sand the surface if more than 24 hours have elapsed.
3. Mixing and Pot Life
Mix only one litre at a time due to the limited working time.
- Thoroughly mix the base resin and hardener, then slowly add the copper powder while stirring continuously. Use an electric mixer to ensure a homogeneous blend.
- Pot Life: 30 to 40 minutes at temperatures above 20°C. In high temperatures, the mixture may be thinned with up to 10% isopropyl alcohol if necessary.
4. Application Process
Apply using short-haired rollers in a random pattern. Avoid applying individual coats too heavily.
- First Coat: This may appear thin or translucent; this is normal.
- Successive Coats: Apply the second, third and fourth coats directly onto the previous layer before it cures. On vessels over 8 metres, the next coat can often be applied immediately.
- Full Coverage: Ensure the total calculated quantity is used (approximately 1 litre per 4 square metres). Use any remaining material to reinforce high-wear areas such as the waterline.
- Timing: All coats must be applied on the same day.
5. Curing and Launching
- Moisture Protection: Protect the hull from rain or moisture for at least 48 hours.
- Curing Time: Do not relaunch the vessel for a minimum of three days.
- Hidden Areas: After three days, supports may be repositioned to treat previously inaccessible areas using the same multi-coat method.
- Finishing: Before launching, lightly sand the surface by hand or machine to expose the copper and accelerate activation.
6. Maintenance and Reactivation
- Annual Wash: Lift the vessel annually for a pressure wash to remove surface contamination. This can usually be carried out while the boat remains in a travel lift.
- Reactivation: Every two to three years, a light sanding is recommended to expose fresh copper and maintain optimum performance.
If you would like the full, detailed Ambientech official Coppercoat application guide, please download the PDF below.
Coppercoat reapplication process
If your Coppercoat has been in the water for several years and the coating is still in good condition (no flaking, blistering or detachment), there is no need to strip anything back. You simply reactivate it. Here is the complete reapplication process.
1. Sand back until all green oxidation has been removed
Sand the entire hull surface using 120 grit sandpaper until the finish returns to a solid brown colour. Once no trace of the green oxide layer remains, preparation is complete. This step is critical. Proper keying ensures the new Coppercoat bonds correctly to the existing coating.
2. Wash thoroughly and allow to dry completely
Wash down the hull with clean water to remove all sanding dust and surface contaminants. Do not begin application until the surface is completely dry. Any residual moisture will compromise the adhesion and curing of the epoxy system.
3. Apply 4 to 5 full coats in a single day
Apply a complete new treatment of Coppercoat (4 to 5 thin coats) in one session, following the standard application procedure. The wet on wet technique ensures chemical adhesion between coats and the structural integrity of the finished system.
4. Treat areas covered by cradle supports after 3 days
After 3 days of curing, lift the boat and reposition the supports. Sand the previously covered areas, clean thoroughly, allow to dry, then apply Coppercoat using the same method. No part of the hull should be left untreated.
5. Light sand to activate the surface, then relaunch
After a further 3 days of curing, lightly sand the entire hull to activate the Coppercoat surface and expose fresh copper. The boat is then ready for relaunch, with a renewed service life of 10 to 15 years from a single treatment.