SML Marine Paints - Marine paint information

General Questions
Q.	What is the coverage of the paint in sq. metres per litre?
Q.	The data sheets refer to a “Volume Solids” percentage. What does this mean?
Q.	What’s the difference between a “single pack” paint and a “two-pack” paint?
Q.	How long will the paint take to dry?
Q.	I’ve applied one coat. How long do I have to wait before applying a second coat?
Q.	What is the shelf life of the paint?
Q.	Do you sell smaller sizes than 5 litres?
Q.	Do you sell deck paint?
Q.	How many coats of paint should I apply?
Q.	Can Jotun paint be sprayed?
Q.	How ultra violet resistant is the paint?
Q.	Are all two-pack paints epoxies?

Q.	What is the coverage of the paint in sq. metres per litre?
A.	This depends both on the type of paint and the method of application. Using a brush or roller, coverage will be around 8 m² (80sq. ft) per litre per coat for the primers and 10 m² (100sq. ft) per litre for the topcoats. By definition, any paint applied at 100 microns wet film thickness (1000 microns = 1mm) will cover at a rate of 10 m² per litre. The thicker the paint is, the more you will be able to pick up with a brush or roller, which will reduce the coverage. With thinner paints, you will pick up less and the coverage will be greater.

Q.	The data sheets refer to a “Volume Solids” percentage. What does this mean?
A.	Paint comprises solid matter held in suspension by liquid in the form of solvent. When the paint had dried and all the liquid has evaporated, the dry film thickness will be the wet film thickness multiplied by the volume solids. For example, a paint with 60% volume solids applied at a wet thickness of 100 microns (typical if you’re using a brush or roller) will have a dry thickness of 60 microns.

Q.	What’s the difference between a “single pack” paint and a “two pack” paint?
A.	A two-pack paint requires two components to be mixed together prior to application. Once mixed, a chemical reaction starts that causes the paint to cure and harden. Epoxy paints are examples of two-pack paints. If you don’t mix the two components together, the paint won’t cure. Araldite is an example of a two-pack epoxy (except it’s glue, not paint!). Two-pack paints are much more durable than single packs, but they are generally much less flexible than single packs, so they are only suitable for application to certain surfaces. They also contain strong solvents which may cause other paints (particularly single packs) to blister. See other questions on wood, steel and GRP for more information.

Q.	How long will the paint take to dry?
A.	This depends on the type of paint and the surrounding temperature. Refer to the data sheet for the particular paint you are using. This gives details on drying times at various temperatures.

Q.	I’ve applied one coat. How long do I have to wait before applying a second coat?
A.	This depends on the type of paint and the surrounding temperature. Refer to the data sheet for the paint. This gives details on minimum overcoating times at various temperatures.

Q.	What is the shelf life of the paint?
A.	Four years in a tightly sealed tin. The exceptions to this are SeaQueen, SeaForce, SeaAlu, Mare Nostrum and Racing, all of which have a shelf life of 18 months.

Q.	Do you sell smaller sizes than 5 litres?
A.	Yes, look at the item you wish to purchase to see the available pack sizes.

Q.	Do you sell deck paint?
A.	We sell special additives that can be mixed into many of the paints to give an anti-slip finish. The easiest to use is the Anti-Slip Pearls, which are stirred into the paint and applied using a brush or roller. They have the advantage of being neutral in colour which makes them less visible in the paint. We also supply aluminium oxide in three grades. This is sprinkled into paint that has already been applied and then rolled in. Aluminium oxide (particularly the medium and coarse grades) will produce a rougher surface than Anti-Slip Pearls.

Q.	How many coats of paint should I apply?
A.	It depends on the circumstances and the paint you are using. Primers - For primers protecting bare steel, wood or GRP, the more coats you apply, the better the protection will be. There is no such thing as a paint that is impermeable to water: what you are doing is putting up a barrier to water – the thicker this barrier the longer water will take to get through it. Two-pack primers will last at least twice as long as single packs when applied at the same film thickness. Using a brush, for lasting protection the minimum number of coats below the waterline should be three. Above the waterline apply a minimum of two coats. It is a good idea to alternate colours between coats as this helps ensure more even coverage. If you are painting over a surface that is already painted and in reasonable condition, then two coats should be sufficient. Topcoats - Two-coats will be sufficient if using a brush or roller.

Q.	Can Jotun paint be sprayed?
A.	Primers - yes, but only using high pressure airless spray. The paint is too thick for conventional airspray. Airless spray is the best method of application as it is possible to lay down high film thicknesses in a minimum of coats. Topcoats - Very good results can be achieved using conventional airspray. For high quality work, airspray is preferable to airless spray as the spray mist is finer and the finish will be smoother. In cold weather it may be necessary to thin the paint by 5-10%.

Q.	How ultra violet resistant is the paint?
A.	Epoxy paints are not ultraviolet resistant and will “chalk” when exposed to UV light for a period of time. This chalking is a white powdery residue that comes to the surface of the paint. It is cosmetic only and will not affect the performance of the paint. This is one of the main reasons why epoxy primers are overcoated with a topcoat – for better cosmetic appearance. Two-pack polyurethanes are the most UV resistant and will retain their gloss and colour for at least twice as long as the best single pack topcoats.

Q.	Are all 2 pack paints epoxies?
A.	No, all epoxies manufactured by Jotun are two-packs, but some two-packs are polyurethanes or acrylics.

General Questions