Sea Hawk Paints Guidelines for Treating Oil Contaminated Bottom Paint

Clearwater, FL (USA) In light of the worst oil spill in US history, Sea Hawk Paints provides boaters in the Gulf Coast Region and other oil impacted areas the following guidelines to help clean oil contaminated bottom paint from their boats.

Oil on antifouling paint inhibits the ability of the coating to release the biocides and thus further prevent fouling, or growth from occurring. Oil contamination may also lead to poor adhesion of existing and new bottom paint resulting in flaking or pealing of the coatings.

For heavy oil contamination of antifouling paint the best method to use when treating the bottom paint is to use Sea Hawk Marine Paint Stripper to remove all the pollution and the oil contaminated bottom paint, then scrub the substrate using Sea Hawk S-90 DeWax and Cleaner and a coarse Scotch-Brite pad. Rinse with fresh water. Repeat until the surface is clean and there is no evidence of any oil and water does not bead or separate. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly prior to repainting with bottom paint. The same process is recommended on metal boats however to avoid corrosion the metal substrate should be prepared by grinding or blasting after the cleaning process and prior to priming. To aid adhesion apply a Marine Epoxy Primer such as Sea Hawk Tuff Stuff High Build Epoxy Primer per label instructions.

For light oil contamination of the antifouling paint, powerwash and then use a household detergent with water to scrub off any pollution. Repeat as necessary. Then scrub using Sea Hawk S-90 Dewax and Cleaner and a coarse Scotch-Brite pad and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Let dry prior to applying new bottom paint. Ablative and Self-Polishing bottom paints such as Cukote, Biocop TF, and AF-33 may be re-launched without repainting assuming the film thickness of remaining paint is adequate (2-3 mils dry after cleaning and scrubbing). Hard modified epoxy paint such as Sharkskin and Tropikote, should be repainted if the coating is exposed out of the water for more than 72 hours. Due to the aggressive nature of the cleaning and scrubbing, it is recommended the any boats re-launched without a new coat of bottom paint be scheduled for the next application in 6 months.

NOTE: Be sure to remove all oil contamination: Sanding or sand blasting a surface that still has oil on it may drive the oil into the surface and cause a loss of adhesion of the subsequent coats.

Oil contaminated waste water and bottom paint should be collected per local, state and Federal guidelines, local authority regulations and/or Clean Water Act requirements. Collecting the water and the emulsified crude will prevent spreading of contamination. Crude and solvent contaminated wipes, application and removal supplies must also be properly disposed of according to local regulations.

For further assistance, call Sea Hawk Paints, 800-528-0997. For more information about Sea Hawk products, visit www.SeaHawkPaints.com

A trendsetter of marine bottom paints, New Nautical Coatings, Inc. was established in 1978 and is dedicated to bringing only the highest quality products and customer satisfaction to today’s mariner. New Nautical Coatings is family owned and operated in the Gulf Coast Region with a commitment to excellence and premium USA made products. They offer wide array of products that include antifouling systems, primers, solvents, resins, and other below the waterline products. Now offering innovative products globally, the Sea Hawk brand has enjoyed unprecedented growth and continues to grow as its products become more in demand worldwide.

Contact Information:
New Nautical Coatings, Inc.
14805 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33672
Marketing
contactus@SeaHawkPaints.com

www.SeaHawkPaints.com
(727) 523-8053