Paint Systems

What is a coating system?

A coating system is a composite or combination of coatings constructed (applied) to achieve the required physical performance and appearance characteristics of the final coating system.

Typically a coating system consists of three distinct phases. Priming – to provide adhesion to the substrate and protect from substrate corrosion. Intermediate Coating – to provide barrier characteristics for resistance to water etc. and sometimes to provide other beneficial qualities such as sand-ability etc.. Finish Coating – to provide the desired finish (whether it be a colourful glossy coating or a hull-cleaning antifouling coating).

How do I know what type of system to choose?

The Altex Yacht & Boat Paint range of paints is available as one pack (1 pot) and two pack (2 pot or 2K) each product line providing systems tailored for the ‘DIY boat painters’ personal preferences. Essentially painting preferences can be divided between spray application and manual application by brush or roller.

All the one pack products are easy to apply by brush allowing work to be conducted almost anywhere at home, on the hardstand, or in the water. Two pack products must be handled with care ensuring correct mixing of A and B components and are best applied under more controlled conditions with the best results being obtained by spray application.

How do I use the system diagrams?

The system diagrams are primarily informative and designed to illustrate the various ‘layers’ in classic new-work coating systems. Also the diagrams are designed to illustrate the simplicity and versatility of the various systems; for instance in many cases when designing two pack product systems, readers will note that several stages are identical for both underwater and topsides systems. This reduces paint inventory requirements and simplifies the actual application procedures.

In addition the diagrams clearly illustrate the different preparation and conditioning requirements for each substrate type. The diagrams are also useful for assessing what coatings are required in maintenance or re-paint situations.

What if I don’t need the whole system?

Not a problem! Often in maintenance or re-paint situations only one or two coatings are required.

By referring to the system diagrams and cross-referencing to the current condition of the article to be painted the painter can select the coatings required using the basic principle of, “repair what is damaged using the same coating and replace what is missing by applying the subsequent coatings”.