Steel Vessels: Sea Hawk TUFF STUFF Low-VOC Epoxy Primer is normally used as part of paint systems for both above and below the waterline on hull systems on bare metal surfaces.

TUFF STUFF Low-VOC Epoxy must be applied over properly cleaned metal or fiberglass surfaces, free of all surface contamination. Some areas may need to be cleaned in accordance with SSPC-SP-1 Solvent Cleaning to ensure all oils, grease and other contaminants are removed.

See Technical Bulletin STL45 Additional Data For Painting Metal Hulls: Prior to application to any metal surface, we recommend the area first be grit blasted to SSPC-SP-10 ‘near white metal to a blast profile of no less than 1.5 mil, then cleaned free of dust and blast media and painted in accordance with the paint system specifications. Follow the paint system specifications for dry film thickness and over coating times. If the system requires more than two coat of TUFF STUFF Low-VOC Epoxy, make sure the second coat is applied within the over coating times listed above. Additionally, regardless of the topcoat to be applied over the TUFF STUFF Low-VOC Epoxy make sure the over coating windows are followed.

See Technical Bulletin AL1284 Recommended Paint Systems for Metal Surfaces Not Blasted: In many cases, some boatyards or shipyards cannot blast the metal surface and must clean by power tool such as power grinders we strongly recommend the metal surface be primed with one or two coats of Sea Hawk Strontium Chromate Epoxy before the TUFF STUFF Low-VOC Epoxy High Build is applied.

If this system is used make sure the grinding dust is removed by blown air, brooms, brushes or similar. Do not use rags with or without thinner should be used as this may leave fabric fibers on the cleaned surface which when over coated can produce moisture wicking to the substrate and cause blistering or delamination problems.

Blasted Surfaces: For steel surfaces use angular grit for blasting. Do not use metal ‘shot’ as this does not leave a proper surface for painting. For aluminum, do not use any metal blast media. There are specific blast media available like select minerals, sand or other non-metallic media provide an acceptable profile is provided.

Note: Blasted steel and aluminum must be painted as soon as possible after blasting to avoid any rust ‘bloom’ or oxidation from high humidity. Should the surface ‘turn’ before the first coat of Sea Hawk TUFF STUFF Low-VOC or Strontium Chromate Epoxy primers can be applied, we strongly recommend the surface be ‘grit swept’ in accordance with SSPCSP-7 Brush Off Blast to remove the ‘rust bloom’ or aluminum oxide and then continue with the application of the paint system.

Tips for a Better Sea Hawk Tuff Stuff Low VOC Epoxy Barrier Coat Application

Here are some great tips to aid you in performing the best application of Tuff Stuff High Build Epoxy Primer. Please also consult the Tuff Stuff Technical Data Sheet for more detailed information.

1. Remove ALL bottom paint residue completely

2. Prep hull to an 80 grit profile

3. Wipe hull clean with Sea Hawk S80 or s-90

4. Tape hull off 3 to 4 times

5. Use a quality 3/8" nap roller cover

6. Shake both part A and B on a mechanical shaker before mixing 1:1

7. Stir occasionally during the 20-30 minute induction time

8. Start at the lowest point of the hull and work your way up and forward.

9. Roll additional coats perpendicular to previous coats. This eliminates lap marks.

10.  Have painters switch sides on each coat. You will wind up with an even film thickness and a consistent looking bottom.

11.  Check WFT on the hull at even intervals and document.

12.  Pull a layer of tape away after each coat.

13.  Apply your last coat of epoxy and your first coat of bottom paint in the same day.

14.  Leave a 4" swath around stands and blocking without paint.

15.  Allow a minimum of 48 hours before moving blocking or stands.

16.  Allow 72 hours total cure before launch.

Click Here for Tuff Stuff Low VOC Technical Data Sheet

Click these links for Tuff Stuff Low VOC SDS – 1286 Gray; 1287 White; 1286C

Sea Hawk Tuff Stuff Colors: Light Gray-1286, White-1287
Finish/Sheen: Matte
Volume Solids: 52% +- 2%
Available Sizes: 1 Gallon Kit
Shipping Weight: 14 Lbs./ 1 Gallon Kit
Mix Ratio: 1:1 Side A, Side C
Induction Time: Mix equal part of Side a and Side C and allow 20-30 minutes before application.
Flash Point: 80° F
Typical Film Thickness (Spray) : 6-7.5 mils dry film thickness (DFT) per coat, 11.5-14.5 mils wet film thickness (WFT) for smoother finish.                                                                                  Typical Film

Thickness (roller): 3.6-4.2 mils dry film thickness (DFT) per coat, 7.0-8.0 mils wet film thickness (WFT) for smoother finish.
Recommended Coats: 2-4 depending on intended service
Theoretical Coverage: 140 Sq.Ft./Gal. @ 6.0 mils DFT

Application Controls

Method: This product may be applied by airless and conventional spray, solvent resistant rollers and brushes.

Dry Times and Overcoating Intervals in Hours:

When overcoating Tuff Stuff Low VOC Epoxy Primer it is important to meet the required over coating times in order to achieve the best adhesion because temperature and humidity control dry times. An easy rule in epoxies is when the coating is dry to the touch, yet still has some tack, it is ready to be over coated. (Thumb print without lifting any epoxy.) However, if the coating is completely cured (or after 24 hours) it needs to be thoroughly sanded with 80 grit sand paper to remove shine, or you must apply another coat of Tuff Stuff within 6 days, no longer. Then you have an additional 24 hour maximum to overcoat with antifouling paint.

 APPLICATION DATA Mixing: Sea Hawk TUFF STUFF Low-VOC is a high viscosity epoxy primer and contains a moderate to high concentration of pigments and may have settled in transit, Each component must be thoroughly mixed with power mixer/shaker until uniform before use. Mix equal parts (1:1) of Side A and Side C. Induction Time: 20-30 Minutes

Thinning: If necessary, maximum 10%Sea Hawk 2053 Epoxy Reducer Cleaning: Sea Hawk 2053

Pot Life: 3 hours

Brush/Rolling: Solvent Resistant Roller Cover 3/8”- 3/16” pile (nap), smooth to medium. Prewash roller cover to remove loose fibers prior to use. Airless Spray: Use a 30:1 ratio pump or greater, a 17- 27 thou fluid tip and apply with about 3000 psi pressure.

Conventional Spray: Please contact your Sea Hawk representative for more specific information.

Safety: Prior to use, obtain and consult the “Material Safety Data Sheet” of this product for health and safety information. Read and observe all precautionary notices on container labels

LIMITATIONS Apply in good weather when air and surface temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). Surface temperature must be a least 5°F (1°C) above dew point. For optimum application properties, bring material to 70-80°F (21-27°C) temperature range prior to mixing and application. Unmixed material (in closed containers) should be maintained in protected storage between 40° and 100°F (4-38°C). Prolonged atmospheric exposure of this product may detract from performance. Technical and application data herein is for the purpose of establishing a general guideline of the coating and proper coating application procedures. As application, environmental and design factors can vary significantly due care should be exercised in the selection, verification of performance, and use of the coating.

TECHNICAL BULLETIN Before putting a water-based antifouling paint over TUFF STUFF Low-VOC read the Technical Bulletin, TSWB-1284, regarding this subject on the Sea Hawk Paints website at this link: Technical Bulletins (seahawkpaints.com)