In April of 1999 I contacted E Paint with a series of questions, which were answered promptly and to my satisfaction. This was at a time when tin based bottom paints that were inert to both steel and aluminum were being phased out and banned in many countries. E Paint also being inert to both metals seemed to be a logical choice as a replacement provided it offered similar efficient antifouling properties and longevity. My first task was to make an independent test while I had a vessel under construction thus retaining an opportunity to change systems in the event of poor results. After 12 months of immersion it was equal to and in many cases better than the simultaneous test on other anti-fouling paints. It was then that I started to use and recommend your paint for all of my metal hulls then under construction. I also recommended that all of the existing hulls on their next hauling to switch to E-Paint ZO. The latter may sound like an easy task but often it is almost a battle. Some owners are reluctant to prep the hull properly having in the past been just content with a pressure wash prior to painting slap on a thin coat of paint, maybe two coats, and dump her back in the water as quickly as possible after all lay days cost money. This is spending with a shovel and saving with a spoon. Their usual complaint being that the paint is of poor quality. Adhering to my procedures I have had no paint failures, blistering, or major fouling on vessels that are hauled on either an 18 month or 24 month basis depending on their time underway and waters sailed.
On existing hulls changing over which have compatible bottom paint. After a complete scrub down to remove any oil, lose paint, and other contaminates three coats of E Paint are applied plus a fourth coat in the upper 18″ to 24″.
On new construction four coats plus a fifth in an 18″ to 24″ band at the top.
All hulls when hauled there after two full coats plus a third on the upper 18″to 24″.In all cases I have found that the best results are achieved when brush applied. The time between coats is a minimum of 24 hours and also 24 hours prior to launching.
No anti-fouling material can be expected to function if it becomes covered with slime, oil, mud, clay, other flotsam, etc. In most instances this occurs in the upper 18″ to 24″ of the bottom and can easily be removed with a light scrubbing. Out of sight is often out of mind thus the bottom is neglected and this will result in shorter intervals between haul outs. My use of E paint spans almost 8 years and I have encountered no problems and always get a live knowledgeable person when I call regarding their product.
Thomas E. Colvin
Naval Architect
www.thomasecolvin.com