Antifouling -- Micron Extra 2 vs Micron Extra vs Jotun Nonstop

Dockhead

Dockhead

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I'm still gutted that Jotun Sea Queen has been discontinued -- best antifouling I ever used, and besides being mega-effective, it was cheap, too.

It was 25% to 50% dicopper oxide -- that's a lot of copper compared to other antifouling -- and with copper pyrithione as the other biocide.

The Jotun Nonstop has less dicopper oxide but has up to 25% of powdered copper in it. Zinc oxide is also added -- I don't know what that does. The nonstop is self-eroding, but harder -- maybe not bad for my use since I do about 4,000 miles a year.

The Micron is available as either Extra or Extra 2, but I can't find any information about the formulation. Anyone know? Is the Extra 2 watered down for future regulations, leaving the plain "Extra" as the stronger type? Or not?

Grateful as always for any tips!
 
International's website has more info than many, but it's highly confusing. If you try to find the safety datasheets for Micron Extra or Micron Extra 2, you're confronted by lots of alternatives with different product codes. Quite what these codes relate to is anyone's guess. As for copper oxide content, I think the rules for Safety Datasheets may have changed. Manufacturers used to be able to quote 25-50%, which is pretty meaningless. I've noticed that some datasheets are now more tightly described, for instance this recent datasheet for Micron Extra 2 says 25-35% copper oxide - http://www.yachtpaint.com/gbr/diy/products/pages/MSDS.aspx?PDF=IA|031603.

Good indicators for antifouling quality are high specific gravity (both Micron Extra and Micron Extra 2 are 1.9) and high volume of solids (again, they're both 60%). I've used "Micron" in its various guises for many years with great results. And last year's PBO test rated Micron Extra 2 as the best on test, although they confusingly then referred to it as "Micron Extra" in the verdict - http://content.yudu.com/A2ofet/InternationalPaint/resources/index.htm
 
pvb said:
International's website has more info than many, but it's highly confusing. If you try to find the safety datasheets for Micron Extra or Micron Extra 2, you're confronted by lots of alternatives with different product codes. Quite what these codes relate to is anyone's guess. As for copper oxide content, I think the rules for Safety Datasheets may have changed. Manufacturers used to be able to quote 25-50%, which is pretty meaningless. I've noticed that some datasheets are now more tightly described, for instance this recent datasheet for Micron Extra 2 says 25-35% copper oxide - http://www.yachtpaint.com/gbr/diy/products/pages/MSDS.aspx?PDF=IA|031603.

Good indicators for antifouling quality are high specific gravity (both Micron Extra and Micron Extra 2 are 1.9) and high volume of solids (again, they're both 60%). I've used "Micron" in its various guises for many years with great results. And last year's PBO test rated Micron Extra 2 as the best on test, although they confusingly then referred to it as "Micron Extra" in the verdict - http://content.yudu.com/A2ofet/InternationalPaint/resources/index.htm
Click to expand...

Thanks; very useful!

Does anyone know the difference between Micron Extra and Micron Extra 2?
 
I "think" the only change between Micron Extra and ME2 is a change in the biocide included to meet EU regs. I did not notice a difference in the performance between the two.

Just to throw another variable into the mix, this year I'm trying Micron 77.
 
Dockhead said:
Thanks; very useful!

Does anyone know the difference between Micron Extra and Micron Extra 2?
Click to expand...

Studying the safety data sheets will show you the main differences

Of note is that Micron Extra 2 contains Zineb rather than dichlofluanid

I think the reason there is a confusing number of entries for the same product that each colour and pack size generates a unique product code number.
 
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VicS said:
I think the reason there is a confusing number of entries for the same product that each colour and pack size generates a unique product code number.
Click to expand...

Not sure that pack size would affect the composition. I suspect that the formulation changes fairly often, and that the batch code on the tin results in the unique product code. There'll be a number of these listed to take account of different ages of stock on suppliers' shelves.
 
Throw Australian supply into the mix and it gets worse. We have no Micron Extra 2 but only Micron Extra and more recently Micron 66. Micron 66 is much better than Micron Extra. But 'our' Micron Extra might not be the same formulation as yours as we have our own regulations regarding anti fouls and acceptable formulations.

Micron 66 is one of the best available here along with Jotun Sea Quantum Ultra (which has merited little mention in the anguished threads on the demise of Jotun's Sea Queen) and ABC3 which is a Pettit product.

Jonathan
 
In Belgium Micron Extra has been replaced by Micron Extra EU, in Holland both are available in some places. If the EU label means that it has been adapted to new EU guidelines, I am afraid it may be less effective, as it may contain less copper.
I'll find out in a few months.
 
I have heard most of the DIY antifouling products may have been changed from the big players, seems they can't get one raw material anymore.
I hear there are EU changes on the horizon as well that will also weaken the DIY products we find in the chandleries.
Look for the best wash rate from an antifouling, this way the copper content (even if lower) will always be exposed and working most efficiently.
Softer and quicker washing is best as long as you have applied enough.
 
The feedback I got from my chandlers in France was that Cruiser Uno was a good choice. It is expected to last two seasons in my area with 3 coats along the water line and 2 coats elsewhere. It apparently errodes faster than the Micron Extras.

It all seems to be voodoo to me.
 
Dockhead said:
I'm still gutted that Jotun Sea Queen has been discontinued -- best antifouling I ever used, and besides being mega-effective, it was cheap, too.

It was 25% to 50% dicopper oxide -- that's a lot of copper compared to other antifouling -- and with copper pyrithione as the other biocide.

The Jotun Nonstop has less dicopper oxide but has up to 25% of powdered copper in it. Zinc oxide is also added -- I don't know what that does. The nonstop is self-eroding, but harder -- maybe not bad for my use since I do about 4,000 miles a year.

The Micron is available as either Extra or Extra 2, but I can't find any information about the formulation. Anyone know? Is the Extra 2 watered down for future regulations, leaving the plain "Extra" as the stronger type? Or not?

Grateful as always for any tips!
Click to expand...

I have been a big fan using Jotun Seaqueen as I stay 'in' for two years at a time.

Jotun insulted most yachtsmen this year by saying antifoul needs to be applied by professionals inferring we don't know how to do it, so reluctantly I bought the Jotun Nonestop, it's not cheap but went on well
a few months ago ontop of a coat of jotun silver Vinyguard, time will tell if it's anywhere near as good as the Jotun Seaqueen.

By the way the dark blue goes much lighter once emerged!

However still staying with International Toplac for the boot topping, I scrubbed it monthly for two years and no problems,I was also again impressed with the Jotun Seaqueen and after two years afloat
te hull was just covered in slime.

MikeView attachment 52636
 
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