Gelcoat

[Rossynant]

Now that's properly explained Thanks.

 

[EwanClark]

I did it myself
The instructions did not say anything about sanding

Just a quick point for technical accuracy. The written instructions provided with every pack of Coppercoat do contain information on sanding. But we all know that not everyone reads instructions (myself included!), so many boats are launched with their Coppercoat left as is, and more often than not they are none the worse for it. Over time the epoxy breaks down naturally to expose the copper.

But as a guide we do recommend that newly applied Coppercoat be given a light burnish with fine wet-and-dry to expose the copper. This allows the copper to oxidse more readily and turn green in appearance - and it is this cuprous oxide rich surface that actually deters the marine life.

This burnishing process is generally a once-only job. Some clients have mistakenly thought it necessary to sand the coating each year - but this simply removes the powerful outer surface and weakens the coating. So once it has turned green it is best to leave it alone (other than a seasonal pressure-wash or scrub).

I hope this helps to explain why treatments of Coppercoat always perform better in the their second and third (and beyond) years than they do in their first year of being launched.

 

[Daydream believer]

Just a quick point for technical accuracy. The written instructions provided with every pack of Coppercoat do contain information on sanding. But we all know that not everyone reads instructions (myself included!), so many boats are launched with their Coppercoat left as is, and more often than not they are none the worse for it. Over time the epoxy breaks down naturally to expose the copper.

But as a guide we do recommend that newly applied Coppercoat be given a light burnish with fine wet-and-dry to expose the copper. This allows the copper to oxidse more readily and turn green in appearance - and it is this cuprous oxide rich surface that actually deters the marine life.

This burnishing process is generally a once-only job. Some clients have mistakenly thought it necessary to sand the coating each year - but this simply removes the powerful outer surface and weakens the coating. So once it has turned green it is best to leave it alone (other than a seasonal pressure-wash or scrub).

I hope this helps to explain why treatments of Coppercoat always perform better in the their second and third (and beyond) years than they do in their first year of being launched.

Clearly i will have to replay the instructional DVD supplied with the product. I seem to recall nothing about sanding on that.
But of course i may well be wrong - but - if there are 2 differing sets of instructions ( & admittedly the web based written version does say sanding required)that might explain it- would it not?

 

[EwanClark]

You are quite correct Daydreamer - the advice about sanding is contained in the written instructions only, and is not shown on the DVD. The video was produced purely as a guide on how to prepare the boat and how to apply the product - it doesn't cover issues such as sanding or on-going maintenance.

This might well explain the confusion, and certainly when we produce the next version of the DVD we will look to expand it and cover more topics. (As examples, we have recently filmed items on how to mix small batches of Coppercoat for repair work, and how to erect a short drip-skirt to throw off any rain water during/after application). I just need to be sure the new video doesn't end up being overly long and dull!