Hempel Silic One

Hempel Silic One is a biocide-free fouling release coating for the underwater hulls of boats. The coating creates a smooth surface with hydrogel, making it more difficult for fouling to adhere to the hull and easier for it to detach while sailing. The smooth, clean surface also reduces friction in the water.

Silic One works differently from traditional antifouling. The system contains no biocides designed to combat fouling, but instead makes it more difficult for fouling organisms to adhere to the surface. According to Hempel, Silic One provides up to 2 years of protection against fouling. After this period, the system can be maintained by applying one new coat of Silic One.

Benefits of Hempel Silic One

• Biocide-free fouling release coating.
• Hydrogel reduces the adhesion of fouling organisms.
• Smooth surface with low friction.
• Self-cleaning effect while sailing.
• Up to 2 years of protection against fouling.
• Can be maintained with one new coat after 2 years.
• Available in red, black and blue.
• Suitable for hulls and propellers.

How does Silic One work?

Silic One is based on silicone and hydrogel technology. Non-reactive polymers form a hydrogel layer between the water and the surface of the coating. Fouling organisms perceive this surface as water-like, making it more difficult for them to attach.

While sailing, the flow of water helps remove fouling from the smooth surface. According to Hempel, Silic One has a self-cleaning effect on fast motorboats. With regular use, a self-cleaning effect can also occur at lower speeds.

A clean underwater hull creates less friction in the water. According to Hempel, this can contribute to higher speeds and lower fuel consumption.

What is Hempel Silic One used for?

Hempel Silic One is used as the topcoat of the Silic One system on underwater hulls. The product can also be applied to propellers, provided that the substrate is prepared and primed according to the prescribed system.

The required surface preparation depends on the existing substrate. On existing antifouling, Hempel Conversion Primer is applied first, followed by Silic One Tiecoat. On a surface without existing antifouling, a suitable primer system is used, followed by Silic One Tiecoat.

According to Hempel, new gelcoat must first be treated with epoxy to achieve a minimum dry film thickness of 300 microns.

How to apply Hempel Silic One 

For the initial application, apply 2 coats of Silic One. Make sure Silic One Tiecoat has been applied with full coverage. The minimum application temperature is 10 °C. Avoid working in direct sunlight.

At 20°C, the following drying, recoating and launching times apply:

1. Apply Silic One no earlier than 8 hours and no later than 48 hours after applying Silic One Tiecoat.
2. Apply the second coat of Silic One after a minimum of 16 hours.
3. If more than 48 hours have passed since applying Silic One, clean and rinse the surface with water and allow it to dry before applying the next coat.
4. Allow the final coat to dry for at least 24 hours at 20°C before launching the boat. The maximum time between applying the final coat and launching is one month.

Silic One is sensitive to moisture. Therefore, only open the packaging shortly before use. Once opened, the product can be applied for a maximum of one hour, and an opened container cannot be stored for later use. Apply a thick, even coat without runs or sags. A flat brush or felt roller is suitable for application.

Maintenance of Hempel Silic One

Hempel Silic One is easy to clean. Use a high-pressure cleaner with fresh water or a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse the surface. Do not use hard brushes and avoid scratching the coating during cleaning.

There are two options for maintaining the Silic One system. You can apply one new coat of Silic One every 2 years. If you want to maintain the existing Silic One coating between applications without repainting, you can use Hempel Infinity. This water-based maintenance product extends the performance of the existing Silic One system for one additional season.

Properties

Type: fouling release coating
Base: silicone and hydrogel technology
Colour: black, red and blue
Contents: 0.75 litres and 2.5 litres
Coverage: approx. 10 m²/l
Application time after opening: maximum 1 hour
Number of coats: 2 coats
Touch dry: 2 hours (at 20 °C)
Fully cured: 3 days (at 20 °C)
Recoatable: after a minimum of 16 hours (at 20 °C)
Launching: after a minimum of 24 hours and within 1 month (at 20 °C)
Application: brush or felt roller
Thinner: do not thin
Shelf life: 18 months