Hempel manual on processing Silic One

Hempel Silic One is the revolution in antifouling coatings. This biocide-free product has properties similar to those of an antifouling. However, Silic One is a silicone hydrogel product that organisms do not adhere to. In addition, the antifouling coating is easy to remove and can be reapplied without problems. Another advantage of freeing from fouling is the reduction in costs from the second year onwards. Hempel Silic One reduces friction and increases speed and fuel economy.

The Silic One defouling system can be used below the waterline on polyester, steel and aluminum boats.

Benefits of Hempel Silic One

• The antifouling revolution.
• Without copper or biocide.
• Cost reduction after the second year.
• Based on silicone hydrogel.
• Suitable for fresh, salt and brackish waters.

Hempel Silic One step-by-step application plan:

Before applying Hempel Silic One, two other products are required to properly prepare the surface, namely Hempel Light Primer and Hempel Silic One Tiecoat.

Please note: always wear protective clothing, gloves and a suitable vapour protection mask when handling these products. 

Step 1. Scrape the surface

It is important that work is done on a clean surface. Remove old paint/antifouling layers with the Gelplane vacuum schraper. Then sand the entire surface smooth with 180 grit. You can find more information about scraping the underwater hull here. If this is OK, you can continue with step 2.

Step 2. Prime with Hempel Light Primer

Hempel Light Primer is easy to apply with a brush, roller, sprayer or paint pad. The minimum processing temperature is 5°C, avoid working in direct sunlight.

• Stir the contents of the can well and maintain a mixing ratio of 2:1 (volume).

• Apply Hempel Light Primer. Pre-treat porous surfaces with a coat diluted with Hempel Thinner 845 (No. 5) (max. 20%). Then apply 3-5 coats to obtain full thickness. If necessary, add thinner in the layers to improve the application (max. 5%).

• The primer can be painted over after approximately 4 hours (at 20 °C). Apply Hempel Silic One Tiecoat after 4 hours and within 72 hours.

For more information about Hempel Light Primer, also view the technical datasheet.

Step 3. Apply Hempel Silic One Tiecoat

Once Hempel Light Primer has been applied, Hempel Silic One Tiecoat can be applied over it. This is easy to process with a brush or felt roller. The minimum processing temperature is 10 °C, avoid working in direct sunlight.

• Make sure the surface is lightly sanded, clean, dry and free of grease before you start.

• Stir the contents of the can well.

• Apply 1 coat of Hempel Silic One Tiecoat within 72 hours of applying Hempel Light Primer.

• Pour the product into a paint tray, immerse the felt roller/brush completely under the paint and apply with light, smooth strokes for full coverage. Bleeds can be removed before the paint has dried.

• After 8 to 48 hours you can apply Hempel Silic One over Hempel Silic One Tiecoat.

For more information about Hempel Silic One Tiecoat, also view the technical datasheet.

Step 4. Apply Hempel Silic One

Once the surface has been treated with Hempel Light Primer and Hempel Silic One Tie Coat, it is time for the final step: applying Hempel Silic One. This is easy to process with a felt roller or a brush. The minimum processing temperature is 10°C, avoid working in direct sunlight

• Make sure that the surface is lightly sanded, clean, dry and grease-free before you start.

• Stir the contents of the can well until you get an even colour.

• For the first application, apply 2 coats of Hempel Silic One. If there is already a previous layer on it, 1 layer is sufficient. Please note that Hempel Silic One must be applied after a minimum of 8 hours and within 48 hours of applying Hempel Silic One Tiecoat.

• Pour the product into a paint tray, immerse the felt roller/brush completely under the paint and apply with light, smooth strokes for full coverage. Bleeds can be removed before the paint has dried.

• Hempel Silic One can be painted over after 16 hours at 20°C.

• After approximately 24 hours up to a maximum of 1 month you can launch the boat.

For more information about Hempel Silic One, also view the technical datasheet.

You can find more detailed information about all these products in the painter's manual.

Frequently asked questions

Do I save fuel with Silic One?
Yes, thanks to the problem-free surface cleaning, the coating is largely free of fouling and therefore there is less friction in water.

Can Silic One be applied over an old antifouling layer?
Yes! The system can be applied to an antifouling layer that is in good condition (good condition means = a condition in which you would normally still apply an antifouling layer). It is also fine to apply a Hempel Silic One system in combination with Conversion Primer.

Can Silic One be overcoated with a conventional antifouling system?
If you want to return to the conventional antifouling system, the Silic One coating must first be removed. Only Fouling Release coatings will adhere to Silic One.

How do I know that enough paint has been applied to the ship's propeller?
As much paint as possible should be applied, but without sags.

Want to know more about boat maintenance?

Are you going to carry out more jobs on your boat, such as repairing holes and cracks or painting above the waterline? Then view the article 'Boat repair and restoration'!

Do you have any further questions about Hempel products? Please feel free to contact one of our specialists. We are happy to help you make your project a success! Send us a WhatsApp message, send an email to support@polyestershoppen.com or call +31 85 022 0090 for free, no-obligation advice.