Applying self-sharpening antifouling

What is self-sharpening antifouling and how do you apply self-sharpening antifouling? In this article, you will read all about using self-sharpening antifouling to protect the underwater ship from fouling. After reading this article, you will know what self-sharpening antifouling is and how to apply it to the underwater ship. Feel free to contact our specialists if you have any questions. We will be happy to advise you!

What is self-sharpening antifouling?

Self-sharpening antifouling is also called 'soft' or 'self-polishing' antifouling. Antifouling wears off gradually during the boating season. It reacts with water and dissolves slowly so that the layer thickness decreases during the season. The major advantage of self-sharpening antifouling is that it does not build up layer thickness and can be applied over both self-sharpening and hard antifouling. Because no layer thickness is built up, you easily apply a new coat of antifouling annually.

Advantages of self-sharpening antifouling:

• Does not build up layer thickness.
• Can be applied on hard antifouling or old self-sharpening antifouling.

Self-sharpening antifouling systems

At Polyestershoppen, you can buy a variety of high-quality hard and self-sharpening antifouling coatings. We supply antifouling coatings from International, Epifanes and Hempel so you can be assured of antifouling of the highest quality. In this article, we use the most popular self-sharpening antifouling: International Cruiser One. Are you curious about the complete antifouling range? Check out the other self-sharpening antifouling systems or contact us!

International Cruiser One

International Cruiser One is a self-sharpening antifouling that prevents the fouling of algae, pox and other organisms in fresh and brackish water areas. The copper-based antifouling is suitable for sailing and motor boats (up to 25 knots). Is your boat made of polyester, wood or steel and are you looking for a self-sharpening antifouling system? Then International Cruiser One is the perfect antifouling system!

• Suitable for fresh and brackish water.
• Suitable for boats with a speed of up to 25 knots.
• Suitable for polyester, wooden and steel boats (also lead and cast iron keels).
• Colours: red, black, navy and off white.
• 1 layer is sufficient for a whole season.

How do you apply self-sharpening antifouling?

Self-sharpening antifouling is easy to apply. Follow the steps below for optimal results! Shop all materials at Polyestershoppen so you can get started with the right products straight away.

Supplies

• Self-sharpening antifouling of your choice
• Nitrile gloves
• Velour rollers and paint roller frames
• Flat brushes
• Mixing spatulas
• Paint trays

Step 1. Make sure you have the right foundation

Before applying antifouling, it is important to prepare the surface properly. Repair holes and cracks, treat osmosis and make the hull completely smooth again. Finish all damages with epoxy. For proper pre-treatment, always check the technical documentation of the antifouling system.

In many cases, self-sharpening antifouling can be applied over the old layer of antifouling. If in doubt about this, first apply a coat of International Primocon as a switch layer.

If the substrate is bare steel, first apply Coating or International Interprotect as a primer for bare steel substrates. Over bare polyester substrates, apply Coating or International Interprotect first.

Step 2. Apply the self-sharpening antifouling

Mark (imaginatively) the underwater ship into different parts, such as port forward, port aft, keel, rudder, etc. Estimate the area of each part. Pour the required amount of antifouling into a mixing cup to measure out and then pour into a roller tray. Now apply the antifouling using a brush and roller. By estimating the areas and measuring, you keep an eye on whether you are applying too much or too little antifouling. For correct film thickness, apply 1 litre of antifouling every 9 m2.

Step 3. Apply a second coat of antifouling on heavily loaded areas

After some time, the antifouling is repaintable. This time depends on temperature and can be found in the processing instructions. Apply a second coat of self-sharpening antifouling to bow, keel, rudder and waterline. After this has dried well, the boat can be launched. You will also find information for these times in the processing instructions.

Step 4. Follow-up

You have completely antifouled your boat and you will enjoy it for another whole season. Are you also going to refurbish the boat above the waterline? Read more about this in our article Renovate the part above water.

More information on self-sharpening antifouling?

Do you have any questions about International Cruiser One or another self-sharpening antifouling? Feel free to contact one of our specialists. We will happily advise you to help you make your project successful. Send us a WhatsApp message, send an email to support@polyestershoppen.com or call +31 85 022 0090 for free, no-obligation advice.