Copper Coat
Coppercoat
Coppercoat is the combination of a specially developed solvent-free epoxy resin and high purity (99%) copper. Each litre of resin is impregnated with 2 kilos of ultra fine spherical copper powder, the maximum allowed by law, making Coppercoat the strongest copper based anti-fouling available. Indeed no other anti-fouling exposes as much active copper to unwanted marine life as Coppercoat.
Classified as non-leaching, this highly effective coating is considerably kinder to the environment than its self eroding competitors whilst continuing to deter growth year after year. Indeed, correctly applied treatments resist weed and barnacle growth for a decade or more! The complete treatment has been tested and approved by the Health and Safety Executive, in compliance with UK and EU law. Holding HSE Certificate Number 7532 our anti-fouling is fully approved for use by both professional tradesmen and the general public. Furthermore, Coppercoat fully complies with current (2001) International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Resolution MEPC.102(48).
Today Coppercoat alone has a proven lifespan of 10 years plus, with an unequalled continual sales record dating back to 1991. No other copper based epoxy anti-fouling has the enviable pedigree of the original... Coppercoat
Testimonial
As an anti-fouling we have been particularly impressed by Coppercoat's performance over the years and we would confidently recommend it.
Yachting Monthly Magazine
(after 8 year trial)
Advantages
UNBEATABLE LONGEVITY - Unlike regular coatings, hardwearing Coppercoat remains effective for many seasons. A single treatment of Coppercoat is proven to remain effective for at least ten years. The first boats treated are still clean after 15 seasons!
EXTRA EFFICIENCY - The combination of high copper content and a unique blend of biocides ensures ultra low growth rates and a clean hull. Motorboat owners report increased speed at lower revs, meaning a lower rate of fuel consumption and less engine wear. Professional racers can burnish the surface if required.
GRP OSMOSIS PROTECTION - Coppercoat is based upon an inherently waterproof epoxy resin. As such, the application of Coppercoat helps to protect GRP vessels against osmotic attack.
LOW MAINTENANCE - No more expensive and unpleasant annual stripping and repainting of hulls. Simply hose down the hull at regular intervals (commonly once a year), to remove any build up of slime.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY - Being epoxy based Coppercoat is classified as non-eroding and causes less harm to the environment than conventional anti-foul paints. The complete treatment has been tested and approved by the Health and Safety Executive, in compliance with UK and EU law. Holding HSE Certificate Number 7532 this anti-fouling is fully approved for use by both professional tradesmen and the general public. Furthermore, Coppercoat fully complies with current (2001) International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Resolution MEPC.102(48).
Strength & Performance
Coppercoat uses only copper of over 99% purity - this guarantees the maximum possible production of the powerful anti-fouling agent cuprous oxide.
Tests show that in products using less pure copper, or weaker alloys such as copper nickel, antifouling performance is substantially reduced (due to the slower release rate and lower overall production of cuprous oxide).
Coppercoat's average pure copper content when cured is over 83% by volume. Joined by the small particle size, this unique combination allows Coppercoat to create and expose more active cuprous oxide to marine fouling than any other product, making it the most potent and copper rich antifoul available to the general public.
The proven long-term performance of Coppercoat is unrivalled - as testified by legions of customers now enjoying their 12th 13th and 14th season of protection!
Coppercoat is increasingly used by professional racers. The hard, metallic epoxy coating can be burnished with fine 'wet and dry' paper to achieve an incredibly smooth and fast finish.
How it works
On immersion sea water attacks the exposed pure copper powder, causing the formation of cuprous oxide. This highly effective antifouling agent deters growth until the surface degrades further to become cupric hydrochloride. This final copper form is highly unstable, and is washed away by the movement of the yacht, thereby removing any accumulating silt or slime. This automatically reveals a fresh copper rich surface, whereby the process recommences.
With an average thickness of at least 200 microns of Coppercoat being applied in a treatment, and a typical corrosion rate of 5 microns per year, it is easy to appreciate how this coating offers such long lasting and effective protection. During 2001, Yachting Monthly reported on a yacht that had been treated some 8 years previously. The verdict? "A great success".
Furthermore, the inherent waterproofing qualities of the epoxy ensure that a treatment of Coppercoat will help prevent osmosis in GRP craft and offer extra protection against corrosion in steel vessels.
With the resin carrier insulating each copper sphere, the final coating is inert and non conductive. Consequently Coppercoat does not cause electrolysis problems or cathodic decay in steel or aluminium craft. Sacrificial anodes should be fitted in the usual manner.
