INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

1. Cop-R-Bote can be applied over a two pack base such as Bote-Cote or another epoxy system, directly onto polyester fibreglass or gel coat, or onto ferro-cement.

2. Surface preparation: Remove all loose, degraded or single pack paint and all old antifouling paints especially ablative or leachable types which do not provide a firm base. Wet sandblasting is the most efficient technique for surface preparation. Observe all safety, hygiene, and waste disposal rules for any such cleanup process, as many such coatings contain toxic ingredients, lead, or other heavy metals. Fill any imperfections with filled Bote-Cote. Sand the surface to the desired finish.

3. Unpainted timber boats should be primed with 2 coats of Bote-Cote epoxy – refer to booklet “Boat Building with Bote-Cote”. Apply COP-R-BOTE directly over other surfaces provided they are clean, in sound condition, and are well prepared.
*Fibreglass and ferro-cement boats should be primed with one coat of Bote-Cote epoxy.
*Lead keels should be sheathed with fibreglass to provide solid protection from inter-metallic contact in the event of gouges from grounding etc.
 
4. Allow all previous coats to dry thoroughly, then sand lightly to present a smooth clean surface. Wipe with a cloth dampened with COP-R-BOTE solvent to remove dust immediately before painting.

5. Mix COP-R-BOTE resin thoroughly before use, ensuring that all the copper is stirred into the liquid. Copper is very heavy and partially settles in the can.

6. Measure the resin and hardener in a ratio of two volumes of resin to one volume of hardener. Do not depart from this ratio, do not add extra hardener for any reason. Mix thoroughly.

7. Apply this mixed COP-R-BOTE by spray, roller or brush. The pot life of the mixture is 2 – 6 hours, depending on temperature and volume. It is necessary to stir frequently during use to maintain an even suspension of the copper particles. Ensure a surface finish as smooth as possible, to eliminate brush marks, roller stipple, etc, as this will make subsequent burnishing more arduous (section 12).

8. For spraying, please see the separate spraying instructions.

9. Allow sufficient time for the COP-R-BOTE to become tacky, then apply a second coat. If a longer time elapses between coats, and the surface sets hard, it will be necessary to sand between coats.

10. The coverage of COP-R-BOTE is 10 – 12 m2/l/coat, i.e. the total application will require 0.2 litres per square metre.

11. COP-R-BOTE may be applied at all temperatures above 12^oC. If the pot life appears too short at high temperatures, mix smaller quantities. Bote-Cote accelerator can be used to speed up cure in temperatures between 12^oC and 20^oC.

12. After the final coat of COP-R-BOTE has cured, the surface must be fine sanded using #150 grit or finer abrasive paper, to burnish the surface and expose the copper particles. This most important step must not be omitted. The antifouling effect will be seriously diminished if the copper remains hidden beneath a film of epoxy. Sanding will also produce a desirably smooth, slick surface finish. If patches of copper remain unexposed due to surface roughness, brush marks, etc, stainless steel wool may be used to work into such areas and complete the burnishing process.

13. COP-R-BOTE should be thoroughly cured before launching the boat. There is no time limit between application and launching.

14. All application equipment should be cleaned thoroughly with solvent such as acetone or similar before any material starts to set. It is desirable to leave brushes etc soaking in solvent overnight to remove the last traces of COP-R-BOTE.

15. Use detergent or hand cleaner to remove COP-R-BOTE from the skin, never use solvents. Do not smoke or allow any naked flames near containers of COP-R-BOTE or solvents, nor during application of COP-R-BOTE. Keep out of reach of children.