Traditional Epoxy System

• Optimized viscosity for wetting out fiberglass and other reinforcement fabrics
• Exceptional thin-film characteristics provide smooth flow-out and self-leveling ideal for coating and laminating
• Available in three different hardener speeds, or Crystal Clear hardener for applications that require the best cosmetic finish
• Combine with fillers or thickening agents for customized bonding, filleting, gluing, and fairing applications
• Compatible with wood, metals, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and more
• Can be used above or below the waterline

The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system is designed around a variety of applications, ranging from boat building, composite construction, and epoxy repair projects. Compatible substrates include wood, fiberglass, reinforcement fabrics, etched aluminum, bare steel, lead, and more. Fast, Slow, and Tropical (extra slow) hardener cater to laminating, fairing or bonding applications, while the Crystal Clear hardener option cures with a super-clear, glossy finish.

Product Information

Safety and Personal Protective Equipment

Always use proper safety equipment, clothing, and PPE in accordance with the Safety Data Sheets for the TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system. Please take this very seriously, as epoxy sensitization is a very serious matter.

Surface Preparation

Any surfaces that are to be bonded, coated, glued, or laminated with TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy need to be free of any forms of contamination. Surface contamination will reduce or completely compromise the epoxy’s bond strength to any material. If any surfaces are to be abraded before applying Traditional Epoxy, always remove all surface contaminants prior to grinding or sanding the surface. Contaminants can include dust, dirt, grease, moisture/water, oil, or wax.

IMPORTANT! Only use clean cotton rags for surface preparation. Synthetic rags can leave a film of contamination if they come in contact with some solvents.

Fiberglass

• Fiberglass substrates (commonly composed of polyester resin-saturated fiberglass) may have wax or amine blush on the surface, depending on the resin system with which they're constructed, and application methods.
• Any amine blush needs to be removed with fresh, warm water and a mild soap.
• Dry the surface completely. Any waxes need to be completely removed with a dewaxing product.
• After the surface has been cleaned of all potential surface contamination, grind the surface, or abrade it with 80-grit (or coarser) sandpaper, remove all sanding residue, then wipe with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the specified surface preparation solvents.
• This will provide a rough surface for TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy to achieve the best mechanical bond.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Epoxy

• The cure of the TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system with the Slow, Fast, or Tropical hardener creates an amine blush on the surface of the cured material as a by-product of the reaction. This amine blush can look like a waxy substance, and it is considered a potential surface contaminant. As a best practice, even if another epoxy is being used that is considered ‘non-blushing’, it is strongly recommended to assume that a blush may be present and needs to be removed before any attempts are made to bond to it.
• Remove any potential amine blush by washing the surface with fresh, warm water and a mild soap. Dry the surface completely.
• Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cotton rag dampened with one of the specified surface preparation solvents.
• After the surface has been cleaned of all potential surface contamination, grind the surface, or abrade it with 80-grit (or coarser) sandpaper, remove all sanding residue, then wipe with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the specified surface preparation solvents.
• This will provide a rough surface for Traditional Epoxy to achieve the best mechanical bond.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Wood

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents.
• Oily hardwoods and white oak should be wiped with acetone, if possible, during the surface preparation steps.
• Allow any solvents to evaporate completely.
• Abrade the area of the wood that is to be bonded with 80-grit (or coarser) sandpaper.
• Remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface clean using one of the specified solvent wipes.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Metals

Steel/Iron:

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the recommended surface preparation solvents.
• Grind or sand the surface with 80-grit (or coarser) sandpaper, leaving it shiny and rough. Remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface again with a clean cotton rag dampened with the surface preparation solvent.
• Applying TotalBoat Rust Primer, as directed, is recommended, but not required. It will help to prevent further development of rust and optimize the bond.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Stainless Steel:

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents. Allow the surface to dry completely.
• Sanding (with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper) or grinding the surface that will be bonded with TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy can help maximize the bond strength. If the surface is abraded, remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface with a clean cotton rag dampened with the surface preparation solvent.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Aluminum:

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents. Allow the surface to dry completely.
• The aluminum surface should be abraded with either 80-grit sandpaper or a grinder immediately before bonding, or it should be etched with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash, as directed.
• If the surface is abraded, remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface clean with one of the specified solvent wipes, then allow to dry before bonding.
• If the surface is to be etched, ensure that the surface has dried completely before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.
• Apply TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy within 1 hour of the surface preparation.

Lead: SAFETY ALERT! Always take extreme care and use the required Personal Protective Equipment when working with lead.

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean rag dampened with one of the recommended surface preparation solvents.
• Grind or sand the surface with 80-grit (or coarser) sandpaper, leaving it shiny and rough.
• Work quickly, and only in a small area at a time; lead oxidizes very quickly and will turn dull in just minutes, leaving a poor surface for bonding. Remove any sanding residue and wipe the surface clean again with the recommended surface prep solvent.
• Allow the solvent to evaporate, then apply TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy immediately. If epoxy is not applied within a few minutes of the surface preparation, repeat the surface preparation before applying Traditional Epoxy.

Other Metals:

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean rag dampened with one of the recommended surface preparation solvents.
• Grind or sand the surface with 80-grit (or coarser) sandpaper, leaving it shiny and rough. Remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface again with a clean cotton rag dampened with the surface preparation solvent.
• Allow the surface to dry completely.
• Within 1 hour, apply TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy to the prepared surface.

Stone

• Stone materials should always be dry and free of any dirt, dust, or other residue.
• If possible, do not attempt to bond stone that has recently been submerged in water for a long duration.
• Clean the stone by wiping with one of the appropriate surface prep solvents.
• Allow the stone to dry completely before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Masonry

• Masonry is a compatible substrate for Traditional Epoxy, but for best adhesion, it is extremely important to ensure that the masonry has been left to dry for an extended period of time before applying the epoxy.
• Masonry can trap a lot of moisture, which can impact the bond strength of TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy during periods of dramatic pressure change, or enduring freezing-to-hot temperatures.
• Clean the surface of any dust, debris, or loose material.
• Sand or abrade the surface where the masonry is to be bonded. Remove any sanding residue and wipe with one of the recommended surface preparation solvents.
• Allow the solvent to evaporate completely and apply TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Concrete

• Remove any loose chunks, dust, debris or other surface contamination from the surface that is to be bonded.
• Do not attempt to bond new concrete, or concrete that is sweating or emitting a lot of moisture.
• Sandblasting or otherwise abrading the surface where it is to be bonded will help provide a great base for a mechanical bond.
• Etching the concrete, as directed, with a concrete etch material will also prepare the surface to accept the epoxy, helping to generate a very strong bond.
• If the surface was etched, ensure that the surface is completely dry before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Glass

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents — denatured alcohol is preferred for glass surfaces.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Plastics

VERY IMPORTANT WHEN APPLYING TOTALBOAT TRADITIONAL EPOXY TO ANY PLASTICS: TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy can form a good bond to a limited variety of plastic materials.

• TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy does not bond to all plastics, and the bond strength will vary across plastics.
• The bond strength to plastics will be limited when compared with the substrates listed previously, and will still vary with each application.
• The specific surface preparation methods are listed below, and it is always very important to perform a small test sample to ensure that it achieves the desired bond.
• Unless specified, do not use acetone for surface preparation on any plastic materials.
• Do not attempt to bond any plastics that are not listed below.

PVC, Nylon, ABS: Clean the surface completely. There are three surface preparation methods (choose one):

• Use acetone as a quick surface wipe that will change the surface of the plastic; do not allow acetone to sit on the surface.
• Quickly flame/heat treat the surface — do not singe, burn, or melt the plastic.
• Sand the surface heavily with 80-grit (or coarser) sandpaper, then remove all sanding residue.
• Apply TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy immediately.

Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lexan, Polycarbonate, Polystyrene (NOT in the expanded form (foam) such as Styrofoam):

• Clean the surface completely, removing any surface contamination. DO NOT use acetone, it may permanently haze or degrade the plastic.
• To promote the best mechanical bond, where the epoxy will be applied, sand or grind the surface with 80-grit sandpaper.
• Remove any sanding residue and apply TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.

Vinyl:

• Clean the surface, removing any surface contamination.
• Apply TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy to the vinyl when the surface is completely dry.

Polyester:

• Follow the directions for FIBERGLASS.

Applications

Laminating and Using with Reinforcement Fabrics

• TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy provides an excellent adhesive when wetting out layers of reinforcement fabrics for repairs or the construction of new pieces.
• The viscosity of mixed TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy requires little effort to effectively saturate fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar®, basalt, Spectra®, or Dyneema® cloth.
• Select the appropriate cloth and cloth weight based on the application stresses/loads, curves and corners, and overall stiffness of the final part.
• Wet out the desired cloth material with mixed epoxy to saturate the cloth evenly. Only apply enough epoxy to just saturate the cloth; do not apply extra epoxy, or allow it to pool.
• Tools such as resin rollers, chip brushes, plastic spreaders, or other tools can be very helpful to distribute the epoxy evenly across fabrics.
• When wetting out thicker fabrics such as biaxial and triaxial cloths, it may be necessary to apply mixed epoxy to one side of the cloth, then flip it over and add more epoxy and work it into the cloth, if needed.
• Once the cloth has been sufficiently saturated, work to remove any extra epoxy from the cloth material. Extra epoxy is wasteful, heavy, and can even detract from the overall strength of the finished part.
• A disposable chip brush, resin roller, or squeegee can help to evenly distribute the mixed epoxy resin, or remove any extra epoxy.
• Laminates should only be made with enough mixed epoxy to saturate the cloth, and any extra liquid epoxy should be removed with a spreader, squeegee or brush before it is allowed to cure.
• Extra epoxy on laminates creates brittle areas in the laminate, and adds weight and unnecessary thickness, which could potentially lead to an excessive exotherm during the cure process.
• The process of vacuum bagging a laminated part after the fabric has been saturated with epoxy can be very helpful to remove voids and ensure even epoxy saturation throughout the part. This process can also remove excess epoxy from the part, preventing oversaturation.
• The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system does not have the super-low viscosity that is desired for infusion applications.

Adding Fillers and Thickeners

• Fillers and thickeners can be added to TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy, as needed, for any application. Some applications may not require much thickener or filler, while others may need the epoxy to be thick like peanut butter, or thicker.
• Only add thickening agents or filler materials once the resin and hardener components have been blended thoroughly.
• Thickeners or fillers can be added to achieve a sense of sag resistance, to resist being absorbed into a porous substrate, to increase structural bond properties, or to promote easier sanding after it has cured.
• Silica (Includes colloidal silica, fumed silica): Acts as an adhesive thickener, adds sag resistance, is white in color and will impart a milky color. Silica is also commonly used to prevent porous substrates from absorbing epoxy.
• Milled Glass Fiber: For structural applications, these chopped fiberglass strands add strength, but do not add any sag resistance.
• Microballoons: These can be phenolic or glass in composition, and help to thicken and improve the sanding qualities of the cured epoxy. Microballoons will add body, bulk, and sag resistance, but will not prevent dripping or sagging.
• Wood Flour: Wood flour can be used when sag resistance and imparting a wood-tone color are desired; it can also be used for structural adhesive applications.
• Other additives: Non-skid media, graphite, and barrier coat additives are just a few examples of other acceptable additives. Always test a small sample to ensure the desired results when working with these materials.

Bonding

• The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system can be used as an excellent adhesive for bonding applications. Thickeners and fillers can be added or blended to mixed Traditional Epoxy to achieve a desired working property or cured material property.
• Only add thickening agents or filler materials once the resin and hardener components have been blended thoroughly.
• Thickeners or fillers can be added to achieve a sense of sag resistance, to resist being absorbed into a porous substrate, to increase structural bond properties, or to promote easier sanding after it has cured.
• When bonding, do not over-clamp items, as this can squeeze all of the epoxy out of the glue joint. Adhere to the posted clamp times for each hardener to allow for sufficient cure time.

Filleting

(Applying a concave, convex, or flat bead of thickened epoxy in a joint where two surfaces meet, which can be joined perpendicularly or at an angle).

• This bead usually requires epoxy thickened to the consistency of peanut butter, with good sag resistance.
• Apply appropriately thickened epoxy between the two items that are to be bonded. Then, when they are set in position, run an additional continuous bead, roughly 1/8"-1/4" thick in the corner of the joint.
• A rounded tool, such as a wooden tongue depressor, can be run along this bead to spread the bead of epoxy evenly, with the rounded profile, and make it uniform and aesthetically clean looking. This fillet adds extra rigidity and stability by increasing the surface area of the bond.

Fairing

• The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system can be thickened to create an ideal fairing compound that's smooth to apply and easy to sand, once cured.
• This blend should only be used for fine fairing, and fairing applications of less than 1/8".
• Microballoons are the main thickener for fairing compounds; it may also be desirable to add silica to increase body and sag resistance.

Clear Coating

• The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy with the Crystal Clear hardener can be used as a clear coat material on a wide variety of substrates.
• The maximum application film thickness for this type of application is 1/8", however, when used to saturate reinforcement fabrics, only apply the epoxy in a thin film.
• It is not advised to use any of the other hardeners in the Traditional Epoxy system for clear coating applications, as they impart a slight amber color, and are not designed with optimal clarity and transparency in mind.

Adding Tints, Colorants, Dyes, Pigments

• TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy can be tinted, colored, or given other special effects using a variety of products. It is imperative that any colorants, dyes, pigments, or tints that are added are compatible with TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy.
• Incompatible substances, or excessive concentrations of substances such as colorants/tints/dyes/pigments that are added to TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy, may compromise the physical properties or cured properties.
• Some compatible tints and colorants include TotalBoat Pigment Dispersions, TotalBoat Mixol® Universal Tints (in the TotalTint Kit), mica powders, and alcohol inks.
• Always dispense the resin and hardener components at the specified ratio and mix them thoroughly prior to adding any colorants or tints.
• Pigments such as mica powders may settle due to gravity and their density; it may be desirable to add them just as the epoxy is starting to gel slightly, allowing them to appear suspended.
• Always test a small sample when using new tints or colorants. This will help establish a desired concentration of the tint/colorant, as well as help to ensure that it achieves the desired results, and cures properly.
• Adding tints or colorants may have an effect on the structural or physical performance of cured Traditional Epoxy. When adding pigments, colorants, and dyes, always use as little as possible.

Dispensing & Mixing

2-Part Epoxy System

• TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy is a 2-part epoxy system, which requires blending both the resin and hardener components together at the specified ratio to create a usable epoxy material.
• The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system has four different hardeners (Fast, Slow, Tropical/Extra Slow, and Crystal Clear), each with different working times and cure rates. It is very important to ensure that the selected hardener is mixed with the resin at the proper ratio.
• Thorough mixing at the exact ratios of the two components is imperative for the chemical reaction that occurs, allowing the material to achieve the maximum cured physical properties.
• Adding more resin or hardener is NOT beneficial. It will not speed up the cure, and it will only have negative consequences on the cured physical properties.

Application Conditions

• TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy should only be dispensed when the ambient temperature, the temperature of the epoxy itself, and the temperature of the substrate are above the minimum posted temperature for use with each hardener in the APPLICATION DATA chart.
• The relative humidity should not exceed 90% for the first 24 hours of the cure process.
• For clear coating applications, when using the Crystal Clear Hardener, or when the cosmetic appearance of the finished material is of greater importance, the maximum relative humidity should be less than 60%.
• Curing TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy outside of the specified application conditions may slow the rate of cure, or compromise some physical properties of the cured epoxy.

Warming or Cooling the Epoxy, Dissipating Heat, Influencing Working Times and Cure Rates

• The curing of mixed epoxy is an exothermic reaction — it generates heat.
• Epoxy in a larger, deeper mass will react and generate heat and begin to cure significantly faster than if it is spread thin, or in a smaller mass.
• Promoting the best heat dissipation possible with mixed epoxy will promote the longest working time by slowing the cure process.
• In cooler ambient conditions below 65°F, it may be desirable to warm the epoxy to 70-80°F to maintain the desirably low viscosity, or to control the working time and cure rates.
• Conversely, in warmer conditions over 80°F, it may be desirable to cool the epoxy components before they are mixed to ensure sufficient working time and cure rates.

Mix Ratio

• The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system mix ratio can be measured by volume, by weight, or by calibrated pumps. Due to different densities of the resin and hardeners, the mix ratio by weight is not the same as the mix ratio by volume. Mixing by weight can provide the most accurate mix ratio, regardless of how much is dispensed, while the calibrated pumps are the most convenient and fastest way to dispense Traditional Epoxy components.
• The mix ratio of the TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system when the Fast or Slow hardeners are used is 5A:1B (resin:hardener), by volume. The mix ratio by weight for each hardener is posted in the APPLICATION DATA chart.
• The mix ratio of the TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system when the Crystal Clear or Tropical/Extra Slow hardeners are used is 3A:1B (resin:hardener), by volume. The mix ratio by weight for each hardener is posted in the APPLICATION DATA chart.
• Do not deviate from the mix ratios specified for each individual hardener. Epoxy requires a precise mix ratio of resin to hardener in order to ensure the desired cured physical properties.

Pumps

• TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy can be dispensed with calibrated pumps from TotalBoat. Follow the included instruction sheet for installing the pumps onto the respective bottles.
• The hardener pumps have a sticker on the top, indicating the mix ratio which it dispenses by volume. Ensure that the Slow and Fast hardeners are only dispensed from a pump with a ‘5:1’ sticker on the top, and the Crystal Clear and Tropical/Extra Slow pump has a ‘3:1’ sticker on the top.
• Ensure that the correct hardener pump is being used.
• Ensure that the pumps are primed before using any of the dispensed epoxy.
• 1 pump of resin, 1 pump of hardener: When dispensing with TotalBoat calibrated pumps, the pumps are pre-calibrated, so the user only needs 1 pump of resin to 1 pump of hardener.
• SLOW/FAST PUMPS (marked 5:1): The resin pump dispenses 20mL of resin, while the hardener pump dispenses 4mL of hardener, ensuring a proper mix ratio.
• CRYSTAL CLEAR/TROPICAL PUMPS (marked 3:1): The resin pump dispenses 20mL of resin, while the hardener pump dispenses 6mL of hardener, ensuring a proper mix ratio.
• The mix ratio of 20:6 by volume is within an acceptable tolerance range for this epoxy system.
• The pumps should remain installed in the bottles unless they will not be used for more than two weeks, in which case the pumps should be removed and cleaned out with denatured alcohol and stored. Be sure the original caps are tightly secured on the resin and hardener bottles.

Curing

• The cure of the epoxy system is the process it goes through, changing from a liquid epoxy, to a hard, plastic material. Cure rates are dictated by the hardener that is selected, the ambient temperature, the temperature of the substrate, and the mass of epoxy that was dispensed.
• The working time and cure rate for each hardener are posted in the APPLICATION DATA chart. In general, warmer conditions will shorten these times, while cooler conditions will extend them.
• Larger masses of mixed epoxy than noted will also shorten the posted times, while smaller masses of mixed epoxy will extend the posted times.

Clamping

• The recommended clamp time for bonding applications is also indicated by the hardener selected, and is posted below in the APPLICATION DATA chart.
• The natural tendency is to clamp with a lot of pressure, but this method squeezes all of the epoxy out of the glue joint, making the joint weak.
• Take extra care not to over-clamp items, and ensure that there is a thin film of epoxy between all items being bonded.
• For porous substrates such as wood, it is recommended to thicken the epoxy to prevent it from being completely absorbed into the wood grain.

Product Storage

• Before and after use, seal all TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system components tightly and store in a dry place between 60-90°F.
• Do not store the epoxy bottles on the floor or near windows/doors that may expose the product to cooler conditions.
• Storing TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy components at cooler conditions, or otherwise exposing the liquid epoxy components to dust and humidity, can increase the risk of crystallization.
• If the respective pumps are being used with the TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system, it is strongly recommended that they are removed from the bottles and cleaned out with denatured alcohol and stored if they will not be used for a minimum of two weeks. Tightly seal the bottles for storage using the original caps.

Crystallized Epoxy

• Crystallization can occur in the liquid resin or hardener components of epoxy, and can present itself as a gritty texture, cloudiness, or as being much thicker in consistency than it should be.
• Epoxy that has crystallized should not be used until the crystallization has been resolved.
• Warming the liquid epoxy to 125-150°F will rectify the crystallization in the epoxy, turning it back to the consistency it is supposed to have, making it ready to use again.
• The most common way to sufficiently warm any TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy components is to insert the closed bottle into a tub or basin of warm water (do not submerge up to the cap, and do not use boiling water, 130-160°F is sufficient). Agitate or stir the contents in the bottle to ensure that all of the material in the bottle reaches the necessary temperature.
• Change out the water, as needed. It may take 30-90 minutes until all contents of the bottle are at least 125°F.
• Following proper storage conditions is the best way to prevent crystallization.

Shelf Life

• The shelf life of the TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system components is a minimum of one year if it has been stored properly according to the directions.
• Under most circumstances, the components may last multiple years under proper storage conditions.

Priming, Painting, or Applying More Epoxy, or Other Coatings on Top of the TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy System

The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system can be coated by a variety of paints, primers, or other epoxy materials.

More TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy

• The TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy system can be reapplied once the previous coat has cured completely by washing the surface with warm water and a mild soap, allowing it to dry completely, then sanding with 80-220 grit sandpaper, and remove all sanding residue before applying. It is imperative to wash and dry the surface before sanding, to remove the amine blush.
• For some applications, it can be desirable to 'hot coat' more epoxy onto a previous layer. To do so, wait for the previous coat to become somewhat firm, but it must still be tacky. The next coat of epoxy can be applied without washing away amine blush or sanding the surface at this point, however, if the epoxy surface becomes tack-free and the epoxy becomes very firm or hard, the surface must be washed and sanded.

Applying Other Epoxy Products or Epoxy-Based Primers

• Allow the Traditional Epoxy substrate to cure completely for at least 48 hours. Wash then sand the surface with 80-grit sandpaper, or follow the specific directions on the product being applied.
• Remove any sanding residue and apply the product, as directed.

Applying Other Paints, Primers, Varnishes, Clear Coats, Urethanes, or Other Coatings

• Allow the TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy to cure for at least 5-7 days, under normal curing conditions.
• Wash the epoxy surface with warm water and a mild soap, then rinse well and dry the surface completely.
• Sand the surface with the sandpaper grit specified on the paint or primer’s instructions. If no grit is specified, 180-grit or 220-grit sandpaper are commonly used for this purpose.
• Remove all sanding residue, and apply the desired paint or primer as directed on the product’s instructions.

Applying Gelcoat

• Gelcoat cannot be applied directly to TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy, cured or uncured. An approved epoxy-based primer is required when applying gelcoat over cured TotalBoat Traditional Epoxy. All products must be applied as directed, with no substitutions or deviation, or the gelcoat may not adhere or cure as it should.
• TotalBoat TotalProtect epoxy barrier coat primer is an approved epoxy primer product for gelcoat.
• Allow the Traditional Epoxy to cure for at least 48 hours, under normal curing conditions.
• Wash the cured epoxy surface with warm water and a mild soap, and rinse thoroughly. Do not sand it until the surface has been washed thoroughly.
• Sand the epoxy thoroughly with 80-grit sandpaper, and apply TotalBoat TotalProtect.
• Allow the epoxy primer to cure for 5-7 days, under normal curing conditions.
• Wash the epoxy primer with warm water and a mild soap, then rinse thoroughly and dry the surface completely.
• Sand the surface with 80-grit sandpaper, and remove all sanding residue.
• Wipe the surface clean with a clean cotton rag dampened with acetone — DO NOT use any synthetic rags for this application.
• Apply the gelcoat, as directed.

Application Data

Physical Data

Troubleshooting Guide