Delta T Marine Application Instructions
Delta T must be mixed and applied properly to achieve all of its insulating qualities. All application instructions are detailed on each pail. Please use these instructions as well to help guide you through your application. If directions are not followed, product will not achieve full insulating benefits. Failure to follow directions will void all warranties.
Surface Preparation for Metal Applications
Galvanized Steel, Stainless and Aluminum Substrates
- If surface is new galvanized, stainless, and aluminum metal, a light vinegar wash is required prior to application of Delta T Coating. This wash is to insure that all oils and protective compounds are removed from the surface.
- If the surface is older galvanized, stainless, and aluminum metal and somewhat dirty, a light pressure wash is recommended prior to the application of Delta T Coating.
- Make sure that all degraded substrates are either repaired or replaced prior to the application of the coating.
- On some surfaces, light sanding can be done to give added tooth for product adhesion. 180-220 grit sandpaper is adequate to perform surface tooth for product.
Preparation for Bare Steel Substrates
- We recommend a good primer system. To date we have not found that one primer is better than the other. All inorganic and organic zincs work well on steel and have excellent corrosion properties. Epoxy systems work well also. If the substrate is coating with pre-construction primer, this will suffice as a primer.
- Spray the primer system on all areas of the steel. Follow the directions for surface preparation for the primer.
- Make sure that all areas of the steel including welds and touch up areas have been coating with the primer. Wait 24 hours to make sure primer is cured.
- Delta T Coating can be sprayed directly on top of the primer without any other prep. If there is a large delay between coating primer and Delta T application, make sure that the area is clean and free of any foreign matter. This can be accomplished by wiping the surface down with a rag or air sweep.
It is extremely important to make sure that after cleaning; the substrate is completely dry before applying Delta T Coating. Since the coating is water based, all water must be evaporated from substrate for good adhesion properties.
Tips and Techniques for Application of Delta T Coatings
- Tape up all areas that are NOT to be covered.
- Turn pails upside down 8 hours prior to application. This will allow coating to become softer and easier to mix.
- Make sure that airless sprayer has a good fresh seal kit. Delta T Coating can be harsh on seals since it contains semi abrasive particles. This can scrub seals clean and trap any particles stuck on seals in the system. Therefore, if you have used your sprayer with solvent-based systems, we recommend a fresh seal kit prior to use of our product. Use leather seals if possible.
- Make sure to purge airless sprayer with plenty of water and recirculate for some time prior to placing pickup nozzle into product. We recommend flushing system with at least 15-20 gallons of water prior to any application. Pull orifice nozzle out of gun or remove gun to bleed any trash or unwanted items.
- Prime sprayer with product by removing spray nozzle orifice to insure that all trash is removed from system. This is especially important if sprayer is used often and lines are not new.
- Use ventilation fans to help evaporate moisture when spraying the coating inside confined areas.
- Spray a light 5-10 mil coat initially so product and let tack dry. This will help to deter sliding of product due to excessive milage initially. This will also expedite dry times.
- Spray more light coats more than one heavy one in colder climates.
- Work smart and think out strategy prior to spraying. Spray areas that are hard to reach prior to bulk of application. Use ladders and scaffolding if needed.
- If product is found in unwarranted space or area, clean immediately via water and scrubbing method.
- If product slides or blobs occur, smooth out with brush or let dry thoroughly prior to scraping.
- If spraying more than one coat, tinting can be used to differentiate coats. Standard acrylic tint can be used and found at most paint supply houses. A good method is to use a hopper system (see Hopper system). Mix one ounce of black (will tint the coating gray) tint per five-gallon pail. Pour the tint into the bucket after the coating has been mixed. Stir the tint into the coating briefly. Pour the coating through strainer into hopper system. Periodically mix the hopper with the paddle. By using this method, a consistent color will emerge. DO NOT TINT THE FIRST COAT! It is important to keep the first coat white, as it will help differentiate the substrate and the insulating coating.
Standards and Practices for Tinting:
- Apply Delta T white for first coat! Tint final top color.
- For Gray color - Use approx 1 oz of black tint for one five-gallon pail. If the desired color is to be darker gray, then add more tint. Be sure to measure how much tint is added and then use this same amount on additional pails. There is a point in which the coating will not achieve any darker appearance and you are just wasting tint.
- If tinting, it is best to pour tint into premixed pail.
- Be sure to agitate briefly to mix tint into Delta T Coating
- Using a hopper (such as cut 55 gallon drum or plastic container of 20 gallons) will make for a more uniform color.
- Pour tinted container into hopper until approximately 3 five-gallon pails worth of material are in hopper. Agitate hopper with paddle. This will blend the color to give an even shade of gray. It is also easier to spray out of this hopper system than if mixing and spraying out of five gallon pails.
Standards and Practices for Top-coating Delta T:
- Make sure that Delta T Coating has cured for 36-48 hours prior to any topcoat. This will insure that the coating has fully dried and will not affect any topcoat.
- Since Delta T has a slight porous profile, no other prep is needed. The topcoat can be sprayed directly onto Delta T. The substrate needs to be free of dirt, dust and grime prior to the application. This can be accomplished by a light air sweep.
- It is recommended that an Acrylic topcoat is used over Delta T Products. This system is similar in physical characteristics as Delta T and if used properly, should give lasting results. Delta T has been top coated with other coating such as epoxies, urethanes, and zinc based products. To date, we have not found any compatibility problems. Make sure that no accelerator products are used in conjunction with plural component systems.
CAUTIONS
First Aid:
If exposed to eyes: Flush eyes with clean water.
Skin contact:
Wash with soap and water. If redness persists, seek medical attention.
Proper OSHA approved respirators and goggles are recommended for your protection when using this product. Use only with adequate ventilation. When applying in closed area, open doors and windows or use other means to ensure fresh air circulation or forced ventilation during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air or wear respiratory equipment.
Options for Application