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Primer & Paint Application Guide
Introduction
System Three® manufactures a marine primer and topcoat that offer increased environmental friendliness without sacrificing performance. Since these products thin and clean up with water, they are less hazardous and less costly to use than their solvent-containing counterparts. Because they are non-flammable, they can be used where flammable solvent-based paints cannot. Once cured, the combination is water and chemical-resistant, while offering maximum protection from the sun and weather for topside watercraft applications.
Recommended Uses:
• Epoxy coated fiberglass
• Epoxy coated wood
• Polyester gelcoat
• Existing paint systems
Product Descriptions
Pennant Primer
Pennant Primer is a waterborne, two-part marine epoxy primer. It cures to an easily-sanded surface for System Three Pennant Topside Paint. The Pennant Primer can be applied above or below the waterline for marine applications. It will also seal fairing or other filler work before top coating.
Pennant Primer Characteristics:
| Volume Solids | 38% |
| Weight Solids | 52% |
| Mixed Viscosity | 75-80 KU |
| Color | Gray |
| VOC | <200 G/L |
| Mix Ratio | 4:1 by Volume |
| Pot Life | Use within 3 Hours |
| Induction | Let Mixed Primer Stand 15 Minutes Before Use |
| Application Conditions | 55°F (13°C) Minimum, 95°F (35°C) Maximum |
| Clean Up | Water or Denatured Alcohol |
| Dry to Recoat | Spray application- 3-4 hours @ 70°F (21°C) Roll and tip- 6-8 hours @ 70°F (21°C) |
| Recoat to paint | 24 Hours @ 70°F (21°C) |
| Coverage Rate | 250-350 Sq. Ft. per Gallon |
| Wet Mil. Thickness per Coat | 4.5-6.5 |
| Number of Coats | 2-3 |
Pennant Topside Paint
System Three Pennant Topside Paint is a high-performance, two-part waterborne polyurethane. It offers exceptional scratch, mar, and exterior durability in marine topside applications. Pennant Topside Paint can be used below the waterline in day use applications only.
Pennant Topside Paint consists of a can of paint and a bottle of crosslinking material.
Pennant Topside Paint Characteristics:
| Volume Solids | 32-35% |
| Weight Solids | 32-36% |
| Mixed Viscosity | 75-80 KU |
| VOC | <220 g/l |
| Mix Ratio | 2 oz. Crosslinker per Gallon of Paint |
| Pot Life | Use within 24 Hours |
| Application Conditions | 55°F (13°C) Minimum, 85°F (29°C) Maximum |
| Clean Up | Water |
| Dry to Recoat | Spray application- 2 hours @ 70°F (21°C) Roll and tip- 4-6 hours @ 70°F (21°C) |
| Coverage Rate | 400-500 sq. ft. per gallon |
| Wet Mil. Thickness per Coat | 3-4 |
| Recoat without Sanding | 24 Hours |
| Number of Coats | 3 or More |
Substrate Requirements
Epoxy Coated Fiberglass
For best results, use System Three non-blushing SilverTip or Clear Coat epoxy. Some epoxy resin systems can leave an amine blush on the surface. Amine blush can interfere with the adhesion of the Pennant Primer and Topside Paint.
1. If you are using SilverTip or Clear Coat Epoxy for the fiberglass layup, skip to Step 3.
2. Remove surface blush by using a Scotch-Brite pad with detergent and warm water. Then flush the surface with fresh water.
3. Sand the epoxy surface with 150 grit paper, making sure to completely degloss the surface.
4. After sanding, vacuum or blow off the surface with clean, dry shop air to remove sanding dust.
5. Wipe the surface with denatured alcohol and clean rags in preparation for Pennant Primer.
6. Proceed to Means of Applying Pennant Primer and Paint for details specific to your application process.
Epoxy Coated Wood
Marine topside exterior wood components need to be epoxy sealed before applying Pennant Primer and Topside Paint. The wood surface must be clean and dry (verify with a moisture meter that levels do not exceed 12%). Additionally, the substrate must be structurally sound with minimal deflection. For best results, use System Three non-blushing SilverTip or Clear Coat epoxy. Some epoxy resin systems can leave an amine blush on the surface. Amine blush can interfere with the adhesion of the Pennant Primer and Topside Paint.
1. Sand the bare wood using 80-100 grit sandpaper. Make sure that all edges and corners are rounded over. Sharp edges promote poor epoxy coverage, which can lead to a premature failure of the coating system.
2. After sanding, vacuum or blow off the surface with clean, dry shop air to remove sanding dust.
3. Fill surface imperfections with SilverTip QuickFair. Sand repair areas until smooth using 100-120 grit paper.
4. Repeat Step 2.
5. Apply a thin seal coat of System Three Epoxy with a 1/8” nap foam roller. Ensure that all surfaces are coated with epoxy, paying particular attention to the end grain.
6. Apply 2-3 additional heavier coats of epoxy. Recoating without sanding can be done within 72 hours of the last coat. If sanding is necessary, use 150 grit sandpaper.
7. Allow the System Three Epoxy to cure sufficiently, usually 48 hours at 70°F before sanding in preparation for Pennant Primer.
8. Sand the epoxy with 150 grit sandpaper.
9. Wipe the surface with denatured alcohol and clean rags in preparation for Pennant Primer.
10. See below Means of Applying Pennant Primer and Paint for details specific to your application process.
Polyester Gelcoat
Polyester gelcoats often have mold release agents as well as wax contamination of the surface. Pennant Primer can be successfully applied over polyester gelcoats provided the surface is free from contaminants and well sanded.
1. The surface should be cleaned thoroughly using a Scotch-Brite pad with detergent and warm water.
2. Follow with a wax stripper. Flush the surface with plenty of fresh water.
3. Once the surface is clean and dry, thoroughly sand the gelcoat using 80-100 grit sandpaper.
4. Fill surface any crazing or other surface imperfections with SilverTip QuickFair. Sand the repaired areas until smooth with 100-120 grit paper.
5. After sanding, vacuum or blow off the surface with clean, dry shop air to remove sanding dust.
6. Wipe the surface with denatured alcohol and clean rags in preparation for Pennant Primer.
7. See below Means of Applying Pennant Primer and Paint for details specific to your application process.
Existing Paint
Pennant Primer and Paint can be applied over most existing paint surfaces, provided that they are sound and free from wax and other contaminates. Before committing to a complete paint resurfacing, pretesting is recommended to ensure adequate adhesion is present with the existing paint and the Pennant Primer.
1. If the existing paint has been waxed, first clean the surface. Scrub the paint with a Scotch-Brite pad in conjunction with detergent and warm water. Rinse the surface with plenty of fresh water.
2. Follow with a wax stripper. Flush the surface with fresh water.
3. If necessary, fill surface imperfections with SilverTip QuickFair. Sand repair areas until smooth with 100-120 grit paper.
4. Sand the existing painted surface with 150 grit sandpaper. Make sure to completely degloss the paint.
5. After sanding, vacuum or blow off the surface with clean, dry shop air to remove sanding dust.
6. Wipe down the paint with denatured alcohol and clean rags in preparation for Pennant Primer.
7. See below Means of Applying Pennant Primer and Paint for details specific to your application process.
Means of Applying Pennant Primer and Paint
Pennant Primer and Topside Paint can be applied by the roll and tip method or spray application.
The Roll and Tip Method
Application Conditions: When applying Pennant Primer and Topside Paint with a roller and brush, be mindful of the ambient temperature and humidity conditions. Extreme environmental conditions can negatively affect how the paint flows out once applied. Best results are achieved in the average temperature and humidity range of (70-80°F and 50-80% relative humidity).
It’s advisable to work in an environment where the surface is protected from the sun and the wind. Surfaces exposed to heat from the sun and the wind will set up too quickly, resulting in poor flow out.
PENNANT PRIMER
Mixing: Stir Part B thoroughly to remix any settled material. Mix 4 parts Hardener Part B with 1 part Resin Part A by volume and stir thoroughly for 2 minutes. Allow the material 15 minutes to induct before use. Mix only enough material which can be used within 3 hours @ 70°F. Higher temperatures will reduce the pot life, while cooler temperatures will increase pot life.
Application: For best results, apply 2-3 coats of Pennant Primer to the substrate. Use a 3/16” -1/4” foam roller made for waterborne paints and a high quality synthetic bristle brush.
Apply the primer liberally at 4.5-6.5 wet mils. (wet mil. thickness gauges are readily available from your local paint store). At 70°F (21°C), the primer can be recoated in 6-8 hours without sanding. Best results are achieved by recoating without sanding in between coats. This allows for maximum film build of the primer and reduced labor time. If the primer requires sanding or has cured more than 72 hours, sand with 220-320 grit paper. The Pennant Primer is sandable in 12-14 hours at 70°F (21°C). Keep in mind that cooler temperatures will increase the time to recoat, while warmer temperatures will reduce the time to recoat.
Cleanup: Clean the application equipment with warm, soapy water. Brushes may be further cleaned with denatured alcohol.
PENNANT TOPSIDE PAINT
Note: If using a primer other than Pennant Primer, pretesting is recommended to ensure good adhesion is present.
Mixing: Gently stir the Pennant Topside Paint to remix any settled material. Once the paint base is mixed, add the crosslinker slowly at 2 oz. per gallon of paint, while stirring. Continue mixing the crosslinked paint for 2 minutes.
Note: Paint that has been crosslinked will remain active for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the paint can be re-crosslinked. Once the Pennant Topside Paint has been crosslinked 2 times, the material must be used within 24 hours. After 24 hours, it should be discarded.
Application: For best results, apply 3 coats of Pennant Topside Paint. Colors such as red, yellow, and orange are more difficult to achieve opacity, and may require additional coats. Use a 1/8”-3/16” foam roller made for waterborne paints and a high quality synthetic bristle brush. For improved working time, reduce the paint with water at 5-10% by volume.
Apply the paint at 3-4 wet mils. per coat. Avoid overworking the paint, as this can result in lap marks. Larger areas may require additional helpers to maintain the paint’s wet edge.
Let the first coat of paint dry 4-6 hours before recoating. The Pennant Topside Paint does not require sanding within 24 hours of application. If the paint has cured beyond 24 hours, sand with 220-320 grit paper. Remove the sanding dust by flushing the surface with plenty of freshwater. Dry with a lint-free towel. Apply additional coats of Pennant Topside Paint in the same manner.
Cleanup: Clean the application equipment with warm, soapy water. Brushes may be further cleaned with denatured alcohol.
Conventional Pressure Pot
Before applying Pennant Primer and Paint, make sure that the fluid lines are clean. Purge the lines with denatured alcohol and follow with fresh water.
Application Conditions: When spray applying Pennant Primer and Topside Paint, be mindful of the ambient temperature and humidity conditions. Extreme environmental conditions can negatively affect how the paint flows out once applied. Best results are achieved in the average temperature and humidity range of (70-80°F and 50-80% relative humidity).
It’s advisable to work in an environment where the surface is protected from the sun and the wind. Surfaces exposed to heat from the sun and the wind will set up too quickly, resulting in poor flow out.
PENNANT PRIMER
Mixing: Stir contents of pigmented Part B thoroughly to remix any settled material. Mix 4 parts Hardener Part B with 1 part Resin Part A by volume and stir thoroughly. Allow the material 15 minutes to induct, before use. Mix only enough material which can be used well within 3 hours @ 70°F. Higher temperatures will reduce pot life, while cooler temperatures will increase pot life.
Application:
Pressure Pot Settings:
• Pot Pressure: 10-15 psi
• Atomization Pressure: 25-30 psi
• Tip: 1.4–1.8 mm tip
• Reduction: As needed, up to 15% (water or denatured alcohol)
Spray the Pennant Primer at 4.5-6.5 wet mils. (wet mil. thickness gauges are readily available from your local paint store.) At 70°F (21°C) the primer can be recoated without sanding in 3-4 hours. Best results are achieved by recoating without sanding in between coats. This allows for maximum film build of the primer and reduced labor time. If the Pennant Primer has cured more than 72 hours, it should be sanded with 220-320 grit paper before applying more primer.
Cleanup: Clean application equipment with warm, soapy water. Brushes may be further cleaned with denatured alcohol.
PENNANT TOPSIDE PAINT
Mixing: Stir/shake Pennant Topside Paint thoroughly to remix any settled material. While stirring, slowly add the crosslinker at 2 oz. per gallon of paint. Mix thoroughly to homogenize the paint and crosslinker.
Note: The crosslinker will remain active for 24 hours after addition to the paint. After 24 hours, the paint can be re-crosslinked. Once the Pennant Topside Paint has been crosslinked 2 times, it’s properties greatly diminish and should be discarded.
Application:
Pressure Pot Settings:
• Pot pressure: 10-15 psi
• Atomization pressure: 30-50 psi
• Tip size: 1.0-1.2 mm
• Reduction: As needed up to 25% with water
When spraying, the first coat should be applied ultra-thin, avoiding dry spray. This coat should look patchy over the substrate. After a minimum of 15 minutes, apply a medium wet coat at 3-4 mils. Wait a minimum of 2 hours before applying the next coat. Further coats can be applied in 2 hour increments.
No sanding is required within 24 hours of application. After 24 hours, sand with 220-320 grit paper. Remove sanding dust by flushing the surface with plenty of fresh water. Dry with a lint-free towel. Apply additional coats in the same manner.
Cleanup: Clean spray equipment with fresh water.
Airless Spray
Before applying Pennant Primer and Paint, make sure that the fluid lines are clean. Purge the lines with denatured alcohol and follow with fresh water.
Application Conditions: When spray applying Pennant Primer and Topside, be mindful of the ambient temperature and humidity conditions. Extreme environmental conditions can negatively affect how the paint flows out once applied. Best results are achieved in the average temperature and humidity range of (70-80°F and 50-80% relative humidity).
It’s advisable to work in an environment where the surface is protected from the sun and the wind. Surfaces exposed to heat from the sun and the wind will set up too quickly, resulting in poor flow out.
PENNANT PRIMER
Mixing: Stir contents of pigmented Part B thoroughly to remix any settled material. Mix 4 parts Hardener Part B with 1 part Resin Part A by volume and stir thoroughly. Allow the material 15 minutes to induct before use. Mix only enough material which can be used well within 3 hours @ 70°F. Higher temperatures will reduce pot life, while cooler temperatures will increase pot life.
Application:
Airless Sprayer Settings:
• Pressure: 2700-3000 PSI
• Hose: .25” ID
• Tip: Fine-Finish .013”- .015”
• Reduction: As needed, up to 10% (Denatured alcohol or water)
Hold the gun 16” from the surface and move quickly. Spray the Pennant Primer at 4.5-6.5 wet mils. (wet mil. thickness gauges are readily available from your local paint store.) At 70°F (21°C) the primer can be recoated without sanding in 3-4 hours. After 72 hours, the Pennant Primer must be sanded, use 220-320 grit paper. Keep in mind that cooler temperatures will increase the time to recoat, while warmer temperatures will reduce the time to recoat. Best results are achieved by recoating without sanding in between coats. This allows for maximum film build of the primer and reduced labor time.
Cleanup: Clean spray equipment with fresh water. The spray equipment may be further cleaned with denatured alcohol.
PENNANT TOPSIDE PAINT
Note: If using a primer other than Pennant Primer, pretesting is recommended to make certain good adhesion is present.
Mixing: Stir/shake Pennant Topside Paint thoroughly to remix any settled material. While stirring, slowly add the crosslinker at 2 oz. per gallon of paint. Mix thoroughly to homogenize the paint and crosslinker.
Note: The crosslinker will remain active for 24 hours after addition to the paint. After 24 hours, the paint can be re-crosslinked. Once the Pennant Topside Paint has been crosslinked 2 times, it’s properties greatly diminish and should be discarded.
Application:
Airless Sprayer Settings:
• Pressure: 2700-3000 psi
• Hose: .25” ID
• Tip size: .007-.011
• Reduction: As needed up to 5% with water
Hold the gun 16” from the surface and move quickly, applying an ultra-thin first coat. The surface should be patchy over the substrate. After 15 minutes, apply a medium wet coat at 3-4 mils. Wait a minimum of 2 hours before applying the next coat. Further coats can be applied in 2 hour increments. No sanding is required within 24 hours of application. After 24 hours, sand with 220-320 grit paper. Remove sanding dust by flushing the surface with plenty of fresh water. Dry with lint-free towel. Apply additional coats in the same manner.
Cleanup: Clean spray equipment with fresh water. The spray equipment may be further cleaned with denatured alcohol.
