Pennant Primer Application Guide

Description

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.

Features:

• Clean up with water
• No flammable solvents
• Low odor
• Fully cures in 72 hours
• Easy to use
• Compatible with most topcoats on the market today

Recommended Uses:
• Epoxy coated fiberglass
• Epoxy coated wood
• Polyester gelcoat
• Existing paint systems

Characteristics:

Substrate Requirements:

Epoxy Fiberglass Layup:

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.

1. If you are using SilverTip or Clear Coat Epoxy for the fiberglass layup, skip to step number 3.  If you use an epoxy that can blush, go to step number 2.
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. See the Applying Pennant Primer section below for details specific to your application process.
   

Epoxy Coated Wood:

Marine topside exterior wood components need to be epoxy sealed before applying Pennant Primer.  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. 

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 QuikFair.  Sand repair areas until smooth using 100- 120 grit paper.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. If you are using SilverTip or Clear Coat Epoxy, skip to step number 7.  If you use an epoxy that can blush, go to step number 6.
6. Remove surface blush by using a Scotch-Brite pad with detergent and warm water.  Then flush the surface with fresh water.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Allow the System Three Epoxy to cure sufficiently, usually 48 hours at 70°F before sanding in preparation for Pennant Primer.
   
10. Sand the epoxy with 150 grit sandpaper.
11. After sanding, vacuum or blow off the surface with clean, dry, shop air to remove sanding dust.
12. Wipe the surface with denatured alcohol and clean rags in preparation for Pennant Primer.
13. See the Applying Pennant Primer section below for details specific to your application process.
    

Polyester Gelcoat:

Polyester gelcoats often have mold release agents as well as wax contamination on 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 any crazing or other surface imperfections with SilverTip QuikFair.  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 the Applying Pennant Primer section below for details specific to your application process.
   

Existing Paint:

Pennant Primer can be applied over most existing paint surfaces, provided that they are sound and free from wax and other contaminants.  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 QuikFair.  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 clean rags dampened with water in preparation for Pennant Primer.
7. See the Applying Pennant Primer section below for details specific to your application process.
   

Application Conditions:

When applying Pennant Primer with a roller and brush, be mindful of the ambient temperature and humidity conditions.  Extreme environmental conditions can negatively affect how the primer 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.

Mixing:

1. Stir Part B thoroughly to remix any settled material.  
2. Mix 4 parts Hardener Part B with 1 part Resin Part A by volume and stir thoroughly for 2 minutes.  
3. 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. 
   

Applying Pennant Primer:

Pennant Primer can be applied by the roll and tip method or spray application.

The Roll and Tip Method: 

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.

1. Apply the primer liberally at 4.5-6.5 wet mils with the foam roller.  While the primer is still wet, go back over the freshly applied primer by lightly dragging the synthetic brush over the surface.  You can use a wet mil thickness gauge (readily available from your local paint store.) to ensure that the application thickness is on point.
2. Continue this process until the substrate is complete.
3. 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.

Spray Application:

Conventional Pressure Pot:

• 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)
  

Airless Spray:

• Pressure: 2700-3000 PSI
• Hose: ¼” ID
• Tip: Fine-Finish .013”- .015”
• Reduction: As needed, up to 10% (Denatured alcohol or water)
  

Coverage:

3 coats are recommended for best results at 250-350 sq. ft. per gallon. Some porous substrates may require additional coats of Pennant Primer.

• Wet film thickness per coat: 4.5-6.5 mils
• Dry film thickness per coat: 1.6-2.3 mils