Application Methods

Before you start

• Re-suspend the coating — stir thoroughly before use and periodically during application; pigment settles in storage
• Dilute correctly — if dilution is required per the TDS, dilute uniformly; over-dilution (beyond 10–15% for most solvent-based products) weakens the binder and reduces film performance
• Use the correct thinner — incompatible thinners cause compatibility failure; use only the thinner specified on the TDS
• Check conditions — do not apply in rain, direct sunlight, or humidity above 85%; temperature range: 10–35°C; allow adequate ventilation, especially with solvent-based coatings
• Re-clean if contaminated — if the substrate was handled or exposed after cleaning, solvent wipe again before painting

Brush application

• Use a foam rubber brush for viscous or thick coatings; a bristle brush for standard viscosity
• Apply a thin, uniform layer — work the brush across the surface in parallel strokes, then cross-stroke to even out
• Avoid thick single coats: they crack on drying and are prone to spalling under thermal cycling
• Force-drying: if required, do not exceed 70°C — higher temperatures cause surface bubbling and can delaminate the film from the substrate

Roller application

• Suited to large flat surfaces; use for primer and topcoat on sheet metal, concrete floors, and walls
• Short-nap roller for smooth substrates; medium-nap for textured or slightly rough surfaces
• Do not overload the roller — multiple thin coats give better film integrity than a single heavy coat
• Maintain wet-edge technique to avoid lap marks on large surfaces

Air spray application

• Water-based coatings: if possible, heat the substrate to 150–200°C before spraying — the coating goes down immediately and evenly, similar to an aerosol; do not spray water-based coatings onto cold surfaces
• Use a needle/nozzle tip appropriate for the coating viscosity — correct tip selection prevents clogging and ensures consistent atomisation
• Maintain a 150–300mm (6–12 inch) distance from the substrate — too close causes running; too far causes the mist to partially dry before hitting the surface, reducing adhesion
• Build up thickness in short bursts rather than continuous spray — prevents runs and sags on vertical surfaces
• Use a sweeping motion; adjust spray angle to cover edges, crevices, and complex profiles
• Do not hold the gun stationary on one spot
• Start the spray with the gun angled away from the substrate — the gun produces a heavy stream on startup before the correct air/coating mix is achieved
• Adjust the spray cone angle for best coverage
• Clean equipment immediately after use — residual paint dries and causes blockages
• Always use appropriate ventilation and personal protective equipment when spraying — refer to the product SDS

Dipping

Dipping is not generally recommended. Drying occurs from the outside of the film inward — this can give the appearance of a fully dry coating while moisture is retained underneath, leading to micro-delamination when the coating is later heated.

If dipping is the only available method:

• Ensure the surface is completely clean of oils, scale, and dirt before dipping
• Achieve a thin, uniform layer — vibrate or agitate the dipped part to drain off excess paint
• Do not over-dilute the coating to compensate for thickness — over-dilution impairs the binder system and reduces film performance; most products tolerate up to 15% dilution before performance is affected

Re-coat windows

All Marindec products have a minimum and maximum re-coat window specified on the TDS. Observe both:

• Before minimum re-coat time: solvent entrapment can cause blistering and inter-coat delamination
• After maximum re-coat time: the surface may become too hard or chalky for adequate inter-coat bonding; light abrasion with fine paper may be required

Refer to the individual product TDS for times. These vary with temperature and humidity.