Marine Technology Ltd, owner of the CuNiGuard antifouling system, has developed a new, single application copper antifouling product which can be owner applied. Copper-Tek uses a specialised copper which has been extensively tested to create a coating, providing, say the manufacturers many years of antifouling protection from the single application.
During mixing, each litre of Copper-Tek resin is impregnated with 2 kilograms of ultra fine copper powder, the maximum allowed by law. Marine Technology is confident that there is no stronger copper based antifouling system currently available on the market. Following the company's application instructions, a minimum of 200 microns of Copper-Tek is applied, typically the surface will erode at a rate of 5 microns per year. Prior to launch the cured the Copper-Tek surface is lightly burnished with a fine wet and dry paper to allow the copper to activate on contact with the water.
Further burnishing is not anticipated for several years. If ashore for an extended period, a light rub with an abrading pad or fine wet and dry is all that is necessary to reactivate the coating and continue fouling free cruising. Once immersed, the special copper reacts with seawater to form a thin slippery surface covering of cuprous oxide, resistant to all common fouling such as weed, barnacles and other marine growth, but non toxic to the environment. A minimum of 10 years protection should be expected from a properly applied Copper-Tek system.
Using Copper-Tek eliminates the annual labour and high costs of lifting out, preparation and reapplication of antifouling coatings. Previously, high volume copper based products have been prohibitively expensive but Copper-Tek can now offer a DIY option at very reasonable cost. Unlike ordinary antifouling paint, the active Copper-Tek ingredients are hosted by an epoxy resin base which also provides a degree of protection against osmosis in GRP hulls. The treated boat can therefore remain in the water for the owners enjoyment for longer periods.
Copper-Tek is fully approved and licensed for professional and owner application in UK, HSE No 9240 and available from Marine Technology Ltd +44
(0) 1202 887519 or online at www.copperantifoul.com
