What are the recommendations on surface preparation or media blasting for marine applications?

For a marine applications, surface preparation is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of Rust Bullet coatings. Here are the general recommendations for surface preparation:

Surface Preparation Steps

1. Clean the Surface:
   • Remove Contaminants: Thoroughly clean the surface to remove all dirt, grease, oil, salt, and other contaminants. Use a degreaser or Rust Bullet Metal Blast for best results.
   • Rinse: Rinse the surface with fresh water and allow it to dry completely.
2. Remove Rust and Loose Material:
   • Mechanical Cleaning: Remove any loose rust, paint, or coatings using a wire brush, scraper, or mechanical tools. For heavily rusted areas, consider media blasting; soda blasting and dry ice blasting are two methods of media blasting that are effective, clean, and environmentally safe. Both media are sound options and clean-up will be relatively minor including the drying procedure after the dry ice blasting.
   • Hand Tools: For smaller areas or less severe rust, hand tools like wire brushes and sandpaper can be effective.
3. Surface Profiling:
   • Create a Profile: Ensure the surface has a rough profile to enhance adhesion. Metal Blast will etch a metal surface and is an effective way to condition your surface for application.
   • Surface Roughness: Aim for a surface roughness of 2 to 4 mils for optimal coating adhesion.
4. Remove Dust and Debris:
   • Blow Off Dust: Use compressed air or a clean, dry cloth to remove all dust and debris from the surface.
   • Final Wipe: Perform a final wipe with a clean cloth dampened with Rust Bullet Solvent to ensure the surface is clean.

Specific Considerations for Marine Applications

• Moisture: Ensure the surface is completely dry before application. Moisture can significantly affect the adhesion and curing process.
• Salt Contamination: Marine environments often have salt contamination. It is crucial to remove all salts using a salt remover such as Chlor*Rid and by thoroughly washing with fresh water.
• Temperature: Apply Rust Bullet in recommended temperature ranges (between 50°F to 90°F) and avoid high humidity conditions during application and curing.

Maintenance

Regularly inspect the coated surface for signs of wear or damage and perform touch-ups as needed to maintain protection.

For detailed and specific instructions refer to Rust Bullet’s application guidelines and technical documents, or Contact Us for technical support.

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