Velox Plus

Don't live you with you head in the sand, barnacles et cetera on your props and running gear will make a DRAMATIC difference to both 

• Fuel bill
• Top Speed / RPM

Depending on the extent of the marine intrusion, we have seen >25% degrade in performance and >25% increase in fuel consumption. 

💡 An investment in Velox Plus will be a cash flow positive one after a few outings. 

Velox Plus is the most appreciated product of the entire Marlin Paints range and is currently exported all over the world, from America to Australia, from Europe to the Far East. ​Tens of thousands of boats successfully use Velox Plus, a rapidly growing number both in Italy and abroad thanks to the excellent results obtained, the growing demand and the expansion of the distribution network. ​

Locally, it's been used for the last 10+ years in Western Australia, from the brackish conditions of the Swan River to the salty Indian Ocean, from recreational boaties to cray fishermen.

Velox Plus is effective on ALL underwater metal components, including trim tabs, hangers, rudders, shafts and beyond.

Specifically take note this includes mainly components not typically able to be covered by silicon-based anti-foul, especially that marine forest that grows annually on your trim tabs. 

Silicon is in the media at the moment. It has two chances to get into lungs; in the solvent on application or as dust particles on removal. Two impacts; 

1. potential health concerns, and 
2. financial exposure to potential litigation from your workforce, neighbouring businesses or customers.

Additionally, Silicon can get airborne as it's solvent evaporates. This can lead to blotching on nearby jobs. Especially relevant for applicators and slipways.

The Velox Plus system does not contain silicon, and thus will not blotch other paint jobs in-flight. 

How does this play out? Typically where you are using a silicon-based anti-foul it needs to be done last, so it doesn't blotch or foul your other jobs. In addition, you need to put up a screen to stop silicon getting across the boatyard. This then increases a risk of delay because you can't shuffle things around when you invariably need to. 

By using Velox Plus you give your painting schedule more flexibility and resilience during the hull & metals anti-foul process. 

Velox Plus is a hard vinyl-based anti-foul. Unlike an ablative it is not designed to crumble. It has excellent adhesion qualities, specifically with the Metal Primer Marlin has very recently released an improved version with greater adhesion even in the presence of strong galvanic currents. Where a silicon-based anti-foul has already been used * we strongly recommend utilising our Etch Primer to mitigate any silicon contamination of the substrate. 

The Etch Primer will go a long way. We recommend you start with 100ml of Part A & 100ml or Part B. Always mix by volume.

* OR you are not sure how to correctly mechanically key a surface

You should get 1-3 years of service from the Velox Plus system. There are many factors that will impact the success of your application. Preparation of the surfaces is the key. Please pay attention to electric discharge; from your vessel, nearby vessels and shore power. We recommend you utilise a galvanic isolator where you are hooked up to shore power. Where you are running solar, wind or other power generation on your vessel be mindful of electrical discharge, especially above 0.4V. You should regularly use your vessel, defined as 1-2 times per week. If this is not possible, then we recommend a regular visual inspection with a cloth to wipe clear any build up. Brackish, warmer, more stagnant water will require more attention.

Keep what you don't use for next time!

Boating Products Etch Primer can be stored for up to 24 months. 

Marlin Paint's Metal Primer and Velox Plus can both be stored for up to 48 months. 

💡 Top Tip > make sure the paint lid is properly pushed down into place to create an airtight seal. Wiping any wet paint from the inside rim of the lid and the top of the can with a damp cloth will help to ensure a good seal and reduce the likelihood of the lid sticking on. If you can't clean the lid proper, you can always store upside down. 

The Velox Plus system does not contain silicon, and thus will not blotch other paint jobs in-flight. 

How does this play out? Typically where you are using a silicon-based anti-foul it needs to be done last, so it doesn't blotch or foul your other jobs. In addition, you need to put up a screen to stop silicon getting across the boatyard. This then increases a risk of delay because you can't shuffle things around when you invariably need to.

By using Velox Plus you give your painting schedule more flexibility and resilience during the hull & metals anti-foul process. 

Absolutely. For AIRLESS SPRAY: Apply one coat (180 microns wet). Recommended nozzle 0.12-0.18, max opening 30 degrees, pressure 100-180 PSI. Likewise, Metal Primer can be applied via Spray.

See out Facebook post

Unlike silicon, Velox Plus is a traditional antifoul that can be incorporated into your antifouling programme.

We assume this is a Year 1 application 

• 1 thin layer of Boating Products Etch Primer 
• 1 coat of Marlin Yacht Paints Metal Primer 
• 3 coats of Marlin Yacht Paints Velox Plus

Typical Paint Schedule

• Day 1: Strip hull & all metals, then at end-of-day apply Etch Primer then Metal Primer  
• Day 2: 3 x coats of Velox Plus 
• Day 3: Apply hull anti-foul (Velox Plus is fine with a bit of overspray) 
• Day 4: Launch 

Notes

• Because this is Year 1, surfaces should be taken back to bare metal 
• Apply with a roller, brush or spray Surface preparation with a wax & grease remover, wiped thoroughly with clean rags 
• Timings b/n Etch Primer & Metal Primer: between 30 min and 5 hours 
• Timings b/n Metal Primer & Velox Plus coats: 2 hours minimum (at 30 degrees)  
• Wait a minimum of 8 hours (at 30 degrees) before launching 

Takeaways

• Remember Velox Plus works with ALL metals - including hanger plates, rudder stock & bearing housing, and trim tabs - not just the surfaces where silicon-based antifoul is applied 
• If you are not pushed for time, ideally do a coat of Metal Primer / Velox Plus a day while you have your morning coffee , and leave overnight to launch  
• White allows for easy inspection and underwater scrub if needed, although it also comes in grey & black Metal Primer guide to film thickness is it should be opaque when finished  
• Metals & Oxidisation: apply primers within 6 hours, i.e. same day Next year on haul out etch primer is not needed, metal primer touch up as required and then 3 x coats Velox Plus

It is not a problem. If you have used a silicon-based anti-foul there is a strong risk the metal substrate will be contaminated with silicon. To mitigate this we highly recommend using a thin coat of our Etch Primer on your initial application.

The Etch Primer will go a long way. We recommend you start with 100ml of Part A & 100ml or Part B. Always mix by volume.

A few different permutations with the Sail-drive; 

• Non-silicon anti-foul: The Sail-drive depends on what coating is left after cleaning the growth off, if it is a (non-silicon) anti-foul then sand and apply 1 coat of Metal Primer over the existing anti foul and then apply Velox Plus (3 coats) over the primer.
• Powder coating removed: Many applicators remove the sail drive powder coat, which is the big no no. Yes, there will be a degree of (silicon) contamination, however the aluminium leg must be abraded with 60/80 grit prior to epoxy priming, 3 coats. No need for Etch Primer; apply 1 coat of Metal Primer, then 3 coats of Velox Plus.
• Silicon-base solution:  Remove the anti-foul. Wash thoroughly with a strong solvent and or wax and grease remover to remove any contaminants, then once contaminates are removed then sand with 80 gt, followed by Etch Primer and then Metal Primer then apply Velox Plus (3 coats). 

With the prop (and assuming silicon-based anti-foul), clean back to bare metal. Wash thoroughly with a strong solvent and or wax and grease remover to remove any contaminants, then once contaminates are removed then sand with 80 gt, followed by Etch Primer and then Metal Primer then apply Velox Plus (3 coats). 

Keying the surface of a prop will not change it's pitch. If done incorrectly it may eventually influence the profile but this too would take years. 

With the Velox Plus system it is only every few years at most that the metal primer needs to be re-applied, involving taking the metal back to bare and re-keying to 80 grit.

Yes. We have excellent results - including adhesion - with Aluminium, and additionally with duo-props, IPS propellers and any other high pressure prop systems where adhesion is an issue. 

Year One

• Leg drive. Assuming it's still coated in factory powder coating. Degrease and lightly sand with 80 grit and apply one coat of Marlin Paints Metal Primer then three coats of Marlin Paints Velox Plus.
• Aluminium props. Assuming the prop is previously coated with a silicon antifoul you will need to remove any silicon contamination. Brighten the metal. Clean fastidiously with wax and grease remover and clean rags. The goal is a silicon free surface, but it's problematic and you need to be diligent. Once it's clean then sand again to get any silicon from the metal surface/strata, and clean again. Then key appropriately and apply 2-3 coats of epoxy primer for film thickness and protection. Then one coat of Marlin Paints Metal Primer then three coats of Marlin Paints Velox Plus.

Year 2+

• Life gets easier now, pressure wash with fresh water and/or sand very lightly with fine paper or abrasive felt. Leave to dry well. Touch up with Marlin Paints Metal Primer as needed then 3 coats of Marlin Paints Velox Plus.

Finally, general advice: do not touch the surfaces with bare hands that may leave traces of grease or dirt. For cleaning the surface use only a wax & grease remover and tidy with a dry, clean cloth. Change the rag frequently, especially in the case of new or folding propellers, which usually have more grease on them. Absolutely do not wash the sanded surface with water, soap, detergents, acid!

💡 take off that nice Apple watch in case of splatter

We don't endorse Bunnings - but we always enjoy their snagger & onion in-a-bun - but to make life easy links are included as a reference;

• Wax & grease remover bunnings-link
• Brushes, 1 for each coat, an inch to an inch and a half wide bunnings-link
• • If you prefer to use rollers;
  • • Roller frame bunnings-link
    • Foam rollers bunnings-link
    • Mini tray bunnings-link
    • Mini tray liners bunnings-link
• Disposable gloves, large enough for your hands
• Bag of rags bunnings-link
• Mask, personal preference
• Mixing container (for the etch primer only & always mix by volume not weight) bunnings-link 
• Mixing stick / stirrer bunnings-link  

If it's Year 2 (or beyond) you are preparing to re-apply Velox Plus, then life is easy you just need to pressure wash with fresh water and/or sand very lightly with fine paper or abrasive felt (scotch-brite). Then leave to dry well, before applying 3 coats.

If you're removing old anti-foul or taking back to bare metal;

• Eye protection, personal preference 
• Disposable overalls (to size) bunnings-link
• Grinder ideally wall-powered and be mindful what size it is, in terms of getting pads that fit eg 125cm or 115cm
• depending on the type of anti-foul, and if doubt get half a dozen of each and see what works best, both about 80 grit or equivalent
• • Flap disc
  • Strip disc
  • Note these will not put a mechanical key on a surface, they merely clean and brighten but are fine for etch primer
• 80 grit sandpaper, use sandpaper to clean up where the grinder can't get to
• 80 grit garnet paper,  if you are keying the surface - for Metal Primer without Etch Primer - then you'll need this.
• • Note always use nice sharp garnet paper, if it's been overused it will no get enough micron depth

and finally, a screw-driver to open the lids, ideally a fold out table and a milk crate or similar to sit on!

All depends on how well the paint system is adhering to the metal. Typically we see the system last 3 to 4 years. If the majority of paint is still on then all it needs is a spot prime with Metal Primer then 3 more coats of Velox Plus

Metal is porous, and this varies. Generally speaking make sure primer is applied within 6 hours, examples;

• Lead 2 hours
• Bronze 6 hours
• Stainless 24 hours

Yes. 

If you look at YouTube further down this page, you'll see Furio Benussi's Maxi 100 ARCA SGR. Arca SGR in a previous life won line honours in the 2003 Rolex Sydney Hobart as Skandia. The keel and appendages are finished with Velox Plus (in orange). 

• Performance / Racing Finish -> Velox Plus is a hard vinyl, so you can spray apply to the hull and wet sand back to a high quality racing finish (600+ grit). This is not possible with an ablative equivalent.  
• Durable -> Velox Plus is a hard vinyl, so it will not reduce film thickness through routine cleaning. An ablative equivalent will lose efficiency after approximately 4 months due to film thickness reduction. 
• Weight Saving -> Because it does not contain copper it is substantially lighter than an anti-foul that does. Typically ablative equivalents will be cuprous oxide-based (powder added). As an example - assuming 600g/L of cuprous oxide in an ablative-equivalent - you would look to save 10-12kg on a TP52.
  

When looking for performance we suggest switching to a 2L pressure pot spray gun (rather than airless) for a smoother spray. There is no need to use thinners. Prepare your epoxy primer surface and then spray 5-6 coats of Velox Plus. In the end you will fair off 3 layers to get to your racing finish, leaving approx 2 layers intact. 

If airless is your only option, drop tip size down to 12.

Etch Primer & Metal Primer are not needed. 

Please note Velox Plus is registered with the AVPMA in Australia & New Zealand to be sold for use as an antifoulant on underwater metals only.