Zytexx Technical
Performance, Protection and Reflection
Zytexx Hybrid Ceramic Clear Coat
PG-4400
Zytexx clear-coat is a hard durable clear-coat designed to minimise the cleaning and maintenance of surfaces.
Zytexx penetrates into surfaces to seal microscopic cavities and leaves a shiny smooth surface that is impossible to stain.
The clear-coat is harder than the paint it seals and improves scuff resistance from objects like ropes, boat fenders and general washing.
On colours: Generally, coating over coloured paints will intensify the depth of colour. There is a marked difference in appearance between treated and untreated areas and it is worth keeping this in mind when choosing the areas to be treated.
Zytexx clear-coat reduces the surface area to minimise oxidation from UV and acts as a gas barrier to exclude O2 and prevent free radical formation with UV.
Zytexx is professionally applied, by roll and tip on a clean surface and allowed to cure for 12 hours, Repainting and repairs can be performed after PG4100 is removed by using our proprietary removal gel preparation procedures using P180 grit sanding discs.
Chemistry:
| Nominal Thickness: | ~20um+/- 5 |
| Expected lifetime: | 2 years under normal use |
| Chemistry: | A hybrid coating of amorphous Si02 (quartz & organo – silane polymer formed by sol-gel deposition with flexible elastomers to give a super durable but flexible surface. |
| Cure time | 12 hrs to touch dry and use - 24hrs to full cure |
| VOC: | Non VOC |
Zytexx Hand Application
PG-4200
The hand application reduces the surface area to minimise oxidation from UV and acts as a gas barrier to exclude O2 and prevent free radical formation with UV.
PG-4200 improves depth of colour & imparts shine whilst preventing adhesion from diesel soot.
Zytexx is professionally applied, quickly and easily on a clean surface, the product is applied with a soft cloth, allowed to cure for 10 minutes, and then buffed back to a solid shine.
Repainting and repairs can be performed after PG4200 is removed by using our removal gel or preparation procedures.
Chemistry:
| Nominal Thickness: | ~10um+/- 0.5 |
| Expected lifetime: | 1 season under normal use Chemistry: A hybrid coating of amorphous Si02 (quartz & organo – silane polymer formed by sol-gel deposition |
| Cure time | 1 hrs to touch dry and use - 24hrs to full cure |
| VOC: | Non VOC |
Zytexx Glass Treatment
PG-4300
Zytexx glass bonds strongly to the –OH / silica surface of glass. The perfluoroalkyl coating is self-organising and forms a strong water repellent outer surface. This coating is thin but very resilient, it’s chemistry is related to the thin anti-reflection coatings found on optics.
The coating is transparent, chemically inert, non- hazardous and UV stable. It becomes part of the glass and does not peel, flake or crack.
Chemistry:
| Nominal Thickness: | ~1um+/- 0.5 |
| Expected lifetime: | 1 season under normal use |
| Chemistry | SiO2/ perflouroalkylsilane hybrid |
| Cure time | 1 hrs to touch dry and use - 24hrs to full cure |
| VOC: | Non VOC |
Zytexx Removal Gel
PG 7100
How to remove (RE-Painting)
Our new proprietary Removal gel dissolves Zytexx Clearcoat without causing damage to the original paint or gelcoat underneath. Zytexx Clearcoat can now be removed without sanding. The Zytexx Removal Gel is a non-scratch system that reveals the original paint beneath.
The process is very easy. Simply apply the removal gel, allow it to chemically remove the ceramic and then rinse away revealing the original undamaged surface that is then ready for surface preparation for a Zytexx reapplication, polish or paint repair.
For a full removal process contact our technical team at info@zytexx.com.
Zytexx Ceramic Clear Coat PG-4400
Q. How long will Zytexx Clear Coat last on my hull?
A. This very much depends on the age and condition of your exterior paint. High sun & high wear areas like the curved cheeks on the stern can experience the most punishing treatment, and our current generation of PG-4400 has lasted two years in these areas.
Low sun & wear areas like hull sides last particularly well, and we have some Zytexx persisting into its 3rd and 4th year.
Q. Can Zytexx clear Coat be applied to my superstructure?
A. It can, but we recommend the PG-4200 Hand Application product for this application. Superstructures tend to be highly complex to polish and apply PG-4100 Clear coat to. The superstructure also is readily accessible, compared to the hull sides, and a more frequent & inexpensive application is preferable.
While adding gloss and depth of colour, the PG-4200 also doesn’t significantly change the native look of paint. This can be preferable in highly public spaces on the vessel that don’t require the high wear properties of the Clear Coat product.
Q. Can Zytexx Clear Coat be applied in high Humidity conditions?
A. Very high, and very low humidity are difficult application conditions for any paint or coating. Above 90% humidity and cold, dry (<30%) & windy conditions present problems, and our applicators will avoid them. The watershed facilities buffer us from the worst of these extremes which is why we recommend and value them so highly for application.
Q. Will Zytexx Clear Coat stop diesel soot from staining the surface?
A. Yes it will stop diesel soot from staining. With Zytexx Ceramic Clear coat applied Diesel soot or any other contamination will not be able to adhere. The surface remains glossy and very easy to clean for the crew.
Q. How long does it take for the Zytexx Ceramic Clear coat to cure before we can go to sea?
A. We strongly recommend that the vessel is berthed for 24 hours before going to see. Salt spray and uncured Zytexx are not a good combination, and leaving port before the coating is cured will void our warranty.
Q. What is the maximum age of my paint or Gel-Coat before I can no longer have Zytexx Ceramic Clear Coat applied to my hull?
A. Once the surface has reached an age to where it can no longer be polished back to an acceptable gloss, then we recommend having a re-fit, and then applying Zytexx to protect your new surface prolonging your next paint job. This is typically 4-5 years post paint job.
Q. Can Zytexx be removed easily if we need to have a re-paint or fix any damage?
A. Yes Zytexx can be removed easily before a re-paint or to repair damaged areas. The refit yard can contact us to where they can purchase our Removal Gel PG7100 for a speedy removal process that is inexpensive in comparison to sanding.
Zytexx Hand Application
PG-4200
Q. How does the hand PG-4200 differ from the Zytexx PG-4100 Ceramic Clear Coat?
A. The PG-4100 Clear Coat is our premium coating for high wear external areas, especially those that are inaccessible and can only be reached at a refit or repaint. It is very abrasion resistant. The PG-4100 is also a clear coat, and will change the overall appearance of the underlying paint; it will look like it has a clear coat over it.
PG-4200 is chemically identical to the Clear coat, but applied in method that gives a thinner coating. This method is far more flexible, economical and less demanding to apply, but results in a less resilient coating. Critically, PG-4200 preserves the native look of paint. PG-4200 is ideal for applications where the original look of paint is required, but the easy clean properties of Zytexx is desired.
PG-4200 is also rapid to apply, economical and can be reapplied after simple polishing.
Q. How long does it take to cure?
A. Touch dry 4 hours, full hardness cure 24 hours. It can be washed 24 hours post application.
Q. Will it stop diesel soot and other staining?
A. Yes it will, however for only a season to where a re-application is required, appose to the Zytexx Ceramic Clear Coat that will last for 2 – 3 years.
Q. What is the maximum age of my paint or Gel-Coat before I can no longer have Zytexx P4200 ceramic applied to my hull?
A. Same principle as the Zytexx Ceramic Clear Coat, once the surface has reached an age to where it can no longer be polished back to an acceptable gloss, then we recommend having a re-paint, and then applying Zytexx to protect your new surface.
Q. Can Zytexx P4200 hand application be easily removed?
A. Yes, either through normal preparation procedures when re-spraying or repairing or by a machine polisher. Zytexx P4200, gradually disintegrates, leaving no trace behind.
Glass Coating
PG-4300
Q. Will the glass coating stop salt staining / white calcium marks?
A. Yes, once the glass has been thoroughly renovated and cleaned by our experts, the coating fills all the cavities, creating a non stick surface, so dirt, oils and salts will not adhere to the surface, this creating an easy to clean surface, that will not stain.
Q. Will we be able to leave such as port holes longer between wash downs as they are hard to reach areas?
A. Yes, as the glass becomes self cleaning.
Q. How long does the PG-3000 glass coating last?
A. The glass coating will last a minimum of a season to a year before re-application is necessary.
Q. Will the sea water roll off when we are out at sea?
A. Yes it will, leaving very little behind.
Q. Do we need to use any specific cleaner that won't strip the coating?
A. Once Zytexx glass coating has been applied, there will be no need to use any other cleaner than a soft soap, however both the coating, and glass itself, can be etched by high pH cleaners like Spray Nine used at undiluted strength.
Water, alcohol, or any diluted soap should be entirely fine.
Zytexx Removal Gel
PG7100
Q. How does it work?
A. Zytexx PG7100 removal gel works by chemically breaking down and dissolving Zytexx Ceramic Clear Coat leaving just the original paint or gelcoat underneath.
Q. Is it very caustic and will it affect the underlying pain/gelcoat?
A. Our removal gel is a very light and gentle citric based acid similar to lemon juice. It has been developed in the Zytexx laboratory to only be used with Zytexx products without causing any damage to the original paint/gelcoat underneath.
Q. How long does the process take?
A. Simply apply the removal gel, allow it to chemically remove the Ceramic Clearcoat for about 2 hours and then rinse away revealing the original undamaged surface. This simple application and removal process allows repairs to be easily carried out and large areas to be removed at any one time. Occasionally a second application may be required, we always recommend to start the removal process the day before you wish to start work on the underlying substrate.
Q. Are there any sensitive areas to look out for?
A. Yes, it is important to make sure that you have masked off the area to be removed with a good quality 2 inch wide marine grade masking tape. Ensure that all glass, teak and stainless steel fixings have been covered so as not to get any removal gel on them.
Q. Any top tips?
A. If for any reason there is a particularly stubborn area, then apply the gel late afternoon and leave it overnight, then rinse off in the morning.
General
Q. What is the best products to use to clean the boat?
A. Once Zytexx has been applied to the paint, gel-coat or glass, there really is no need to use harsh shampoos and chemical cleaners, a general pH neutral shampoo is all that is needed, a good quality soft sponge or brush and water.