Copper Coat

The advantages of Coppercoat

Coppercoat is a tough, robust antifoul that lasts in every type of water. It combines a specially developed, solvent-free epoxy resin with high-purity (99%) copper. Its very low leach rate keeps growth to a minimum and makes it almost maintenance-free: once applied, there’s no need to lift out every year to remove old antifoul and apply new. It’s proven to last at least 10 years.

Each litre of resin carries two kilos of ultra-fine spherical copper powder, the maximum allowed by law, making Coppercoat the strongest copper-based antifouling available.

Applied undercover

We apply Coppercoat undercover in our 3,000 sq ft workshop. That lets us keep the hull completely clean, monitor temperature throughout, and avoid weather delays, so you get the best possible finish.

Pre-application checks

Before the boat is even blasted, we check that the hull isn’t wet. Applying epoxy over a wet hull traps moisture and accelerates osmosis (see our osmosis page for more). We take moisture readings, report them to you and advise on the next steps.

Application is labour-intensive because the product has a limited working time. We normally have three people on the job, two rolling and one mixing and brushing, so we can guarantee a smooth, clean finish.

Our Coppercoat application process

Check moisture readings. We won’t apply Coppercoat unless moisture is below 10%, as it would trap moisture and cause osmosis.
If readings are acceptable, blast the hull with grit media and check moisture again.
Move the boat into our workshop.
Sand the hull to guarantee a clean surface and a proper bond for the epoxy.
Inspect for defects and report any findings to you.
Clean the hull and carry out any remedial work, such as pinholes or star cracks.
Take final moisture readings and confirm you’re happy to go ahead.
Apply five coats of Coppercoat.
De-tape and clean up the working area.
Leave the Coppercoat to harden for four to five days, then wet-and-dry sand the hull to activate the copper.
Lift and re-cradle so we can coat the patches left by the cradle.

The application takes two to three weeks from start to finish, or longer if extra epoxy layers are needed. Coppercoat is priced per litre plus sundries (thinners, rollers, trays and masking tape). Contact us for current pricing.

Our Coppercoat projects

Get a quote

Tell us about your boat and what needs doing. Call 02392 755 155, mobile 07803 616229, email info@jwsmarineservices.co.uk, or use our contact form. Photos help us give you an accurate estimate.