Directions for

Application to Previously Coated Surfaces

(Read Completely)

The BKL® product is a self-adhered laminate. The outer layer contains a concentration of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) and zinc pyrithione that protects the laminate itself from fouling. The second layer (middle layer) is a moisture barrier. The third layer also acts as a moisture barrier while providing excellent adhesion of the laminate to the hull surface and easy removal when necessary. The BKL® laminate is designed to adhere to gel coated surfaces, aluminum, and steel when applied as directed. No other use of the BKL® product is implied or recommended. Please contact the BoatKoat Laminates sales office at (352) 241-4656 for any additional questions concerning the use and/or application of the laminate.

General (Important):

  1. Do not apply to propellers.
  2. Do not apply to trim or leveling mechanisms.
  3. Make sure that hands/gloves are clean and free of contaminates.
  4. When applying to propeller shafts, always wrap opposite of normal shaft rotation.
  5. Apply the BKL® laminate from the back (stern/aft) of the boat at the waterline moving forward and down.
  6. When overlapping the laminate, one-half inch along any edge is sufficient.
  7. Apply twenty (20) pounds of pressure along the entire surface of laminate with a semi-hard sponge or rubber/wooden roller. Special attention should be paid to overlaps, seams, and edges. Remove large air pockets.
  8. Do not stretch the laminate.
  9. Never use lengths of the laminate that cannot be easily handled.
  10. Use scissors or razor to cut and trim the product prior to application. Do not mar the boat-bottom (gel coat) surface with any tool.
  11. Always remember to remove the protective plastic sheet prior to installing the next section of BKL®.
  12. Recycle protective plastic sheet appropriately.
  13. Use anti-fouling paint of your choice to coat areas that BKL should not cover.

Previously Painted/Surfaced Hulls:

The marine coating industry has provided consumers with numerous types of anti-fouling paint including epoxy, vinyl, ablative, and others. Each paint system utilizes the manufacturer’s recommendations for the transition coating, which is normally called a primer. The primer allows a specific type of coating to adhere appropriately to the boat bottom. The BKL system removes the requirement for a primer or transition coating in all applications. The BKL® laminate adheres extremely well to high surface energy products such as gel coat and bare metal. Since there are so many types of primers and anti-fouling paints, BoatKoat Laminates recommends that all previously applied coatings be removed down to a high surface energy layer or the original hull surface. Use proper health and safety protection when using tools & chemicals.

  1. Remove all algae and crustacean build-up. Pressure washing works well.
  2. Remove anti-fouling layers of old paint.
  3. Remove all corrosion and oxidation.
  4. Inspect the entire bottom surface for areas that require repair.
  5. Repair large areas that need re-surfacing.
  6. Open all blistered areas and allow to dry completely.
  7. Repair affected areas as needed and recommended by a professional in the field.
  8. The bottom finish must be as smooth as 80-grit surface preparation.
  9. Remove all grease, oil, dust, water, wax, and polish from the waterline down. Start by using soap and water. Rinse well with fresh water and allow the boat -bottom to dry completely.
  10. Use a clean cloth, liberally wipe the entire surface to be covered with denatured alcohol or a stronger solvent if necessary, and allow the hull to dry.
  11. If replacing previously applied BKL®, use only a “plastic” scraper to assist with the peeling process. Remove any adhesive residue with denatured alcohol, safety solvent if necessary, and/or pressure washing.

***REMOVE PROTECTIVE FILM***

The BKL® product comes with a protective plastic film that covers the anti-fouling layer. The film protects the coating from damage and protects the applicator from contact with anti-fouling products. The clear film MUST be removed to expose the anti-fouling surface after each section of the BKL® product is applied.

Helpful Hint: Start the film removal process at a corner of the applied laminate that will be covered by the next section of anti-fouling material.