ABC3 SERIES

ABC3 Series Antifouling is now only available to the US Navy and not available for commercial vessels

High-performance tin-free self-polishing
antifouling coating

Download Product Data Sheet

Product Data/Application Instructions
(For Marine & Offshore use)

• Tin Free
• Contains high levels of cuprous oxide
• Unique self-polishing mechanism prevents attachment of
fouling organisms
• Provides long-life protection, even under severe fouling
conditions
• Smoothing action helps reduce drag resistance
• Available in contrasting colors
• Suitable for most vessels in a wide range of operating environments

Typical Uses

ABC 3 antifouling coating is recommended:
– where long-life fouling protection in severe service is required;
– where reduction in operating costs and extended drydocking
intervals is desirable;
– where maximum compatibility with a wide range of bottom
systems or other special surfaces is required

Physical Data

Surface Preparation

Coating performance, in general, is proportional to the degree of surface preparation. Refer to anticorrosive coating being applied. Dependent upon condition of hull and existing antifouling;
surface cleaning will vary from high pressure water cleaning to abrasive blasting. After immersion service of ABC 3, high pressure water wash is required prior to topcoating with additional ABC 3.
Apply over suitable primer system or clean, intact, existing bottom system.

Note – If applying antifouling coating over epoxy or coal-tar epoxy anticorrosive coatings, apply the first coat of antifouling while the anticorrosive (epoxy or coaltar epoxy) is tack free but still soft to finger pressure. If the epoxy or coal-tar epoxy has cured too hard, apply another thin coat of epoxy or coal-tar epoxy within the recommended recoat intervals, and then apply the antifouling coating. Failure to
apply the antifouling coating while the anticorrosive is still soft to finger pressure may result in poor adhesion between coatings and the eventual delamination of antifouling from the anticorrosive.

Steel – Prepare surface in accordance with instructions for anticorrosive coating to be used.

Aluminum – Prepare surface in accordance with instructions for primer to be used. At least 3 coats of primer for a total film thickness of 20 mils (500 microns) is recommended. Suitable primers include Amercoat 238, 235, 240,71TC and 385. Improperly primed surfaces or failure to immediately repair
damaged primer will result in rapid galvanic corrosion of the aluminum hull.

Cleaning After Service

Non-Fouled Surface – High-pressure fresh water wash.

Existing Fouled surfaces – Remove fouling by scraping and /or
sand sweeping. Loose paint should be removed by high-pressure
fresh water wash. Thightly adhering anticorrosive and
antifouling coating may remain.

Application Data

Adhere to all application instructions, precautions, conditions and limitations to obtain the maximum performance. For conditions outside the requirements or limitations described, contact your PPG representative.

Environmental conditions

Surface temperatures must be at least 5°F (3°C) above dew point to prevent condensation.
Drying and cure time @ 4 mils (100 microns) (hours)

Application Equipment

The following is a guide; suitable equipment from other manufacturers may be used. Changes in pressure,hose and tip size may be needed for proper spray characteristics.

Airless spray – Standard equipment such as Graco Bulldog Hydra-Spray or larger with a 0.021- to 0.25-inch fluid tip.

Conventional spray – Industrial equipment such as DeVilbiss MBC or JGA spray gun. Separate regulators for air and fluid pressure, mechanical pot agitator and a moisture and oil trap in the main air supply line are recommended.

Power mixer – Jiffy mixer powered by an air- or an explosionproof
electric motor.

Application Procedure

1. Clean all application equipment with T-10.
2. Stir material thoroughly and continue stirring during
application to insure pigment suspension.
3. Thin only for workability; no more than 10% by volume .
4. Apply a wet coat in even, parallel passes; overlap each pass
50 percent to avoid pinholes, bare areas or holidays. Give
special attention to weld seams, rough or badly pitted areas.
If required, cross spray at right angles.
5. For touch-up and repair, apply additional material after
removing dirt, contaminants or old loose coatings or
antifoulings.
6. Allow 4 hours drying time at 70˚F (21˚C) before applying
second coat.
7. Before immersing, allow ABC 3 to dry at least 6 hours at
70˚F (21˚C).
8. Clean application equipment immediately after use with T10.

Caution

This product is flammable. Keep away from heat and open flame. Keep container closed. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with skin. If used in
confined areas, observe the following precautions to prevent hazards of fire or explosion or damage to health:

1. circulate adequate fresh air continuously during application and drying;
2. use fresh air masks and exposion proof equipment;
3. prohibit all flames, sparks, welding and smoking. Do not empty into drains. Take precautionary measures against static discharges. For specific information on hazardous ingredients, required ventilation, possible consequences of contact, exposure and safety measures se Safety Data Sheet.

Shipping Data

Shelf life when stored indoors at 40 to 100°F (4 to 38°C)
1 year from shipment date

Numerical values are subject to normal manufacturing tolerances, color and testing variances. Allow for application losses and surface irregularities. The mixed product is nonphotochemically reactive as defined by South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Rule 102 or equivalent regulations.
Improper use and handling of this product can be hazardous to health and cause fire or explosion.

Safety Precautions

Read each component’s material safety data sheet before use. Mixed material has hazards of each component. Safety precautions must be strictly followed during storage, handling and use.

CAUTION – Improper use and handling of this product can be hazardous to health and cause fire or explosion. 

Do not use this product without first taking all appropriate safety measures to prevent property damage and injuries. These measures may include, without limitation: implementation
of proper ventilation, use of proper lamps, wearing of proper protective clothing and masks, tenting
and proper separation of application areas. Consult your supervisor. Proper ventilation and protective measures must be provided during application and drying to keep spray mist and vapor concentrations within safe limits and to protect against toxic hazards. Necessary safety equipment must be used and ventilation requirements carefully observed, especially in confined or enclosed spaces, such as tank interior and buildings.

This product is to be used by those knowledgeable about proper application methods. PPG makes no recommendation about the types of safety measures that may need to be adopted because these depend on application environment and space, of which PPG is unaware and over which it has no control.
If you do not fully understand these warnings and instructions or if you cannot strictly comply with them, do not use the product.

Note: Consult Code of Federal Regulations Title 29, Labor, parts 1910 and 1915 concerning occupational safety and health standards and regulations, as well as any other applicable federal, state and local
regulations on safe practices in coating operations. This product is for industrial use only. Not for residential use.