Peelable perfection

by Skudo Media on 26 May 2008 Top names in yacht building are relying on the peelable protective coating range from Skudo for protection during manufacturing and transport. Think of it as a heavy-duty protective film for boats, ships and marine equipment that is easily sprayed or rolled on and even simpler to peel off.

Building on its success in the construction industry, where its applications range from protection for windows, marble, tiles, floors and most substrates, Skudo has devised a unique marine range that protects all surfaces and components from damage during the production process.

From the massive welding work of shipbuilding to road freighting a luxury motoryacht between east and west coasts, delicate timber decks suffering wear and tear during construction, or UV exposure during manufacturing, there is always a need for protection.

Skudo's range of temporary protective masking compounds for boat and ship building applications are non-toxic, water-based, biodegradable and impact-resistant, boasting unrivalled thickness for impact-resistance.

Shipyards and manufacturers in many parts of the world are using one or more of the protective coatings in the Skudo peelable coatings range to prevent rust caused by welding and hot work at the block joint area, to protect the first paint coating from heavy weather and any mechanical damage before applying the second coating and also to protect the first paint coating from contamination caused by grinding dust, cutting spatters and oil spillage.

For parts, steel and stainless steel pipes, there is also an application, with the aim of preventing rust caused by long storage and mechanical/handling damage and to avoid contamination of grinding dust, cutting spatters and oil spillage.

The temporary coatings operate as a skin-tight layer designed to protect the profiled non-skid painted deck surfaces against mechanical damage and rust staining caused by environmental dust, dirt and metal during construction.

The products protects against scratching during building, storage or transit, contamination from cutting, splatters, staining, foot traffic, rust and grinding dust, dirt and metal filings, chemicals during oil spillage, acid, solvents, over spray and alkaline resistance, and deterioration as a result of UV exposure or corrosion.

Unlike many products currently available on the local market, these formulations are supplied as a water-borne dispersion, applied by air assisted or airless spray equipment, brush or roller.

They have also been vigorously tested under Australian conditions, with UV resistance and tolerant to extreme high and low temperatures.

These peelable coatings will not damage or leave residue on painted surfaces and can remain in place for months before being simply stripped away prior to the handover of the vessel, saving hours of costly rework.

Non-flammable, low hazard and skid resistant, they can be used over a multitude of areas requiring temporary protection. Benefits, according to the company's chemist, include 'a reduction of labour costs, an extremely tough, uniform film thickness that is easily applied and even more simply removed by peeling off in sheets which eliminates messy hand scraping'.

More at www.skudo.com.au