Learn how to prepare your boat hull for the F2 coating. A guide to sanding, cleaning, and checking for moisture.

Thorough preparation of the surface is crucial for the long-term adhesion and performance of the F2 coating.<hr>The Principle: Dry, smooth, and soundBefore you begin, ensure that the entire surface is dry, smooth, and sound. Any existing old coatings must adhere firmly and not be brittle.<hr>The most important preparation steps<ul><li>Sanding: Sand the hull evenly with K120-220 grit to create a clean, smooth, and slightly roughened surface. This ensures optimal mechanical adhesion for the coating.</li><li>Cleaning: After sanding, it is essential to clean the hull thoroughly. Use F2 EcoDegreaser to completely remove sanding dust, grease, waxes, and other contaminants.</li></ul>Important Note: MoistureThe hull must be absolutely dry before coating. Trapped moisture (e.g., from osmosis or condensation) can lead to blistering and peeling under the F2 coating as it tries to expand and escape.

How do I prepare my boat hull for the F2 coating?

Learn which primer you need for F2. We explain the right choice for GRP, aluminum, steel, and wood, as well as for old or new coatings.

That depends on the type of substrate and the preparation.<hr>When the old coating (antifouling) is not removedIn this case, it is crucial to seal the old layer and create a stable adhesive base. Use F2 Primer as a Conversion Primer for this purpose.When the substrate is completely rebuiltIn this case, you can omit the F2 Primer and use a primer that is suitable for the hull.<ul><li>GRP Hulls: We recommend a classic 2K epoxy primer which offers robust additional protection against osmosis.</li><li>Aluminum/Steel Hulls: A suitable corrosion protection primer is absolutely necessary to prevent corrosion and electrolysis.</li><li>Wood Hulls: Use a special wood primer that protects the material and optimizes adhesion.</li></ul>Important Note on SolventsNo matter which primer you use, always pay attention to the solvent content. If the primer contains solvents, it must air out for several days and then be lightly sanded again before F2 Adhesive Coat is applied. You can skip this step with a solvent-free primer.

Do I need a primer before applying F2?

Learn how to apply F2 EcoHull correctly in three steps. A simple guide from hull preparation to craning.

The application of F2 EcoHull is divided into three simple phases: preparing the hull, applying the three coats, and the final steps of craning and launching. For detailed instructions, please read the full application guides:<ul><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Application_Instructions_ENG.pdf?v=1756909085">Application Guide English</a></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Instructions_d_application_FR.pdf?v=1756909106">Application Guide French</a></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Istruzioni_per_l_applicazione_IT.pdf?v=1756909127">Application Guide Italian</a></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Anwendungshinweise_DE.pdf?v=1756909059" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Anwendungshinweise_DE.pdf?v=1756909059" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://example.com/F2%2520Anwendungshinweise_IT%2520(1).pdf" id="isPasted">Application Guide&#xA0;</a>German</li></ul>

How to apply F2 EcoHull (Step by Step)

Learn what rollers and tools you should use for F2 application to achieve a particularly smooth and beautiful result.

For an optimal and smooth result, F2 products are best applied with the following tools:<ul><li style="font-size: 16px;">Firm foam roller: The product is best applied with a firm foam roller with rounded corners.</li><li style="font-size: 16px;">Fine brush: Smaller or hard-to-reach areas can be coated with a fine brush.</li><li style="font-size: 16px;">Airless spray: For commercial applications of 200 m&#xB2; and above, application with an airless spray is also possible</li></ul>

What rollers and tools should I use for the application?

Find out how long it takes for F2 to fully cure. We explain the phases of curing and what you should consider.

The full curing of the F2 coating takes 12 weeks.The coating only fully cures in the water. After 24-36 hours, the Top Coat is already so resilient that the boat can be craned and repositioned. For launching, the final coat (Top Coat) only needs to be touch-dry.<hr>Important Notes on Curing<ul><li>First Feel: Immediately after application, the F2 Top Coat feels very sticky. This is normal and part of the curing process.</li><li>Accelerating Curing: Curing can be aided by moistening the surface.</li><li>&quot;Early-Clean&quot;: After 8-12 weeks, an &quot;Early-Clean&quot; with a soft cloth or sponge is useful if needed, to remove the early biofilm and make subsequent colonization by macro-organisms more difficult.</li></ul>

How long does it take for F2 to fully cure?

Can you apply F2 yourself? Yes, learn why you can and what's important during the application process.

Yes, you can generally apply F2 yourself. Many of our customers have already done so successfully.<hr>What you should consider:<ul><li>Follow the instructions: It is very important that you carefully follow the application instructions. The desired long-term protection is only guaranteed if all layers are applied correctly and completely.</li><li>Support: If you are unsure, we will be happy to support you via email and can recommend professional partners from our network upon request.</li></ul><hr><ul id="isPasted"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Application_Instructions_ENG.pdf?v=1756909085" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style=" text-decoration: none;">Application Guide English</a></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Instructions_d_application_FR.pdf?v=1756909106" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style=" text-decoration: none;">Application Guide French</a></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Istruzioni_per_l_applicazione_IT.pdf?v=1756909127" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style=" text-decoration: none;">Application Guide Italian</a></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Anwendungshinweise_DE.pdf?v=1756909059" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style=" text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Anwendungshinweise_DE.pdf?v=1756909059" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0879/9430/2807/files/F2_EcoHull_Anwendungshinweise_DE.pdf?v=1756909059" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://example.com/F2%2520Anwendungshinweise_IT%2520(1).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style=" text-decoration: none;">Application Guide&#xA0;</a>German</li></ul>

Can I apply F2 myself, or do I need a professional?

What is the optimal temperature for F2 application? Learn what minimum temperatures and ambient conditions you should observe for processing.

The application of F2 is subject to certain minimum temperatures, but we recommend working at slightly higher temperatures to achieve an optimal result.<hr>Application Conditions<ul><li>The air temperature must be above 5&#xB0;C/41&#xB0;F.</li><li>The surface temperature must be above 3&#xB0;C/37,5&#xB0;F.</li><li>The humidity should be a maximum of 90%.</li><li>The hull must be completely dry. Be careful with condensation!</li></ul><hr>Recommendation for the best resultsAlthough the minimum temperature is 5&#xB0;C/41&#xB0;F, we recommend not applying F2 below 10&#xB0;C/50&#xB0;F. At higher temperatures, the application is significantly easier, and the curing behavior of the coating is more optimal.

What is the optimal ambient temperature for applying F2?

No. Learn why F2 can stay on land indefinitely and what waiting times to observe before craning and launching.

No, that is not necessary. F2 can stay on land indefinitely before the boat is launched.<hr>What you should consider<ul><li>Waiting time before craning: You should wait 24 to 36 hours before craning the boat for the first time.</li><li>Launching: The F2 coating can be launched as soon as the final coat (Top Coat) is touch-dry.</li><li>Full curing: Although the boat can already be launched, full curing only takes place in the water and takes about 12 weeks. Curing also occurs on land, but it is delayed because it is only supported by air humidity.</li></ul>

Does F2 have to go into the water immediately after coating?

What should be considered when craning an F2-coated boat? Learn more about the waiting times and safety precautions during the craning process.

After applying F2, there are a few important points to consider to avoid damaging the fresh coating and to ensure a smooth craning process.<hr>Waiting Time &amp; Coating Condition<ul><li>We recommend observing a waiting time of 24 to 36 hours before craning or shifting stands. There is no maximum waiting time; the boat can stay on land indefinitely.</li><li>Immediately after application, the F2 Top Coat feels&#xA0; very sticky. This is normal and part of the curing process.</li><li>The curing process can be accelerated by moistening the coating.</li></ul><hr>Important Safety InstructionsTo protect the coating and the boat, please note the following:<ul><li>Pay attention to clean crane straps.</li><li>If necessary, use pads to protect the straps from the coating.</li><li>Secure the straps against&#xA0;slipping.</li></ul>

What should be considered when craning with F2?

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F2 Eco

Learn how to apply F2 correctly, step by step. From preparation and tools to curing—all the important tips for processing.

Application & Processing: Applying F2 Correctly

In this category, you will find all the important information on the correct application of F2. We will guide you step by step through the entire process—from the tools you need to the application and final curing.

Application and Processing