Technical Data Sheet

Application Guide

Approved 16480;18120 1,2 16480 polyurethane ^(ValidationDate) 1

Hardtop AX

Product description
This is a two component chemically curing aliphatic acrylic polyurethane coating. It has a high gloss finish with
very good gloss retention. It has good chemical resistance. It is a high solids product. This product contains no
solvents on the Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) list. Minor amounts of such solvents may come in through
tinting of some colours. To be used as topcoat in atmospheric environments.

Scope
The Application Guide offers product details and recommended practices for the use of the product.

The data and information provided are not definite requirements. They are guidelines to assist with efficient and
safe use, and optimum service of the product. Adherence to the guidelines does not relieve the applicator of
responsibility for ensuring that the work meets specification requirements.
Jotuns liability is in accordance with general product liability rules.
The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet
(TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.

Referred standards
Reference is generally made to ISO Standards. When using standards from other regions it is recommended to
reference only one corresponding standard for the substrate being treated.

Surface preparation
The required quality of surface preparation can vary depending on the area of use, expected durability and if
applicable, project specification.

When preparing new surfaces, maintaining already coated surfaces or aged coatings it is necessary to remove all
contamination that can interfere with coating adhesion, and prepare a sound substrate for the subsequent
product.

Inspect the surface for hydrocarbon and other contamination and if present, remove with an alkaline detergent.
Agitate the surface to activate the cleaner and before it dries, wash the treated area using fresh water.
Paint solvents (thinners) shall not be used for general degreasing or preparation of the surface for painting due
to the risk of spreading dissolved hydrocarbon contamination. Paint thinners can be used to treat small localized
areas of contamination such as marks from marker pens. Use clean, white cotton cloths that are turned and
replaced often. Do not bundle used solvent saturated cloths. Place used cloths into water.

Process sequence

Surface preparation and coating should normally be commenced only after all welding, degreasing, removal of
sharp edges, weld spatter and treatment of welds is complete. It is important that all hot work is completed
before coating commences.

Date of issue: 6 December 2024 Page: 1/8

This Application Guide supersedes those previously issued.

The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
For your nearest local Jotun office, please visit our website at [Link].
Application Guide
Hardtop AX

Coated surfaces

Verification of existing coatings including primers

When the surface is an existing coating, verify with technical data sheet and application guide of the involved
products, both over coatability and the given maximum over coating interval.

Organic primers/intermediates

The surface of previous coats shall be free from contamination by water, hydrocarbon based products, wax, mud,
mortar droppings and loose, chalked and flaking coating.
Inspect the surface for hydrocarbon and other contamination and if present, remove with an alkaline emulsifying
detergent. Agitate the surface to activate the cleaner and before it dries, wash the treated area by low-pressure
water cleaning (ISO 8501-4) using fresh water. Surfaces not contaminated with hydrocarbon deposits shall be
washed according to ISO 12944-4, section 6.2.1 Water cleaning using fresh water to reduce surface chlorides.
When applied on coatings past maximum over coating interval light abrading may be required to achieve proper
intercoat adhesion.

Application
Acceptable environmental conditions - before and during application
Before application, test the atmospheric conditions in the vicinity of the substrate for the dew formation
according to ISO 8502-4.

Air temperature 0 - 50 °C
Substrate temperature 0 - 60 °C
Relative Humidity (RH) 10 - 85 %

The following restrictions must be observed:

• Only apply the coating when the substrate temperature is at least 3 °C (5 °F) above the dew point
• Do not apply the coating if the substrate is wet or likely to become wet
• Do not apply the coating if the weather is clearly deteriorating or unfavourable for application or curing
• Do not apply the coating in high wind conditions

Product mixing

Product mixing ratio (by volume)

Hardtop AX Comp A 4 part(s)

Hardtop AX Comp B 1 part(s)

Product mixing

The coating shall be mixed with an air powered mechanical paint mixing tool that is clean and fit for purpose.
Mix complete units only.

Date of issue: 6 December 2024 Page: 2/8

This Application Guide supersedes those previously issued.

The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
For your nearest local Jotun office, please visit our website at [Link].
Application Guide
Hardtop AX

Induction time and Pot life

Paint temperature 23 °C

Pot life 2h

The temperature of base and curing agent is recommended to be 18 °C or higher when the product is mixed.

Thinner/Cleaning solvent
Thinner: Jotun Thinner No. 26 / Jotun Thinner No. 10

Jotun Thinner No. 10 can be used where aromatic solvents are accepted.

Thinning is not normally required. Consult the local representative for advice during application in extreme
conditions. Do not thin more than allowed by local environmental legislation.

Application data

Spray application

Airless Spray Equipment

Pump ratio (minimum) : 32:1

Pressure at nozzle (minimum) : 150 bar/2100 psi
Nozzle tip (inch/1000) : 13-19
Nozzle output (litres/minute) : 0.7-1.5
Filters (mesh) : 70-100

Several factors influence, and need to be observed to maintain the recommended pressure at the nozzle. Among
factors causing pressure drop are:
- extended hoses or hose bundles
- extended hose whip-end line
- small internal diameter hoses
- high paint viscosity
- large spray nozzle size
- inadequate air capacity from compressor
- incorrect or clogged filters

Air Spray Equipment

Pressure pot : Pressure 1.6 bar

Pressure at nozzle (minimum) : Gravity gun: 3.2 bar / Pressure pot: 3.2 bar
Nozzle tip: Gravity gun: 1.6-1.8 (mm) / Pressure pot: 1.4-1.6 (mm)

Thinning: Min. 10 % (pressure pot) / max. 15 % (gravity gun)

Viscosity after thinning (DIN Cup No. 4): 24 ± 2 sec (pressure pot) / 20 ± 2 sec (gravity gun)

Application to be made in one wet coat to achieve the specified DFT.

Date of issue: 6 December 2024 Page: 3/8

This Application Guide supersedes those previously issued.

The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
For your nearest local Jotun office, please visit our website at [Link].
Application Guide
Hardtop AX

Film thickness per coat

Typical recommended specification range

Dry film thickness 50 - 100 μm

Wet film thickness 80 - 160 μm
Theoretical spreading rate 13 - 6.3 m²/l

Bright colours may need film thickness in the high end of the recommended specification range to achieve
opacity.

Can be applied up to 25 % higher than maximum specified film thickness without loss of technical properties.

Film thickness measurement

Wet film thickness (WFT) measurement and calculation

To ensure correct film thickness, it is recommended to measure the wet film thickness continuously during
application using a painter's wet film comb (ISO 2808 Method 1A). The measurements should be done as soon
as possible after application.
Fast drying paints may give incorrect (too low) readings resulting in excessive dry film thickness. For multi layer
physically drying (resoluble) coating systems the wet film thickness comb may give too high readings resulting
in too low dry film thickness of the intermediate and top coats.
Use a wet-to-dry film calculation table (available on the Jotun Web site) to calculate the required wet film
thickness per coat.

Dry film thickness (DFT) measurement

When the coating has cured to hard dry state the dry film thickness can be checked to SSPC PA 2 or equivalent
standard using statistical sampling to verify the actual dry film thickness. Measurement and control of the WFT
and DFT on welds is done by measuring adjacent to and no further than 15 mm from the weld.

Ventilation

Sufficient ventilation is very important to ensure proper drying/curing of the film.

Coating loss

The consumption of paint should be controlled carefully, with thorough planning and a practical approach to
reducing loss. Application of liquid coatings will result in some material loss. Understanding the ways that
coating can be lost during the application process, and making appropriate changes, can help reducing material
loss.
Some of the factors that can influence the loss of coating material are:
- type of spray gun/unit used
- air pressure used for airless pump or for atomization
- orifice size of the spray tip or nozzle
- fan width of the spray tip or nozzle
- the amount of thinner added
- the distance between spray gun and substrate
- the profile or surface roughness of the substrate. Higher profiles will lead to a higher "dead volume"
- the shape of the substrate target
- environmental conditions such as wind and air temperature

Date of issue: 6 December 2024 Page: 4/8

This Application Guide supersedes those previously issued.

The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
For your nearest local Jotun office, please visit our website at [Link].
Application Guide
Hardtop AX

Drying and Curing time

Substrate temperature 0 °C 5 °C 10 °C 23 °C 40 °C

Surface (touch) dry 4h 3h 2h 1h 1h

Walk-on-dry 40 h 24 h 16 h 8h 4h
Dry to over coat, minimum 24 h 18 h 10 h 5h 3h
Dried/cured for service 20 d 14 d 10 d 5d 3d

Drying and curing times are determined under controlled temperatures and relative humidity below 85 %, and
at average of the DFT range for the product.

Surface (touch) dry: The state of drying when slight pressure with a finger does not leave an imprint or reveal
tackiness.

Walk-on-dry: Minimum time before the coating can tolerate normal foot traffic without permanent marks,
imprints or other physical damage.

Dry to over coat, minimum: The recommended shortest time before the next coat can be applied.

Dried/cured for service: Minimum time before the coating can be permanently exposed to the intended
environment/medium.

Maximum over coating intervals

Maximum time before thorough surface preparation is required. The surface must be clean and dry and suitable
for over coating. Inspect the surface for chalking and other contamination and if present, remove with an
alkaline detergent. Agitate the surface to activate the cleaner and before it dries, wash the treated area by low-
pressure water cleaning using fresh water.
If maximum over coating interval is exceeded the surface should in addition be carefully roughened to ensure
good inter coat adhesion.

Areas for atmospheric exposure

Average temperature during 0 °C 5 °C 10 °C 23 °C 40 °C
drying/curing

Itself extended extended extended extended extended

Other conditions that can affect drying / curing / over coating

Adding anti-skid to the coating system

Anti skid aggregate should only be added in the final coat, and should not be used in single coat systems.
Spread the aggregate evenly on the surface before half of time to Surface dry. Use Jotun Anti-skid, fine particle
size (180 - 250 µm), for coatings applied in 50 to 150 µm DFT. The recommended usage is 1.5 - 2.0 kg per 10
litres of paint.

Water/Moisture contamination

Date of issue: 6 December 2024 Page: 5/8

This Application Guide supersedes those previously issued.

The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
For your nearest local Jotun office, please visit our website at [Link].
Application Guide
Hardtop AX

If the wet coating is exposed to relative humidity above 85% or to moisture before the coating is at least Walk-
on-dry, then blushing may occur. Blushing will cause fading of bright colours, and will affect the gloss. Provided
the coating is fully dried/cured the protective properties will not be affected.
All affected areas should be lightly sanded, cleaned and recoated.
Repair of coating system

Damages to the coating layers:

Prepare the area through sandpapering or grinding, followed by thorough cleaning/vacuuming. When the
surface is clean and dry the coating may be over coated by itself or by another product, ref. original
specification.
Always observe the maximum over coating intervals. If the maximum over coating interval is exceeded the
surface should be carefully roughened in order to ensure good intercoat adhesion.

Damages exposing bare substrate:

Remove all rust, loose paint, grease or other contaminants by spot blasting, mechanical grinding, water and/or
solvent washing. Feather edges and roughen the overlap zone of surrounding intact coating. Apply the coating
system specified for repair.

Coating film continuity

When required by the specification, the coating shall be tested for film discontinuity according to ASTM D 5162,
test method A or B as appropriate for the actual dry film thickness.
All recorded defects shall be repaired by best practical means.

Finish

The application process of a top-coat product significantly influences its final finish and gloss. Techniques like
brushing, rolling, and spraying each have unique impacts, with spraying generally providing the smoothest and
most uniform finish. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and air flow also will also effect the
appearance of the coating. Additionally, the quality and maintenance of tools, including brushes, rollers, and
spray guns, is important. Properly calibrated and clean tools ensure a smooth application, free of imperfections.

Quality assurance
The following information is the minimum required. The specification may have additional requirements.

- Confirm that all welding and other metal work has been completed before commencing pre-treatment and
surface preparation
- Confirm that installed ventilation is balanced and has the capacity to deliver and maintain the RAQ
- Confirm that the required surface preparation standard has been achieved and is held prior to coating
application
- Confirm that the climatic conditions are within recommendations in the AG, and are held during the application
- Confirm that the required number of stripe coats have been applied
- Confirm that each coat meets the DFT requirements in the specification
- Confirm that the coating has not been adversely affected by rain or other factors during curing
- Observe that adequate coverage has been achieved on corners, crevices, edges and surfaces where the spray
gun cannot be positioned so that its spray impinges on the surface at 90° angle
- Observe that the coating is free from defects, discontinuities, insects, abrasive media and other contamination
- Observe that the coating is free from misses, sags, runs, wrinkles, fat edges, mud cracking, blistering, obvious
pinholes, excessive dry spray, heavy brush marks and excessive film build
- Observe that the uniformity and colour are satisfactory

All noted defects shall be fully repaired to conform to the coating specification.
Caution
This product is for professional use only. The applicators and operators shall be trained, experienced and have
the capability and equipment to mix/stir and apply the coatings correctly and according to Jotun's technical
documentation. Applicators and operators shall use appropriate personal protection equipment when using this
product. This guideline is given based on the current knowledge of the product. Any suggested deviation to suit
the site conditions shall be forwarded to the responsible Jotun representative for approval before commencing
the work.
For further advice please contact your local Jotun office.
Health and safety

Date of issue: 6 December 2024 Page: 6/8

This Application Guide supersedes those previously issued.

The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
For your nearest local Jotun office, please visit our website at [Link].
Application Guide
Hardtop AX

Please observe the precautionary notices displayed on the container. Use under well ventilated conditions. Do
not inhale spray mist. Avoid skin contact. Spillage on the skin should immediately be removed with suitable
cleanser, soap and water. Eyes should be well flushed with water and medical attention sought immediately.
Accuracy of information
Always refer to and use the current (last issued) version of the TDS, SDS and if available, the AG for this
product. Always refer to and use the current (last issued) version of all International and Local Authority
Standards referred to in the TDS, AG & SDS for this product.
Colour variation
When applicable, products primarily meant for use as primers or antifoulings may have slight colour variations
from batch to batch. Such products and epoxy based products used as a finish coat may chalk when exposed to
sunlight and weathering.

Colour and gloss retention on topcoats/finish coats may vary depending on type of colour, exposure
environment such as temperature, UV intensity etc., application quality and generic type of paint. Contact your
local Jotun office for further information.
Reference to related documents
The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet
(TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.

When applicable, refer to the separate application procedure for Jotun products that are approved to
classification societies such as PSPC, IMO etc.

Symbols and abbreviations

min = minutes TDS = Technical Data Sheet
h = hours AG = Application Guide
d = days SDS = Safety Data Sheet
°C = degree Celsius VOC = Volatile Organic Compound
° = unit of angle MCI = Jotun Multi Colour Industry (tinted colour)
µm = microns = micrometres RAQ = Required air quantity
g/l = grams per litre PPE = Personal Protective Equipment
g/kg = grams per kilogram EU = European Union
m²/l = square metres per litre UK = United Kingdom
mg/m² = milligrams per square metre EPA = Environmental Protection Agency
psi = unit of pressure, pounds/inch² ISO = International Standards Organisation
Bar = unit of pressure ASTM = American Society of Testing and Materials
RH = Relative humidity (% RH) AS/NZS = Australian/New Zealand Standards
UV = Ultraviolet NACE = National Association of Corrosion Engineers
DFT = dry film thickness SSPC = The Society for Protective Coatings
WFT = wet film thickness PSPC = Performance Standard for Protective Coatings
IMO = International Maritime Organization
ASFP = Association for Specialist Fire Protection

Disclaimer
The information in this document is given to the best of Jotun's knowledge, based on laboratory testing and
practical experience. Jotun's products are considered as semi-finished goods and as such, products are often
used under conditions beyond Jotun's control. Jotun cannot guarantee anything but the quality of the product
itself. Minor product variations may be implemented in order to comply with local requirements. Jotun reserves
the right to change the given data without further notice.

Users should always consult Jotun for specific guidance on the general suitability of this product for their needs
and specific application practices.

If there is any inconsistency between different language issues of this document, the English (United Kingdom)
version will prevail.

Date of issue: 6 December 2024 Page: 7/8

This Application Guide supersedes those previously issued.

The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
For your nearest local Jotun office, please visit our website at [Link].
Application Guide
Hardtop AX

Date of issue: 6 December 2024 Page: 8/8

This Application Guide supersedes those previously issued.

The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
For your nearest local Jotun office, please visit our website at [Link].