Viscosity
As measured on a Brookfield
Viscometer Model RVF, Spindle #5
at 2.5 rpm
2200 – 2600 cps
Thixotropic Index min. 5.5
Gel Time
Sample based on a 100g mass
catalyzed at 2% with MEKP
15-20 minutes
Weight per gallon 11.20 lbs
Coverage per Gallon
10 mil thickness
100-115 sq. feet
KEY USES
The Duratec Vinyl Ester Primer is based upon a highly functional resin that
brings unmatched strength and performance. Originally developed as the
ultimate barrier coat for boat hulls, the Duratec Vinyl Ester Primer has proven its
dynamic capability and solid value across many composite project uses.
DURATEC WHITE
VINYL ESTER PRIMER
PR O D U C T #1794 -0 06
SAFETY & HANDLING
Duratec Vi nyl Ester Pri m
er is extremely fla mmable. Do n ot apply n ear sparks,
open flames or
heat. K eep area ventilated. D o not smoke. Avoid continuous
breathing of
vapor. Duratec Vi ny
l Ester Primer contains ingredients which could
be harmful if mishandled. Contact
with skin and eyes should be avoided and
necessary prot
ective equipment and clothing s
hould be wor
n. Individuals shoul
d
wash with soap and
wat
er before eating or drinking. All containers should be
properly labeled to prevent accidental ingesti on or im
proper disposal. Individuals
should reseal any partly used material back in the container. Store under cool,
dry
conditions and away from open flames and high temperatures.
For more detailed instructions on storage, please see the MSDS
sheet.
DESCRIPTION
909-546-1160
hawkeyesales@hawkeyeind.com
PO BOX 415,
BLOOMINGTON, CA 92316
WWW.HAWKEYEIND.COM
COLOR OPTIONS
Grey (1799-0 06)
Black (1702-0 06)
White (1794-006)
PRODUCT PROPERTIES
All time calculations are based on temperatures of 77 F, 25 C
Lab tested with Norox 925H
Primer for patterns
Primer for boat
hulls
Topcoat for patterns
Use in-mold or post-apply
All su
bstrates (including
some metals and 3D
media with proper prep)
QUICK CURE
Catalyze with
MEKP Catalyst.
Rapid curing;
far faster than
epoxy resin systems. Primer will
be ready to sand i
n 1-4 hours,
dependi
ng on thi
ckness and
ambient temperature.
EASY APPLICATION Spray
for a
smooth, defect free
surface.
Can also be applied by
brush or
roller.
OSMOSIS AND BLISTER
RESISTANCE
Highly water and chemical
resistant. Proven performance
on more than 2000 boats for
over a decade.
HIGH BUILD
Up to 40 mils, 1000 microns, wet
on wet, without sagging on
vertical surfaces.
HIGH HDT – 280 F (138 C)
REVISED FEBRUARY 2024
FEATURES
DURATEC WHITE
VINYL ESTER PRIMER
AP
PLIC ATION GUIDE | PR ODUC T #1794-006
The following use instructions are broad to address multiple applications. We recommend testing for product
compatability with your process. Please contact our Tech Team at (909) 546-1160 with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE
Prepare
Use either a paint shaker or a drill-mounted mixer. A paint stir stick will not be enough to mix up the
Duratec. Mix until all the pigment is dispersed and the Duratec Vinyl Ester Primer is free of lumps. Filter
through a cone filter or filter sock.
Spray gun: an HVLP spray gun with a 2.2 2.5 mm tip, or a standard gelcoat gun. Vinyl Ester Primer is easier to
spray than gelcoat. Use a small tip and lower line pressure. Set up the gun to provide a fine spray.
Spray from 12-18 from the mold holding the gun at a 90 angle.
Catalyze
Catalyze the Duratec at 2.0 % by weight with a full strength MEKP, like Norox 925. Mix for one minute
(when using a cup gun). Only catalyze what can be sprayed in 12 minutes.
NOTE: Additional solvent is not needed for most spray guns. If solvent is required Duratec Reducer
39UCE-3 is the best choice. Methyl Ethyl Ketone Solvent (MEK) will work for most users. High quality
urethane reducers are good choices. Lacquer thinners and acetone are not recommended.
If extended gel time is needed, check out Duratec Gel Time Extender. Gel-X is specially designed for
use in our primers and extends the pot life.
Spray
The Duratec may need to be mechanically forced into severe porosity. The first 2-3 mil pass can be worked
with a soft squeegee to fill the holes. The first pass should
be a dust coat that sets up for a minimum of
two minutes before further application. The dust coat should be a light fog, not a continuous film.
Apply 5-7 mils and immediately apply another 5-7 mils in the opposite direction for a crosshatch effect.
Additional coats can be applied after a minimum of two minutes and while the surface is tacky.
For polyester/vinyl ester application: do not allow the primer to become tack-free between build coats. If
the primer becomes tack-free, allow it to cure completely, sand with 180 grit, and recoat.
Additional coats of 4-5 mils can be applied, again allowing a minimum of two minutes to out-gas. Twelve
mils will provide a nice finish. Up to 22 mils can be applied if the part requires aggressive post sanding.
The coating needs to be tacky for each build coat to bond. Cure time varies with temperature and air flow.
DURATEC WHITE
VINYL ESTER PRIMER
AP
PLIC ATION GUIDE | PR ODUC T #1794-006
Limited/ warranty statement: Our products are intended for sale to industrial and commercial customers. We request that customers inspect and test our
products before use and satisfy themselves as to contents and suitability. Nothing herein shall constitute a warranty, expressed or implied, including any
warranty of merchantability or fitness, nor is protection from any law or patent to be inferred. All patent rights are reserved. The exclusive remedy for all
proven claims is replacement of our materials and in no event shall we be liable for special, incidental or consequential damages.
WWW.DURATEC1.COM 909-546-1160 HAWKEYESALES@HAWKEYEIND.COM PO BOX 415, BLOOMINGTON, CA 92316www. K D Z N H H L Q G.com
The following use instructions are broad to address multiple applications. We recommend testing for product
compatability with your process. Please contact our Tech Team at (909) 546-1160 with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE
Sand & Buff
Work through sandpaper grits from 400- 1500, removing only the Duratec necessary to achieve a smooth at pro le. Wet sanding yields best results. We advocate a sanding guide coat or sanding dye.
Because of the tough, scratch resistant nature of the Duratec regular automotive compounds may not
be aggressive enough to remove sanding scratches. We advocate the use of Aqua Buf as described
below.
Allow at least eight hours between the start of sanding and the start of compounding. Pre-sand out
any gas.
Beginning with Aqua Buf 1000F, remove the scratches, using a wool pad and mist bottle as your
lubricant.
Exceptional nal gloss will be achieved with Aqua Buf 2000 with a cotton/ wool blend pad. Again use
a mist bottle to lubricate and cool the part as you polish the part. Finish with a foam pad for outstand-
ing results.
For epoxy, follow the steps provided – however, note that epoxy laminating systems require a tack free
surface. Increased heat up to 120 F will speed this process. Remember the adhesion comes from the
epoxy. Test the bond between the Duratec and your epoxy blend to assure good adhesion.
DURATEC WHITE
VINYL
ESTER PRIMER
T
ROUBLESHOOTING | PR O DUC T #1 794-006
Problem Cause Solution
Alligatoring
Not enough catalyst used.
Substrate/primer incompatibility or
chemical reaction.
Check for proper catalyst levels.
Expose surface to higher temperature
before spraying when ambient temp
of below 64 F , 18 C.
Primer sprayed on cold surface.
Check compatibility of surface of product.
Blisters
Substrate not cured, gassing
underneath primer.
Completely cure putties, pastes and
compounds before applying primer.
Cracking Primer spray too thickly, too fast .
Increase the number of passes, adding dwell time between coats.
Fisheyes
Substrate contaminated.
Do not use a tack rag . Ensure rag does
not leave contaminant on surface.
Spray in a clean area to minimize airborne
dust, water, waxes, and/or silicones.
Spray with dry fltered air.
Contamination in the air.
Contamination in the line.
Orange Peel
Spray equipment set up incorrectly.
Spray pressure incorrect.
Pot pressure incorrect.
Follow the instructions for equipment
set up.
Set pressure at 34-40 psi.
Set pressure at 10-12 psi
Pattern surface
sticks to mold
upon release
Pinholes
Porosity
Improper release preparation.
Follow manufacturer s instructions
when applying release materials.
Primer not fully cured before
compounding and polishing.
Excess gel time for tooling gel coat.
Substrate porosity.
Fill porous areas with product using
squeegee, brush or roller before spraying.
Follow instructions in the application
guide for pattern surfacing.
Follow manufacturer s recs for gel time.
Acetone used as thinner.
Spray pressure too high
Spray orifce too small.
Reduce pressure to 34-40 psi.
Use larger orifce.
Use slower solvent such as MEK or
Duratec Reducer.