FAQ
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ELICA® is a coating system that is applied to the props and underwater running gear of any vessel. Once applied, the ELICA® reduces friction to the metal surface which greatly improves efficiency by not allowing growth to stick to the underwater metals. The result is an improvement in prop speed and fuel efficiency.
Absolutely yes. ELICA® contains no toxic biocides. It works by creating a super slippery surface not allowing growth to attach to the props and underwater metal. It does not modifying the ecosystem by dispersing toxic and polluting material, as traditional antifouling paints do, some of which contain biocides or copper.
Both products have environmental warnings on the label because the liquid parts still pose some health risks, similar to any paint. Once the products have been mixed and polymerized, the dangerous elements have reacted and remain bound and trapped into a very hard coat layer and cannot disperse into the marine environment.
No. ELICA® does not prevent from occurring. Barnacles and zebra mussels will still grow. However, they will NOT attach. As soon as the vessel moves over 15 Kn the growth slides off. It can be also removed with ease with abrasive sponges or sprays clean with medium/high pressure water
Yes, ELICA® may be used in any type of water, including fresh water, salt water and brackish water conditions.
You should expect growth not to stick to the properly prepared and kept surface while experiencing greater fuel efficiency and speed.
Fact: As little as 1mm of growth on a blade will lose approximately 12% of its efficiency so it is important to keep the blades clean
There are many factors that can affect the longevity of ELICA® including number of hours and kilometers traveled, various environmental factors including water temperature and purity. ELICA® will last 2-3 years depending on the above factors.
No. In addition to propellers, ELICA® can be applied to all underwater metal substrates such as: shafts, struts, rudders, trim-tabs, trim-tab actuators, thruster propellers, thruster propeller arms, swim platform armatures, swim-ladders, sea strainers, sea-chests, keel-coolers and in-take grates.
SMALL KIT 300 ml covers appox. 2 sqm with double coat ( n. 3 props 50 mm diam 3 blades)
MEDIUM KIT 650 ml covers appox. 5 sqm with double coat ( n. 5 props 66-70mm diam 4-5 blades)
LARGE KIT 1.300 ml covers appox. 10 sqm with double coat ( n. 10 props 66-70mm diam 4-5 blades)
No, there is not a paint remover. You can use a paint stripper or scrape and sand or sandblast and then clean with Xylol or acetone.
The application time varies by the size of the prop(s) and running gear that you are covering, but typical application can be done in a few hours. Elica always requires 2 coating hands wet on wet Please see our application guidelines for detailed information. Note: Remember to wait 24-48 hours before launching your vessel!
Unlike many other foul release coatings, you may apply ELICA® yourself by following the application guide, or you can contact a local boatyard or dealer in your area to apply it for you.
None. The foul release formulation is self-cleaning as soon as the propeller starts up. If required, a light wipe with a non-abrasive cloth will remove any marine growth. When hauling out, ensure the ELICA® is wiped down with a non-abrasive cloth before any marine growth on the surface can dry. If needed it can be simply water-blasted, and lightly scraped abrasive sponge will without risk of causing damage to the coating or reducing its effectiveness.
Yes, ELICA® can be left out of the water without affecting any performance of the system.
Yes, you can. ELICA® is unique in the sense that any damage caused to the coating will remain isolated to that area. This allows for continued in-service life until such time the vessel can get hauled again for repairs. On the next haul out it is unnecessary to remove all of the old ELICA® and local issues can be resolved by sanding, scraping, wire wheel or grinder. After all old ELICA® is removed down to the metal surface, clean the area to be coated with Xylol or Acetone. Recoat following the application guidelines.
ELICA® costs less then the principal competitor antifouling paints for props, and further more 50% more coating is supplied in each kit. By keeping the running gear free of marine growth, not only does it reduce the time spent cleaning at next haul-out, but it reduces your running costs by increasing your speed and reducing your fuel consumption