FAQ's

How do I apply Protectakote?

Protectakote & Protectakote UVR can be easily applied by either stippling with a brush or for the best results, particularly on larger areas with a textured honeycomb roller. NVP keep a large range of different size rollers suitable for most applications. For information on spray application please refer to the section on spray application or see the general application instructions .


What surfaces can I apply it to?

Painted surfaces, some plastics and rubbers, steel, aluminium, fibreglass, wood, concrete and galvanized steel. It is essential that all surfaces be properly prepared for a good bond, as specified in the application instructions. Depending on the surface and condition a primer might be required.

If you are unsure we always recommend doing a test patch on a small inconspicuous area first.


Where can I use it?

Pick-ups trucks, 4X4’s, Tough Automotive under coatings, Ship / Trawler decks, Tail lifts, Trailers, Pedestrian Walk ways, Wheelchair and other Ramps, Docks and Pontoons, Bus floors and decks, Train platforms. The list is almost limitless. Wherever an impact resistant, anti slip paint (non-slip paint) which will bond to most substrates is required.


What’s the difference between standard and UVR Protectakote?

Whilst both versions are extremely tough the UVR version uses a different type of resin (aliphatic) to not only give better resistance to dis-colouration and fade but also a 50% higher breaking strength and reduced drying time. This makes the UVR version ideal for really tough applications such as the decks of sea going vessels, external walkways or any outside application where it will be fully exposed to weathering all year round.

Please see the comparison page for more details.

What Size Roller Should I use?

Protectakote textured honeycomb rollers are available in the following sizes:

–  3″ (75mm) Large diameter rollers which are perfect for using to apply Protectakote to the corrugated metal backs of pick up trucks or vans.
–  4″ (100mm) Small Diameter rollers which are perfect for small fiddly areas such as spiral staircases or when painting around obstacles on a boat deck or similar.
– 7″ (Standard Diameter rollers are a good general purpose roller for ply lined vans, decks, staircases etc
– 9″ Large Diameter rollers are great for larger areas where the larger diameter makes it easier to apply to textured surfaces such as chequer plate and can hold a larger quantity of paint to speed up the application process.


How do I remove Protectakote?

While it is wet it can be removed with Xylene (Xylol). After drying it can only be removed with a strong paint stripper.

Protective clothing and equipment should always be worn when applying Protectakote as it is very difficult to remove from skin or clothing.


How do I get Protectakote off my hands?

Protectakote should be applied with protective gloves! However one can remove wet Protectakote from one’s hands by immediately cleaning with Xylene (Xylol) and then with soap and water. Use moisturising cream afterwards if hands are dry. Once Protectakote has dried is difficult to remove.


How do I clean the area prior to painting?

To ensure good bonding between Protectakote and whatever it is painted onto, the area needs to be clean & dry with no waxy or oily residues. For non porous substrates such as metal or fibreglass the area can be cleaned with a standard domestic cream cleaner such as Cif, rinsed thoroughly and allowed to dry or as with porous surfaces wiped over with a clean lint free cloth dampened with Xylene.


How much Protectakote do I need?

Approximately 0.5 litre is required for each coat per square metre. For normal use 2 coats is sufficient however 3 coats are recommended for areas of high wear. Therefore depending on the material and technique being used 1 litre will cover 1.2 -1.5m² in normal use and 0.8-1.0m² for areas of high wear. It is always better to apply many thin coats than few thick coats as this will give better overall cure times and better overall results.


Is Protectakote Toxic?

Dried Protectakote is non-toxic. Liquid Protectakote contains solvent, Xylene (Xylol), and isocyanate. Prevent contact with eyes and skin, do not ingest and avoid inhalation of solvent vapours. Use in a well ventilated area. If spraying Protectakote a mask with approved cartridges must be worn.


How long does it take to dry?

This depends on temperature and humidity. Typically, 2 hrs after the first, the second coat can be applied and then 9 – 24 hrs later Protectakote can be put into light use. Full chemical resistance is achieved in 4 – 7 days. Hot and humid conditions accelerate the cure. The UVR version has approximately half the drying time of the standard version.


How thick is Protectakote when applied?

The recommended two coats of Protectakote should give you a thickness of approximately 0.75 mm. Where Protecta-kote is being used in high wear situations three coats are recommended giving a thickness of approximately 1.0mm. These figures will vary slightly depending slightly on the material and technique being employed.


What is the minimum temperature can I apply it at?

The colder and drier the conditions the slower the product cures. At 10°C it typically takes 6 -12 hrs for the first coat to become ‘tack free’ to recoat. Protecta-kote must not be applied below 5°C or above 35°C.


Can I use normal thinners?

No, the only solvent that can be used with Protecta-kote is Xylene (Xylol). Using anything else will prevent Protecta-kote from hardening (curing).


Can I use normal emulsion rollers?

No, only use a polypropylene stipple (honeycomb) roller, otherwise you will get clumping and an uneven finish, a brush can be used to stipple paint in to corners and edges but will not give an even finish on larger areas. These are available direct from NVP or from our stockists. We advise taking care to choose the right roller for the job

Can I mix different colours together?

Different UVR colours can be combined and different standard colours can be mixed but the UVR and Standard version must not be mixed with each other. Where cost is important but a UVR top coat is required the standard product can be used for the first coat and when touch dry can be over-coated with the UVR version.