1. What is KLASS KOTE Epoxy Paint?

KLASS KOTE is a protective, decorative, 2-part epoxy coating system. It can be used on a wide variety of substrates and in numerous environments, which require a highly protective and attractive coating.

2. Why use epoxy coatings?

Epoxy coatings are mainly used because of their outstanding chemical resistance, durability, low porosity and high bonding strength. KLASS KOTE epoxy coating will bond with almost all properly prepared surfaces. It will provide an attractive, long-lasting, chemically resistant, strong bonding, and a highly decorative film. See results from Dave Platt's (Mr. Scale) testing of KLASS KOTE on the Test Results page.

3. What components are in epoxy?

KLASS KOTE epoxy coating consists of two distinct components. Side A Epoxy Resin and Side B Curing Agent. The two components are mixed in a 1-to-1 ratio. A chemical reaction occurs between the two parts generating heat and turning the mixture into an inert, hard film with the previously mentioned characteristics. After the two epoxy parts are combined there is a working time (pot-life) during which the epoxy can be applied or used. See Cure Schedule heading on the KLASS KOTE Data Sheets (Colour or Primers). At the end of the pot-life the mixture becomes warm, and quickly begins to harden.

4. How long will KLASS KOTE Epoxy Paint last?

In most normal uses, KLASS KOTE will provide substrate protection for years without re-coating. In some circumstances, continued and prolonged, outside exposures to ultra-violet light may cause some degree of oxidation (chalking) and/or induce slight colour fading. However, most normal periods of sunlight exposure will not affect the film. Even if chalking occurs, the product will retain its outstanding protective integrity for years.

5. What is the cure time for KLASS KOTE?

KLASS KOTE will harden to tack or dust free in 20 minutes to 1 hour. After 4 hours, the film will be thumb print free. After 24 hours, the painted surface/object will be ready to be placed into most normal situations (package able) but complete cure (sward hardness) will generally take several days. In most normal conditions, KLASS KOTE epoxy will be suitably hard within a 24 hour period. Refer to Test Results page.

6. When can I apply subsequent coats of KLASS KOTE?

The best time to recoat epoxy is within 48 hours after the initial coat. Because epoxies take days to reach a full cure, a second coat applied shortly after the first will partially fuse to the first coat rather than forming a simple mechanical bond. You will also eliminate the need to sand between coats if you reapply within a short amount of time. Refer to the Data Sheets (Colour or Primers) under the section Cure Schedule.

7. What is the mixing process for combining Part A with Part B?

Shake both parts vigorously for several minutes first. If the product has been sitting for a period of time, stir each part up from the bottom before shaking. Always mix the epoxies in one container then pour it into a second container and apply it from the second container. The reason is that mixing is never very good at the corners, edges and sides of the mixing container. If you apply the epoxy from the primary mixing pail you will certainly get some of the unmixed epoxy from the bottom of the container and that epoxy will not harden. Transferring the epoxy to a second container leaves the unmixed epoxy behind, or blends it into the well-mixed epoxy. Refer to the Data Sheets (Colour or Primers) under the section Mixing Instructions for more instructions on mixing KLASS KOTE.

8. Can I use another thinner/reducer with KLASS KOTE products?

If KLASS KOTE Reducer is not available, use a HIGH GRADE lacquer thinner formulated to reduce epoxies. DO NOT OVER-REDUCE. See the KLASS KOTE Product Data Sheet for Epoxy Colours & Clear - Mixing Instructions. Remember that reducing will increase coverage but decrease opacity.

9. How much product do I need to purchase?

Using conventional air atomizing spray equipment on a non-porous substrate, 1 quart of reduced KLASS KOTE will cover approximately 75-100 square feet. On more porous substrates, 1 quart will cover approximately 60 square feet.

10. Are there minimum and maximum temperature requirements for KLASS KOTE?

We do not recommend using (applying) the product on substrates below 50 degrees F or above 120 degrees F. (likewise for ambient temperatures). For optimum results, apply to substrates, and store the product between 50-80 degrees F. Humidity can slow curing processes down. For best results, use product below 70% humidity.

11. What type of surface preparation is required before I start painting?

The surface must be clean and free from dirt, dust, grease, rust, scale, or anything that will otherwise impede adhesion. Whenever possible, solvent wash project with KLASS KOTE Reducer before you start painting. Refer to the Data Sheets (Colour or Primers) at the section regarding Surface Preparation for more instructions on surface preparation. Warning: do NOT apply Klass Kote Epoxy Paint to styrofoam surfaces as the paint will attack the surface.

12. What warranties are intended or implied?

The manufacturer warrants all materials to be free from defects and will replace any material proven to be defective when applied to our specifications - AT NO COST- within a period of one year from date of purchase. No other warranties are implied or intended.

13. What payment methods can I use?

Currently, we accept Paypal, Cheque, Bank Transfers and COD (on collection) accepted. With few exceptions, nothing is shipped without pre-payment. No product leaves the shop without payment in full.

14. Do you ship to the US?

No, we are the UK & European arm of Klass Kote. If you wish to order in the US, please contact www.klasskote.com (the US head office).

15. Do you have a colour mixing instructional video available for purchase?

Dave "Mr. Scale" Platt has produced an instructional video entitled Understanding and Using Epoxy Paints - "The Klass Kote Video" on how to mix your own colours (and much more) with KLASS KOTE Epoxy. This video is available now. For availability visit his website http://www.daveplattmodels.com/

16. Why is a 30-40 minute "induction" or waiting period recommended after mixing KLASS KOTE components A & B, but before applying?

The waiting or induction period, is used to give the two components (Part-A Epoxy & Part-B Catalyst) time to "react" to each other, prior to bonding/reacting with the substrate. This will produce the best dried film after cure. We also recommend the induction period to help avoid "under mixing". For the best possible results, be sure to allow the two mixed components to induct for 30-40 minutes after mixing but before thinning and application.

17. Can I use KLASS KOTE components (epoxy, catalyst & reducer) with other epoxies?

Testing appears to indicate that KLASS KOTE and Hobbypoxy/K&B Superpoxy are freely interchangeable. That is to say, that any of the components of any of the three will work equally as well together as the "correct" brand.

Modellers who have a quantity of colours of Hobbypoxy or K&B but no catalysts or reducer for them, may possibly be able use up what they have by using Klass Kote catalyst and/or reducer.

However, we cannot recommend KLASS KOTE catalyst for use with K&B Ultrapoxy. When tested, Ultrapoxy would not cure properly and was never fuelproof, even when mixed with Superpoxy catalyst.

Also please note, we can not guarantee the results obtained by mixing components of KLASS KOTE with any other brand of epoxy. For best results, we highly recommend that you use Klass Kote epoxy components exclusively.

18. How well does the Klass Kote epoxy paint cover?

Most Klass Kote Epoxy colours give excellent coverage (opacity) and will cover well with a very light tack coat and one wet coat. Certain colours (Yellow #160 and Indigo Blue #312) will require a few more coats to completely cover. When purchasing Klass Kote Epoxy Paint, we will assist you in determining what amount you may require ( based on your estimates of area to be sprayed. You can estimate that 1 pint mixed ( paint and catalyst ) will cover about 30-35 sq ft.

19. What happens if I mix to much paint? Can I reuse it later?

Firstly, we recommend that you read our data sheets (Colour and Primer) before you begin a project. Its important that you are aware of the curing instructions. If you mix too much product and need to "save" it for another day, you can cover it well and place in the refrigerator overnight to retard the curing process. Remember you must bring it back to room temperature before using.

20. Your pricing varies depending on the colour? Is that a typing error?

Pricing for paints and specific colours is tied to the pigments in each colour. Bright Red (#206) and Indigo Blue (#312) require more expensive tints. The same with Warm Yellow (#162) although its not quite as bad.

If the cost of paint drops for us or there is a large swing in currency, then we will pass on the savings to the consumer.

21. Is it cheaper to buy the paint from yourself (UK & EU Distributor) or direct from the USA office?

In most cases, people end up paying more shipping and higher duties if they bring it in themselves. We have arranged cheaper shipping and brokering. In the event that it’s still cheaper ordering from the USA, we will find the best deal for the client. Each customer’s situation is unique. The US office will be directing sales to us from this point on.

22. I own a model shop. Do you sell wholesale?

Pricing for model shops is different. Best to call or Email us and we will do what we can. Our model Shop pricing is reduced. We would like to support model shops and so if we can get the product in some stores, that would be great. Remember there are still a lot of people who live some distance from hobby stores so we certainly can help them out.

If you have any questions that we haven't listed on the website, please feel free to send us an e-mail at sales@klasskote.co.uk with your questions and we will get back to you as soon as possible.