Pettit EZ Prime High Build Undercoater

Pettit EZ Prime High Build Topside Undercoater

Pettit EZ Prime is a high-build formula that dries quickly and is easy to sand. This undercoater should be used as a base coat whenever the surface beign painted is aged, cracked, checked, pitted, or in any way less than smooth. It can be applied to fiberglass, wood, and previously painted surfaces. EZ Prime has excellent filling properties which can be used for a full, one-coat application. When using on bare wood, seal with Pettit EZ Wood Sealer to provide water resistance and dry rot protection. Not for use below the waterline.

Features:

• Easily hides imperfections for a smoother finish surface
• Easy one-part application cuts down on labor
• High filling, fast covering formula cuts down on number of coats needed
• For use under all Pettit, Z-Spar, Old Salem, or Shipendec single and 2-part topside enamels
• One-coat application

Specifications:

• Finish: Flat
• Number of Coats: 1 or 2
• Coverage: 400 sq. ft/gal.
• Pack Size: 1 US Quart / 1 US Gallon
• Color: 6149 White
• VOC: 457 g/l

Associated Products:

Pettit 120 Brushing Thinner: Thinner for brushing applications

Pettit 121 Spraying Thinner: Thinner for spraying applications

How to Apply Pettit EZ Prime Undercoater

Temperatures should ranging between 50°F and 90°F. All painting should be done between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM in order to avoid the possibility of dew or condensation spoiling the application. EZ Prime can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. EZ Prime has a coverage of 400 sq. ft. per gallon.

• Application Method: Brush, roller, or spray
• Number of Coats: One or Two
• Coverage: 400 sq. ft/gal.
• Dry Film Thickness: 1.75 mils

Surface Preparation & Application

• Bare Wood
• Sand surface smooth with 80-120 grit sandpaper, then solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner to remove residue.
• Fill all screw heads, nicks, gouges, and small holes with EZ-Fair Epoxy Fairing Compound. Sand flush and solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner.
• Apply a coat of 2018 Clear Sealer to penetrate and seal the porous grain. 
• Follow with one or two coats of EZ Prime until an evenly smooth base condition is reached.
• Sand each coat with 80-120 grit sandpaper and solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner.
• Painted Surfaces
• Clean and prep the painted areas using Pettit Bio-Blue Hull Surface Prep using a scotch-brite pad or stiff bristle brush. 
• Thoroughly rinse the surface and allow to dry. Remove existing mildew with household bleach. Note: Never mix bleach and ammonia.
• If the old paint is an oil-based enamel or polyurethane, and is in good, sound condition, sand it thoroughly smooth with 150 grit sandpaper.
• Solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner, then proceed with one or two coats of 6149 EZ Prime until an evenly smooth base condition is reached. 
• Sand each coat with 80-120 grit sandpaper and solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner.
• If the old paint is latex or water-based, or is in poor condition, remove it with a paint remover or by sanding.
• Proceed with the instructions for the appropriate base surface system.
• Bare Aluminum
• Clean and prep the surface using Pettit Bio-Blue Hull Surface Prep and a Scotch-Brite pad. Thoroughly rinse the surface and allow to dry.
• Remove any remaining residue by wiping the surface with Pettit 120 Thinner. 
• Remove oxidation and etch the surface with medium grit emery cloth; remove sanding residue.
• Apply on thin "wet" coat of 6455/044 Metal Primer. Allow to dry at least two hours. 
• Proceed with one or two coats of EZ Prime to smooth the surface and provide a uniform base.
• Sand well and solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner, then proceed with the first coat of Pettit, Z-Spar or Shipendec topside paint.
• Bare Steel
• Surface must be cleaned to a bright finish by sandblasting or grinding; remove blast residue. 
• Immediately apply one coat of 6980 Rustlok Primer. Allow to dry until tacky. 
• If surface is rough, apply one coat of Tie-Coat Primer; sand well and solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner.
• Repeat application as needed until surface is no longer rough. 
• Proceed with one or two coats of EZ Prime to smooth the surface and provide a uniform base.
• Sand well and solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner, then proceed with topside paint.
• Bare Fiberglass
• Wash thoroughly with Bio-Blue Hull Surface Prep to remove all traces of mold release agents and wax. 
• Thoroughly rinse the surface and allow to dry. Remove any remaining residue by wiping the surface with Pettit 120 Thinner.
• Sand the gel coat with 80 to 120 grit sandpaper to a dull, frosty appearance; solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner to remove residue. 
• Proceed with one or two coats of EZ Prime until an evenly smooth base condition is reached.
• Sand each coat with 80-120 grit sandpaper and solvent clean with Pettit 120 Thinner.

Click to Download Pettit EZ Prime Application Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pettit EZ Prime High Build Topside Undercoater used for?

Pettit EZ Prime High Build Topside Undercoater is a high-build base coat for surfaces that are aged, cracked, checked, pitted, or otherwise uneven. Its filling properties help create a smoother surface before applying compatible topside enamels. It can be used on fiberglass, wood, and previously painted surfaces, but it is not intended for use below the waterline.

What surfaces can Pettit EZ Prime be applied to?

EZ Prime can be applied to fiberglass, wood, previously painted surfaces, bare aluminum, and bare steel when the appropriate surface preparation and primer system is followed. On bare wood, the surface should first be sealed with Pettit 2018 Clear Sealer. Bare aluminum and steel require their specified metal primer systems before EZ Prime.

How many coats of Pettit EZ Prime should be applied?

EZ Prime can be applied in one or two coats. Apply enough coats to achieve an evenly smooth base condition. Each coat should be sanded with the specified sandpaper and solvent cleaned before proceeding. The product provides approximately 400 square feet of coverage per gallon and has a dry film thickness of 1.75 mils.

How do you apply Pettit EZ Prime High Build Topside Undercoater?

EZ Prime can be applied by brush, roller, or spray. Application should be performed when temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F. Pettit recommends painting between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to help avoid dew or condensation. Surface preparation varies by substrate, so follow the preparation procedure for the specific surface being coated.

What paints can be applied over Pettit EZ Prime?

Pettit EZ Prime is designed for use under Pettit, Z-Spar, Old Salem, or Shipendec single- and two-part topside enamels. After EZ Prime has been applied, sanded, and solvent cleaned as directed, the appropriate compatible topside paint can be applied.

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