FAQs

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19. How do I get the seal off the can?

1. What are Klass Kote Epoxy Paints?
Klass Kote Epoxy Paints are a series of protective, decorative, 2-part epoxies. Included are pigmented, decorative colors, epoxy clear coats, and epoxy primer paint. 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 Klass Kote Epoxy Paints?
Klass Kote Epoxy paints are mainly used because of their outstanding chemical resistance, durability, low porosity and high bonding strength. Klass Kote epoxy coatings will bond with almost all properly prepared surfaces. They provide an attractive, long-lasting, chemically resistant, strong bonding, and a highly decorative dried film. Please see results from Dave Platt's (Mr. Scale) testing of Klass Kote on the Test Results page.

3. What components are in Klass Kote Epoxy Coatings?
Klass Kote epoxy coatings consist of two distinct components. Side-A Epoxy Resin, and Side Curing Agent (catalyst). The two components are mixed in a 1-to-1 ratio by volume. A chemical reaction occurs between the two parts generating (low) heat and turning the mixture into an inert, hard, flexible, dried film with the previously mentioned characteristics. After the two epoxy components 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. The pot life is measured in several hours at 70° F, after which, the mixture becomes thicker and eventually begins to harden.

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4. How long will Klass Kote Epoxy Paints last?
In most normal uses, Klass Kote Epoxy Coatings 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 color 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 Epoxy Paints?
Klass Kote Epoxy Paints will harden to tack or dust free in 20 minutes to 1 hour at 70 ° F. 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 (sword hardness) will generally take several days (4-7), at which time the surface can then be exposed to extreme conditions without compromise. In most normal conditions, Klass Kote epoxy paints will be suitably hard within a 24 hour period. Refer to Test Results page. Lower surface and air temperatures will require additional cure time.

6. When can I apply subsequent coats of Klass Kote Epoxy Paints?
The best time to recoat is within 4-8 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, chemically, 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 page under the section Cure Schedule – recoat window.

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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, mild settling may occur, so be sure to completely stir each part up from the bottom before shaking. Always mix the two components together in one container first, then pour them into a second container and apply from the second container. The reason is that mixing is never very good at the corners, edges and sides of a container. If you apply the epoxy from the primary mixing pail you will certainly get some of the unmixed epoxy from the bottom, sides, and corners of the container and that epoxy may not properly 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 page under the section Mixing Instructions for more instructions on mixing Klass Kote Epoxy Paints.

8. Can I use another thinners/reducers with Klass Kote Epoxy Paints?
If Klass Kote Epoxy Reducer #500 is not available, use a HIGH GRADE lacquer thinner formulated to reduce epoxies resins. See the Klass Kote Product Data Sheet for Epoxy Colors & Clear - Mixing Instructions for reduction / thinning ratios.

9. How much Klass Kote Epoxy Paint 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 square feet. On more porous substrates or with overspray considered, 1 quart will cover approximately 60 square feet. Using High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) equipment may increase coverage and reduce overspray. Brushing and rolling tend to increase film thickness, therefore reducing coverage amounts.

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10. Are there minimum and maximum temperatures required to apply Klass Kote Epoxy Paints?
We do not recommend using (applying) the product on substrates(surfaces) below 65° F or above 85° F - likewise for ambient (air) temperatures. For optimum results, apply to substrates, and store the product between 50-80° F. Humidity can slow the curing processes, but in most cases, Klass Kote Epoxy Paints are very forgiving. 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, wax, or anything else that will otherwise impede adhesion. Whenever possible, lightly solvent wash the surface with Klass Kote Reducer #500 before you start painting. Refer to the Data Sheets section regarding Surface Preparation for more instructions on surface preparation.

12. What warranties are intended or implied?
The manufacturer warrants that this product conforms to label descriptions, is free from manufacturing defects, and is fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used. Inasmuch as the use of this product by others and other factors affecting product performance are beyond manufactures control, manufacturer does not guarantee the results obtained. Should this product fail to give satisfactory results, manufacturer will replace the product, or at its option, refund the purchase price. This is the sole and exclusive remedy for any failure of this product to perform as warranted and shall also constitute liquidated damages in case of loss. Under no circumstances shall the buyer be entitled to any other remedy or damages. Remedies for incidental and consequential damages are specifically excluded. The seller does not authorize any person or organization to assume for it any other liability in connection with the sale or use of this product unless specifically authorized by manufacturer in writing.

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13. What payment methods can I use?
Currently, we accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX & Discover. Sorry, no CODs accepted. Customers requiring terms payments must call customer service to make such arrangements. We also accept payment via PayPal, checks & money orders.

14. Do you have a color mixing instructional video available for purchase?
We are proud to announce 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 colors (and much more) with Klass Kote Epoxy Paints. This video is available now. Please call Dave Platt Models at 321-724-2144 or visit his website http://www.daveplattmodels.com/
We also have available a growing list of formulas for mixing Federal Standard and Military colors. Custom color matching on a case-by-case basis is also available. Click here to go to our Formulas Page.

15. Why is a 30-40 minute minimum "induction" or waiting period recommended after mixing Klass Kote Epoxy Paints 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. Please note: There is NO INDUCTION period required if using White Primer Fast Catalyst #420.

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16. Can I use Klass Kote Epoxy Paints components (epoxy, catalyst & reducer) with other epoxy paint systems? (A special note mainly to model crafters…)
Testing appears to indicate that Klass Kote Epoxy Paints and HobbyPoxy and 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. Customers who have a quantity of colors of HobbyPoxy or K&B SuperPoxy but no catalysts or reducer for them, may possibly be able use up what they have by using Klass Kote Epoxy Paints catalysts and/or reducer. However, we cannot recommend Klass Kote Epoxy Paints part-B catalyst for use with K&B UltraPoxy. When tested, UltraPoxy would not cure properly and was never fuel proof, even when mixed with SuperPoxy catalyst. Also please note, we can not guarantee the results obtained by mixing the components of Klass Kote Epoxy Paints with any other brand of epoxy. For best results, we highly recommend that you use Klass Kote Epoxy Paints exclusively.

17. What surfaces can I NOT apply Klass Kote Epoxy Paints on?
Klass Kote Epoxy Paints will apply and adhere to almost any properly prepared surfaces. A few notable exceptions are Styrofoam (for obvious, solvent-attacking reasons) and galvanized aluminum. Surfaces with rust and scale must be cleaned thoroughly prior to apply Klass Kote Epoxy Paints or Epoxy Primer Paint. To apply Klass Kote Epoxy Paints on foam surfaces the foam must first be sealed. (check out Beacon products at www.foam-tac.com. After sealing the foam surface, you can then apply Klass Kote Epoxy Coatings as described.

18. What is the useful pot life (after Parts A & B are mixed) of Klass Kote Epoxy Paint?
Once mixed, this two-component epoxy paint system stays useful (pot life) for several hours only - up to 6-8 hours, all remaining [mixed] paint will harden and be unusable several hours later. The shelf life of the unmixed components is measured in 10's of years for the side-A component, and 3-5 years for the side-B component. Store unmixed cans in a dry, moderate environment for best shelf-life results.

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