CU-PRO Antifouling

SML CU-PRO Antifouling Overview

SML Cu-PRO is a premium self-polishing antifouling paint developed by SML Marine Paints. Formulated with commercial-grade biocides, it offers enhanced performance, improved fuel economy, and a service interval of up to three years. Designed for yachts and leisure boats operating at speeds up to 30 knots, CU-PRO effectively prevents marine growth on hulls, ensuring optimal vessel performance.

Key Product Features

• Self-Polishing Mechanism - Continuously renews the active surface layer, maintaining consistent antifouling performance.
• Extended Service Interval - Provides protection for up to three years, reducing maintenance frequency.
• Enhanced Fuel Efficiency - Minimizes drag caused by marine growth, leading to improved fuel economy.
• Versatile Application - Suitable for various substrates, including GRP, wood, steel, and ferrocement.
• Multiple Application Methods - Can be applied using brush, roller, or spray techniques.

The table below compares SML CU-PRO antifoul to other traditional antifouling products.

Suitable Uses and Applications

CU-PRO is ideal for yachts and leisure boats in regular use, operating at speeds up to 30 knots.

It is compatible with substrates such as GRP, wood, steel, and ferrocement. However, it is not suitable for aluminium hulls due to the risk of galvanic corrosion.

Basic Application Guide for CU-PRO antifoul

For more information on applying SML CU-PRO please see our detailed application guide here

Step 1 - Surface Preparation

• CU-PRO antifoul can be applied directly over existing self-polishing antifoul that is in good condition.  Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from contaminants such as grease, dirt, and loose coatings.
• Hard antifouling or antifoul in poor condition should be removed with SML Strippit, and wet sanded down to a sound surface.
• Apply SML Shield Underwater Primer to bare substrates to promote adhesion and provide a suitable base for Cu-PRO antifouling paint.

Step 2 – Mixing and Thinning

• Stir Cu-PRO thoroughly before use to ensure a uniform consistency and proper distribution of biocides.  Due to settling of the high concentration of cuprous oxide, we recommend a drill stirrer for thorough mixing
• Thinning with Cu-Pro Thinners should not be required, however you may thin up to 10% on hot or windy days to replace evaporated solvents.

Step 3 - Application Conditions and Methods

• Try to avoid painting in windy conditions or at temperatures  below 10˚C, and do not apply the coating if rain is likely within 3 hours of application.
• Brush & Roller - Apply one coat for each year of service required, plus an extra coat at the waterline, leading and trailing edges  For example, if you require 2 years service, apply 2 full coats and a third coat at the waterline, leading and trailing edges.

Step 4 - Drying and Recoating

• Overcoating time of 10 hours at 23°C before applying a second coat.
• The final coat should be cured for at least 15 hours at 23°C before launching the vessel into the water.

Step 6 - Cleanup

• Clean tools and equipment immediately after use with Cu-PRO Thinners

SML CU-PRO Antifoul Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

The FAQ's below are for general guidance only.  For specific questions, please refer to the application guides and data sheets on our product pages or give us call and we will answer any questions that you have.

Q. What substrates can CU-PRO be applied to?

A. Cu-PRO is suitable for GRP, wood, steel, and ferrocement substrates. It is not recommended for aluminium hulls due to the possibility for galvanic corrosion.

Q. How long does Cu-PRO provide antifouling protection?

A. Cu-PRO offers protection for up to three years, depending on the number of coats applied, average water temperature, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

Q. Can Cu-PRO be applied over existing antifouling paint?

A. Yes, provided the existing paint is in good condition, properly adhered, and compatible i.e the existing antifouling is a self-polishing type. The surface should be cleaned and lightly abraded before application. When applying over an existing hard antifouling, a coat of Shield Underwater Primer should be applied first.

Q. What is the recommended application method for Cu-PRO?

A. Cu-PRO can be applied using a solvent-resistant brush, roller, or spray equipment (airless, pressure pot, or HVLP).

Q. How many coats of Cu-PRO are recommended?

A. Typically, one  coat per year of service required is recommended, plus and additional coat at the waterline and leading and trailing edges. However, the number of coats may vary based on operating  and environmental conditions.

Q. What is the theoretical coverage rate of Cu-PRO?

A. The theoretical spreading rate is approximately 10 square meters per litre. Actual coverage may vary depending on surface roughness, application method and application conditions

Q. How long should I wait before launching my boat after applying Cu-PRO?

A. The final coat should be allowed to cure for at least 15 hours at 23°C before immersion.

Q. Can Cu-PRO be used on high-speed vessels?

A. Cu-PRO is suitable for vessels operating at speeds up to 30 knots.

Q. Is a primer necessary before applying Cu-PRO?

A. No when applied over existing self-polishing antifouling in good condtion.  Yes, when applied over hard antifouling where no antifouling is present.

Q. How should I clean my equipment after applying Cu-PRO?

A. Clean equipment immediately after use with Cu-PRO Thinners

Customer Comments

After 18+ months in the water with the original CuPro, the thin slime coating washed off easily with no other fouling present at all, leaving the original CuPro in good shape (probably ready for another season at least).  I'm planning to haul out again in 2 years and don't expect any problems using this anti-fouling paint - Mr Ashton, 

Over recent years I have relied upon your company to supply the antifouling paint for my elderly steel hulled boat which lives in the Mediterranean. I am writing this short note to tell you that your own Cu Pro antifouling is simply the best I have ever used. To coin a phrase from another well known fence paint supplier “it simply does what it says on the tin”. It goes on well giving a good finish and even at the higher sea temperatures of the Mediterranean shows very little weed growth even on a boat which is possibly too slow to make the best of its self polishing properties. Had this product been available when I ran my own boat building company it would most certainly have been our preferred product. - Kind regards - Richard Oddie - Nottinghamshire

Three years ago you supplied CU-PRO Antifouling (3 year coverage), well the yacht was lifted out this week after nearly 3 years in.  WOW could not believe how good the bottom was after a quick power wash - one happy happy customer with the super antifouling quality. - Mr McLeman - Dumfries & Galloway