mdf

Each to their own. When you do decide to try something different, KB (being a water-based emulsion) will go over Comastic whereas I believe no solvent based blacking can be applied over Comastic - so you at least have a choice. MDF

Thanks. Now I know for future queries. Is the resulting surface as well bonded to the steel as Fertan? MF

As one of the owners of Keelblack I have to declare an interest but the following advice is practical and unbiased. The website coverage is incorrect. That figure (3 sqm/ litre) is the coverage when applied to rough timber. The coverage on steel is at least 11 sqm / litre on steel and on really smooth steel, people are getting better coverage. A 60ft boat will need around 8-9 litres for three coats on the sodes on;y. and about 20% les if the area above the top rubbing strake is glossed.. Preparation is really important to avoid the Keelblack being applied to an insubstantial base as is applying the product REALLY THINLY then allowing if possible at least 36 hours after the final coat to cure (longer in dank/ cold weather) . Application should be by either paintpad (works well on very smooth steel) or 4" microfibre roller. Tight bristled paint-style brushes tend to clog although some have had success with wallpaper paste type brushes where the bristle clusters are set apart. The Keelblack office will always give free advice on best practice.

Martin. Omitted to respond to the quantity question. 10 litres will give three good coats of KB and allow you to keep 1/2 litre for running repairs then use the rest up around the waterline or all over if you have sufficient. Dont keep it. It will go off after 6 to 9 months (tendency of all emulsions to separate). MF

Martin. I'm one if the owners,of Keelblack so at the risk of sounding biased, I have,adked for permission to declare my interrst and reply. Keelblack ALWAYS works PROVIDED it or the rust prevented it I,applied over is correctly applied. I don't have experience of Vactan but I do of Fertan. I believe you do not wash off Vactan but you do Fertan which begs my (perhaps amateur) question of what happens to the rust that the Vactan has converted ? Keelblack will stick to almost anything and will NOT come off unless what it applied to comes off, so that is my doubt with Vactan. Where the Fertan converted oxide has not been washed off, Keelblack will have adhered to the dust which may not be bonded to the steel. This has akways been the cause of the few failures of KB over Fertan. Preparation is crucial as are a) applying KB THINLY and allowing a good 36 hours curing time before relaunch to reach optimum hardness. Do not be seduced into a (cheaper) 3 day docking window as this allows insufficient time to treat the rust effectively , apply KB and give time to cure before relaunch. 5 days will give you adequate time and will work out cheaper in the long run. Our website is informative on all practical aspects and we are always available to give impartial assistance and advice. MF

I have to declare an interest in that I am Keelblack however Keelblack is still operating - just having a website problem as a result of changing hosts (glitches always seem to happen on either a Friday or a holiday). It will be up and running again shortly. Meantime a call to the office (manned more or less 24/7) on 0333405 4045 will work. Please tell your friends that we're still there to help them. And thanks to the correspondents who mentioned our helpful responses - we will always try to help you even if it is to point you at the right product if it isn't Keelblack. What goes round, comes round..... Merry Xmas and NY. MF

People talk about cost but the more pertinent question is coverage to ensure you are comparing apples with apples. Keelblack sesms to cover about 8-10sqm to a litre and the owner of Poohsticks used it and got two coats on a 72 footer out of 9 litres. That make is very comparable with lower cost bitumens which only go half as far and are thick and hard to put on. Being able to apply it to damp steel so that there is no risk of water stopping the stuff from sticking is a huge advantage.