There is one component making up TOTALKOTE PRO – silicone oil. Please see our SDS sheet here.
How can silicone oil bond to anything when silicone is known for being easy to peel off surfaces?
TOTALPKOTE PRO begins as purified, medical-grade silicone oil but becomes a silico-polymer via our proprietary manufacturing process. It is during this catalyzation that the molecular structure of the silicone is changed from being only hydrophobic to a double-sided structure. One side now is strongly hydrophilic (“self-bonding”) while the other side of that same layer is extremely hydrophobic and assists in repelling contaminants and adherents.
TOTALKOTE PRO claims one gram covers 500 SF. How can so little cover such a large area?
Because the molecular structure is altered, even a small bit of the material keeps spreading — and spreading! Using an orbital polisher makes it extremely fast to both apply and buff off. We’ve done the entire hull of a 30′ vessel in less than an hour.
How was it discovered?
A Harvard-trained dentist with additional degrees from MIT in microbiology and chemistry was attempting to create a non-toxic sealant made from purified silicone oil. The goal was to be able to apply it to almost anything. After numerous attempts using various processes, the current formula showed all the attributes he wanted and now TOTALKOTE PRO is bringing it to the world.
Can it injure animal life or humans if ingested or applied to the skin?
No, it is so safe there’s no PPR required. This 100% medical-grade silicone oil, is both inert and non-toxic. Only if someone had an allergy to silicone (a rarity because of its inert properties) might there be a reaction. Silicone oil is even used in the fast food industry to keep a variety of food items from sticking together.
Can barnacles, zebra mussels and other such adherents stick as strongly as usual?
Adherent organisms never make it through TOTALKOTE PRO and can’t adhere to the substrate below. This is why they can be wiped/flicked off or washed away with no grinding tools necessary to remove them.
Does it dull or cloud with time?
No, TOTALKOTE PRO’s gloss is persistent. No streaking upon applying like other coatings. No clouding with time. No dulling with age. Applying it over a different coating (gel coat, ceramic coat, wax, etc.) protects everything from deterioration and provides an amazing gloss. Applying TOTALKOTE PRO means less maintenance and a longer time between other coat replacements can take the place of other coatings altogether.
I want to save time, effort and money. TOTALKOTE PRO states it will do all of that. How exactly?
Time is saved because TOTALKOTE PRO requires only one coat. More time is saved because there is no dry or cure time needed. Your vessel can immediately go back in the water. Get right back to having fun or earning income.
Effort is saved in two ways: First, there is only one coat necessary when applying and, secondly, maintenance is a breeze because cleaning your hull, topside or interior spaces requires no grinding or special tools to scrape off debris. A quick wipe or power-wash removes dirt, sludge and other adherents, revealing the glossy finish once again.
Money is saved because detailers can finish more boats per day because prepping the surfaces is fast – no need to use grinders and scrapers to remove debris. An easy, fast application on a clean surface and a quick buff is all that’s required. Save boatyard storage fees because TOTALKOTE PRO cures in minutes, no storing the boat for days. With TOTALKOTE PRO, vessels for business and pleasure can get right back in the water.
Any stats on its performance?
TESTS AND STATS
• Baier and Gucinski, New York University at Buffalo measured a 1-2%
reduction in surface friction in small diameter fluid flow test cells
• Wolfson Institute, Southampton UK, showed drag reduction between 2-7%
• Wind tunnel tests by Dr. LC Squire of the University of Cambridge, UK
measured a 2% decrease in drag and an 8% increase in wind velocity
compared to an untreated aluminum test plate over at least 0.8 meters at
M =.88
• US Navy tested this material as an overcoating on riblets and showed a 4%
performance improvement
• Allen Brown Cigarette Racing Team, Inc. found the water-shedding effect
eliminates chine walking by eliminating the hydrodynamic factors usually
causing it to occur
• Provides a cushion of air around the hull as it causes any air in the fluid to
aggregate along the hull
• Tom Gentry trans-Atlantic crossing – Set speed record for trans-Atlantic
crossing in 100’ boat, gaining 2 knots (going from 79.5 to 81.5) and beat
nearest competitor by 23%
• Kiwi Magic – contender for America’s Cup, estimated improvement of one
length (>60ft) per nautical mile sailing downwind equaling about 1% at 12
knots
• 3M laboratory tests indicated a drag reduction in water
• Material also improves results in air (goes faster, uses less fuel) so coating
topside surfaces improve overall performance beyond coating the hull