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FAQ's
SHARKHIDE
Metal Protectant
FAQ's
SHARKHIDE Aluminum
Cleaner FAQ's
SHARKHIDE Aluminum
Polish FAQ's
SHARKHIDE Black
Streak Remover FAQ's
Q:
What type of metal will SHARKHIDE work on?
A:
SHARKHIDE can be
applied to Aluminum, Polished Aluminum, Diamond Plate, Copper,
Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel, or any other metal you want to
prevent from staining and discoloring.
Q:
Can you see SHARKHIDE once it's applied?
A:
SHARKHIDE is
virtually invisible on any metal surface other than a high
polished surface. On a high polish finish, SHARKHIDE when
wiped on, can sometimes leave a slight rainbow sheen, like on
a soap bubble. This will some what lessen with a second coat
and it also tends to diminish with time.
Q:
Will SHARKHIDE work on painted surfaces?
A:
Yes, SHARKHIDE can be
applied to dull painted surfaces that are beginning to get
chalky and oxidized. SHARKHIDE will prevent the chalky finish
from returning as well as bring back a rich shiny finish.
Q:
Can SHARKHIDE be used on Fiberglass?
A:
Yes, SHARKHIDE
restores the appearance of old faded Gel Coat as well as
sealing it off so it won't take on a permanent water line.
Q:
Will Sunlight cause SHARKHIDE to yellow?
A:
NO! SHARKHIDE will
not EVER yellow or discolor.
Q:
What will SHARKHIDE protect against?
A:
SHARKHIDE will
protect your surfaces from water (fresh, salt, brackish), acid
rain, salt spray, humidity, alkaline, soot, and all road
deicers (known at this time).
Q:
Will
SHARKHIDE keep Moss and Algae from growing on my boat hull?
A:
NO!!! SHARKHIDE is a
metal protectant, NOT an "Anti Fouling" bottom paint.
Q:
How long will the average application last?
A:
On things like
Motorcycles, Street Rods, Aircraft and other things that see
limited fair weather use, it's not uncommon to get 6 or more
years of protection between coats. On heavily used things like
Big rigs, Dump trailers, Fire and Rescue equipment, you may
need to recoat every 1 to 4 years. On boats that are kept on
the trailer, or on a lift, it's not uncommon to get 3 to 5
years of protection. If you leave your boat in the slip all
season long, from the water line down, it may last a month, or
it may last a couple of years. There are just too many
variables such as water conditions and content, as well as
severity of marine growth etc. But from the water line up, you
can expect the same protection as any other boat.
Q:
How do I apply SHARKHIDE?
A:
SHARKHIDE can be
applied by wipe, spray, brush, or dip, depending on the
surface texture and desired finish. Generally speaking, for a
smooth finish, the preferred method is to wipe it on.
Q:
What type of cloth should I use to wipe
SHARKHIDE on?
A:
A WHITE COTTON
BABY DIAPER is the best cloth for the job.
Q:
Can I use other items to wipe on SHARKHIDE?
A:
Since we've not
tested all other types of applicators, we can only tell you to
avoid the following things. Lint, textures (such as Teri
Cloth, or Micro Fibers), dyes, detergent residue, dry cleaning
chemicals, sponges or any thing else that will leave anything
behind in the SHARKHIDE clear coat. Since a Cotton Baby
Diaper has none of these properties, why not stick to that?
Q:
Can I use a spray bottle or garden sprayer to
apply?
A:
No, they will not
sufficiently atomize the SHARKHIDE and it will create runs.
Q:
Can I spray SHARKHIDE on with an automotive
type spray gun?
A:
Yes, but SHARKHIDE is
difficult to spray due to its thin viscosity as well as it’s
very rapid dry time. Practice setting your gun on a scrap
piece of metal so it doesn't leave dry streaks, or runs before
you try it on your project.
Q:
What temperature is it safe to apply SHARKHIDE?
A:
SHARKHIDE can be
applied at any temperature. Keep in mind however, the cooler
the temperature, the longer it takes to dry, so it has more
time to flow out leaving a smoother finish. So in other words,
you'll get a better finish at 50 degrees, than at 90 degrees.
Q:
Can I apply SHARKHIDE in the sun?
A:
Yes you can, but keep
in mind, although it may be a cool 65 degree day, the metals
surface temperature may be 90 degrees or higher. So try to
avoid direct sunlight if at all possible
Q:
How fast will SHARKHIDE dry?
A:
SHARKHIDE will dry to
the touch in about 60 to 90 seconds in 75 degree temperatures.
Faster in warmer temperatures, and slower in colder
temperatures.
Q:
Should I put a second coat on?
A:
Although not
required, we strongly recommend at least two coats. Sense
SHARKHIDE is a clear liquid, it's very easy to miss spots.
With a second coat, it's virtually impossible to miss the
same spot twice.
Q:
Can I put more than two coats of SHARKHIDE on?
A:
Yes, you can put 3 or
more coats on since SHARKHIDE is such a thin film. You can't
put too many on.
Q:
How soon can I put a second coat on?
A:
You can put a second
coat on immediately, however, it's better if you'll allow the
SHARKHIDE to "Cure" first before a second coat.
Q:
What is "Cure Time"?
A:
Although SHARKHIDE
dries to the touch in just a few seconds, there's still
solvents evaporating out of the finish. This can take as
little as 2 or 3 hours, or as long as 24 or more hours
depending on temperature and humidity.
Q:
Why let SHARKHIDE cure before a second coat?
A:
If you allow
SHARKHIDE to "Cure" Before you recoat, the second coat will
not have enough time to dissolve the first, leaving you with a
double build up, witch means longer protection time between
recoating.
Q:
Do I need to sand or prep the first coat before
applying the second?
A:
No. There is no
preparation needed before you apply a second coat. SHARKHIDE
is "Self Etching" (melts and blends into the first coat) so it
will blend into your first coat without layers or seams.
Q:
Do I need to remove the first SHARKHIDE
application before I reapply years later?
A:
No. All you need to
do is wash the surface with warm soap and water, rinse, dry,
and apply the new coat.
Q:
How do I maintain my SHARKHIDE finish?
A:
Simply use a mild
warm soap and water solution just as you would on your car.
Q:
What products will harm my SHARKHIDE finish?
A:
Any petroleum based
product like gasoline, solvents, thinners, or any other
product’s that contain petroleum’s, such as waxes and
polish’s. Also some acid’s and certain cleaners. Since it's
absolutely impossible to test all product’s for their effects
on SHARKHIDE, don't apply anything other than a mild soap
solution and you shouldn't have any problems.
Q:
What can I do to remove SHARKHIDE?
A:
SHARKHIDE can be
easily removed with Lacquer Thinner no matter how long it's
been on a surface.
Q:
How do I remove SHARKHIDE from a small area?
A:
Simply saturate a
cloth or paper towel with Lacquer Thinner and scrub it off.
Q:
How about removing SHARKHIDE from a large area?
A:
Put Lacquer Thinner
in a quart spray bottle, set the spray nozzle to a fine spray,
and concentrate the spray in about a two foot area.
Continuously spray the area without allowing the thinner
to evaporate. Once the SHARKHIDE softens and turns to a jell,
swipe it away with paper towels.
Back to top!
SHARKHIDE Aluminum
Cleaner FAQ's
Q:
Will SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner put a "shine" back on my old stained aluminum?
A:
No it will not. As a
matter of fact, no acid based aluminum cleaner, no matter what
brand, will put a "shine" back on old aluminum. The factory
finish on all aluminum (unless polished) is known as the "Mill Finish". This
nice shiny silver color is a bi product of the process used in
the mills to roll aluminum ingots into sheet form. Once this finish is
gone, it can NEVER be re produced.
Q:
What kind of finish will SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner
leave?
A:
That depends on how
strong you mix it. When mixed at a weaker ratio, about 10 to 1 or
so, it will slowly remove slight stains and
oxidation leaving a fairly shiny finish assuming that the original mill
finish still exists. But when mixed at a strong ratio, up to about 4 to
1, SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner will bleach aluminum to a uniform off
white finish.
Q:
What if I don't want the "Off White" look on my aluminum?
A:
There are a few
things you can do. Use a coarse Scotch-Brite pad and a trickle of water
and rub in small tight circles. This will leave a soft
shine like "brushed Aluminum". Or you can use SHARKHIDE Metal Polish and
bring your aluminum to a mirror like reflective
finish.
Q:
Will Sharkhide Aluminum Cleaner remove moss and algae?
A:
No. When cleaning a
boat hull, use a pressure washer and a #2 (10 deg) tip to first
"Cut off" the moss and algae while it's still wet.
Then go back and scrub off any residue with a coarse Scotch-Brite pad
and a garden hose. Now your ready to apply SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner.
Q:
How do I apply SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner?
A:
It's best applied
with a quart "Trigger" type spray bottle. Use one that has an
adjustable nozzle that can be set down to a very fine
mist. Using a garden sprayer or pressure washer to apply will just use
more cleaner than needed.
Q:
Will SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner harm my paint or
decals?
A:
No it won't. Although
we can't possibly test our product on every type of paint and vinyl
used today, we can say that in over twelve
years of our customers using SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner, we have
not had one single instance of damage reported
due to the cleaner. But still test a small out of the way spot to be
sure.
Q:
Will it harm bunks or carpet on boat trailers?
A:
No it won't. Just be
sure to rinse it well when done cleaning. Like with paint and
decals, we have not had a single reported
instance of damage to bunks or carpet in the twelve years we've offered
our cleaner.
Q:
Is
SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner dangerous to use?
A:
Our Aluminum Cleaner
is a Phosphoric Acid based cleaner. Although considerably
more expensive to use, it much milder to your skin
than the other acids used in many other cleaners. Unless you have
exceptionally sensitive skin, SHARKHIDE Aluminum
Cleaner, not even in its concentrated form won't harm your skin. But if in
doubt, use gloves and eye protection when using.
Q:
Should I be concerned about the run off?
A:
Not at all. SHARKHIDE
Aluminum Cleaner is biodegradable. Since we use Phosphoric Acid
as a base, as well as very select other
detergents and clinging agents in our cleaner, it's not necessary to
catch the run off.
Back to top!
SHARKHIDE Aluminum Polish FAQ's
Q: Is
metal polish and wax the same thing?
A: No. Wax is simply
a coating left on a on a surface to temporarily protect it from the elements. Metal Polish is a compound designed to remove a microscopic thin layer of the surface material and leave a flat, reflective surface.
Q:
Can
I use Sharkhide aluminum Polish on
materials other than aluminum?
A:
Yes. You can also use
it on brass, copper, stainless steel, chrome, gold, silver, fiberglass, as well
as taking scratches out of Acrylic, and Lexan windshields.
Q:
Can
I polish metal by hand with Sharkhide Aluminum Polish or should I always use a
buffer?
A:
Yes you can. But
you’ll want to stick to the smaller jobs. Use a buffer for the larger areas. It’s a lot faster and much easier on you.
Q:
What type of buffer should I use?
A:
It’s best to use a
high quality 7” variable speed buffer with a lambs wool, terry cloth, or hard foam pad.
Q:
When I start buffing, there is a black
grimy film that forms on the metal. Should I
try to remove it?
A:
No. Don’t worry about
the film. It contains the abrasive’s from the polish as well as very fine metal particles that will help in the polishing process.
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SHARKHIDE Black
Streak Remover FAQ's
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