APEX Technology Nautiq is a high-performance protective coating engineered specifically for gelcoat and marine surfaces. This cutting-edge ceramic system is fortified with Kevlar®, Carbon Nanotubes (CNT), and Graphene, providing exceptional durability and resistance in the harshest maritime conditions.
Developed to withstand UV radiation, salt exposure, moisture, and mechanical wear, Nautiq forms a dense hybrid layer that bonds chemically to the surface, ensuring long-term protection and easy maintenance for gelcoat, plastics, metals, and polycarbonate components.
With its superhydrophobic effect, anti-fouling resistance, and enhanced gloss retention, APEX Nautiq delivers a lasting shield that keeps your vessel cleaner, brighter, and protected — season after season.
- Extreme hydrophobicity – water contact angle >160°, repels water, salt, and dirt.
- Advanced nanostructure – Kevlar®, CNT, and Graphene ensure superior strength, flexibility, and heat resistance.
- UV and chemical protection – prevents oxidation, yellowing, and degradation (pH 3–10 resistant).
- Multi-surface compatibility – ideal for gelcoat, plastics, aluminum, chrome, and polycarbonate.
- Long-term durability – up to 3 years of active protection with simple maintenance.
- Easy application – hand-applied, no IR lamps or complex equipment required.
Application Instructions
Important Information Before Application
Shake the bottle well before use.
Apply the coating in a dry, enclosed, and well-ventilated area, protected from dust and moisture.
Ideal conditions: 15–25 °C and 40–70 % relative humidity.
Store the coating in a cool, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.
Open carefully — slight negative pressure may occur.
Since this is a high-performance, long-lasting coating, improperly applied layers cannot be easily removed without mechanical polishing.
- Surface Preparation
The surface must be completely clean, dry, and degreased.
It is recommended to polish the surface before application to remove oxidation, scratches, chalking, and surface irregularities.
The coating “locks in” the current surface condition, so the quality of polishing determines the final finish and gloss.
After polishing, clean the surface using APEX Technology Prime + Prep to ensure full degreasing and proper bonding.
Make sure the surface is cool to the touch and free of dust before applying.
- Coating Application
Shake the bottle thoroughly before use.
Apply a small amount of product onto the provided applicator.
Work in sections of approximately 50 × 50 cm, spreading the coating evenly using cross-hatch movements (vertical and horizontal).
- Reaction Time
Reaction time depends on temperature and humidity.
Typically, allow 1–2 minutes after application.
The correct moment for wiping is when the surface develops a slight satin or hazy appearance with micro-beads or dots.
- Wiping and Leveling
First, wipe the surface using a short-fiber microfiber cloth (Pearl type) to remove excess coating and any streaks.
Then, use a long-fiber microfiber cloth (min. 400 GSM) for final leveling and gloss enhancement.
This ensures a perfectly even finish and prevents “high spots,” which would otherwise become permanent after curing.
- Curing Time
The surface must not come into contact with water for at least 24 hours after application.
Full chemical bonding occurs after approximately 12 hours under optimal conditions.
During this period, keep the vessel protected from moisture, salt, and dust.
- Consumption and Layers
Average consumption:
Gelcoat / composites: 2–15 mL/m²
Plastics: 1–10 mL/m²
Metals (aluminum, chrome, stainless steel): 2–5 mL/m²
For larger vessels (e.g., a 10–12 m sailboat), total consumption may range from 100–250 mL, depending on the condition of the surface.
One layer is usually sufficient.
Additional layers can increase coating thickness and hydrophobic performance.
Warnings
Do not apply on hot surfaces or under direct sunlight.
Incorrectly applied coating cannot be removed without sanding or polishing.