Will the film overlaps be visible?
Since the film is only 100 microns it will not be visible unless you stay really close to the surface, an overlap is less visible than runs or sags of paint.

Do you first apply glue and then the film?
No, the glue is already on the film protected by a backing paper. The paper is taken off when the film is applied.

Who can apply the film?
ORCA Maritime has picked a number of companies that are approved applicators, in the time to come more companies will be approved. After approval, workers has to go through a training program made by ORCA Maritime. After being trained the workers get their personal certificate. Only certified applicators can ally the film unless the job is done as a part of training of workers under supervision from ORCA personnel.

Do you have to blast the whole surface?
No, old paint without any corrosion is a good surface for application of film. In most cases spot blasting and priming of blasted areas are enough. This of course makes the use of film even more time saving..

What sort of primer is recommended?
In the data sheets you will find that we recommend zinc or aluminium pigmented primers. They should be of the high build type (80-90% volume solids) which will give 100-200 microns dry film thickness as well as a smooth surface suitable for the application of the offshore film.

What happens if the film is applied too fast on fresh paint or primer?
The solvent in the paint or primer will be trapped and the paint or primer will not cure in a perfect manner, therefore we always follow the guidelines from primer and paint makers regarding drying times.

What about bubbles or wrinkles?
Even the best applicator can make mistakes and small bubbles or wrinkles can occur. The bubbles are punctured and the air pressed out, then a small patch of film is put on the tiny hole. Large wrinkles are not tolerated, in such cases the film is ripped of and a new piece applied. Small wrinkles at size of 10 cm etc are ignored as long as they don’t contain air. Repaired bubbles or small wrinkles are invisible on a shipside etc as they a less visible than runs or sags of paint. Remember the film is only 100 microns.

Can the film be used in ballast tanks?
Theoretically the film could also be used in these areas, but it would be very inconvenient and time-consuming to do this. Therefore we do not recommend the use of the film in ballast tanks.

What about scratches and impacts, how strong is the film?
The film will if the ship for instance scratch along a concrete jetty, be scratched of just as easy as paint. When it comes to direct impact, it will depend on the object, a sharp object might destroy the film the just as it will destroy paint, while a round object will make little if any damage. I this case the film is stronger than paint because it is so flexible. Check the product data sheet for tensile strength etc.

How long will the film keep the high gloss level?
The gloss level is expected to last as long as the film which is 10 years or even more. From tests done, a lifetime of wear and tear for 15 years has been simulated and the gloss as well as the film where in good condition. This has also been experienced from Mega Logos mounted on ships side years ago.

How long is it colour fast?
The colour stay unchanged for 7 years. The pigments used are of high quality and different from those used in paint. With such a long time without fading, repairs are easily done without creating any visible problem in colour changes.

Can the film also be supplied as Anti Fouling?
The film supplied today can not be used as Anti Fouling. However, Orca Maritime has a development project still under process, where we are developing a film for the use as Anti Fouling. The development project is expected to last for 1 - 2 years.