1st & the only organic antifouling coating with the Baltic amber
100% sustainable
Regular antifouling paint is extremely toxic by design, as its whole purpose is to kill marine life. As long as it protects the boat and we don`t witness any detrimental consequences with our own eyes, should it even be of our concern?
Actually, it should. Researches showed that bottom paints impact a wider variety of aquatic organisms than we think. Antifouling chemicals ended up on our tables — in fish and seafood. That is when this problem was taken seriously and brought up to the governmental level.
Now despite stricter regulations, antifouling paints are still 100% chemical. And we can only speculate regarding their delayed effect on sea life, on us, and our children.
Actually, it should. Researches showed that bottom paints impact a wider variety of aquatic organisms than we think. Antifouling chemicals ended up on our tables — in fish and seafood. That is when this problem was taken seriously and brought up to the governmental level.
Now despite stricter regulations, antifouling paints are still 100% chemical. And we can only speculate regarding their delayed effect on sea life, on us, and our children.
Only 3 ingredients
Amber is composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen that makes it almost alive.
We made Amberlak 100% organic
No chemicals, no heavy metals. Organic formula with natural Amber efficiently prevents biofouling without harming the sea environment.
Flaxseed oil
Turpentine
Amber colophony
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Amberlak is unique. And here's why
01
100% safe
No chemicals, no heavy metals. Amberlak is organic and therefore safe for the sea environment, for us, and for future generations.
02
Durable Protection
The resin-based formula ensures durable water-resistant protection, no primer is needed.
03
Gentle Efficacy
Its antiseptic effect repels foul without killing it; and when dried, it forms an elastic film that is tough for marine organisms to adhere to.
04
Reduced Drag
Unlike rough antifouling paints, Amberlak creates a very smooth surface that significantly reduces drag.
05
Beautiful Finish
Amberlak is the only transparent coating below the waterline which gives a wooden boat an outstanding beautiful finish.
Care about nature as much as about the vessel
Easy to use
A brush, a roller, a sprayer.
Coating
After adequate preparation of the surface apply 2−3 thin layers of the amber varnish. Before applying a new layer, gently sand the previous one. If you are coating a wooden surface, first apply amber impregnant Amberlak.
Do not coat surfaces when the sun is scorching, or it is humid or cold. Plan the coating so as the surface of the coating dries before the evening dew falls. For detailed information download our application instructions.
Do not coat surfaces when the sun is scorching, or it is humid or cold. Plan the coating so as the surface of the coating dries before the evening dew falls. For detailed information download our application instructions.
Drying time
The optimal drying time at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity: the dust does not adhere to the surface after 3 hours following the coating; one can touch the surface after 5 hours. The second layer can be applied after 24 hours. Good ambient ventilation and UV exposure speed up the drying process.
Dilution and cleaning of the tools
Depending on needs or application Amberlak can be diluted with turpentine. Clean tools with white spirit or a tool cleaner.
Storage
Store the product in a dark and cold place away from a heat. The product is frost resistant. Close the package thoroughly immediately after use. Manufacture and expiry dates are indicated on the packaging.
Danger of self-ignition
Clothes, paper towels, sanding dust, etc. soaked in the product may catch fire spontaneously after a few hours, so before disposal they must be immersed in water in a closed metal container, dried outdoors, or burned following their use.
Why eco-friendly antifouling matters
The threat of regular antifouling is real
In 1960s — the age of increasing concern over air and water pollution, it was found that some bottom paints were impacting a wider variety of aquatic organisms than imagined — particularly when found in high concentrations in the vicinity of harbors and marinas. Loud and clear alarm of the real danger of antifouling chemicals came up when the chemical began showing up in seafood.
Antifouling problem has been recognized since 1960s, the components have been banned
Bottom paints containing the tin-based compound tributyltin have been banned in many countries since the late 1960s. Copper and other biocides continue to be used in their place, though under increasing scrutiny as they can accumulate in the environment and affect unintended targets. When silicone rubbers were found to provide protection against marine fouling, companies started developing foul release coatings, that act as a physical barrier, rather than release chemicals that kill the microorganisms. Yet the majority of sold paints are still regular antifouling paints.
Governmental regulations and restrictions get stricter
Since 2012, under the Biocidal Products Regulation* (BPR), the EU has developed an environmental risk assessment tool that products must pass before going to market. The tool models environmental concentrations based on estimated release rates of biocides (and Substances of Concern) from the paint surface to the aquatic environment for pleasure craft marinas in four regions. Each region has different acceptable threshold levels due to differing water exchange in its marinas. As Baltic marinas are most susceptible to accumulating biocides, these are subject to the lowest acceptable levels, followed by the Baltic Transition, Mediterranean and Atlantic. In some areas antifouling paints are completely banned.
*The consolidated version of the Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 concerning making the use of biocidal products (BPR) possible on the market
*The consolidated version of the Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 concerning making the use of biocidal products (BPR) possible on the market
Alternative solutions are limited and expensive
There are two main ways how companies address this issue. First, big conglomerates invest unprecedented sums of money in research and development to create alternative chemicals and launch new products that claim to be less dangerous for the environment. The lagged effect of these chemicals is likely to be recognized by our children. Second, individual trail-blazers offer out-of-the-box solutions, such as ultrasound systems, protective films, and wrapping systems. These are often limited by the type of boat and material, they are hard to apply and cost well above regular products.
