The purpose of this is summarize all the points and discussions about the
rust & bubbling on Faber/painted tanks.
Thank you one and all for input, even those who did not read the post
completely

1. Best solution, do not use boots, get Hot Dipped Galvanized - I agree with
you Trey! Now if PST were just easier to get a hold of, Ike. I know EE has
them instock.

2. DO NOT USE Boots! No matter what the design is or the water environment
(salt or fresh) paint is not a perfect sealant so water and contaminates
(dissolved solids) can and will get in there. The Painting process or
coating a may develop micro cracks allowing moisture and or contaminates
(salt, dissolved solids, sodium, etc.) in under the paint. In time they may
react with the paint material or the tank itself creating blisters. In some
cases, depending on the components and react involved, those pockets will
have an acidity or alkaline substance. The salt water always has allots of
dissolved solids (salty taste) but fresh water can have it's own set of
minerals or components dissolves in it.  If you really feel a need to use
boots, remove and inspect frequently! In salt water soak the bottom of the
tanks in fresh water after every dive for several minutes to allow the salt
crystals to dissolve. Salt dissolves slowly and one must move the tank or
stir the water. (Sounds like we are cooking here.)

3. If and when you get the problem.

- Preparation: Remove all paint or top coating. The preference is by
scraping or wire brush. Sand Blasting with sand or glass is a out due to
damage and excessive remove of metal, walnut shells or other similar media
can be used.

- Refinishing: ScubaPro is contacting Faber with the "Party Line" as to the
appropriate refinishing and protection method. Ike Bullock of LDC has
contacted Walt of SP. This info will be provided when available.

Powder Coating - NO, heat damage to the tank integrity and hard to visual
see damage as it develops under the coating.

Epoxy - General consensus is No, it reacts to UV, it can hide rust and
corrosion from inspection until it is to late.

With all the feed back and info that I have received, it seems that that the
galvanizing on the FABER (SP & OMS) is thin.
The reason they rust.

Thanks to all for you input and responses - even the dozen of DO NOT USE
BOOTS.

David

--
Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'.
Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.

Navigate by Author: [Previous] [Next] [Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject: [Previous] [Next] [Subject Search Index]

[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]

[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]