A small selection of frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Q1: What's the difference between Roofix M and Roofix 20/10?
Roofix M and Roofix 20/10 are both manufactured by FLAG Paints Ltd. These products are generically the same. Roofix M is exclusive to Ideal World and Roofix 20/10 is available from a wide range of stockists. The label/instructions on Roofix M is targeted for retail customers whilst Roofix 20/10 is a trade orientated product. The performance of both these products will be exactly the same.
Q2: What's the heat resistance of Black Magic?
Black Magic has a heat resistance up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If the surface temperature rises above this level, then the Black Magic would probably become brittle and simply flake off. Obviously if this happens on metal, then the surface would be prone to corrosion/rust.
Q3: Why can't I find a MSDS/COSHH/Health & Safety Datasheet on the FLAG website?
For legal reasons we use a third party software program to analyse the contents of our paint products and ensure that we provide an up-to-date safety datasheet that's CLP compliant. CLP is the 'Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation, EC No 1272/2008'. It’s the EU’s way of implementing GHS, the Globally Harmonised System for hazardous substance classification. To request a Health & Safety data sheet please Contact Us. If you're looking for a product data sheet (general product information and instructions for use) please visit our Datasheets Page.
Q4: What is the drying time, required thinner or specific application instructions for a particular FLAG paint product?
If you already have the product, instructions are provided on the label. If you don't have the product, or would like some further information that is not on the label, please visit our Datasheets Page.
Q5: When is the next Ideal World TV show?
The best way to keep informed about upcoming TV shows and exclusive special offers is to subscribe to our Newsletter or find us on facebook or twitter. FLAG Black Magic and Roofix M are often available to buy (as overstock items) from Here.
Q6: Why can't Roofix M or Roofix 20/10 be applied by a roller?
Roofix products contain Draylon fibre reinforcement. If Roofix is applied by roller, the fibre reinforcement sticks up and the surface begins to look a bit like a hedgehog! Application by roller is not recommended because of the unwanted spiky appearance but also the coating can become uneven with a risk of pin holes because of the way that a roller drags the material up.
Q7: Can I over-coat Roofix M or Roofix 20/10 with a normal paint?
Roofix is not designed to be over-coated with standard paints. The highly flexible nature of the product would make adhesion very difficult and normal paints cannot cope with the conditions that are typical of roof-top type areas.
Q8: Can I put stones back on the roof after the application of Roofix M or Roofix 20/10?
We recommend the removal of stones (either loose ones or ones partly embedded in previous coatings) before the application of any Roofix. Existing stones make application difficult as they tend to roll up and clump everything together in balls and lumps. We do not recommend putting loose stones on the top of Roofix after application. The stones can cut into the Roofix and affect the waterproofing and harm the general protective properties.
Q9: Do I need to stir the paint?
We recommend stirring paint even if it looks OK in the tin. Stir with something clean and long enough to get to the bottom of the container. Something paddle shaped like a large spoon or flat piece of wood is suggested to help mix everything quickly and easily. Scrape the stirring stick on the bottom of the container to make sure that there are no thick deposits at the bottom of the container. The product should be homogeneous, this means that the paint should all be of a similar thickness and consistency throughout the container.
Q10: Why is the product that I'm using drying Glossy, instead of the Matt or Semi Matt finish that it's supposed to be?
The most likely cause is insufficient mixing/stirring before application. Gloss products often have a matting agent in them to bring the sheen level down to the required level. If a product has not been vigorously mixed the matting agent may have settled at the bottom of the container. Something paddle shaped like a large spoon or flat piece of wood is suggested to help mix everything quickly and easily. Scrape the stirring stick on the bottom of the container to make sure that there are no thick deposits at the bottom of the container. The product should be homogeneous, this means that the paint should all be of a similar thickness and consistency throughout the container.
Q11: How should I store my unused product and how long will it last?
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Put the lid on securely and make sure it doesn't leak, you may need to scrape away some old paint to ensure a proper seal. If the product has a screw cap lid, wipe the cap and thread well before closing to reduce the risk of the product forming a glue/seal in on the threads. Water-based paints should always be stored away from freezing temperatures. All paints should be stored in areas that avoids extreme temperature changes. If storing paint products for a long time, periodically turn the container upside down to allow the paint to resettle the other way, this helps to reduce the heavy raw materials settling to the bottom of the can. Stir well before re-use. Paint products can last for many many years if properly sealed and periodically rotated. If planning to store for a number of years, check metal cans for possible rust. If a can begins to rust, decant the product into a suitable new/alternative container.
Q12: Can Asipo Internal Emulsion paints be over-coated with normal emulsion paints?
Asipo Internal Emulsions (Matt and SIlk) can be over-coated, BUT the new paint surface would no longer be protected against mould spores etc., because you would be covering up the active ingredient that's built into the Asipo paint product.
Q13: How long before I can launch my boat after FLAG Performance Extra of FLAG Cruising antifouling has been applied and what is the maximum time to launch?
We would recommend a minimum of 24 hours prior to launching. The maximum period is approximately 3 months, however, the appearance of the antifouling can become streaky if weathered too much (i.e. out of the water and open to the sun and rain for long periods). Whilst this is unlikely to be detrimental to the over-all performance is can look unsightly.
Q14: Can a 2-pack paint product (from another manufacturer) be used with FLAG single pack primers/paints?
We do not recommend applying 2-pack paint over single pack paints because the solvents within a 2-pack system are far too strong and will attack the single pack primer/paint.
We do not recommend applying a single pack paint over a 2-pack paint because it's difficult to ensure inter-coat adhesion. However, if the 2-pack painted surface is suitably cured/aged and mechanically abraded or sweep blasted, then adhesion should be acceptable. It's always recommend that a test area is carried out before this type of application is done.
Q15: Can Black Magic be thinned when using in a spray gun, if so, how much water can be added?
Yes. Black Magic can be diluted by up to 10% clean water for ease of spraying, however it is important that the recommended dry film thickness 75 microns is achieved. Also, porous surfaces may require an additional coat.
Q16: Is Black Magic available anywhere other than Ideal World?
For a long time Black Magic was exclusive to Ideal World, however, we can let you into a trade secret. FLAG Rust Converter is exactly the same as Black Magic! Please be assured that FLAG Rust Converter has the same properties and performance as Black Magic. They are the same product inside different packaging. FLAG Rust Converter is available from some FLAG Stockists.
Q17: Will FLAG Paints contribute to My charity/Good cause?
We get a lot of requests to provide donations, assistance or services to help good causes. You might be surprised at how many we get every month. The majority of these are very good causes with some heroic efforts and lots of selfless devotion, but unfortunately we have to say no, because we simply get too many requests. FLAG Paints Ltd regularly contributes to 3 chosen charities/causes. Please don't be offended that we direct you to this FAQ, unfortunately we're unable to reply to everyone individually. We would like to thank you for thinking of FLAG Paints and we wholeheartedly wish you success in your charitable endeavours.
Q18: I would like to Buy some Apexior in the UK. Can you Please give me a price?
FLAG Paints are the manufacturer of Apexior products, however for UK sales please contact HCC Protective Coatings. Contact Steve or Dave on Tel: 01206 266866 or use this Contact Page. We hope that this helps. Thank you for your interest in our product.
Q19: I've applied varnish and it's dried milky or cloudy. why has this happened & what can I do?
Unfortunately the surface has been subjected to excessive cold and moisture (or airborne contamination) before it's had chance to dry. This defect is known as blooming. Normally you can abrade the surface back until you get a clear coat (it's often just on the front surface) and give another thin coat to rectify. If the Bloom goes all the way through the coating (more common if the moisture was on the surface being varnished), then it would need total removal before re-coating. Blooming is generally not too detrimental to the performance of a coating, sometimes it's advisable to wait until the weather's a bit better.
A more technical explanation of the defect is: When the topcoat of a painted or varnished surface dries out and develops haziness, this is called blooming. It occurs due to the amount of liquid collected after condensation/moisture causes the water-soluble compounds to migrate from the body of the paint film to the surface. When migrated water compounds evaporate from the surface, then it will appear as sticky deposits on the surface. Moreover when these sticky deposits dry out ,it appears as hazy or milky (it appears white in many cases).
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Q20: Can I track my Delivery?
If your delivery has been sent out using our FedEx UK Mainland Delivery Service, you will normally be provided with a tracking reference that you can enter here https://www.fedexuk.net/accounts/track.aspx If you ordered online (FLAG QuickShop), an email will be sent once the order has been dispatched, a tracking link is normally provided within this email.