Deck Coating FAQUpdated 10 months ago

Application

Question: Which products do I use to waterproof my deck? 

Answer: You can use Liquid Rubber Polyurethane Deck Coating (most abrasion resistant, greater elongation) or Liquid Rubber Cool Foot Deck Coating (reduces surface temperatures by up to 35%). You will also need Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer, Deck and Patio Cleaner and Geo-Textile and/or Liquid Rubber Caulking.

Question: Do I need a primer? 

Answer: Yes. Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer is critical for decks/patio's/walkways that are on or near (within 6 ft) of grade as these substrates will be subject to ground moisture and therefore moisture vapor drive. The primer will increase bond and help to mitigate the moisture vapor drive.

Question: How much do I need?

Answer: How much sealant or primer you need depends on the specific product and the project it is being used for. To see which products you need and what the coverage rates are for your project, click here.

Answer: To determine how much sealant or primer you need, divide your total square footage by the coverage rate provided. Example: You have a 250 sq ft deck and the polyurethane coverage rate is 1 gallon per 50 sq ft.  so 250/50 = 5 gallons of the Polyurethane Deck Coating. (Apply in multiple coats until all material has been used.). Coverage rates are expressed in final coverage and will include all coats needed to achieve membrane thickness.

Question: Do I need Liquid Rubber Seam Tape or Liquid Rubber Geo-Textile?

Answer: Liquid Rubber Seam Tape is quite thick so it is recommended to use Liquid Rubber Geo-Textile for this application as it provides less of an edge to be worked (e.g. kicked at) and is the less visible of the two products. Alternatively you can use Liquid Rubber Sealant & Adhesive instead (which is less visible) but there is greater risk of cracking in these areas.

Question: Will the Geo-Textile remain visible?

Answer: Yes. Liquid Rubber Geo-Textile is a structural element used to reinforce your coating in area's that experience movement to prevent cracking in this area. You can use Liquid Rubber Sealant & Adhesive instead (which is less visible) but there is greater risk of cracking in these areas..

Question: What tools do I need to apply my Liquid Rubber products? 

Answer: Most of our coatings and primers are applied using a brush or 10mm (3/8") nap roller. 

Answer: Liquid Rubber Polyurethane Deck Coating Smooth can be sprayed with an airless, light industrial to heavy industrial spray unit capable of spraying an elastomeric, however most homeowners will not have access to this equipment. 

Answer: Click here to go to our project pages and to download the application guidelines for more information.

Question: How do I clean my deck? 

Answer: You can use a pressure washer on a low setting to clean wood, vinyl, concrete, etc. You may need Liquid Rubber Deck and Patio Cleaner to remove heavier soils, moss/mildew/lichen, etc. Use Liquid Rubber Concrete Etch to remove laitance and efflorescence from concrete. You will need a degreaser to remove grease/oils.

Question: Do I need to scuff the existing wood/coating? 

Answer: Yes. It is recommended to scuff the existing wood or coating to increase the surface profile and therefore the mechanical bond.

Question: Can Liquid Rubber products be applied to concrete? 

Answer: Yes. Liquid Rubber products bond very well to concrete. The concrete must be fully cured, free of laitance and efflorescence and have a moisture content of less than 15%. Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer may be required. Refer to our application guidelines for more information.

Question: Do I need to etch/grind concrete? 

Answer: If laitance is present you will need to etch, grind or wire wheel the surface to remove the laitance.

Question: Can I apply the deck coating to vinyl or fiberglass? 

Answer: Yes. You will want to scuff the surface to increase surface profile and give it a wipe with a white rag that has been dampened with acetone right before you prime with Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer. See our application guidelines for more information. Be sure to perform a test patch to confirm adequate adhesion prior to full application.

Question: Do you have application guidelines/instructions to help me with my installation? 

Answer: Yes. Application guidelines can be found on our project pages (click here).

Question: Do you have application videos to help me with my installation? 

Answer: Yes. Application videos can be found on our project pages (click here) or on our YouTube channel (click here).

Question: Do I need a new brush/roller every time I apply a new coat?

Answer: If you wrap your brush/roller in plastic (e.g. a grocery bag) you will slow down the curing process and you should be able to use the same brush/roller for your next coat. You can go a step further and place the plastic bag in the refrigerator (Do not allow contact with food)

Question: Can I coat over an existing coating or paint?

Answer: You can apply over most acrylic/latex, polyurethane, alkyd paint, epoxy paints/coatings with the use of our Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer and using proper cleaning/preparation techniques. Keep in mind that when you apply over an existing coating or paint, if that coating/paint peels, our coating will peel with it as it is bonded to the existing coating/paint and not directly to the substrate.

Answer: It is recommended to remove oil based or recently applied coatings with high solvent content prior to applying your Liquid Rubber products. (oil and water don't mix and solvents can deteriorate our water-based coatings)

Question: Can I apply one of your cheaper bitumen coatings first then coat over that with a white or colored product?

Answer: No. These are not compatible chemistries and will not provide and adequate bond. The bitumen will also eventually bleed through the colored coating.

Question: Will the Polyurethane Deck Coating or Cool Foot Deck Coating fill cracks and hide imperfections?

Answer: No. Repairs should be made prior to coating. Cracks, knot-holes, etc. should be filled with wood filler or another appropriate patch material. Smaller joints/cracks/screw holes, etc. can be filled with Liquid Rubber Sealant & Adhesive. Textures and imperfections may otherwise telegraph through the coating.

Question: What if I have a problem or question with an application?

Answer: Our technical support team is here to help you, just reach out to call. email or chat with one of our representatives.

Answer: You very well may find the answer you are looking for in one of our application guidelines, which can be found on our project pages here.