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Ramuc Type EP Epoxy offers a hard, tough, durable finish, providing
unsurpassed stain, chemical, and abrasion resistance for protection of concrete,
plaster, gunite, and fiberglass swimming pools and spas. This two-component
coating mixes to 1 gallon, produces a high gloss finish, and offers excellent
coverage rates. Type EP Epoxy, has been a proven performer for more than 40
years, and is recommended for spas or whirlpools. Because of their chemical
cure, epoxies are the paints of choice for indoor pools. All epoxy films will
chalk (break down from the UV rays of the sun) over a period of time. This is a
natural degradation of the top surface of the epoxy film.
For compatibility purposes, the existing paint on previously painted surfaces of
a pool or spa should be determined before painting. If existing surface is
unknown, a sample should be submitted for testing to determine the type of
existing surface. Paint chips can be taken to any Ramuc distributor/dealer to be
forwarded to the Ramuc laboratory for analysis.
Aged plaster should be checked for integrity. Check for hollow or weak/crumbling
plaster by using a ball-peen hammer or any other comparable method. Perform
repairs to the plaster before painting.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Cleaning products:
Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP)1
Muriatic or sulfamic acid1 solution
High-pressure power washer (optional)
Condensation test material:
Several two-foot square transparent pieces of plastic
duct tape
Abrasion material used to create a medium grade sandpaper profile for fiberglass
surfaces or previously painted epoxy surfaces:
Sandpaper #80 grit, power sander, or wire brush
Painting supplies:
No larger than 3/8" nap mohair metal, lambskin, phenolic core roller2
Paint brush for detailing2
5 gallon bucket for boxing (intermixing) paint
Mechanical mixer (this simply can be a paddle attachment2 to a power drill)
Ramuc Thinner or xylene for thinning paint, cleaning-up tools and spills
Joint or crack filler:
Hydraulic cement1 or Durathane polyurethane sealant or any other submersible
polyurethane sealant. Do not use silicone-based products, as paint adhesion will
be adversely affected.
1 Included in Ramuc Surface Preparation Kit
2 Included in Ramuc Application Kit
The keys to a successful pool or deck paint job are proper SURFACE PREPARATION
AND CORRECT APPLICATION. By following these simple 1-2-3 steps, you're ensuring
virtually maintenance-free paint service on your pool.
GENERAL SURFACE PREPARATION
Immediately after the pool is emptied, begin the 3-step process.
STEP 1- Plaster, concrete, or gunite surfaces should be tested for integrity and
soundness. Pool paint is not a Band-Aid for weak surfaces. Water blast the
surface to remove loose paint and dirt. Care needs to be taken when recoating
epoxy surfaces to remove all tightly adhering residual chalk. Previously painted
epoxy or bare fiberglass surfaces need to be abraded to a #80 grit profile.
Then, scrub the entire pool with a soap/tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) solution to
remove all dirt, oils, loose or peeling paint, and chalk. Should any minor
repairs need to be made, such as hydraulic cement patch or crack joint filling,
do them at this time. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
STEP 2- All surfaces should then be acid etched with a 15-20% solution of
muriatic or sulfamic acid to achieve a medium grade sandpaper finish on bare
concrete or plaster and to remove mineral deposits on previously painted epoxy
surfaces. Neutralize/rinse with TSP and water.
CONDENSATION TEST- After all cleaning in completed, allow the pool surface to
dry.
Average dry times vary regionally and are dependent upon the porosity of the
surface. It is recommended to wait five dry days and then perform a condensation
test to determine surface dryness.
To determine dryness, perform this simple test - Duct tape 2' x 2' pieces of
transparent plastic to the deep end wall and floor, and on several other areas
of the pool. Wait three hours to determine if condensation has formed underneath
the plastic. If condensation has formed underneath the plastic then the surface
is not dry enough to paint. Remove the plastic and wait 24 hours to perform the
test again. Continue with the test until no condensation forms underneath the
plastic after the three-hour wait period. This ensures the surface is dry enough
to apply epoxy paint.
MIXING THE PAINT -
Type EP Epoxy is self-priming; no other type of primer is recommended or should
be used. Ramuc Thinner can be used to thin paint by 10%.
a) Mechanically mix Part A for approximately 10 minutes.
b) Mechanically mix Part B for approximately 10 minutes.
c) Mechanically mix both Part A and Part B together for approximately 15
minutes.
Allow the admixed paint to set for 15-30 minutes (induction time) prior to use
at 70º F. and 50% relative humidity. At 65º the induction time is 60 minutes.
Lower temperatures and higher humidity will affect the final cure of the
coating. If mixing more than the one - 1 gallon kit at a time, intermix the kits
to ensure color uniformity. Type EP has a pot life (use life) of 8 hours.
APPLICATION
STEP 3- Use no more than a 3/8" nap mohair metal lambskin, phenolic core roller.
Apply at the recommended coverage rate. Ideal air temperatures for application
are between 50º-90ºF. Surface temperature should be at least 50ºF.
Do not paint when rain is imminent. Use dark colors for accent painting only.
CURE RATES
Outdoor pool - 5-7 dry days
Indoor pool - 10-14 days
If rain occurs during the curing process, allow an extra day of dry time for
each day of rain. Rain or moisture can cause blistering, color blushing, and the
finish could be altered.
Dry time to touch - 3 hours
To recoat - 12-72 hours
If second coat is applied beyond 72 hours, the first coat must be abraded/sanded
prior to applying second coat.
Finish - high gloss, tile like
Primer - all Ramuc paints are self-priming
COVERAGE
175 - 200 sq. ft. on bare, sandblasted, or rough surfaces.
400 - 450 sq. ft. on recoats
(actual coverage will vary and is dependent upon the texture and profile of the
surface)
Minimum dry film per coat - 1.7 mils dry (2.8 mils wet)
Maximum dry film per coat - 2.0 mils dry (3.2 mils wet)
Pot life - 8 hrs. (@ 70ºF and 50% relative humidity)
Clean-up - Ramuc Thinner
TECHNICAL DATA
Weight/gallon - 11.8# mixed
Solids by weight - 73% ± 1% mixed
Solids by volume - 60% ± 1% mixed
V.O.C. - Does not exceed 336 g/l (admixed paint)
SPRAY INFORMATION
Conventional air - 50-70 p.s.i.
Tip size - .042 - .055 orifice
Airless - 2000 - 2300 p.s.i.
Tip size - .017 - .021
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
I. BLUSHING - FADING - CHALKING
The cause:
The pool is filled too soon (see cure rates) before the paint is completely
cured, causing a blush over the surface which looks like fading or chalking.
Super-chlorinated water may cause a "bleached-out" look.
The "shock" of calcium hypochlorite can cause a white, bleached look to the
paint film, leaving a whitish deposit
A chalky substance can be created by over treating the water with shock,
bromine, ozone and ionization. It is not the paint breaking down. We suggest a
natural polymer product or clarifier that can reduce the chalking problem.
Iron in the water from rust in the filter system may leave deposits and stain
the film.
All epoxies will chalk to some degree due to exposure to UV rays of the sun.
The solution:
Scrub surface using a solution of soap and water. This will remove surface dirt
and deposits.
Wet with a weak (2-3%) solution of muriatic acid. Acid will remove iron stains
without damaging the paint film.
Solvent wipe affected areas with Ramuc Thinner.
Check your pool water chemistry daily or weekly for calcium hardness, total
alkalinity, and balanced pH.
Extremely corrosive water can ultimately cause deterioration or breakdown of a
paint film over a period of years.
Be sure the newly painted pool surface dries at least five dry, sunny days
before filling.
II. BLISTERING
The cause:
Using a nap roller larger than 3/8", draws air into paint film
Over application of paint beyond its recommended coverage rate
Painting on a damp surface
Filling the pool before the paint is cured
Incompatible paints
The solution:
Apply at recommended coverage rates
All paintable surfaces must be dry prior to painting with epoxy
Epoxy paint must cure for 5 dry days(outdoor pool), and 10 days(indoor pool)
If in doubt as to type of coating that is on the pool now, take a paint chip to
your local Ramuc dealer for analysis.
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