TECHNICAL
BULLETIN
APPLICATION GUIDE:
A-2
PREMIUM SYNTHETIC RUBBER BASED
AQUATIC COATING

Overview

Ramuc A-2 synthetic rubber-based coating is an excellent choice to recoat previously painted chlorinated rubber and synthetic rubber painted pools, specifically in VOC  restricted areas. For compatibility purposes, the existing paint on a previously painted surface should be determined before painting. If the existing surface is unknown, 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.

Restrictions: Do not use on bare fiberglass, spas or hot tubs; use Ramuc EP Epoxy or Hi-Build Epoxy instead. In non-VOC affected states, consider using Premium Ramuc Type A Chlorinated Rubber on previously painted chlorinated rubber surfaces.

Supplies Needed

1. Cleaning Products:
   • Ramuc Clean and Prep Solution™. An environmentally safe product that cleans, etches and neutralizes in lieu of the three-step process and a 3500psi power washer.

2. Condensation Test Materials:
   • Several 2’x2’ square pieces of transparent plastic
   • Painter’s tape

3. Abrasion Supplies to Create Medium Grade Sandpaper Finish
   • #80 grit sandpaper, power sander, sanding blocks, wire brush
   • Mohair or lambskin roller used for solvent-based paints (no thicker than 3/8” nap) NOTE: DO NOT USE A ROLLER WITH CARDBOARD CORE
   • Paintbrush for detailing
   • 5-gallon bucket for boxing (intermixing) paint
   • Mechanical mixer; a paddle attachment for a power drill
   • Ramuc Thinner for thinning paint if airless spraying and/or cleaning-up tools and spills

4. Joint or Crack Filler:
   • Hydraulic cement or Vulkem 116 polyurethane sealant. Do not use silicone- based products as paint adhesion will be adversely affected. Vulkem 116 must be top coated before being submerged in chemically treated water.

General Surface Preparation

Plaster or concrete surfaces should be tested for integrity and soundness. Ramuc coatings are not a repair for weak surfaces. Any minor repairs, such as patching with hydraulic cement or filling of cracks, should be done and allowed to cure prior to surface prep. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Previously painted epoxy or bare fiberglass surfaces need to be abraded to a

80 grit profile. Power wash the surface to remove loose paint and dirt. Care

needs to be taken when recoating epoxy surfaces to remove all tightly adhering residual chalk.

Prepare the surface thoroughly with Ramuc Clean and Prep Solution following the directions carefully. If the surface is exceptionally hard, we recommend sanding with a 60-80  grit sandpaper to create a surface profile prior to applying the first coat of EP Epoxy.

CONDENSATION TEST – After all cleaning is completed, allow the pool surface to dry. Average drying times vary regionally and are dependent upon the porosity of the surface. It is recommended to wait 5 dry sunny days before performing a condensation test.

• Tape 2’x2’ pieces of transparent plastic to areas in the deep end wall, floor and several other areas of the pool.
• Wait about 4 hours to determine if condensation is formed underneath the plastic.
• If condensation is evident, the surface is NOT dry enough to paint.
• Remove the plastic and wait 24 hours to perform the test again. Repeat as needed until no condensation forms. This will ensure the surface is dry enough to apply paint.

Mixing

A-2 is self-priming; no other type of primer is recommended or needed.

Mechanically mix the paint to achieve uniform consistency and color. If more than one (1) gallon of paint is used at a time, box (intermix) several gallons together.

Application

Using no thicker than a 3/8’ nap mohair or lambskin roller, apply the recommended coverage rate. The ideal air and surface temperatures for application are between 50° – 90°F.  Overnight curing temperatures must be at least 50°F or the paint will not cure correctly,
Do NOT paint if rain is imminent. Use dark colors for accent paint ONLY. Dark colors (Dark Blue, Royal Blue, and Black) can prematurely fade or blister, especially in chemically treated water.

Cure Rates

Outdoor pool: 5-7 dry days
Indoor pool: 10-14 days with adequate ventilation

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 affected.

Dry time to touch: 15 minutes
To recoat : 24 hours
Primer: All Ramuc paints are self-priming. No primer is required.
Not recommended on indoor pools, unless previously painted with chlorinated rubber. Use Type EP EPOXY or HI-BUILD for bare or sandblasted surfaces.

Coverage

• 200-300 square feet per gallon kit on bare, sandblasted, or rough surfaces.

• 350-400 square feet per gallon kit on recoats.
  (Actual coverage will vary and is dependent upon the texture and profile of the surface.)

• Minimum dry film per coat: 1.0 mils dry (2.3 mils wet)

• Maximum dry film per coat: 2.0 mils dry (4.7 mils wet)

• Clean-up: Ramuc Thinner

• Finish: Semi-Gloss

Technical Data

Weight/gallon: 12.18lbs
Solids by weight: 55% ± 1% mixed
Solids by volume: 43% ± 1% mixed
V.O.C.: 325 g/l max (as supplied)

Spray Information

Airless: 2000 – 2300 p.s.i
Tip Size: .013 – .017

Special Situations

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 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, possibly causing the paint to break 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 (very tight chalk) due to exposure to UV rays of the sun.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for proper water chemistry.

The Solution:

• Scrub surface using a solution of soap and water. This will remove surface dirt and deposits.
• Wipe with weak (2-3%) solutions of muriatic acid. The acid will remove iron stains without damaging the paint film.
• 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 outdoor pool surface dries at least 5 dry, sunny days and/or 10 days for an indoor pool before filling.

Blistering
The Cause:

• Using a nap roller thicker than 3/8” nap draws air into paint film.
• Applying paint too thick.
• Painting on a damp surface.
• Painting in direct sunlight can cause vapor (or heat) blisters.
• Filling the pool before the paint is cured.
• Incompatible paints.

The Solution:

• Scrub off blisters; wipe lightly with Ramuc Thinner. Apply a coat of EP Epoxy to blend in for uniformity if needed.
• All surfaces to be painted must be dry prior to painting with EP Epoxy.
• Paint must cure for 5 dry days on an outdoor pool and 10 days on an indoor pool.

REV – 081021
WWW.RAMUCPAINT.COM
PHONE: 800-745-6756
FAX: 800-445-9963
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SUITE 100 HICKORY, NC 28602

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