TECHNICAL
BULLETIN
APPLICATION GUIDE:

EP EPOXY
PREMIUM LOW-FILM BUILD
EPOXY AQUATIC COATING

Overview

Ramuc EP Epoxy™ cures to a hard, tough durable finish, providing stain, chemical, and abrasion resistance for protection of concrete, plaster, and fiberglass swimming pools and spas or slides. EP Epoxy cures to a high-gloss finish with excellent coverage rates, especially on previously painted epoxy surfaces. EP Epoxy has been a proven performer for more than 50 years and is also recommended for koi ponds and fountains. 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 and water chemistry) over a period of time. This is a natural degradation or “cleansing” 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. 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

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 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

EP Epoxy is self-priming; no other type of primer is recommended or needed.

1. Mechanically mix Part A for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Mechanically mix Part B for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Mechanically mix both Part A & Part B together for approximately 15 minutes.

Allow the admixed paint to set for 20-45 minutes (induction time) prior to use at 70°F and 50% relative humidity. At 65°F, the induction time is 45 minutes. Lower temperatures and higher humidity will affect the final cure of the coating. If mixing more than one kit at a time, intermix the kits to ensure color uniformity. EP Epoxy has a  pot life (USE LIFE) of 8 hours.

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, causing an “oily” feel to the top of the paint. Do NOT paint if rain is imminent. Use dark colors for accent paint ONLY.

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: 6-8 hours
To recoat 16-72 hours. If a second coat is applied beyond 72 hours, the first coat must be abraded/sanded prior to applying the second coat.
Primer: All Ramuc paints are self-priming. No primer is required.

Coverage

• 175-200 square feet per gallon kit on bare, sandblasted, or rough surfaces.

• 400-450 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: 1.7 mils dry (2.9 mils wet)

• Maximum dry film per coat: 2.0 mils dry (5.7 mils wet)

• Pot life – use life: 8 hours (@ 70°F and 50% relative humidity)

• Clean-up: Ramuc Thinner

• Finish: High Gloss

Technical Data

Weight/gallon: 11.8lbs mixed
Solids by weight: 73% ± 2% mixed
Solids by volume: 60% ± 2% mixed
V.O.C.: Does not exceed 340 g/l

Spray Information

Airless: 2000 – 2300 p.s.i
Tip Size: .017 – .021

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 a 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
2220 US HIGHWAY 70 SE
SUITE 100 HICKORY, NC 28602

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