Refinishing Fiberglass Pools and Spas with ROUGH PRIME Primer and DURA SEAL (1 coat) Finishing Coat

When fiberglass swimming pool surfaces reach the point where they require refinishing, there is either a deficiency in the gel coat surface characterized by blistering; or the surface itself becomes dull and faded.

An epoxy coating is the best polymeric type material for maximum adhesion to fiberglass surfaces.

DESCRIPTION

We recommend that ROUGH PRIME be applied prior to DURA SEAL to ensure proper adhesion and film build. ROUGH PRIME is also a high build catalyzed epoxy primer. This combination of a white primer with the subsequent DURA SEAL color coat ensures the applicator of a total film build of 18 to 20 mils dry. DURA SEAL is a catalyzed epoxy topcoat designed for refinishing fiberglass pools. DURA SEAL has an excellent chemical resistance, color retention and withstands constant submersion in water.

PREPARATION OF FIBERGLASS SURFACE

Drying

Completely drain the pool. For thorough drying, empty the pool two days before refinishing. Remove all water from the filter and pumps with air pressure. Laying plastic on the surface will trap moisture and form condensation showing if surface is still damp.

Patching

Fill all pitted areas, cracks, and gouges with an epoxy patching compound or equivalent material. Follow the particular manufacturers instructions for the application of this compound.

Sanding

Sand the patched areas that are flush with the original surface. Then sand the remainder of the pool surface. The purpose of sanding the pool surface is to present a rough profile suitable for allowing the primer to achieve a mechanical bond. A 50-grit paper will easily provide the abrasiveness necessary to adequately scarify the surface. Work the sander vertically on the walls to create straight up and down lines. Work the sander in only one direction on the bottom. Some hand sanding will be necessary to reach hard-to-get places.

When all sanding is completed, vacuum the pool thoroughly. Clean the surface with tri-sodium phosphate solution and allow to dry completely.

APPLICATION OF ROUGH PRIME

Before priming, be sure the entire surface is clean and dry. It may be a good idea to wipe the surface with a wax-free tack rag. The surface is then ready to be primed with ROUGH PRIME. Carefully follow all label directions on the ROUGH PRIME label.

APPLICATION OF FINISH COAT WITH DURA SEAL

After waiting for overnight dry of ROUGH PRIME, inspect the surface for contamination by bugs, dust, or dirt. Any foreign matter may be removed with #1109 epoxy solvent and a clean rag.

Apply the finish coat after carefully reading and following the label directions on the DURA SEAL container.

Spraying

Rolling is the recommended application method for this system. Spraying does not save much time, especially when the time taken to adequately clean the equipment is considered.

If spraying is desired, we recommend only airless equipment be used fitted with a very large orificle tip (Devilbliss #74EP.070 or equal). For absolute information, contact your spray equipment representative and ask for equipment information on spraying a high solids two-component epoxy.

If spraying ROUGH PRIME, first run #1109 Epoxy Solvent through the system. Then dilute ROUGH PRIME with 1-1/2 pint #1109 Epoxy Solvent to each gallon of primer. IMPORTANT! If the temperature is 75°F, you may start spraying immediately. If cooler, wait about onehalf hour but never over one hour. This may cause sagging. Spray on a 10 to 12 mil film thickness or 125 to 150 sq. ft. per gallon.

For spraying DURA SEAL, dilute each gallon of DURA SEAL with 4 oz. of #1109 Epoxy Solvent. Spray on 10 to 12 mils wet film thickness. Allow the pool to dry at least five days before filling.

RECOATING AND MAINTENANCE

A pool coated with DURA SEAL should not be recoated until it becomes so thin that it is almost transparent. After 5 to 6 years, the pool surface wears down until it is thin and dull. This provides the perfect surface to recoat. However, pools do not wear evenly and any glossy or extra smooth areas should be sanded prior to recoating. Priming is not necessary. When a color is used, it is advisable to acid clean the chalk from the surface each year. This also removes stains and other residue. This brings back the normal uniform color. White should also be acid cleaned every 2 or 3 years. Use a mild (10%) acid solution for cleaning. Consult Smart Seal Bulletin #919 for recoating.

CAUTION - COMBUSTIBLE!

Keep away from heat and open flame. Avoid prolonged contact with skin and breathing of vapor. Close container after each use. Areas of body or clothing on contact with uncured resin and/or catalyst should be thoroughly cleaned with solvent and washed with soap and water immediately. Use only where there is adequate ventilation.

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN

Information herein given has been accumulated through many years of experience and verified by our technical personnel and is based upon tests believed to be reliable, but RESULTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED.