7 Facts About Liquid Rubber You Probably Didn’t Know

One of the most popular waterproofing products in the world is liquid rubber. This nontoxic, VOC-free sealant is easy to apply, quick to dry and pet-friendly. It's commonly used to waterproof things like plywood, decking, foundations, basements, RV rubber roofs, ponds and even metal roofing. Here are some interesting facts about liquid rubber you probably weren't aware of. 

It’s Nontoxic, VOC Free & Pet Safe

Of the many industrial solvents and applications that you can consider using, liquid rubber is the least dangerous. It’s a nontoxic compound that doesn’t emit VOCs. This means that you won’t have to worry about inhaling dangerous fumes when applying it; and it’s pet-friendly and environmentally safe, too. 

It Can Waterproof Just About Anything

You read that correctly: liquid rubber can waterproof nearly anything you can think of. Even unconventional items can be made water resistant with a thin coating. For example, you could simply paint the inside of a cardboard box with liquid rubber, allow it ample time for curing and drying, and you could then use that box to haul water without leakage. Naturally, more practical applications include things like sealing a pond or a foundation against water ingress, but you get the point. 

It’s Cost Effective

Using liquid rubber is easy and it’s also not heavy on your wallet, either. It costs about $2-$4 per square foot to coat anything with it -- depending on how many coats that you apply. In most instances, applications call for 3-5 heavy coats. This means that you’re looking at a price tag of about $4 per square foot to apply it. But the lasting waterproof coating and protection it offers for this seemingly miniscule price tag is well worth the investment.

It’s Widely Available 

You’d be surprised at how common polyurethane is for today’s DIYer. It’s widely available online and in most home improvement stores, like Home Depot, Lowe’s, most hardware stores and even at places like Walmart and Target. This cost effective waterproof coating is easy to acquire and use, and has become widely popular in recent years as homeowners strive to protect their homes against the elements. 

It’s Been Around for a While

The evolution of liquid rubber can be traced back to the 30s, when Dupont’s first innovation into it was invented. In the 60s, Ethylene Propylene Terpolymer Rubber was created by scientists to help waterproof clothing and machinery. And in the 80s it became a popular coating that ultimately would go on to become a staple in the home improvement industry. For more than 80 years, liquid rubber has been used in a wide variety of applications. 

It’s DIY Friendly 

For all the do-it-yourselfers out there, liquid rubber is about as DIY friendly as a product comes. It requires minimal know-how to use and apply, and the basic instructions it comes with are so simple just about anyone with a paint roller or spray gun and some elbow grease can use it. 

There isn’t a learning curve, as applying it to any surface is the same as painting. Whether you’re looking to waterproof a deck, patch your RV’s rubber roof or waterproof the interior of your basement walls, you can do it on your own and save a lot of money in the process.  

Liquid Rubber is the preferred solution for many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, with easy-to-apply products and video tutorials that help you get the best results. Browse our online catalog to see our products, and easily order all the supplies we've featured here.