Deck Coating - Polyurethane

The first step is determining your surface that will be coated:

• Wood Deck - can be deck boards or plywood 
• Concrete - Can be smooth, pavers or broom finished 
• Vinyl/ PVC - Sheet membrane over plywood usually referred to as Duradek 
• Fiberglass - Smooth surface often found on boats and houseboats 
• Composite - Not recommended. May not adhere well.

If you’re not sure what surface you have, take some pictures and email them over to Support@ShopLiquidRubber.com We can walk you through the whole process.

• Polyurethane Deck Coating - Our strongest Deck Coating in a Smooth or Textured version used for applications such as Deck Boards, Plywood Decks, Balconies, Concrete, Pool Surrounds, Steps, Laundry Rooms, Basement Floors, Utility Trailers, Boat Decks, Fences, Houses, Patio Furniture and more. **Textured can be used for added traction/grip 
• Cool Foot Deck Coating - Used on areas that get extremely hot like Decks, Pool Surrounds and Steps. 
• Deck & Patio Cleaner - Safe, non-toxic cleaner used to prepare the surface for coating.
• Concrete Etch - Safe, non-toxic material used to prepare concrete surfaces for coating. 
• Sealant & Adhesive Caulking - Used to fill joints, gaps, cracks, seams, around railings and transitions. Paintable. 
• Multi-Purpose Primer - Used to promote the best adhesion and reduce peeling and flaking. 
• Geo-Textile - Used to bridge and reinforce joints and seams. Primarily for Plywood Decks and Vinyl.

All surfaces must be structurally sound, clean, dry and free from contaminants that would prevent proper adhesion. Be sure the surface is properly sloped to allow for positive drainage. Not suitable for extended ponding water. If not using kiln dried wood, be sure that the wood is sufficiently dried (less than 15% moisture content), this can take weeks to months (kiln dried wood should be dry enough). Put a couple drops of water on the surface of the dry wood. If it absorbs, it’s dry enough. If it beads up, there is too much moisture and needs additional time or additional surface preparation. Chemically treated wood should be dried out and thoroughly cleaned to remove treatments from the surface to which you apply your Liquid Rubber solution. Concrete must be cured for a minimum of 28 days. All defects should be repaired and cured prior to coating.

• Wood Deck Boards & Plywood - Remove loose, flaky paint and rough sand the whole surface. Mildew and organic growth must be removed using Liquid Rubber Deck and Patio Cleaner. Secure raised nail heads, deck screws and loose boards. Replace damaged, rotting boards and remove loose splinters. 
• Concrete - Remove any loose, flaky paint. Etch using Liquid Rubber Concrete Etch, power wash and allow to fully dry. Be sure to perform a moisture test prior to application (Click here for Moisture test details). 
• Vinyl/PVC & Fiberglass - Remove loose, flaky paint. Scuff the surface with sandpaper to remove all shine and oxidized material. Clean with Liquid Rubber Deck & Patio Cleaner and allow to dry. Wipe with a dampened, white rag soaked with Acetone to condition the surface right before you prime. 
• Masking - Use masking tape for areas not to be painted and remove while the Primer/Coating is still wet. Apply masking tape for each coat.

Filling seams, joints and imperfections:

1. Wood Deck Boards/ Plywood - Pre-fill imperfections with a high quality wood filler or Sealant & Adhesive Caulking. *allow to cure 24hrs before coating or painting
2. Plywood, Vinyl/PVC & Fiberglass - Bridge seams, flashing and hairline cracks, using the 3-course method of [Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer -> Liquid Rubber 4” Geo-textile -> Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer] Apply a generous 6” wide coat of Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer across the seam and while still wet, embed the Geo-textile fabric. Smooth out wrinkles and apply a second coat on top, taking care to fully saturate the Geo-textile. Allow to dry before application of the coating, Approx. 1-2 hours. (Geo-Textile is a structural element and will remain visible). Alternative Method - You can caulk joints, seams, upturns with Liquid Rubber Sealant & Adhesive instead of reinforcing with GeoTextile. This will eliminate the look of the Geo-Textile but comes with greater risk of cracking at the joint, seam, corner, etc. and you should be prepared to touch up the areas if necessary.
3. Concrete - Pre-fill imperfections with Sealant & Adhesive Caulking or concrete patch repair.

• Apply 1 heavy coat of Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer using a brush for edges, corners and between boards. Then apply to the whole surface area using a ⅜” (10mm) roller. Allow the Primer to dry until it’s dry to the touch (approx 1-2 hours).
• Then apply your Liquid Rubber Deck Coating of choice. Brush edges, between boards and then roll the full surface area (For Textured Polyurethane Deck Coating, use a Textured Roller). Apply heavy coats. Apply the next coat in the opposite direction when dry to touch and you can safely work on the previous coat (approx 4-6 hours). Apply until you use up your final recommended coverage.
• Inspect for pinholes, blisters, voids, thin spots or other defects and repair as necessary.
• Dry/Cure Time: Allow 48-72 hours after the last coat for light foot traffic. Allow 5-7 days after the last coat before placing furniture on the coating.

• Apply in dry, warm temperatures between 10C°/50F° and 30C°/86F°, including overnight temperatures 
• Do not apply in wet conditions or if rain, fog or dew is forecasted within 24 hours
• Out of hot, direct and intense sun 
• Below 80% humidity
• Make sure what you’re coating is at least 5 degrees above the dew point of the environment

Stay organized and limit clean up by following these setup tips:

1. Set out a tarp or large piece of cardboard to keep containers and tools on when not in use. 
2. If there is a spillage, soak up as much material as possible with rags. 
3. Clean your spillages with soap and water as much as possible. 
4. If the spillage dries, scrape it off with a razor/scraper/etc and use a wire brush to remove.
5. Wrap tools in plastic to keep them moist between coats (kitchen wrap is fine). Best to use disposable brushes and rollers. 
6. Do not use solvents or solvent based cleaners, adhesives, and paints near your working area. 
7. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet for personal protective equipment recommendations.

• Use disposable gloves 
• Use throw away brushes and standard 3/8” (10mm) rollers 
• Mix products well before using 
• Apply the final coat in the direction of slope for positive drainage 
• Do not let products freeze in their containers 
• If you allow your coating to dry too much, you can score/cut along the masking tape line before pulling to prevent lifting the coating 
• Apply each coat in an alternate direction to the last coat to ensure even coverage 
• Do not combine Liquid Rubber Deck Coatings with any other products. (ie. Waterproof Sealant, Foundation Sealant)