Overview:

Ramuc Hi Build Epoxy™ offers the longest lasting protection for concrete, plaster, gunite, and fiberglass swimming pools, slides and spas. With its hard, tough, durable finish epoxy it provides unsurpassed stain, chemical, and abrasion resistance. Packaged in an easy-to-use 1:1 mix ratio, Hi Build Epoxy rolls easily and builds up to 8 mils dry per coat rendering “smoothing” qualities on rough surfaces. Epoxies are the coating of choice for indoor pools, spas, and whirlpools. All epoxy films will chalk (break down from the UV rays of the sun and water chemistry) over 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
   • Paint brush 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.

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

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 with a 60-80 grit sandpaper to create surface profile; especially if the surface is exceptionally hard. 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.

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:

Hi Build Epoxy is self-priming; no other type of primer is recommended or should be used. Mechanically mix each component then mechanically mix combined components in the ratio of 1:1 by volume. Mixing with a stir stick is not recommended. Once mixed material must be allowed to stand for at least 20 minutes at 65° F and above. Allow to stand 45 minutes at temperature of 50° - 65°F to ensure chemical reaction before using. If material is used to soon after mixing or if pool is filled to soon after application yellowing or loss of gloss can occur. If more than one-gallon kit is used at a time box several gallons together.

Application:

Using no thicker than a 3/8’ nap mohair or lambskin roller, apply the recommended coverage rate. 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.

New concrete or plaster surfaces must be cured a minimum of 28 days prior to painting.

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 second coat is applied beyond 72 hours, the first coat
must be abraded/sanded prior to applying second coat.

All Ramuc pool paints are self-priming. No primer required.

Compatiility:

Determine compatibility of existing paint on previously painted surfaces of a pool before painting. Use dark colors for accent painting only, as they may prematurely fade or blister, especially in chemically treated water.