LUXAPOOL Poolside & Paving –  PEBBLECRETE Application Guide (Download PDF)

PEBBLECRETE SURFACES

LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving is a water-based, decorative, P5 rated non-slip coating developed for use on swimming pool surrounds and decks. It is easy to apply and provides a durable surface suitable for use on pebblecrete, concrete, paved and timber surrounds as well as other trafficable areas such as pathways, disability ramps, outdoor living areas and boat decks. LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving is formulated to provide long lasting resistance to UV, mould and fungal attack. It is a single pack product supplied ready for use from the container. Stirring prior to application is recommended to overcome any settling.

PREPARATION

Ensure that all surfaces are sound and that all loose pebbles and base material have been removed. Ensure that surfaces to be coated are free from dust, dirt, oil, grease or other contamination. Poolside areas should first be washed with LUXAPOOL® Concentrated Wash solution (500 mL diluted to 20 L with warm water). Use a stiff bristle brush or broom to scrub the surfaces, then flush with fresh water. Follow this with a high-pressure water wash to ensure that the surface is thoroughly clean.

ACID ETCHING

Pebblecrete surfaces should be acid etched using the following directions:

    1. All personnel participating in acid etching must wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves, boots and goggles. The etching solution should ALWAYS be mixed in a plastic bucket. Use commercial hydrochloric or muriatic acid.
      NEVER ADD WATER TO ACID; always add acid to water.

      ACID CONCENTRATION WATER ACID
      FOR PEBBLECRETE SURFACES 3 Parts 1 Part
    2. Using a plastic watering can, apply the etching solution to the surface, a manageable area (say 5–6 m2) at a time. As soon as the bubbling reaction stops (approximately 5 minutes), flush the area with fresh water. NEVER ALLOW THE ACID RESIDUE TO DRY ON THE SURFACE. Acid residue can cause paint failure. Proceed to the next section to be treated with the acid-etching solution. It is important to concentrate on a workable section at any one time. This will ensure that no acid residue remains on the surface.
    3. After the surface has been etched, and ideally whilst still wet, the surface should be neutralised with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (bicarbonate of soda/pool buffer) and water (1 kg sodium bicarbonate mixed into 10 L of warm water). Thoroughly flush the surface with the neutralising solution and then rinse liberally with fresh water. Again, it is important to concentrate on a workable section at any one time. This will ensure that no sodium bicarbonate residue remains on the surface.
    4. High pressure wash the entire surface to remove all traces of acid, bicarbonate and/or other contaminants.
    5. Allow the surface to dry prior to any further surface preparation. Sweep or vacuum up any loose residues.

CRACKS

Surface imperfections such as small (<10 mm) cracks and divots should be filled proud, then sanded flush, to prepare an even surface for the topcoat. Consult a suitably qualified professional for dealing with large cracks (>10 mm). Hairline cracks are generally bridged with the application of a topcoat.

There are two product options for filling small cracks and divots:

  • LUXAPOOL® SEF (Structural Epoxy Filler): fill proud, then allow to cure (16–24 hr), then sand flush, remove dust and wipe down with LUXAPOOL® Solvent A before priming. Refer to the LUXAPOOL® SEF Application Guide for additional instructions.
  • Engineering grout: fill proud, then allow to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand flush, remove dust and wipe down before priming.

APPLICATION

NOTE: Obtain a 7-day weather forecast. Do NOT apply LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving:

  1. If the surface or ambient temperature is above 35 °C or likely to be so during the drying period (at an air temperature of 35 °C, it would not be unusual to have a surface temperature of >50 °C)

  2. If the ambient temperature is below 15 °C

  3. If the surface temperature is below 12 °C

  4. If minimum temperatures are forecast to be below 12 °C within 7 days of application, or

  5. In damp or rainy conditions, or when rain is forecast within 7 days of application

  6. Avoid painting in direct sunlight on hot days

  7. Do not apply in areas where extended ponding is likely to occur

All personnel participating in application must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent contact with skin, eyes and breathing of vapours. A sun hat and sunscreen are also recommended if applying outdoors.

MASKING

Mask along the perimeter of the area(s) to be coated. Take precautions to protect pool water surfaces as far as possible.

PRIMER

Pebblecrete will require priming prior to application with LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving. Solvent-based and water-based options are set out below:

  1. SOLVENT-BASED: To a thoroughly dry surface*, apply ACRYLMERIC® Superseal Primer at 5–6 m2/L, using a 22 mm nap roller. Allow to dry for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight in cooler or winter conditions. Clean equipment whilst still wet using LUXAPOOL® Solvent X. Refer to the ACRYLMERIC® Superseal Primer Application Guide for additional instructions. *For best results, use a moisture meter to test surface moisture levels prior to application. Moisture content should be less than 5%. High moisture content can cause failure of the primer. In the absence of a moisture meter, approximate surface moisture can be determined by taping a 300 x 300 mm patch of clear plastic sheet to an area of the surface in the morning one day prior to painting. Remove the plastic around mid-afternoon and observe the underside. Condensation on the plastic indicates that the moisture content is too high. In these instances, either repeat until a dry test results, or prime with water-based ACRYLMERIC® WB Epoxy Primer Membrane, which is moisture tolerant (see the following).
  2. WATER-BASED: If a water-based option is preferred, or if the substrate is damp, then apply ACRYLMERIC® WB Epoxy Primer Membrane. If the surface is dry, spray lightly with water and allow to drain. To apply as a priming coat, mix Part A and Part B in equal volume, then dilute this mixture with water 20% by volume. Apply the diluted mixture at 2–3 m2/L, using a 22 mm nap roller. Allow overnight to dry at 25 °C and 50% RH, potentially longer in cooler or winter conditions. Clean equipment whilst still wet using water. Refer to the ACRYLMERIC® WB Epoxy Primer Membrane Application Guide for Pebblecrete for additional instructions.
    NOTE: ACRYLMERIC® WB Epoxy Primer Membrane must be recoated or overcoated within 48 hours of application.

COLOUR COATS

Unless familiar with LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving, it is recommended that a small test area be applied first, before proceeding to application over the complete area.

  1. Apply a base coat of LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving at a spreading rate of 1–1.5 m2/L using a squeegee or a trowel. The function of the base coat is to fill the valleys of the pebblecrete profile, as opposed to leaving an even film thickness on the top of both the hills and valleys of the profile. The desired result can be achieved using a plastering or concrete finishing float or flexible plastic trowel for vertical surfaces and flexible rubber spreader or squeegee for horizontal surfaces. Clean all equipment immediately after use with water.

  2. Allow to dry for minimum 8 hours at 25 °C and 50% RH, or preferably overnight.
    Allow longer drying time in cooler and more humid conditions.

    Drying temperature: 15 °C 25 °C 35 °C
    Minimum recoat time: 12 hrs 8 hrs 6 hrs
    Maximum recoat time*: Open ended Open ended Open ended

    *Best within 48 hours to minimise impact of airborne and other contaminants

  3. If a smoother surface with an even greater reduction of the pebblecrete profile is required, Steps 1 & 2 above may be repeated a number of times.

  4. To achieve a P5 rated non-slip surface, it is recommended that build coats be applied with a 10 mm nap roller. Apply the first build coat of LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving at a spreading rate of approximately 2 m²/L using a 10 mm nap roller.
    Clean all equipment immediately after use with water.

  5. Depending on the profile required, step 4 may be repeated.

    Refer to Colormaker Industries for application details to achieve a
    more aggressive surface texture for commercial or industrial areas.

  6. Allow coated surfaces to dry for a minimum of 12 hours at 25 °C and 50% RH before opening areas to soft sole foot traffic.

  7. Allow 14 days under good drying conditions (at 25 °C and 50% RH) to cure before placing outdoor furniture on the coated surface. Allow longer drying time in cooler and more humid conditions. Exercise caution.

FINISHING OPTION

  1. As a finishing option, a final coat of UNICRYL® Heavy Duty Clear Glaze may be applied. This will enhance colour and gloss, provide increased resistance to staining and facilitate cleaning. However, use of this coating will also reduce anti-slip properties. For this reason, a second coat of UNICRYL® HD Clear Glaze is not recommended on trafficable surfaces.

    Apply UNICRYL® HD Clear Glaze using a 10 mm nap roller and ensure that the surface of the underlying profile has been thoroughly wet. Application rate will be approximately 6 m²/L, depending on surface profile. Clean all equipment immediately after use with water.

  2. Allow coated surfaces to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before opening areas to soft sole pedestrian foot traffic. Full cure of UNICRYL® HD Clear Glaze can be achieved in 7 days under good (25 °C, 50% RH) drying conditions. Allow longer in cooler and/or more humid conditions.

  3. Ensure both LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving and UNICRYL® HD Clear Glaze coats are fully cured before placing outdoor furniture on the coated surface. Exercise caution.

CLEAN UP

Clean all equipment with water immediately after use.

MAINTENANCE

Surfaces coated in accordance with the above directions offer long-term use under typical domestic conditions. Follow basic cleaning guidelines to maximise the service life of the coating. Clean all spills as soon as they occur. Surfaces should be cleaned with a fine jet garden hose or soft bristle broom using mild detergent solution, then rinsed with fresh water.

With appropriate care, you’ll be able to enjoy the long term decorative and functional benefits of your LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving surface for years to come.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY: The technical advice and/or application advice given in this publication represents the present state of our knowledge and is believed to be reliable. Buyers and intended users of all Colormaker Industries products should read the product label, TDS and Application Guide carefully and then conduct their own assessment to confirm the suitability of the product, including in conjunction with other products and the types of surfaces to, and the manner in, which the product will be applied. This is to satisfy themselves that the product is suitable for use in the area intended and under conditions of application and cure. Given the wide range of substrates, environmental conditions and methods of application, Colormaker Industries offers no warranty of performance, either expressed or implied based on the above information. The painter, contractor or applicator of Colormaker Industries products may reject the advice given by Colormaker Industries either orally or in writing as it is their responsibility not that of Colormaker Industries, for carrying out appropriate application within any given context.

LUXAPOOL®, ACRYLMERIC® and UNICRYL® are registered trademarks.

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