Frequently Asked Questions

With the BASE-COTE we estimate that each roller-full should cover the width of the roller and a length of 18 inches. Using a 6mm or ¼ inch nap roller (suitable for enamel paints), apply it with as little pressure on your roller as possible and slowly (approx. 6 seconds to travel 18 inches). This should give you a spread rate of 50 sq ft per US gallon. Unlike paint you are applying a very thick coat.

The first coat tends to soak into the wood more and will not cover as well as the second coat of BASE-COTE. Old and weathered wood will affect the spread rate and will consume up to 30% more product for the first coat. Start applying your second coat in the same corner but at 90 degrees to your first coat.

It can be very difficult to determine what the coating on your deck is. If the existing deck coating or membrane remains fully adhered to the substrate, it may be re-coated. Always do a test patch with the ROLL-DEK to ensure its' compatibility. If there is no reaction within 30 minutes it will be safe to coat.

To prepare any deck for a new top coat, it must be cleaned by pressure washing or thoroughly scrubbing with THE DUKE All Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser.

Rinse well and allow to dry for several hours. If your existing deck coating is waterproof and in good condition you can apply one or two coats of ROLL-DEK TOP-COTE as a maintenance coat. Maintenance coating is required every 3 to 4 years.

If the deck coating leaks, is worn, or has cracks or holes, you may consider re-coating the surface with BASE-COAT first. For decks with cracks in the coated surface, or cracking at plywood seams, we recommend taking off the old tape and sanding with a belt sander using 80-grit sandpaper. After re-taping the seams, apply 2 coats of RUBBER FILL-IT as per the instruction guide. Make sure the seams of your plywood are blocked underneath and screwed down from the plywood side.

Your plywood must be dry and in good shape before coating. Any soft or rotten pieces must be replaced prior to re-coating.

Wood sealers often contain paraffin, which prevents paint or coatings from adhering to the wood. If you have sealed your deck surface, you must use Strip XL, manufactured by Bio Wash, to strip off the sealer. Test the surface after stripping the sealer by spraying with water and seeing if the water still beads. If the water does not bead, the sealer has been stripped. After testing, allow the surface to dry for 24 hours.

Allow light traffic for 48 hours and 7 days before placing furniture back on the deck. You can water the deck daily to assist in the curing of the rubber. With plastic or steel chairs you can file the feet smooth. This will prevent gouging the deck from people tilting or rocking back on the chairs.

If the temperature is very hot and more than 25°C when top-coating your deck, your deck may not cure (harden) completely. Wet the deck surface, apply an alkaline soap such as THE DUKE and agitate with a broom. Rinse the deck thoroughly and allow to dry.

Within 48 hours, the deck surface should be cured. Do not place heavy objects or furniture on your deck until it has cured. Also, when applying the TOP-COTE it is important to make sure each can is thoroughly stirred and all the sediment on the bottom is mixed in well. This process usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes. If the mix is not completely stirred together it may also result in some stickiness. To remedy follow the above procedures for cleaning and then re-top coat if necessary. Water the surface daily for 7 days. If the cans are not the same Batch Number intermix them before applying for consistency of colour.

You need to avoid the direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. What happens is the liquid coating bakes and skins over on the top, trapping the solvents underneath. As the solvents expand and change from a liquid to a gas they form pressure bubbles as they cannot vent out through the skin. After the deck is dry you can scuff off the bubbles with the sole of your shoe or use sandpaper. Sweep of the deck and re-coat. Make sure you do this in the early morning or in the evening when the sun is not so intense and the deck surface is cooler and not hot to the touch.

You may want to secure a large tarp over the area to be coated to protect the surface from rain and moisture. Also it is important to get your coating on your plywood as soon as possible. Once you have your first coat on you have temporarily waterproofed it sufficiently to withstand the oncoming weather. The deck coating only requires 2 to 3 hours of dry time to avoid the effects of the rain. When the weather conditions are more favorable you can continue with the remainder of you project.

Make sure your stairs are completely dry and have been in place for at least 6 months. Pressure treated wood has a high water content and it needs to contain less than 12% moisture before coating. Follow the same application procedures as for the deck only wrap the coating at least 2 inches under the stair tread. White lumber is preferred as the coating can be applied immediately provided it is dry.