Using Syncol Swimming Pool Paint on new and existing Pools
674 Syncol Swimming Pool Paint has been manufactured in New
Zealand for many years.
This product has a successful and proven track record because it is
manufactured from a chlorinated polymer material which has proven
to be the most versatile type of paint coating suitable for swimming pool
application.
Swimming pools are one of the most difficult environments to paint
properly due to the very difficult and extremely harsh conditions the
pool paint is expected to be able to tolerate.
Due to the nature of this product it has a strong odour and exhibits
moderate chalking and loss of gloss when exposed.
We are pleased to make available to the New Zealand public a
swimming pool paint that has passed the tests of time in relation to the
performance of a single pack swimming pool paint which provides the
purchaser with a simple solution to a very harsh environment.
This brochure has been prepared to give an indication of the types of
situations that can occur within the swimming pool environment related
to painting so as to enable you to be better prepared for the conditions
you may encounter when repainting your pool.
Please refer to each of the various sections as we have made every
possible effort to identify and pre-empt any issues that need to be
thoroughly understood to achieve a successful result.
APPLICATION – SURFACE PREPARATION
New Concrete
Concrete swimming pools which have not had the appropriate damp
course affixed during construction may be subject to hydrostatic
pressure causing problems with the paint coating.
Where it is suspected that no damp course exists we would not
recommend the application of the swimming pool paint.
New Concrete Plaster
Ensure a minimum stand down period of 28 days is observed before
coating. Apply 926 Concentrated Chemical Degreaser/Etch, diluted 3
parts of fresh water to 1 part of 926 Concentrated Chemical Degreaser/
Etch, by scrubbing the prepared solution onto the new concrete plaster.
Then waterblast the surface to ensure cement laitance formed during
the plastering process is completely removed. Ensure the etchant is
thoroughly washed away and that the surface of the plaster is allowed to
dry out before proceeding with the painting process.
NOTE: Make sure that the etchant is thoroughly washed away and the pH
of the walls and base of the pool is neutral pH 7.
Previously Painted Surfaces
Waterblast to remove all loose and flaking material, dirt, mould lichen,
oxidation deposits etc. Syncol Swimming Pool Paint cannot be applied
over existing acrylic paint films. If applying over a sound, existing epoxy
paint film ensure the surface is abraded back to a dull, even finish.
Remove body fats by scrubbing all the walls and base of the pool with
926 Concentrated Chemical Degreaser/Etch, diluted 3 parts of fresh
water to 1 part of 926 Concentrated Chemical Degreaser/Etch.
NOTE: Waterblasting is ideal for removing loose and flaky paint but will
not necessarily remove body fats.
Repainting Fibreglass Pools
Scrub the surface with wet and dry sandpaper or Scotchbrite
pad using 926 Concentrated Chemical Degreaser/Etch, diluted
3 parts of fresh water to 1 part of 926 Concentrated Chemical
Degreaser/Etch, to ensure all oxidised deposits, body fats etc.
are removed and that the surface has an even, dull finish.
Rinse off thoroughly and remove all water before proceeding.
Marble Plaster Substrates
Wet sandblasting is recommended to prepare the surface. It must
be noted, however, that the adhesion of the paint film under these
circumstances may well be suspect.
MIXING / APPLICATION
Stir thoroughly with a broad paddle to ensure product is fully
incorporated. Ensure relative humidity is not above 75% and at an
application temperature range of 10°C to 25°C. Do not apply in direct
sunlight or when conditions are very hot.
Apply by brush or roller being careful not to go back over a freshly
applied paint film, as this can cause aeration during hot temperatures.
For new work ensure the first coat is thinned 20% with 674 Syncol Pool
Paint Reducer and pay particular attention to ensure that the film is
carefully rolled or brushed firmly into the substrate.
Cleaner / Reducer
Use swimming pool paint reducer at a maximum of 20% for first coat.
Use 674 Syncol Pool Paint Reducer to clean up brushes, roller sleeves
etc.
Drying Characteristics
At 20°C touch dry 20 minutes. Overcoat 4-6 hours. Allow to fully cure
for 7 days before refilling the pool.
NOTE: Where time permits, always allow overnight dry between coats.
COMMON POOL PAINT PROBLEMS
Hydrostatic Pressure
This is the main cause of paint failure in swimming pools.
Hydrostatic pressure bubbles are caused by water on the outside
of the pool trying to force its way into the interior. The solution is
to totally remove the paint and apply a hydrostatic resistant paint
coating system. Call the Protective Paints help desk on 0800 724 684
for further information.
Hydrostatic pressure can be caused by changes in the water table,
changes in the water pressure, and/or changes in the temperature of
the water in the pool.
Previous Paint
Previously painted swimming pools generally cause the most
problems. One cannot determine how good the adhesion of the
previous paint film is until such time as it is put under pressure by a
new paint coating.
When a new paint film is applied to a coating that has been water
blasted additional forces occur during the shrinkage of the paint film
that can cause delamination of the previous paint film resulting in a
failure of the swimming pool paint.
Previously painted acrylic surfaces should only be coated with a
similar type product.
Body Fats
Body fats contaminate the surface of the paint film causing
delamination and lack of adhesion. Water blasting does not remove
body fats. It is imperative that degreasing is carried out, particularly
around the surface just above and below the water level.
Use 926 Concentrated Chemical Degreaser/Etch, diluted 3 parts of
fresh water to 1 part of 926 Concentrated Chemical Degreaser/Etch
to remove body fats.
High pH
Most often when acid is used to etch the walls of the pool the runoff
creates a very acidic base substrate and it is quite common to see
paint failure on the base of the pool as a result of a very high pH.
Removal of the acid or neutralising to pH 7 is very important.
Use copious quantities of water to remove acid, pumping away the
residual water. Testing with litmus paper must then be carried out to
ensure the surface is at a neutral pH 7.
Solvent Boiling
During very hot and humid conditions solvent can be trapped in the
substrate and be released more slowly causing tiny solvent bubbles
to occur on the surface.
To overcome solvent boiling lower the viscosity of the material with
additional solvent and apply thinner coats, or carry out the work
during cool conditions. Solvent boiling can occur when the paint has
been applied too thick, normally under spraying conditions.
NOTE: On new concrete surfaces always allow the first coat additional
dry time.
Inadequate Preparation
Water blasting is not adequate preparation on previously painted
surfaces unless one has established that the paint film has adhered
well to the substrate by testing with the new paint film, or one has
established that no hydrostatic pressure exists.
Hard Surfaces
For many years a hard marble surface was deliberately achieved using
a special trowelling technique.
This hard marble surface was achieved by the introduction of
quartz aggregate and a steel trowel smoothed finish, giving a hard
impenetrable surface, impossible for new paint film to adhere to.
Acid etching may open the surface up and allow for better adhesion,
however one must always remember that under these circumstances
adhesion of a pool paint to a hard marble surface should always be
checked prior to proceeding.
NOTE: The removal of the acid etchant as above must be thoroughly
undertaken prior to coating the base of the pool.