Liquid Rubber Paint Australia
Liquid rubber paint protects and waterproofs almost any surface
Liquid rubber paint has been on the market for years now, but recent technological advances have both improved and expanded the range of liquid rubber available. While traditionally liquid rubber has been applied as a waterproof roofing solution, there are now products which allow the excellent waterproofing capabilities of liquid rubber paint to be applied to a much broader range of substrates such as wooden decking.
Liquid rubber paint is heat, chemical, weather, and impact resistant, as well as being flexible. In this article we will outline the benefits and applications of liquid rubber coating products, as well as where to find them in Australia.
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Liquid rubber paint and its top 6 benefits
The reason for the continued success of rubberised paint is simple: in terms of waterproofing it outperforms the alternatives. This is why one of liquid rubber’s most important applications is flat roofing. The qualities that make liquid rubber paint the choice for waterproofing are:
The #1 reason to use liquid rubber paint is its ability to make surfaces 100% waterproof.
- Highly-adhesive – Liquid rubber can be applied to concrete, stone, metal, bitumen, EPDM, wood, PVC, metals, and zinc. It adheres fully to the substrate whatever the material, sealing the substrate and keeping corrosive elements away.
- UV stable – The coating remains flexible for longer and does not chalk, embrittle, or lose strength as a result of exposure to UV radiation, even as strong as in Australia.
- Weather and chemical resistant – Rubber is chemically resistant to most corrosive chemicals, acids, alkalis, and solvents, both liquids and gases. Liquid rubber can protect a substrate from chemicals in tanks, as well as corrosive environments like factories or plants. The heat resistance, waterproofing, salt resistance, and UV stability mean liquid rubber is extremely weather-proof.
- Environmentally friendly – Water based and VOC free, these products will not harm you or the nature.
- Non-permeable– Rubber coatings create an impermeable barrier between the substrate and the environment. They can withstand ponding water for flat roofs, or be used in overspill containment. They are waterproof, vapour tight, air and gas barriers.
- Flexible – Liquid rubber has an elongation capability of up to 900%. It can flex and stretch with a substrate through heating and cooling from -40°C to 160°C without damaging, unlike other coatings such as bitumen which are far more brittle.
The 3 basic steps of applying liquid rubber coating
One of the great benefits of liquid rubber is the ease of application. There are only three basic steps to a liquid rubber application. Whether spray, brush, trowel, or roller, the coating will adhere to almost every surface – concrete, stone, bitumen, EPDM, wood, PVC, metals, foam, tile, and zinc.
Step 1: Surface preparation
Poor surface preparation may result in failure of the coating system; adhesion is affected leading to preventing optimal performance.
A properly prepared substrate is paramount to the optimal application and performance of a coating. In the case of liquid rubber the substrate needs to be clean, dry, free from grease, dust, and other particles. Power washing the area is recommended. Cracks in the surface should be repaired beforehand for the best waterproofing result.
Step 2: Coating application
Always study the manufacturer’s instructions on application and obey them.
Liquid rubber should not be applied in temperatures below 5°C, nor when rain is expected within 24 hours, so make sure to check the weather. The liquid rubber paint can be applied with a brush, trowel, roller, or spray, and is cold applied. The minimum layer thickness for a waterproof membrane is 2 mm. When painting, the average coverage is 1 L per m2, yielding a 1 mm thickness. The coating is not applied in one thick coat but rather built up through layering.
Step 3: Film curing
Stick with the given curing times; too early traffic on the coated area may result in coating failure and have a great financial impact.
Once the liquid rubber is applied, it needs to cure. Though it is touch dry in only a few hours, it will take 48 to 72 hours for the coating to be fully cured and bonded to the substrate. After this point usual traffic and usage may resume.
Use rubber coating to waterproof a flat roof
Because of the unique combination of versatility, flexibility, and high performance, there are many areas which can benefit from rubberised paint, including roofing, concrete sealing (and protecting steel reinforcement), environmental protection barriers, and waterproofing ponds, planters and basements. It is even used for the crocodile pond at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast.
The benefit of having a liquid rubber waterproofing coating installed is that there is limited down time, limited work hours, and so limited extra costs. The basic application process for waterproofing a flat roof might look as follows:
- Power wash the area to be coated and, once dry, clean the area of all debris and particulates.
- If there are cracks greater than 3 mm use a joint filler or mastic to fill them in.
- At an expected coverage of 1 L to 1 m2, pour the desired amount of liquid rubber onto the roof, and spread across the area using a roller or brush. Once the roof is coated evenly, leave to dry.
- Once the first layer is touch dry, repeat the procedure for the second coat.
- Leave for 48 hours to cure fully.
Professional waterproofing with liquid rubber – certification in Australia
Applying liquid rubber roof is usually a waterproofing job, and therefore, requires applicators to be appropriately certified. In Australia certification is needed when protective treatment (such as liquid rubber paint) is applied to a dwelling with the purpose to protect from water or moist.
Thus, if you are looking for a professional contractor for applying liquid rubber, check for (one of) the following certificates:
- CPC31411/ CPC31408 Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
- BCG31403 Certificate III in Waterproofing (General Construction)
- Qualification 90464 Certificate III in General Construction (Waterproofing) TAFE course #8126
Get your hands on liquid rubber in Australia
Liquid rubber paint is available from suppliers across Australia, for all projects big and small. There are contractors up and down the country who provide liquid rubber installation services for roofing, waterproofing, and any other project you may have. If you wish to buy rubber coating, or would like to be connected with one of our partners, get in touch! Our experts are happy to help, just make use of our free quote service to find the right coating solution or service for your project.
| Liquid rubber paint product | Price (RRP) | Substrates |
|---|---|---|
| Plasti Dip® Aerosol Spray | $20.00 (311 g) | wood, metal, glass, rope, plastic, rubber, concrete, tools, etc. |
| Leak Seal Flexible Rubber Coating | $15.90 (980 ml) | gutters, roofs, flashing, ductwork, PVC, masonry, concrete and more |
| Motospray Peel Coat | $100.00 (3.78 L) | metal, plastic, glass and more |
| Removable Rubber Paint | $33.99 (400 ml) | metal (vehicles) |
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I have a 7 year old motor home with a EPDM rubber coated roof. Would liquid rubber extend the life of my roof? Where in north Queensland can I buy this product? How dark is the grey, my existing roof is white – what would you recommend?
Dear Bryan,
Thank you for your inquiry about liquid rubber roof coating. In general a liquid rubber roof coating will extend the life of your roof. If your roof is currently damaged or the current coating is beginning to fail you need to take extra steps before applying another coating. The Liquid Rubber brand is available in Queensland based companies. If your purpose is to change the colour, you could use acryclic or latex paint designed for exterior surfaces.
Best regards,
Sofia – Coating.com.au
Thanks, I am happy with the white of the existing roof, is liquid rubber available in white, or would I need to paint it later?
Dear Bryan,
Liquid Rubber is indeed available in white as well as grey and black. Good luck with your roof and happy travels!
Best regards,
Sofia – Coating.com.au
Hi, I am now in Melbourne and in a position to do this job. WHITE Liquid Rubber is what I need, please confirm that this is compatible with my EPDM roof and can go straight on to it once it is properly prepared. Roof size is approx. 18.75 sq m. How much product would I need please? Do you freight to Melbourne, or is there a supplier that I can pick-up from in Melbourne?
Dear Bryan,
We at Coating.com.au are not suppliers of coatings. We connect coating projects with the right coating manufacturers for their requirements. For your needs we recommend you get in touch with a campervan and motor home professional like Vanseal who specialise in protective and insulating coatings using liquid rubber. We hope you find what you are after, and enjoy your future adventures!
Best regards,
Anne-Kathrin – Coating.com.au
Hi I am just in the process of finishing my bus/motorhome conversion and I am wanting to seal the roof.
It is a painted metal roof that I have treated for rust and pressure cleaned ready for coating.
I am looking for a product that has movement,heat repelant and a seal the roof.
The colour I would like is light to mid grey.
Does the product have a gloss finish and could it be pressure cleaned if need be in the future.
Cheers John
Dear John,
There are a number of products available in Australia suitable for sealing your motorhome roof, such as VersEseal Liquid Rubber. It is a roof sealant with flexibility and heat resistance that comes in a matte grey finish. If the pre-existing paint on your roof is very glossy, you may have issues with coating adhesion. We do not recommend pressure cleaning the liquid rubber coating, better to be safe than sorry and wash by hand.
Good luck with your project, and happy travels!
Best regards,
Rhiannon – Coating.com.au
I have a 13 foot aluminium boat which leaks. Would liquid rubber be the solution? The boat is on a trailer and wear would occur to the underside when it is launched or retrieved.Would this be a problem
Dear Tony,
A liquid rubber coating or a truck bed liner coating might protect your boat from leaking if applied to the inside not the outside, but we would recommend you also fix the source of the leaks. A sealant or caulk applied to problem seams or rivets will provide added protection. We do not recommend applying liquid rubber to the underside of your boat. A boat patch epoxy or sealant can be found at most local boat shops. With the right product you can get the problem solved and back on the water in no time.
Best regards,
Rhiannon – Coating.com.au
I have a wooden boat and the hand rails are Tasmanian Oak. They are showing sign of weathering with cracks in the direction of the grain.
They were initially varnished and several years later painted because the cracks kept coming back.
The paint did not fix the problem even after going back to bare wood.
Will your liquid rubber coating seal the surface and stop the cracks from re-appearing ?
If so what do I need to do in the way of surface preparation ?
Dear Brian,
Weathering is always a risk with wooden surfaces exposed to the Australian climate. Paint and varnish may cover the problem temporarily but if you want to solve the problem long term you will need to treat and fill the cracks before recoating the woodwork. Sand the wood back again and use a filler, such as a thickened epoxy filler, to seal over the cracks and prevent them reopening. Your local boat shop should have a number of options and a knowledgeable staff.
We do not recommend liquid rubber for this purpose. Once you have filled the cracks we recommend coating the wood with a UV resistant polyurethane marine varnish. This will keep the wood looking good and protect it from the sun.
Good luck with your boat!
Best regards,
Rhiannon – Coating.com.au
Hi, I have a solar panel problem;
The protective membrane on the back is UV defective with cracks forming. The underneath does not get wet but working at 500v the overnight humidity provides sufficient earth leakage to prevent the system starting in the morning.
I see this product is non flammable and will tolerate 160 deg C. I am thinking of applying a resealing layer before summer ends, at sunset on a 30+ degree day to ensure all moisture has been expelled.
What are your thoughts is it worth a go?
• Will a primer be needed?
• How thick should the covering be? 20 panels 1.6m x 800mm to do.
• How long would you expect the coating to last before the need to recoat?
• Will there be any corrosive action contacting glass, Al frame, silicon solar cells, tinned copper and soldered tracks?
This issue is only growing; many others will start experiencing this issue very shortly.
Regards
Mick
Dear Mick,
Though all your reasoning seems perfectly sound, we would not advise that you apply this coating without contacting the manufacturers of your solar panels to find out what their recommendation for the problem is first. We would not want you to accidentally impair the function of your solar panels or invalidate any warranty or assistance that the manufacturers might give. Best of luck with your problem!
Cheers,
Jasmin – Coating.com.au
Hi, we have a concrete pool surround that was meant to be boned but the contracted stuffed up and left us with a tinted sealer concrete slab that has various 0.5-2mm cracks throughout.
Would a rubberised paint be an effective and useable surface sealer for out concrete pool slab? The tinted sealer that’s currently on there is starting to wear where the cracks are and we’re worried this will only get worse.
Thanks.