Waterproof Defense
as Easy as 1, 2, 3
STEP J FILL-TEX:
A joint filler designed to stay permanently flexible and resist cracks.
STEP 1 PRIME-IT:
A waterproofing primer that promotes greater adhesion.
STEP 2 ROLL-TEX:
A Neoprene rubber, slip-resistant texture layer that is both durable and flexible.
STEP 3 COLOR:
An acrylic, UV protective, water-based, tintable coating for durability and beauty.
Please read all instructions carefully before application.
It is important to apply Spantex® to the manufacturer’s specifications. Failure to do so may result in unnecessary loss or damage to property. Reminder: Spantex® is a thick coating system and is meant to be applied at a rate much greater than paint. Our instructional DVD is available at your local Spantex® dealer or by contacting us, or through customer service at 1-800-943-8226.
TOOLS REQUIRED
- 2 – 10 mil pile rollers (For Step 1 Prime-It and for Step 3 Color Coat)
- Paint tray (optional)
- 3″ putty knife
- 1 Texture Coat Applicator (for Step 2 Roll-Tex Coat)
- Sponge
- Spantex Seam Tape
- 9″ roller frame
- Scissors to cut Polyester Tape
- Bucket (optional)
- 3″ bristle paint brush
- Extension handle
- Masking tape (optional)
- Drop cloth (optional)
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Spantex® is a three step coating system. To guarantee successful results, the Fill-Tex, Polyester Seam Tape, Prime-It, Roll-Tex, and the Color Coat must be applied as directed and in the required volumes, to a clean, grease free and dry surface. Spantex® Fill-Tex must be used in all screw indentations, plywood joints, knot indentations, general imperfections and cantstrip/flashing interface, to ensure a level surface for the Spantex® System. Polyester Tape is also required for plywood seams and the flashing/cantstrip interface.
WHEN TO APPLY
All three Spantex® steps must be applied when the temperature is between 55°F to 85°F. For each step,
DO NOT APPLY IF: rain is forecast within 72 hours after application, on cold days, 24 hours on warm days, the surface is hot to the touch under direct sunlight, or it is late in the day and the dew point will be reached within 2 to 4 hours.
The surface should contain no more than 12% moisture.
CURING TIMES:
If applied at 55°F to 73°F – Let cure for at least 72 hours prior to wet weather conditions, with only light traffic or deck furniture on surface.
If applied at 275°F to 85°F – Let cure for at least 48 hours prior to wet weather conditions, light traffic or deck furniture on surface.
SURFACE PREPARATION
All surfaces must be dry and clear of moss, loose or flaking material, dirt, oil, and grease prior to applying each step. For other surface preparations please see our non-plywood application instructions contained in this brochure.
TIME
Allow 1 – 2 hours drying time for each application of the Joint Filler, Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3. Drying time will vary depending on temperature, humidity, air movement and surface type.
Tip: A fan or leaf blower will assist in drying times.
REQUIRED QUANTITY
Refer to the product quantity guide at the back of our brochure to ensure the required Fill-Tex, Prime-It, Roll-Tex, and Color Coat is applied in the right quantities for the size of your deck. Each coating must be applied without dilution or thinning.
Applying too little of the Spantex® products will result in inadequate performance and will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying a maintenance coat of Step 3 Color Coat to an existing Spantex® surface, please see the MAINTENANCE section at the bottom of this page for more information.
FOR NEW PLYWOOD DECKS: Starting with a clean and dry surface, install the flashing and cant strip to the deck perimeter.
IMPORTANT: To prevent waffling; install flashing ¼” away from the edge of the plywood. Be sure to butt the flashings. Do not overlap. Polyester tape will be used to add strength to the joint. Use galvanized ring nails and install nails every 6 inches starting from the center of the flashing, working towards the ends.
SURFACE AND JOINT FILLING
QUANTITY:
Spantex® Fill-Tex 1 quart for every 64 square feet
IMPORTANT: Do not substitute with any other filler
A. It is important to fill the transition between the plywood and the flashing and the cant strip interface. Starting at the perimeter of the deck, use the putty knife to apply Fill-Tex over the metal flashing’s and wood surface evenly down the length. Centering the polyester tape over both the plywood and flashing, embed the polyester tape into the filler. Apply a thin coat of Fill-Tex over the polyester tape making it smooth and even. Wait 2 hours and apply a second coat of Fill-Tex over the tape if necessary. Be sure to make the transition between the plywood and flashing as smooth and even as possible, sanding if necessary.
B. Using a putty knife, fill all knot holes, joint areas and screw indentations with Fill-Tex. Be sure to fill to the top of the plywood and make the smoothest surface possible (The Joint Filler can be used as a leveling compound for up to 1/8″). Polyester tape is required for plywood joints. With the putty knife, fill the plywood joints with Joint Filler (this will act as a gasket between the plywood sheets). Apply a thin coat of Joint Filler evenly over the joint again and while wet, embed the Polyester tape along the length of the seam. (Only do 3 to 4 feet at a time) With one hand hold the Polyester tape in place and spread a thin layer of filler over the tape with the putty knife, scraping off any excess amounts to make it as smooth and even as possible.
Let dry for 1-2 hours. Drying time will vary depending on temperature and surface type.
IMPORTANT: All required Step J Fill-Tex should be applied completely and evenly to all exposed joints, imperfections, and transitions prior to proceeding to Step 1 Prime-It.
PRIMING THE SURFACE
QUANTITY:
Spantex® Step 1 Prime-It – 1 gallon for every 150 square feet.
A. Vacuum or sweep the entire deck clean, removing sawdust from plywood joints.
B. Brush a generous coat of Step 1 Prime-It around the perimeter of the surface ensuring all flashing’s are evenly coated. Pour Step 1 Prime-It into a paint tray and saturate the roller. Using the roller, uniformly apply to the rest of the surface area.
IMPORTANT: All required Step J Fill-Tex should be applied completely and evenly to exposed surface joints, imperfections, and transitions prior to proceeding to Step 1 Prime-It.
Let dry for 1-2 hours. Drying time will vary depending on temperature and surface type.
TIP: Step 1 Prime-It is a waterproofing coat. If unexpected weather is coming your plywood is now protected (temporarily) however, Step 2 – Roll-Tex must be applied within 3 days otherwise another coat of Step 1 Prime-It will be required.
APPLYING TEXTURE
Spantex® Step 2 Roll-Tex – 1 US gallon for every 64 square feet, one coat (mandatory, two coats required).
PLEASE NOTE: Step 2 Roll-Tex comes in 2 separate compartments. Once ready to apply, mix the texture into the liquid until completely consistent. Spantex Roll Tex is a dense coating that is meant to be applied at a rate that is considerably thicker than paint.
A. Thoroughly stir Spantex Step 2 Roll-Tex until no sediment remains at the bottom.
IMPORTANT: If you are using more than 1 container of Step 2 Roll-Tex, it is important to inter-mix the containers to create a consistent coating. When the first container reaches the half-way mark, pour the second container of Step 2 – Roll-Tex into the first container until it is full. Mix well. Continue to inter-mix each container until finished.
B. Fill a clean bucket with water and/or have a wet sponge readily available. Keep the Texture Coat Applicator readily available for smoothing the “cut in” on the perimeter of the deck.
C. With a 3″ paint brush, “Cut in” Roll-Tex at least 6″ wide around the perimeter of the deck, as well as, all corners and edges and around the railing posts and to the top of the flashing and cant strip (The vertical face of the flashing does not require Step 2 Roll-Tex). After you brush on approximately 1 to 2 feet of product, dip the Texture Coat Applicator in the bucket of water and lightly smooth the “cut in”.
HELPFUL HINT: To prevent the Step 2 Roll-Tex from dripping over the edges of the flashing during application, apply masking tape to the front of the flashing. You may also want to place a drop sheet below the deck to prevent over spill to the areas below.
D. Once the edges have been cut in and smoothed with the Texture Coat Applicator, it can be attached to an extension pole.
IMPORTANT: Do not substitute a paint roller for the Texture Coat Applicator. A paint roller will not properly distribute the texture coat.
E. Wet the Texture Coat Applicator with the sponge or directly dip it in the water and starting from the furthest point from the exit, pour a 6 to 8 inch puddle of Step 2 Roll-Tex onto the deck (this will cover roughly a 4 to 6 sq. foot area when worked). Using light, consistent pressure with the Texture Coat Applicator, spread the puddle in a fanning motion moving it first left then right, then towards you. Be sure to float over the texture chips as you go to create a consistent pebbling effect. If ridges form, be sure to go over them lightly to create a smooth even surface. Do not overwork the product by trying to spread it farther than it naturally wants to go. Remember to keep light pressure on the applicator. It is important to note that if there is Texture Coat build up on the Applicator blade, to clean it and re-wet the blade as you go. This keeps the blade skimming smoothly over the coating.
Follow this process until the entire deck is coated. Check the spread rate after 1 sheet of plywood. The application should be 1 gallon per 64 sq feet.
NOTE: All Step 2 Roll-Tex required for your deck size must be applied. Two coats are required but more can be applied if necessary, after the dry time, reapply a second coat to areas that have an uneven texture and/or in high-traffic areas that require added skid-resistant protection.
Let dry for 2 to 4 hours until Roll-Tex is dry. Drying time will vary depending on temperature, humidity and surface type.
COLOR COAT
Spantex® Step 3 Color Coat – 1 gallon for every 150 square feet.
Before beginning Step 3 Color Coat, be sure the Step 2 Roll-Tex has completely dried.
Thoroughly stir Spantex® Step 3 Color Coat until no sediments remain at the bottom.
IMPORTANT: If you are using more than 1 container of Step 3 Color Coat, it is important to inter-mix the containers to create a consistent coating. When the first container reaches the half-way mark, pour the second container of Step 3 Color Coat into the first container until it is full. Mix well. Continue to inter-mix each container until finished.
HELPFUL HINT: Thoroughly clean out the 3 gallon pail from the Step 2 Roll-Tex and use it to inter-mix your Color Coat gallons. You can also use a clean 5 gallon bucket to perform the same task.
B. Generously apply (or “cut”) a three inch border of Step 3 Color Coat around the perimeter, corners and edges with a bristle brush. For plywood decks, include the railing posts and the front of the flashing and cant strip.
C. Once the spot brushing is completed, uniformly apply Step 3 Color Coat to the entire area with the Spantex® paint roller. Always start at the inner most corner of the surface and move outwards towards the edges. Fill paint tray with Step 3 Color Coat, and load the roller. Then, using only light pressure, roll over one small area at a time (approximately 2’ x 3’) in one direction only. Repeat until entire surface is covered.
HELPFUL HINT: If desired, a second coat of Step 3 Color Coat may be applied for added durability.
Let dry for 1 – 2 hours or more until the Step 3 Color Coat is dry. Drying time will vary depending on temperature and surface type.
CAUTION
CURING TIMES:
If applied at 13°C/ 55°F to 23°C/73°F – Let cure for at least 72 hours prior to wet weather conditions, light traffic or deck furniture on surface.
If applied at 24°C/75°F to 30°C/85°F – Let cure for at least 48 hours prior to wet weather conditions, with only light traffic or deck furniture on surface.
Allow only light traffic for the first 14 days. For an extra precaution, be sure that your deck furniture has protective caps on the bottom of the legs to prevent indentations or cuts in the coating.
NON-PLYWOOD APPLICATION
ABOVE GROUND CONCRETE:
For surface preparation over new concrete, be sure it has cured for at least 28 days prior to applying the Spantex® System. Step 1 Prime-It must be applied to the surface of the concrete. All imperfections like cracks and chips should then be filled using the Spantex® Fill-Tex prior to application of the Spantex® system. If slip resistance is desired on your concrete surface, follow the instructions for the Step 2 Texture Coat followed by the Step 3 Color Coat. If a smooth surface is required skip the Step 2 Roll-Tex and apply the Step 3 Color Coat to the primed surface.
FIBREGLASS:
For surface preparation over fiberglass, be sure that the surface is free from cracks or mars. All surface imperfections must be repaired with a fiberglass patch kit prior to application of the Spantex® System. The surface must be sanded with 50 grit sandpaper and washed with The Duke®, a powerful cleaner and degreaser. Always follow instructions on the label. Let dry thoroughly prior to the Spantex® application.
Step 1 Prime-It must be applied to the surface of the fiberglass. If slip-resistance is desired on your fiberglass deck surface, also follow instructions for Step 2 Roll-Tex followed by Step 3 Color Coat.
If a smooth surface is desired, after the Primer is applied, advance to Step 3 Colour Coat and follow directions.
MAINTENANCE AND PREVIOUSLY COATED SURFACES
Spantex recommends reapplying Spantex® Step 3 Color Coat once every two to three years for continuous protection. Spantex® System is compatible with:
- Ducan Roll-dek®, Ducan Top Cote® and Ducan Vinyl Dek® (Vinyl Acrylic Coating)
- DuPont Hypalon, Neoprene
- The following brands: Stretch®, Sundex®, Tufdek®, GacoDeck® and Deckote®.
When in doubt, do a small test patch.
Please Note: The integrity of the previously coated surface must be intact to use a reapplication of the Spantex®. Any of the above surfaces which are flaking or not adhered properly to the surface beneath it will affect the performance of Spantex® products.
Allow at least 72 hours for the maintenance coat of Spantex® Step 3 Color Coat to cure before allowing traffic or placing patio furniture on the surface. Allow only light traffic for the first 14 days.
For additional information if you have any questions please contact us at 1.800.943.8226.