FULL FAQS

Advanced Frequently Asked Questions about Durabak

• How much Durabak do I need for my Boat deck?

  There are 2 most common application methods for covering the deck of your boat with Durabak.

  If you like to go rough, and grip is your number one priority, go with 2 coats of Textured Durabak for an unbeatable non-slip deck. If you really want to go all out on grip, you can also order DuraGrip Silicon Carbide that can be added to the Durabak for an exceptionally rough surface.

  If, on the other hand, you want something that has grip but is also easy to clean and slightly more gentle on your bare feet, many boaters recommend laying down a first coat of Textured Durabak followed by a top coat of Smooth Durabak.

  How much you need:

  Measure the width and length of the areas that needs to be coated to get your square footage requirements.

  Textured Durabak covers 60 sq.ft per gallon, Smooth Durabak covers 75sq.ft per gallon.

  So if you have 150sq.ft to cover and you want the grippy Textured only finish you’ll need 2 gallons and 2 quarts of Textured Durabak.

  If you want to cover the same 150sq.ft with one coat of Textured and one coat of Smooth Durabak, you’ll need one gallon and one quart of Textured for the first coat and one gallon of Smooth Durabak for the top coat.

  If your budget allows we always recommend erring on the side of caution, as if you ‘underbuy’ you may end up with a finish that is not professional and you’ll need to order more product and wait till it arrives and do a little more prep to finish the cop coat, whereas if you ‘overbuy’ worst case scenario is to have some incredible Durabak lying around that can be used for thousands of applications on your boat, truck or many other places!

• How much Durabak do I need for the exterior of my Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Chevrolet Silverado, or other large truck?

  You’ll need 2-3 gallons of Durabak to cover the exterior of your truck with Textured Durabak.

  Two gallons and a quart or two of Smooth Durabak should be enough to coat the exteriors of these larger trucks.

  BUT, please take the time to get out a tape measure and measure the body panels surface area in square foot.

  Make sure you got every panel on the truck, add up all the sq.ft and then divide the total square footage by 60 for textured, or by 75 for smooth and then you’ll know how many gallons you’ll need.

  If your budget allows we recommend always purchasing a quart extra because if you run out before the job is finished and have to wait a few days to finish the last of the top coat the application will not be as professional as it should be.

  Don’t worry, even if you don’t need that extra quart, there are thousands of things you can do with it like; rims, bumpers, wheel wells, rock sliders, roll bars, racks, undercoating and it’s great, resilient non-slip paint so you can use it for thousands of things at work, in the garage or around the home too.

• How much Textured Durabak do I need to cover my Jeep?

  A 2 door Jeep, like a CJ or TJ will need just one gallon of Textured Durabak to cover the whole exterior.

  One gallon of Smooth Durabak would also be enough to cover an entire (2 door) Jeep.

  Larger Jeeps and 4 door Jeeps we would recommend 2 Gallons of Textured Durabak to coat the exterior.

  If you want to paint the tub of your Jeep you should be able to do it with a gallon of Durabak.

• How much Durabak do i need for my Truck Bed?

  Truck beds for regular pickups usually come in one of three main sizes (give or take), this is how much Durabak you’ll need to do the Bed and all four internal walls.

  “Regular” Beds are 5’7 to 6′ long, you’ll need one gallon of Textured Durabak to do the minimum 2 coats.

  “Long” Beds are around 7′ long, you’ll need one gallon and one quart of Textured Durabak to do the minimum 2 coats.

  “Extra Long” beds are around 8′ long, you’ll need one gallon and two quarts of Textured Durabak to the the minimum 2 coats.

  For a Flat Bed we recommend you measure the surface area of the entire area you plan on painting, make sure you included all the rims and sills, and then work out the total square footage that you need to cover. A gallon of Textured Durabak will cover 60 square foot in 2 coats and a quart will cover 15 square foot. So divide the total square footage by 60 to work out how much Durabak to buy.

  e.g. Flat bed is 8.5 feet wide and 48 feet long with 18 inch sills along the sides.

  8.5 x 48 = 408sq.ft

  +

  48 x 2 (sills on both sides) x 1.5 (18 inches) = 144sq.ft

  408 + 144 = 552sq.ft

  552/60 = 9.2 = 9 gallons and one quart of Textured Durabak.

  If you’re going for Smooth, so divide the total square footage by 75, so for the same flat bed as above we would do…

  552/75 = 7.36 = 7 gallons and 2 quarts of Smooth Durabak

• How can I check that Durabak will work for me?

  Durabak bonds to a wide range of materials, some need other prep than others.

  If in doubt what you’re working with we recommend an adhesion test before your big project. Order an extra quart with your order for the adhesion test. Look below for the full guidelines for other popular materials.

  Durabak Adhesion Test

  Before applying Durabak, always do a small test for adhesion:

  -Clean surface thoroughly with a non-chlorinated detergent.

  -Roughen surface with 40-grit sandpaper

  -Wipe with Xylene

  -Once completely dry, apply 1st coat of Durabak

  -Once touch dry (normally 1-2 hrs), apply 2nd coat of Durabak

  -Let dry for a couple of days.

  -Take a screwdriver and try to peel the Durabak off the surface. (The Durabak isn’t fully cured yet, so you should be able to get under it).

  -If it comes up in small pieces, you have a good bond.

  -If it comes up in sheets, you need to prime with something compatible with the substrate, and which can be overcoated with a polyurethane.

  -Repeat the adhesion test with the new primer.

  You can find our prep guides here:

  • Truck Bed or Exterior Textured application
  • Truck Exterior Smooth Application
  • Fiberglass boat application
  • Aluminum Boat application – Painted
  • Aluminum Boat application – Bare or Carpet Removed
  • Wood application
  • Bare Metal Application
  • Concrete application
  • Plastic Application
  • Bumper, Fender Flares application
  • Rubber application
  • Epoxy surface application
  • Durabak Reapplication
  • Durabak Adhesion Test

• Can I patch up and fix Durabak? How do I re-coat Durabak?

  One of the reasons people love Durabak so much is because not only can you apply it yourself but you can fix it yourself whenever you want.

  Durabak Reapplication

  Durabak can always be applied over itself, whether you’re looking to smooth out the texture with the smooth Durabak, or interested in changing the color, you can simply add 1 or 2 coats over the existing Durabak.

  The required surface prep, will depend on when the previous coat was applied.

  2 days – 6 weeks:

  -Lightly rough up the surface, like with 100 grit

  -Very gently wipe with xylene.

  6 weeks & Longer:

  -Aggressively rough up the surface, with 40 grit

  -Gently wipe down with xylene.

• How do I apply Durabak onto Epoxy?

  Epoxy Surface Application

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -36 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  -Primer (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 36 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve, or a short nap roller for the smooth Durabak.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• Does Durabak bond to Rubber?

  Sure!

  Rubber Application

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -40 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  -Primer (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 40 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve, or a short nap roller for the smooth Durabak.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• Putting Durabak on my Bumper, Fender Flares etc.

  Bumpers & Fender Flares Application

  Note- Consider a 3rd coat for extra durability.

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -40 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  -Primer (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 40 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve, or a short nap roller for the smooth Durabak.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• Will Durabak bond to Plastic?

  Durabak bonds to many different types of plastics very well, but we recommend an adhesion test to make sure you have the prep done right.

  Plastic Application

  Note- Plastics have all sorts of different formulations, so a small test for adhesion is recommended. If primer is required, the primer should be one that bonds to the specific type of plastic and is compatible with overcoating with polyurethane.

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -40 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  -Primer (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 40 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve, or a short nap roller for the smooth Durabak.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• How can I put Durabak on Concrete (floor)?

  Concrete Application

  Surface Prep

  For best results
  New concrete prep:

  – Be fully cured, for at least 28 days.

  – Have a brush finish.

  – Be hand troweled (If already power troweled, test for adhesion.)

  – Be thoroughly cleaned with a citric cleaner or equivalent, rinsed with water, and thoroughly dried.

  – Be wiped with Xylene and the Xylene be allowed to dry immediately before applying Durabak.

  NOTE:

  – If the new concrete contains plasticizers, a small test for adhesion is essential as a primer may be required.

  Old concrete prop:

  There are three ways to prep old concrete.

  -Either:

  A. Shotblast, if possible, and rinse with water.

  OR

  B. Abrade with a scarifying machine (leaving a rough surface) and brush off.

  OR

  C. Thoroughly clean with muriatic acid wash:

  1. Use 45% to 50% muriatic acid solution mixed with 3 to 4 parts water.
  2. Agitate solution on surface with a hard-bristled deck brush for approximately 10 minutes, to open pores on surface.
  3. Rinse off with a 5% ammonia/water solution to neutralize acid. (Failing to neutralize acid could leave residue which might cause delamination.)

  – Let completely dry. If necessary, use a heat source.

  – Brush off to remove all residue.

  -Wipe well with xylene immediately before applying Durabak. Let the Xylene evaporate before applying Durabak.

  NOTE:

  • If the old concrete contains plasticizers, a small test for adhesion is essential, as a primer may be required.

  Oil-Soaked Concrete

  1. Open pores of concrete with muriatic acid and rinse, as above.
  2. Apply an oil emulsifier and agitate with deck brush for 10 minutes.
  3. Rinse with hot water.
  4. Rinse twice with cold water.
  5. Dry completely.
  6. Wipe with xylene immediately, and then let the Xylene evaporate before applying DURABAK™ or DURABAK 18™.

  NOTE: For chemically soaked concrete or other unusually difficult surfaces, contact Durbak Company.

  Sealed concrete should first be tested for DURABAK™ adhesion:

  1. Clean surface thoroughly.
  2. Roughen surface.
  3. Brush surface off thoroughly.
  4. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
  5. A Xylene wipe is recommended. Let Xylene evaporate.
  6. Apply DURABAK™
  7. If delamination occurs, sealer must be removed by mechanical means (i.e., shot blasting or scarifying).

  While it is not usually needed on concrete, a primer can provide enhanced adhesion.

  Contact Durabak Company for specific information on surfaces to be primed.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve or a short nap for smooth Durabak.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied with the same roller after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• How do I prep Bare Metal for Durabak? What Primers are needed for metal?

  Durabak works well on bare metal. For Light/Soft metals like Aluminum you’ll want to prime the metal with a metal etch primer like Zinc Chromate, Metcote or Zinc Phosphate. For Steel or Iron we recommend doing an adhesion test.

  Bare Metal Application

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -40 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Metal self etching primer, like Zinc Chromate or Durabak’s Metcote.

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 40 grit sandpaper

  -Clean and apply a self etching primer, like Zinc Chromate, or any other metal self etch primer that’s compatible with Polyurethane or the Durabak primer- Metcote.

  -DO NOT USE XYLENE

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve or a short nap for smooth Durabak.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied with the same roller after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• Can I apply Durabak to Wood?

  Sure – Durabak bonds really well to wood.

  Wood Application

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -60 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 60 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat using Durabak stipple roller sleeve.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  Wood can be very absorbent, and usually requires an additional coat for a full Durabak finish.

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 50 square feet in a 3 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 40 square feet in a 3 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied using a stipple roller sleeve after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• Can i put Durabak on bare Aluminum?

  You sure can!

  These instructions are NOT just for boats!

  Aluminum Boat application
  – Bare Aluminum

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -40 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Metal self etching primer, like Zinc Chromate or Metcote.

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 40 grit sandpaper

  -Clean and apply a self etching primer, like Zinc Chromate, or any other metal self etch primer that’s compatible with Polyurethane or the Durabak primer- Metcote.

  -DO NOT USE XYLENE

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve or a short nap for smooth Durabak.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied with the same roller after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

  -If there’s old carpet glue, no specific solvents are required to remove it, as roughing up with 40 grit, will remove most of the glue. Trace amounts of glue residue will normally not inhibit Durabak bonding to the properly prepped aluminum.

• Can I put Durabak on Painted Aluminum?

  You sure can!

  Aluminum Boat application
  – Painted Aluminum

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -80 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 80 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat using Durabak stipple roller sleeve.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied using a stipple roller sleeve after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• How do I put Durabak on my Aluminum Boat?

  If you are looking to coat bare Aluminum click here.

  If you are looking to coat painted Aluminum click here.

• How do I apply Durabak on my Fiberglass Boat? Over Gel coat?

  Fiberglass Boat application (also gel coat)

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.

  -40 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 40 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve, or a short nap roller for the smooth Durabak.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• How do I paint on Smooth Durabak for a good application?

  Truck Exterior Smooth Application prep
  (if uncoated- refer to Bare Metal guidelines)

  Equipment

  -Short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar

  -100 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 100 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat using a short nap roller.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied using a stipple roller sleeve after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• How do I put Textured Durabak on a Truck Bed or Car or Truck?

  Truck Bed or Exterior Textured application
  (if uncoated- refer to Bare Metal guidelines)

  Equipment

  -2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of gallon)

  -80 grit Sandpaper

  -Xylene (Xylol)

  -Stir stick or electric paint mixer

  -Roller Tray

  -Cloth or sturdy cotton rag

  -Paint Gloves

  -Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span

  -3M Blue tape (Optional)

  -Paint Respirator (Optional)

  Surface Prep

  -Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent

  -Rough up the surface with 80 grit sandpaper

  -Wipe down the surface with xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.

  Application Process

  -Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.

  -Then open can and stir well so that the rubber granules are suspended inside.

  -Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.

  -Roll on first coat using Durabak stipple roller sleeve.

  -Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.

  -Stir occasionally while working with the product.

  -Keep lid on can while not in use.

  Coverage

  1 gallon of textured Durabak covers roughly 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

  Good to Know

  -Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it.

  -The consistency of the Durabak should be drippy, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.

  -You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  -A second coat can be applied using a stipple roller sleeve after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.

  -After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.

  Additional Tips

  -Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.

  -Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.

  -If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied at taped off edges, then continue with general application of the second coat.

• Can products be dipped into Durabak for easier coating?

  Tools have been dipped into Durabak with some success, however, sagging would be a factor in other applications perhaps.

• Does Durabak coat over Sherwin Williams Exterior oil stain product?

  It should bond well but a test patch is always advisable to be safe.

• Would oil treated wood need to be primed?

  Oil treatment normally will inhibit bonding. Use a primer designed for it and compatible with polyurethane.

• Can I solvent epoxy primer be used on the metal before the Durabak application?

  Yes, a product like https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-UP230/ , is compatible with Durabak

• How does Durabak withstand petroleum products, like gasoline, oils, and transmission fluids?

  If properly maintained and cleaned, Durabak will do very well in these environments as it’s resistant to these chemicals. You would want to go with a darker color, though, like a black or dark grey. If there are issues in any specific spot, Durabak can easily be reapplied over itself for a clean finish.

• How does Durabak hold up to 6,000 lb forklifts riding over it?

  Assuming it’s rubber wheels, which most modern forklifts are, and that the driver isn’t constantly jerking the wheel back and forth on a specific spot, then it should hold up well. Durabak is used on many warehouse floors with forklifts going over it all the time and performs very well.

• Can Durabak be applied in direct sunlight?

  The Durabak-18 is fine when applied in direct sunlight. The substrate mustn’t be overly hot. If it’s in the 90’s you probably ought to wait until the evening when it’s a bit cooler.

• How does Durabak withstand nitric acid and other acids?

  Our urethane products are able to survive permanent immersion only at pH’s between 4 and 9. Which would be something that contains like 15% nitric max. Above that, it wouldn’t work with Durabak.

• What's the max substrate temp for a Durabak application?

  95 degrees F

• Can an epoxy be coated over Durabak?

  Yes, that should work fine, as Durabak can bond to an epoxy. Just make sure to rough up the Durabak aggressively, with like 30 grit.

• Can Durabak be applied over new fiberglass?

  The fiberglass should be fully cured before application of Durabak.

• How do you apply Duraflakes or add decorative items?

  Apply 1 coat of the color of your choice (can do 2 as well), when still wet, add the decorative pieces on top. Wait for it to completely dry and then coat it with 1 coat of clear).

• What should I do if Durabak starts to bubble over?

  This may happen in areas of very high humidity, like above 70%, (or possibly even less). You should stir the can for 10 minutes, and then let is sit for 10 minutes, and the bubbles should hopefully dissipate. If not, repeat, until the bubbles have settled. When pouring out into a tray or larger bucket, pour slowly. It’s also best to do your application earlier in the day or later in the day, when the humidity is lower.

• If the Durabak is tacky after a while, can I apply a 2nd coat?

  If the Durabak is tacky after a while, can I apply a 2nd coat?If it’s on the dry side of tacky, then you can. Meaning, if no paint comes off onto your hand when you touch it. However, you may want to use an accelerator in the 2nd coat when applying in order to facilitate a better curing on both coats.

• If the Durabak is still tacky after a few days, what should I do?

  Durabak needs 40% humidity to cure. So if it’s below 30% humidity, you should use an accelerator. If the application has already happened, then you should bring a humidifier into the room, you can also spray mist in the air- but just make sure not to get it on the surface with the Durabak, or you can put wet rags around the area.

• Will Durabak stick to HDPE, High Density Polyethylene?

  No. There will be no chemical bond to this material, only mechanical adhesion is possible. We have not had much success with polyethylene ever. Unless you can find a special primer that will provide adhesion, Durabak will be problematic. There is the possibility that, with some heavy sanding with a P100 or coarser sandpaper and a solvent wipe, sufficient adhesion will be obtained, but it’s definitely a challenge.

• What's the best prep and application for Durabak as an undercoat?

  It should be roughed up with 30 to 40 grit as well as possible and sprayed on with an undercoating gun.

• Can Durabak be applied directly onto thin carpet, like on a boat?

  It’s been done previously. The carpet should be dry and then it should bond extremely well.

• How do you prep the surface before a clear coating? If you rough up the surface, won't that be seen through?

  It depends on the surface. If being applied to wood, which is naturally rough, a light scuff, with no primer will do the job. If on a vinyl tile for example, you’ll need to be more rough, which wouldn’t make sense to do if it’s a designed tile… so really depends.

• If concerned that existing coating is peeling or flaking, does it all need to be stripped, or will Durabak seal the existing painted surface?

  It’s always best to apply Durabak to the most solid substrate as possible, so the entire surface should be stripped.

• Can Durabak be applied after a sulfuric acid wash on the aluminum?

  Aluminum should be primed regardless, so sulfuric acid wash and rinse followed by a aluminum etching primer.

• Can Durabak be applied over POR 15?

  Durabak is quite compatible with POR 15. Rough it up with 80 grit, wipe with xylene and apply Durabak.

  POR 15 is a popular protective coating for the industry and Durabak adds durability plus other features.

• Does Durabak bond to primed steel directly?

  Normally Durabak will bond to any primer with a light scuffing (80 or 100 grit). It’s always a good idea to do a test patch prior to the general application. Xylene is not used on primers.

• Can the Durabak be baked to either accelerate cure time, or in general, withstand the process if the substrate needs to be subjected to that?

  The company applying Durabak to Penske trucks applied Durabak to steel rectangles and suspended them from an overhead conveyor. They then ran them through a verticle heating mechanism (much like the old fashioned toasters) only the heating elements were from floor to ceiling. The Durabak was dry in 5 minutes. However, a trial must be done since the temperature can vary widely, and the time from when the Durabak is applied can also vary.

• Should xylene or a solvent be used on a surface before application of Metcote?

  The surface should be roughed up and cleaned well from all residue. A solvent doesn’t need to be used, but it’s not a problem to use, as long as it’s completely dry before metcote application

• If a primer was applied a while ago, can I just rough it up, and apply the Durabak?

  No, primer’s don’t work like paints, and they can’t just be roughed up and overcoated. One must follow the timeline provided by the primer for overcoating, and with Durabak one should target the beginning 1/3 time window.

• Does Durabak leach or let out pollutants when sitting in water?

  Once cured, Durabak doesn’t leach, so no pollutants.

• Do tires need to be rebalanced after being coated with Durabak?

  It is advised.

• Can Durabak be applied over the oil based Rustoleum?

  If the paint is sound on the surface, clean off surface dirt, rinse with water, score with an 80 grit sandpaper and coat. No primer is needed.That’s all!

• Can an air- powered gun be used with the smooth Durabak?

  An air-powered spray can be used with smooth. It will put more air into the product, but the coats can be thinner with a spray gun, so a defect-free coating can be achieved. Thin the product adequately with xylene, keep the coats thin and it will be fine.

• How are sample chips applied?

  Both smooth and textured sample chips are applied with a roller.

• Durabak 18 vs Durabak

  Durabak 18 lasts much longer before a maintenance coat is required -It dries faster -It does not yellow or fade.

• How do you prep cold rolled steel?

  1. Removal of the protective oil in which it is supplied by means of a solvent cleaning
  2. Application of a 2K epoxy primer according to manufacturer’s instructions (which may include a light sanding)
  3. Application of two successive coats of Durabak at a wet film thickness of 400 microns or alternatively 2 ½ square meters per litre. (which is approx. 100sq.ft per gallon – thin coat)

• How does Durabak bond to EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber?

  Durabak bonds very well to it. Our Safti trax are from EDPM, as well as the rubber samples we create.

• What's the HS code for import tax and tarif purposes?

  3208.90.90.4

• What's the required prep on cold rolled steel?

  If the cold rolled steel has been in use for a while and the protective layer of oil has been removed then a 2K aluminium primer would work, but some roughening is also required. If the coating goes right around the roller it should shrink on, which helps. An etching primer won’t bite into hardened steel, and would fail.

• My Durabak is very thick, do I have a bad batch?

  The consistency should be drippy (similar to maple syrup), as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a drippy form. If not, it may be a bad batch.

• Does Durabak act as a conductor of electricity?

  No, Durabak won’t conduct electricity, rather it will act as an insulator.

• How do I prepare my surface for Durabak?

  All surfaces must be clean, dry and rough. For specific surface preparation Consult your product manual or a Durabak™ representative. We have advanced guidelines for applying Durabak™ to a number of commonly used surfaces here.

• How do I test if my surface is ready for an application of Durabak?

  Before applying Durabak, always do a small test for adhesion:

  a. clean surface, rinse with water, and let dry

  b. roughen surface with 40-grit sandpaper

  c. wipe with Xylene, Aromatic 100 (ARO 100) or Oxsol 100 on a rag to remove any residue left from cleaning

  d. apply 1st coat of Durabak and let dry

  e. apply 2nd coat of Durabak and let dry for 2 days

  f. take a screwdriver and try to peel the Durabak off the surface

  g. if it comes up in small pieces, you have a good bond

  h. if it comes up in sheets, you need to re-prime according to manufacturer’s instructions

• What can I use to apply Durabak?

  Durabak can be applied with a spray gun, brush or roller. When rolling on the Durabak textured version use our special Stipple roller sleeve. For the smooth version, you can use any 3/16 Nap Mohair roller.

  When applying with a spray gun please see our Spray Application instructions for more information.

• Can Durabak be sprayed?

  Yes, textured can be sprayed with with most conventional spray equipment but it requires a large tip (1/4″) and should be thinned with Xylene approximately 10%.

  Smooth can use a standard spray gun with a tip size of .021″ – .023″. (21-23 thou.)

  Important- Ensure that the compressed air lines have efficient water traps. Wet compressed air will harden the Durabak in the gun.

  Be sure to wear a breathing mask with a filter when spraying Durabak.

• Spray Vs Rolling

  Spray provides a more even distribution of rubber granules, but it’s more challenging, and should only be done with some experienced with an undercoating or Shutz gun, which can be picked up at automotive store for $25. For smooth Durabak you can use a standard spray gun for application.

• How much coverage will I get with one GALLON of Durabak?

  A gallon of textured Durabak will cover approximately 50-60 square feet with 2 coats.

  A gallon of smooth Durabak will cover approximately 75-80 square feet with 2 coats.

  The coverage is dependent upon the surface porosity.

  1 gallon of textured will cover a 6′ short bed, including the floor, side, front panel and tailgate.

  While 1 gallon and 2 qt would be needed for an 8′ bed

  2 gallons of smooth will cover the outside of a truck in 2 coats.

  While 1 gallon will do an entire jeep in a double coating.

• How do I measure Square footage?

  Square footage is measured by multiplying the length of the project by the width of the project. For example: 10′ (length) x 6′ (width) = 60 sq ft

• How do I maintain and clean my Durabak?

  There's a great product for cleaning the paint and removing mildew/etc is Zep Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover. Spray on, scrub, rinse off. If your Durabak is turning cloudy and white you can use solvent based tire shine in a spray bottle.

• How much product should I purchase?

  One gallon for a 6′ pickup bed and two gallons for a long bed.

  One gallon covers approximately 50 to 60 sq ft with the standard two-coat application.

• Can I 'get away' with applying only one coat of Durabak?

  No, you should always apply 2 thin coats of Durabak. It is always better to apply more thin coats rather than 1 thick coat. This will keep the integrity of the urethane and will avoid trapping CO2 bubbles.

• Can I apply more than two coats of Durabak?

  Normally 2 thin coats will suffice. Additional thin coats can be added for more durability or water resistance, as long as they are applied in thin layers.

• What is the approximate thickness of two coats?

  Approximately 1/16th of an inch for textured (approx 24 mil) with 2 coats, and it’s negligible for smooth, it’s like a standard paint from a thickness perspective.

• How long do I need to wait between coatings?

  Durabak dries based on exposure to air and humidity. So in more humid environments, like Florida, the second coating can be applied within an hour, while it may require up to two hours in more dry climates like Colorado.

• I have some Durabak left over. How should I preserve it?

  Once a can of Durabak™ is opened you should use the entire contents since the product begins to cure with exposure to air. Durabak™ should not be resealed for future use.

  The only suggestion we can make, though, is you can transfer the remaining contents to a smaller container, so that it’s a full container, with minimum room for air, and then seal it up.

• What are the different versions of Durabak?

  Durabak comes in textured, smooth, indoor (Original Durabak) and outdoor (Durabak UV) versions. Durabak M26 is formulated for military use.

• Can I mix 2 colors of Durabak to achieve a custom color?

  Like versions of Durabak (Durabak 18 with Durabak 18 or Original Durabak with Original Durabak) can be mixed together to achieve a desired color. (NOTE: Original Durabak and Durabak 18 cannot be mixed together.)

  It is important to stir the contents of the can very well since shaking alone will not mix the contents thoroughly.

  Custom colors can be produced to any standard, given sufficient lead time and a minimum order of 75 gallons.

• Can I tint Durabak to achieve a custom color?

  Durabak can be tinted only with a non water-based paste pigment. (Adding a water-based pigment will cause a severe bubbling reaction with Durabak.) The Durabak would then have to be applied the same day since the Durabak would have been exposed to air and moisture causing the curing process to begin. It is important to stir the contents of the can very well since shaking alone will not mix the contents thoroughly. Custom colors can be produced to any standard, given sufficient lead time and a minimum order of 75 gallons.

• Does Durabak have tinted pigment?

  No we do not. Many customers do add a quart or two of the smooth Durabak to adjust the color.

  However, if they truly want to customize the color, some customers in the past have gone to an auto body shop to get a urethane tint.

  Durbak Company are not responsible for the results.

  The urethane tint must be compatible with a moisture-cured, one part polyurethane.

  Note- Durabak is initially made as a clear solution, and then has 250 grams of pigment added to it to achieve a specific color. To add tint, would require a significantly smaller dosage as you’re only modifying existing pigment, and not creating new. Certain colors are more difficult to tint, like white has lots of pigment, and therefore isn’t a great choice for tinting. (Dark Grey is good for tinting black, and sand/beige is good for tinting red)

• Can I use Chlorine or chlorine based cleaners on Durabak?

  No. Chlorine will fade the color in your Durabak and chlorine attacks the chemical composition of Durabak and will damage the coating.

• How do I clean Durabak coated surfaces?

  Durabak can be cleaned with most common household detergent and degreasers. Organic stains can be cleaned with a quaternary cleaner, but be sure to not use chlorinated cleaners (Clorox) as they may affect the color of Durabak. For more information please see our Care & Maintenance page.

• Does Durabak require a primer?

  In most cases Durabak products do not require a primer. A primer may be necessary for some metal applications. An adhesion test is always recommended (see above). Consult the Product Manual or a Durabak Company representative for more information.

• What's recommended for primers?

  For bare aluminum or bare metal, Zinc chromate is usually available at an industrial paint store. We do not have any test data regarding zinc chromate. It is simply based on past customer feedback that we recommend it. You can also use a metal etch primer that is compatible with polyurethane (Durabak is a moisture-cured, 1 part polyurethane). Durabak also has a primer (1 quart covers approximately 2 gallons worth of Durabak). Other urethane primers also work pretty well.

  For Fiberglass, a two part water based epoxy should be used.

• What is used to clean up or thin Durabak during application?

  Only use Solvide, Xylene, Aromatic 100 (ARO100), Fluidar or Oxall which can be obtained at coating/paint stores or hardware stores.

  Durabak can be thinned with up to 15% of Xylene, Aromatic 100 (ARO100) or Oxsol.

  The consistency of Durabak should be “Drippy” but not “runny”. Durabak is self leveling.

• How comfortable is Durabak on bare feet?

  Most people say it is comfortable as there is some “give” with the rubber tire granules and there are no sharp edges. You can even customize Durabak by adding smooth Durabak to the textured Durabak. For instance, if you add 1 gallon of smooth Durabak to 1 gallon of textured Durabak you will essentially have 50% less texture on your application.

  Of course smooth Durabak is totally smooth so there’s no question of comfort.

• What's the shelf life of Durabak?

  We highly recommend applying Durabak within 6 months of purchase, but will warranty an unopened can to be free of defects for up to 12 months. However new or old your can of Durabak is be sure to mix it really thoroughly before use as there are solids inside that may have separated out and sunk to the bottom of the can.

• Does Durabak come in 5 gallon containers?

  No, generally it does not. Five gallon containers can’t be sealed properly for this moisture cured product.

• What type of sandpaper should I use to roughen the surface?

  40 grit sandpaper should be used for preparing the substrate. This will give it enough of a profile so that the Durabak will attain a mechanical bond as well as a chemical bond. Use 80 grit sandpaper for overcoating Durabak.

• What are the temperature limits of Durabak?

  Durabak has been tested as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand continuous temperatures of 240 degrees Farenheit with no adverse reactions. It is recommended to apply Durabak in temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees Farenheit with humidity above 40%.

• Can I return unwanted/unused Durabak?

  Yes, within 30 days only if the can is unopened and in re-saleable condition. Customer will be charged the shipping and ‘Call Tag’ fees associated with the return. As per FedEx and UPS only a HazMat authorized shipper can ship Durabak which is why we must arrange for the Call Tag and shipping. All returns must be pre-approved by your Durabak Company representative.

• How does Durabak ship?

  We ship most orders within 1-2 business days via domestic ground carriers such as FedEx or UPS. For larger orders, usually 28 gallons or more, it may be feasible to use a truck line freight carrier. You can also request your own shipping method and we will try to oblige. Delivery charges are extra.

• How do I get additional information?

  You can e-mail or call us for a free brochure (be sure to specify color sample chip you would like to see).

• Can I apply Durabak if it's going to rain?

  Recommended to wait for a nice dry day, but if it is absolutely necessary to apply earlier, then at least have 6 hours after the second coat has been applied of day dry time.

• Does Durabak prevent rust?

  When the surface is rust free, Durabak’s tight bond will normally inhibit future rusting, if it’s properly double coated. Priming could help, but if there is rust prior to the application, customers should remove it using a chemical rust neutralizer prior to the application. That should be available at a local industrial paint or hardware store, such as Home Depot. No specific brand recommendation, just check the label for comments pertaining to timing and if there are any precautions about top coating.

• Does Durabak need to be cleaned? Will there be negative impacts like cracking or peeling if dirt isn't removed?

  Dirt won’t actually harm the product, so it is not more likely to crack when left dirty. It shouldn’t have any effect on whether it peels either.

• Can I apply Durabak to my warehouse floor?

  We would recommend doing samples tests in multiple areas of the warehouse before proceeding with a full application, as different areas may bond while others don’t. For example, some area may have oil, which would need to be removed with oil emulsifiers.

• Does Durabak run when applied on vertical surface? If coloring the body with 2 different colors, should it dry before applying 2nd color?

  Two colors can be applied either at the same time using a 3m blue tape to separate the 2, or you certainly can wait until until the first color dries before applying the second. Both options have worked well in the past.

• Is Durabak non heat absorbing? Will it prevent a boat from heating up?

  We don’t have any test data to determine that it is officially non heat absorbing. However, just naturally by putting a coating (in a light color) over bare aluminum it will have the effect of reducing the heat to the feet. Certainly you can apply an additional coat or two for additional cooling effect.

• Can I accelerate the drying process?

  Yes, Durabak offers an accelerator for both its UV and non-UV product, which accelerates the drying process by about 50%. (Non UV should strictly be used on the Durabak non UV, and vice versa)

• Is there any activator?

  No, Durabak is moisture-cured product, which means the air and the humidity in the air are the actual activator.

• Does the smooth leave brush strokes?

  Normally smooth goes on very nicely with a short nap roller (3/16″ mohair or similar). Generally speaking you will not see strokes but smooth is more sensitive than textured.

  The rubber granules make textured more forgiving and will not show strokes whereas smooth does require a little more skill and care by the person applying it.

• Do we offer next day shipping?

  No. Due to hazmat requirements, we only ship ground.

• Does Durabak ship to Alaska or Hawaii?

  Durabak is considered a HazMat product, which means it cannot be shipped by air.

  Therefore shipping to Alaska and Hawaii requires that it go by boat. That is a lot of extra cost.

  We will ship via regular ground transportation to Seattle (or LA for Hawaii). You will need to set up an account with a freight forwarder to have it shipped to you. Please be aware that it is expensive and takes time.

• Is Durabak heat resistant?

  Durabak will withstand 200°F. Durabak is fine as an undercoating but normally not near the exhaust pipe.

• How do I place an order? How do I place an order?

  You can purchase products directly from our secured shopping cart using MasterCard, VISA or Discover at DurabakCompany.com. Or you can give us a call at (303) 690-7190 to place an order.

• How do I set up a business account for ongoing orders?

  Please email our account manager, David@DurabakCompany.com

• Where can I find the batch #?

  Batch # can be used if your have quality issues, as we can check it against the sample that’s retained by the manufacturer. The batch # can be found on the bottom of the can- and will be on the side of the can soon as well.

• Does Durabak prevent rust?

  When the surface is rust free, Durabak’s tight bond will normally inhibit future rusting, if it’s properly double coated. Priming could help, but if there is rust prior to the application, customers should remove it using a chemical rust neutralizer prior to the application. That should be available at a local industrial paint or hardware store, such as Home Depot. No specific brand recommendation, just check the label for comments pertaining to timing and if there are any precautions about top coating.

• Does Durabak need to be cleaned? Will there be negative impacts like cracking or peeling if dirt isn't removed?

  Dirt won’t actually harm the product, so it is not more likely to crack when left dirty. It shouldn’t have any effect on whether it peels either.

• What's the life of the product?

  The life of the product will vary extensively. It will depend upon type of usage, weather conditions and a multitude of factors. As a bedliner exposed to heavy abuse perhaps 5 years…with light use perhaps 10 years. It can also be touched up as needed to extend the life. I usually tell customers that it could be 5, 10 or 15 years depending on use, but it’s impossible to specify the life. Textured is considered more durable so it is likely to last longer than smooth, but there’s no good way to put a time frame on either one.

• What's the shelf life of Durabak?

  We highly recommend applying Durabak within 6 months of purchase, but will warranty an unopened can to be free of defects for up to 12 months. However new or old your can of Durabak is be sure to mix it really thoroughly before use as there are solids inside that may have separated out and sunk to the bottom of the can.

• Can Durabak non-UV be used inside a van?

  Non UV should be fine inside of the van or enclosed trailer as long as exposure to UV rays from the Sun is kept to a minimum. Sunlight shining through darkened windows or when the doors are open is unlikely to cause fading… of course, no guarantees, anything is possible, and over time you will likely encounter some discoloration…

• Can Durabak be used to waterproof, like for an RV roof?

  Although, we don’t actually advertise Durabak as being waterproof, nor do we provide guarantees on it, many customers have used Durabak on RV roofs as it is “highly water resistant” and in just about all cases over the years it has done an excellent job. You probably should add a coat or two to give it additional water resistance.

• Can the surface be cleaned with bleach before applying Durabak?

  Yes, but the recommended prep procedure must still be followed subsequently, including roughing up the surface, and wiping it with xylene.

• Can I use Durabak on my Boat?

  Durabak is perfect for all types of boats, because of it’s exceptional non-slip properties Durabak is perfect to paint an Aluminum boat, of course Durabak is a great way to protect your Fibreglass boat or even the wood deck on your boat. You will need to roughen up the Aluminium boat and if the Aluminum boat isn’t painted it will need to be prepped with metal etching primer.

• Can Durabak be cleaned with bleach?

  No, we do not recommend using bleach to clean Durabak. Normally cleaners such as Spic n Span and other household cleaners will do the job. If your Durabak has become cloudy and white you can try using Quality Chemical's solvent based Tire Shine, it works wonders and makes Durabak look good as new.

• Does Durabak prevent Asbestos?

  When one uses a coating for encapsulating asbestos (or for that matter lead), an air quality test for asbestos should be performed by a certified technician. When Durabak is used for asbestos encapsulation, it seals the area. Since it is an impermeable membrane, no asbestos particles can escape. However, to certify that no asbestos escapes into the air, an outside agency would have to do that certification. Each application is case specific. Of course the effectiveness of the Durabak at sealing off the asbestos is dependent in large part on the application. Since Asbestos is a harmful material we recommend hiring professionals to remove all Asbestos and then apply Durabak on the area afterwards once all harmful chemicals have been completely removed.

• How do I remove mildew that's growing in Durabak?

  Mildew can sometimes develop when Durabak is applied in thicker coats, as when the CO2 releases on the bottom coat, it may get stuck and create a bubble, crevice area which mildew can grow in. #1 approach to remove it is a good household detergent. There are also mildew preventatives that can be added to Durabak at time of application, like anti bactericides. Beyond that you can try using a quaternary cleaner for mildew.

• What is M26?

  It provides a higher flashpoint than the regular Durabak. It meant for navy purposes, as they require it to be Mil Spec and Navy QPL (Qualified Product List)

• Is Durabak considered Hazardous material?

  Yes, it’s Class 3 hazardous. Not an issue with ground, but it prevents us from shipping air, and makes it difficult to do sea. If forwarding the freight, the forwarded will need to do hazmat paperwork for the sea.

  Hazmat classification is UN1263, PAINT, Class 3, PGIII

• What are box sizes?

  Regular box can fit 4 gallons- ~40lbs – 14in x 14in x 8in

  Qt box can fit 12 qt – 30 lbs- 15x11x8

• What color is the Metcote primer?

  Primer is beige, and there is no color choice

• What can be used as a substitute for xylene, in locations like California, where xylene can't be sold?

  Solvide can be used in California and Utah

• Can I use non-UV as an undercoat, and the UV Durabak as the 2nd coating?

  This is a good option for customers who are trying to save a little money. The results are the same and longevity is the same as well. However, make sure that the Non-UV is completely dry before applying the UV overcoat- not just the usual 1 hr between coats

• What's your return policy?

  Within 30 days, if the Durabak was never opened it can be returned, but we do not refund the initial shipping charge, and customer is responsible for the return shipping charge, which may include an extra call tag fee. There’s also a 20% restocking fee charge.

• Can Durabak be used to waterproof, like for an RV roof?

  Although, we don’t actually advertise Durabak as being waterproof, nor do we provide guarantees on it, many customers have used Durabak on RV roofs as it is “highly water resistant” and in just about all cases over the years it has done an excellent job. You probably should add a coat or two to give it additional water resistance.

• What is the Durabak aggregate?

  The rubber aggregate in Durabak is 16%, by weight

• Can I use Acetone to help prep the surface?

  No. It is not recommended to use Acetone, but in instances where there is no other alternative, you will have to make sure the Acetone is completely dried and there is none left, as it will damage the Durabak if they come in contact.

• Can this be applied on a water cooling tower?

  Yes, but be cautious regarding which aspects it’s being applied to. As it’s best not to apply Durabak where it may come into contact with drinking water

• Are sample chips single or double coated?

  The chips are not uniform. If you hold up a textured chip to the light and it appears to be see-through then it is only one coat. A two coat chip will also have more rubber granules in it so you can make that comparison as well. Two coats will look heavier, tougher and more durable. One coat will appear a bit light and flimsy.

• How many gallons on a pallet?

  There are 4 gallons per case, and 9 cases per row. Each pallet usually has 6 or 7 rows, for a total of between 216 – 252 gallons per pallet

• How does Safti-Trax work?

  It’s a 2×2 mat, with rubber domes that’s painted over with 3 coats of Durabak. There’s a strong glue adhesive that keeps it in place. And they can easily be cut with scissors to conform to a specific area, but aren’t designed to be peeled apart upon perforations

• Does the metal primer or zinc chromate need to be roughed up before applying Durabak?

  No. The aluminum or metal should be roughed up before applying the self etching primer, but the primer doesn’t need to be scuffed up before applying Durabak. However, in a fiberglass application, the 2 part water based epoxy should be roughed up before applying Durabak- and the fibreglass beneath, should be roughed up before applying the primer.

• Does Durabak prevent corrosion?

  As Durabak bonds so tightly to the surface, it helps prevent corrosion.

• How many gallons are produced from each batch?

  200 gallons

• Does Durabak bond to glass?

  Don’t think so. There may be a primer that’s compatible with both glass and Durabak, but would need to check.

• What's the shipment weight?

  Gallons	Lbs		Qts	Lbs
  1	12		1	4
  2	22		2	7
  3	32		3	10
  4	42		4	13

• Does Durabak prevent corrosion?

  As Durabak bonds so tightly to the surface, it helps prevent rust.

• How many rollers are needed for each gallon?

  We send out 2 rollers per gallon, but you’ll likely need at least 1 per gallon

• Can Durabak be applied to Marble?

  No, it doesn’t usually bond properly to marble.

• What's the difference between Bright red and Brick red?

  They are the same pigmentation, but different color rubber granules, which changes the darkness of the red when it’s mixed in.

• Are the textured and smooth of a single color, the same tint?

  The textured can be a slightly different pigment, as it contains either black or white rubber granules, which will make it darker or lighter. Additionally, the bumpiness creates shades, also giving a darker appearance.

• Are the color tints the same every year, if I want to touch up a job?

  Within a specific color, there certainly can be a slight variation in the color pigment, as no 2 batches are created equally. But the difference isn’t usually noticeable.

• What's your return policy?

  Within 30 days, if the Durabak was never opened it can be returned, but we do not refund the initial shipping charge, and customer is responsible for the return shipping charge, which may include an extra call tag fee. There’s also a 20% restocking fee charge.

• Is the only difference between UV and non-UV aesthetics?

  If non UV is applied indoors without exposure to sun then it will perform just as well as outdoor UV Durabak-18 and there is no difference.

  If non UV is applied outdoors with exposure to sun then it will not only be an aesthetics issue by fading, but the urethane will actually degrade and it will not hold up to wear.

• Is Gluvit Epoxy sealer compatible with Durabak?

  No, unless 1st coated by Epifanes Multi Marine Primer before applying Durabak. Procedure as follows:

  1. Prep boat surface: Sand, Acetone, Soap Water and dry thoroughly. Make any repairs with larger holes, rot around drain, etc. sand and clean.

  2. Apply Gluvit (epoxy sealer) and let cure for 7-14 days based on current humidity (60’s during day and 40-50’s at night).

  3. Epoxy will cure with a “amine blush” residue that will surface after full cure. This will require acetone cleaning, soap water scrub down, dry and then follow with a 120 grit sanding, soap water and dry again.

  4. Marine primer then can be applied, cure for 2-4 days, sand with 320 grit, apply 2nd coat, sand again with 320, wipe down with a denatured alcohol and lint free towel which will help remove any moisture remaining in the primer.

  5. Apply Durabak final coat(s).

• Can Durabak be applied over Rhino Liner?

  Yes, with proper surface prep- 40 grit and wipe with xylene- Durabak should bond to most other bedliners.

• Can I apply Durabak if it's going to rain?

  Recommended to wait for a nice dry day, but if it is absolutely necessary to apply earlier, then at least have 6 hours after the second coat has been applied of day dry time.

• How should Durabak be rolled on?

  It can be rolled on the same way you would roll on paint, and you can go back and forth. For best results, you can roll on the 2nd coat at a 45 degree angle, but it’s not necessary.

• How should an existing after market bedliner be prepped for Durabak?

  Durabak should bond to most other bedliners with the 40 grit roughing and xylene wipe. However, it may not bond to every liner.

• Can I use Durabak for the ground of a pool, or the underside of a boat?

  Durabak wasn’t made to remain submerged under water. Even for application around a pool, it’s better not to use Durabak, unless you’re using a chlorine substitute, otherwise the chlorine will attack the polyurethane. On exterior of boats, it can be applied on the areas above the water line

• How much does Durabak cost?

  Prices start at $89.95 per gallon

• What size containers does it come in?

  One Gallon & One Quart

• What is the square foot coverage?

  One gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 50 to 60 square feet with two coats. In general one gallon of Durabak is enough to cover a standard 6 foot truck bed with two coats. Smooth Durabak covers roughly 75 to 80 square feet with a two coat application.

• How do I measure square footage?

  Square footage is measured by multiplying the length of the project by the width of the project. For example: 10′ (length) x 6′ (width) = 60 sq ft.

• How much product should I purchase?

  One gallon for a 6′ pickup bed and two gallons for a long bed. One gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 50 to 60 sq ft with the standard two-coat application.

• Can the product be resealed?

  Once a can of Durabak™ is opened you should use the entire contents since the product begins to cure with exposure to air. Durabak™ should not be resealed for future use.

• Are two coats necessary?

  Yes, two coats or Durabak is the minimum for an effective application.

• What is the thickness of two coats?

  Two coats of Durabak is approximately 1/16th of an inch thick.

• Can more than two coats be applied?

  Yes, as long as they are applied in thin layers. You can build up many layers, just wait until the last layer is touch dry before adding the next coat and make sure all coats are thin at approx. 1/32″ thickness.

• To what surfaces can Durabak™ be applied?

  Durabak™ can be applied to concrete, metals, wood, fiberglass, rubber, tiles, plastic and more. While Durabak sticks to plastic, and bonds with carbon fiber, if you are down to the bare metal you need to add a metal etching primer for the Durabak to adhere to the metal properly. Durabak sticks really well to concrete and can be applied over paint to make all sorts of things super durable.

• What surface preparation is required?

  All surfaces must be clean, dry and rough. For specific surface preparation, consult your product manual or a Durabak™ representative.

• Does it require primer?

  In most cases Durabak does not require a primer. Primer may be necessary for some metal applications, consult your product manual or a Durabak™ representative.

• How do I apply Durabak to ...

  Durabak can be applied to all sorts of surfaces and materials, we’ve created a fairly comprehensive guide with instructions for sticking Durabak to all sorts of things – here’s the link with the info you need.

• What is used to clean up or thin Durabak™ during application?

  Xylene, which can be obtained at coating stores (e.g. Sherwin-Williams) or hardware stores.

• Can Durabak™ be sprayed?

  Yes, with most conventional spray equipment but it requires a large tip (1/4″) and should be thinned with Xylene approximately 10%. Be sure to wear a breathing mask with a filter when spraying Durabak.

• How do I order and pay for the order?

  You can purchase products directly from our secured shopping cart using MasterCard, VISA or Discover. Or give us a call at (303) 690-7190.

• How do I get additional information?

  You can contact us for a free brochure and sample chips, or you can call us at (303) 690-7190.

• What is delivery time?

  Usually 5-10 business days, depending on your location. We ship from our warehouse in NJ.

• What's the shelf life of Durabak?

  We highly recommend applying Durabak within 6 months of purchase, but will warranty an unopened can to be free of defects for up to 12 months. However new or old your can of Durabak is be sure to mix it really thoroughly before use as there are solids inside that may have separated out and sunk to the bottom of the can.

• What are the color names for the various colors of Durabak?

  Everyone’s screens are slightly different so we have scanned in the color chips with white balance to try and get the most accurate color name. You can highlight the name and google it, you will probably find that the screen on your smartphone is much better color calibrated than your computer.

  Dark Blue – “Signal Blue” RAL 5005

  Light Blue – “Jordy Blue”

  Cream – “Lemon Chiffon”

  Sand – is either a slightly darker “Ecru White” or light “Sourdough”

  Yellow – “School Bus Yellow”

  Red – “Fire Brick”

  Forest Green – ‘Zucchini”

  Tan – “Apache”

  Olive Green – “Tom Thumb”

  Orange – “Scarlet”

  Dark Grey- “Grey 40%”

  Light Grey – “White Pointer”

  Brown – “Saddle Brown”

  You can see pictures of lots of Durabak applications sent in to us from our customers here -

  https://www.durabakcompany.com/pages/pictures-ideas

• Can Metcote be used on painted areas, if there are some painted areas next to the bare metal?

  It’s not recommended, as the Metcote would eat through it.

• Which colors have white rubber in them?

  White, cream, light grey and bright red

• What primer is needed on steel?

  Steel is normally already rough, so not much prep is required, maybe a bit roughing and wipe down with xylene.

• Can acetone be used to prep the surface before applying Durabak?

  Acetone can be used to clean the surface, but it must be completely evaporated before applying over it, and should be washed off and let to dry before applying the Durabak. It may not be a good idea to apply on very porous surfaces like concrete, etc. It should also not be mixed in with the Durabak.

• What's the level of fire resistance for Durabak?

  The flamer spread is ASTM E-162 Classification 1, which is the highest level of flame resistance.

  For added fire resistance you can purchase CeaseFire which is an additive that can be mixed into the Durabak for added fire resistance.

• Can Durabak be applied over varnished wood?

  Varnish is usually a type of polyurethane, so it should bond well if roughed up properly.

• The Durabak popped right up after applying it over zinc chromate- what went wrong?

  Durabak shouldn’t be applied just 30 minutes after putting down the chromate, but time must be given for the chromate to react on the metal. 24 – 36 hrs would be a recommended wait time before overcoating with Durabak.

• What solvent is used in Durabak?

  Fluidar.

• Does Durabak bond to Methyl Methacrylate flooring (MMA)? BASF has a product called Degadur will it bond?

  Yes, Durabak will bond nicely with some light sanding, a solvent wipe down and then immediate application.

• Why is there bleeding through on 2 coats of Durabak from the below caulking?

  The caulking compound must contain something like bitumen which bleeds through. The solution is to add just 2% of mica powder to the Durabak 18. Mica forms platelets which prevent bleed- through.

  If you can get hold of some mica and add about 20g per quart or 80g per gallon of D18 that would solve it without the need for a primer. This may be too much to ask, so you’ll need to find a locally available primer that contains mica or something similar that has blocking characteristics.

  Whatever it is that is bleeding through will get through any organic film whether it be epoxy, acrylic or urethane. Only by adding some inert, inorganic filler powder will one prevent this.

• What is the Durabak Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF)?

  When dry, the average SCOF for both smooth and textured Durabak is 1.1, while wet they are both actually 1.2 on average.

  .5 is considered anti-skid, and the US Navy requires .6, so Durabak has far superior anti-skid than required.

• How does Durabak hold up to heavy foot traffic, how many coats would be recommended?

  Assuming, it’s not a very porous surface 2 coats will do the job. Durabak holds up very well against heavy foot traffic. It was actually used by the Long Island railroad, on a platform that sees 80,000 people walk over it daily, and it was only a 2 coat application, which held up very well.

• How can I remove the glossy sheen to create a more matte finish?

  There are two ways:

  If choosing the sandpaper route it would be a fine P400 paper.

  However the better way is adding a fine powder like talc. About 10% by weight would make it matte.

  Ensure it is dry and have some xylene on hand to thin it because it will cause some thickening.

  If it is a textured Durabak version the sandpaper won’t work

• Should xylene or a solvent be used on a surface before application of Metcote?

  The surface should be roughed up and cleaned well from all residue. A solvent doesn’t need to be used, but it’s not a problem to use, as long as it’s completely dry before metcote application

• If a primer was applied a while ago, can I just rough it up, and apply the Durabak?

  No, primer’s don’t work like paints, and they can’t just be roughed up and overcoated. One must follow the timeline provided by the primer for overcoating, and with Durabak one should target the beginning 1/3 time window.

• Can Durabak be applied over the oil based Rustoleum https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/professional/high-performance-protective-enamel/?

  If the paint is sound on the surface, clean off surface dirt, rinse with water, score with an 80 grit sandpaper and coat. No primer is needed.That’s all!

• Why would rust be forming on the Durabak when it was applied on a rust free surface?

  The only thing that would cause the rust would be moisture in those areas. What could cause the moisture?
  1. water being trapped below the Durabak when it was applied. or,
  2. no water being trapped below the Durabak, but entering from channels created in the Durabak after it was cured. This could happen if it was applied too thick in those areas and CO2 gas was slow to release and created channels.

  The solution, I believe is to sand down those rusted areas to the steel and apply two very thin coats of Durabak with a small paint brush.

• Can I Paint Durabak on rust?

  When applying Durabak over a rusty surface, proper prep is essential, if the rust isn’t dealt with adequately it will continue to spread underneath the Durabak!

  First of all you have to remove any lose and flaky rust entirely, so that you only have hardened surface rust.

  You’ll need to isolate the rust and seal it with a chemical rust neutralizer that will turn it black, like SEM’s Rust Stop.

  The Rust neutralizer will act as a primer, so you won’t need any further primer on top of that, and you can paint Durabak straight onto the Rust treatment during the first 1/3rd of the time they recommend to overcoat. Be sure that the Rust neutralizer you use is polyurethane compatible, most of them are polyurethane based so it shouldn’t be a problem.

• Can Durabak be applied to the axles?

  Durabak can withstand up to 250 degrees of heat, so it should be fine on both front and back axles. However, due to its tight bond, there is a possibility that it can cause the axles to overheat, as the heat can’t be released as easily- but we haven’t heard of any issue of that nature.

• How does Durabak hold up to snow and salt?

  Durabak is fine with snow and salt.

• How do you clean Durabak and keep it looking fresh?

If your Durabak is turning cloudy and white you can use solvent based tire shine in a spray bottle.