DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer

One of the most frustrating problems faced by homeowners is the constant battle against wet basement walls. But it doesn't have to be that way, thanks to DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer from United Gilsonite Laboratories.

DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer protects basement walls and other masonry surfaces from the damaging effects of water penetration. It seals porous masonry walls above and below ground to hold back the flow of water, even under pressure, and helps keep basements dry. DRYLOK® penetrates tiny pores in the masonry to form a watertight coating that stops leaks. DRYLOK® will stop water from penetrating the inside of basement walls even during the most torrential downpours outside.

Widely respected as the premier waterproofing product in the home maintenance industry, DRYLOK® has been used successfully on basements, retaining walls, foundations, cisterns, swimming pools, fishponds and water tanks.

FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM
Homeowners must remember that a wet basement wall might be a symptom of a larger problem. Water may be coming from a variety of sources such as leaky downspouts or gutters, blocked drainage pipes, improper grading or ruts that direct ground runoff toward foundations. Correcting these problems, combined with the application of a quality waterproofing paint, is the best way to prevent masonry surfaces from leaking.
Similarly, it is necessary to find out if seepage or condensation causes the wet walls. This can be determined by performing a simple test. Tape a one foot square piece of aluminum foil tightly to an interior basement wall and remove it after several days. If the room side is wet, the problem is condensation and a dehumidifier should be used. If the wall side of the foil is wet, there is seepage. Remember that both problems can occur at the same time.
There are two main parts of any waterproofing job: surface preparation and application of the waterproofer itself.

SURFACE PREPARATION
As in any painting job, surface preparation is a critical step. Loose or broken mortar, dirt, dust and other foreign matter should always be removed before putting on a new coat of paint.
Before applying the waterproofer, clean the surface thoroughly. DRYLOK® works best when applied to a clean, bare masonry surface. It may be applied on a slightly damp surface but best results are obtained when applied over a dry surface. DRYLOK® should never be used on a wet surface.
Remove old paint by wire brushing, sandblasting or other suitable means. DRYLOK®Etch or muriatic acid should be used to rid the surface of efflorescence, white, crystal-like salt deposits that prevent the waterproofer from sticking to the surface. Holes should be patched with DRYLOK® Fast Plug® or a hydraulic cement.
Another area that may be overlooked as a source of water seepage is the floor/wall joint. Normally, when concrete floors cure, they shrink and pull away from the wall, allowing a space for water to enter. That's why it's necessary to seal all gaps between floor and walls with DRYLOK® Fast Plug®. Clean the area and wash with water prior to sealing.

APPLYING THE WATERPROOFER
Now, you're ready to apply DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer to your basement walls. For best results, apply the first coat with a nylon or polyester bristle brush. The second coat can be applied with a brush or masonry roller. Work DRYLOK® thoroughly into the pores of the masonry. For optimum bonding, apply to a dry surface.
After using the first gallon, measure the area covered. It should be about 75 to 100 square feet. If it's more than this, you're spreading the DRYLOK® too thin.
Apply a second coat over the entire wall surface. If seepage is still present after several days, tiny pores or pinholes are still open. Apply an additional coat to these areas.
When applying DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer in a closed area, such as a basement, be certain there is good airflow. Open windows and use an exhaust fan to provide adequate ventilation. In places where good cross ventilation is not possible, or if you are sensitive to solvent odors, we recommend using Latex Base DRYLOK®. Do not apply DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer if the temperature of the air or the surface to be painted is less than 50º F. Do not apply to floors since DRYLOK® is not formulated to withstand foot traffic.

DRYLOK® Concrete Floor Paint

INTERIOR CONCRETE
Surfaces must be clean and free from dirt, dust, grease, oil, soap, wax and oily film left by sweeping compounds. Wash the surface thoroughly using a strong solution of UGL® MEX® All-Purpose Cleaner or a heavy duty detergent until the surface is clean. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Remove all loose or flaking paint by wire brushing or scraping. Dull all glossy, painted surfaces with sandpaper.
For masonry surfaces subject to HEAVY use, highly troweled or extremely smooth concrete, treat with DRYLOK® ETCH or muriatic acid, according to manufacturer's directions, before applying DRYLOK® Concrete Floor Paint. A properly etched surface should look and feel like fine sandpaper. If surface remains smooth, repeat the etching procedure until the surface has the proper texture.
Note: Do Not use UGL® DRYLOK® Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser or DRYLOK® Etch on painted surfaces.

APPLICATION
Interior Concrete
Stir thoroughly before and during application. For unpainted surfaces, first coat should be thinned with 1 pint of water per gallon of paint. For previously painted surfaces, apply paint full strength. The first coat should be brushed thoroughly into the surface. Apply the second coat full strength as it comes from the can. The second coat may be applied by brush or roller. For best results, apply two coats. Allow 4 hours drying time between coats.

SURFACE PREPARATION
Garage Floors and Exterior Concrete

SWEEP ALL SURFACES THOROUGHLY
The key to any successful floor paint application is surface preparation. Sweep the surface thoroughly and vacuum all dust. DRYLOK® Concrete Floor Paint must be applied to bare concrete. All previous coatings must be removed using a chemical remover or abrator.

CLEAN WITH DRYLOK® CONCRETE CLEANER & DEGREASER
The surface must be clean and free from dirt, dust, grease, oil, soap, wax, and the oily film left by seeping compounds. Any stains on the surface should be removed using UGL® DRYLOK® Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser or a heavy duty detergent. For tougher stains, apply the Cleaner & Degreaser again, let stand 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush or broom and rinse with water.

ETCH THE SURFACE WITH DRYLOK® ETCH OR MURIATIC ACID
The texture or "feel" of the concrete is very important. Treat smooth or highly troweled concrete surfaces with DRYLOK® ETCH or muriatic acid according to manufacturer's directions. A properly prepared concrete surface should look and feel like fine sandpaper. If the concrete surface remains smooth, repeat the etching procedure. This step will improve the adhesion of the paint to the surface.

APPLICATION
Garage Floors and Exterior Concrete
Stir DRYLOK® Concrete Floor Paint thoroughly before and during application. The first coat should be thinned with 1 pint of water per gallon of paint. Brush the first coat into the surface. This is important for a good "bite." Allow to dry 4 hours.
Apply a second coat of DRYLOK® Concrete Floor Paint full strength as it comes from the can.
The second coat may be brushed or rolled.
The floor may be subjected to light foot traffic after 4 hours, heavy foot traffic after 24 hours and automobiles after 5 days.
Note: When air and surface temperatures are below 65F, and/or the relative humidity is above 50%, the drying time will be extended.
For garage floor applications, you must apply a high quality paste wax to the areas where car tires will make contact and come to rest. Reapply wax as necessary.

CLEAN UP
Brushes and rollers are easy to clean after using DRYLOK® Concrete Floor Paint. Simply wash with warm soapy water.

COVERAGE
Depending upon the surface, one quart will cover up to 125-sq. ft., one gallon up to 500-sq. ft.