Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I prepare my surface for Durabak?
2. How do I test if my surface is ready for an application of Durabak?
4. What can I use to apply Durabak?
5. How much coverage will I get with one GALLON of Durabak?
6. How much coverage will I get with one QUART of Durabak?
7. Can I 'get away' with applying only one coat of Durabak?
8. Can I apply more than two coats of Durabak?
9. I have some Durabak left over. How should I preserve it?
10. What are the different versions of Durabak?
11. Can I mix 2 colors of Durabak to achieve a custom color?
12. Can I tint Durabak to achieve a custom color?
13. How do I clean Durabak coated surfaces?
14. Does Durabak require a primer?
15. What is used to clean up or thin Durabak during application?
16. How comfortable is Durabak on bare feet?
17. What is the shelf life of Durabak products?
18. What is Durazzo/Duraflakes?
19. Does Durabak come in 5 gallon containers?
20. What type of sandpaper should I use to roughen the surface?
21. What are the temperature limits of Durabak?
22. Can batch colors vary from 1 batch to another? How about from sample swatch to batch?
23. Can I return unwanted/unused Durabak?
25. Who may I speak with for more technical assistance?
1. How do I prepare my surface for Durabak?
Please see our Surface Prep Guide
2. How do I test if my surface is ready for an application of Durabak?
Before applying Durabak, always do a small test for adhesion:
- clean surface, rinse with water, and let dry
- roughen surface with 40-grit sandpaper
- wipe with Xylene, Aromatic 100 (ARO 100) or Oxsol 100 on a rag to remove any residue left from cleaning
- apply 1st coat of Durabak and let dry
- apply 2nd coat of Durabak and let dry for 2 days
- take a screwdriver and try to peel the Durabak off the surface
- if it comes up in small pieces, you have a good bond
- if it comes up in sheets, you need to re-prime according to manufacturer's instructions
3. How do I apply Durabak?
Please see our Application Instructions
4. 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.
5. How much coverage will I get with one GALLON of Durabak?
A gallon of textured Durabak will cover approximately 60 square feet with 2 coats. A gallon of smooth Durabak will cover approximately 65 square feet with 2 coats. The coverage is dependent upon the surface porosity.
6. How much coverage will I get with one QUART of Durabak?
A quart of textured Durabak will cover approximately 15 square feet with 2 coats. A quart of smooth Durabak will cover approximately 17 square feet with 2 coats. The coverage is dependent upon the surface porosity.
7. 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. For special circumstances please Contact Us.
8. 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.
9. I have some Durabak left over. How should I preserve it?
Fill a separate container such as a mayonnaise or mason jar. Clean the rim off and seal it well, then store in a cool dry place. This may extend the life of your Durabak.
10. What are the different versions of Durabak?
Durabak comes in textured, smooth, indoor (Original Durabak) and outdoor (Durabak 18) versions. Durabak M26 is formulated for military use.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. How do I clean Durabak coated surfaces?
Durabak can be cleaned with anything from a household detergent to a degreaser. Organic stains can be cleaned with a quatinary cleaner. Do not use chlorinated cleaners (Clorox) as they may affect the color of Durabak. For more information please see our Care & Maintenance page.
14. Does Durabak require a primer?
In most cases Durabak products do not require a primer. A primer may be necessary for some applications. An adhesion test is always recommended (see #2 above). Consult the Product Manual or a Durabak Depot representative for more information.
15. What is used to clean up or thin Durabak during application?
Only use 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 levelling.
16. 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.
17. What is the shelf life of Durabak products?
We guarantee Durabak products for 1 year from the date of purchase if it is unopened. Please remember that Durabak is a moisture cured product that will start to cure when it's exposed to air.
18. What is Durazzo/Duraflakes?
A decorative application using different color paint flakes on Durabak. For more info, please consult with a Durabak Depot representative.
19. 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. For special large orders with sufficient lead time, we can arrange for it.
20. 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.
21. 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%.
22. Can batch colors vary from 1 batch to another? How about from sample swatch to batch?
Because Durabak is hand-made at our factory in South Africa there does exist the possibility of a 10% variance in color. There can indeed be a variance from one batch to the next as well as a variance from color swatch to the actual Durabak received. We do try to send the same batch for all cans in an order but that is not always possible.
23. 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 Depot representative.
24. 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.
25. Who may I speak with for more technical assistance?
Always e-mail any questions to our site, and someone will get back to you. If the question or answer needs more input, add your telephone number so we can call you.