Weather Conditions:
A basic “rule of thumb” is to apply during moderate temperatures when humidity and dew point levels are low. If it is expected to rain within 24 hours of application, postpone your project until weather conditions improve. If you need to store the product until a later date do not store in direct sunlight/high temperatures or allow the product to freeze. For more specific details please contact us by phone or email listed below.
Clean and Prep:
Gently brush out any stains with a soft bristle brush or rag using Rainguard Cleaner/Prep. If you plan on pressure washing, make sure to remove stains with Cleaner/Prep first. Once the surface is clean, make sure to let it dry until it is “bone dry”. This will allow the sealer to absorb deep into the surface for maximum protection. Think of your surface as a sponge. A wet sponge will not be able to absorb as much as a dry sponge.
Protect anything you don’t want sealed by moving it out of the way or covering it with a tarp or drop cloth (including your and/or the neighbors car). All Rainguard Premium Project Sealers are eco-friendly and safe for people, pets, and plants. A small amount of overspray on your plants or grass will not effect them. However, sometimes large leaf plants will show droplets from overspray, so you may want to move or cover them up before application.
Mixing:
READY TO USE products (white bottle) can be shaken lightly before use to disperse any settled material.
CONCENTRATES (black bottle) are the best value and mixing is simple. 1. For Eco-Pods or concentrates that make 1 gallon, empty the contents directly into a 1 gallon hand pump garden sprayer and fill with clean water. Mix lightly to disperse material. 2. For the quart concentrate that “makes 2 gallons”, empty the contents of the quart into an empty 5 gallon pail then add clean water to the 2 gallon mark. Mix lightly. Note: If there is no 2 gallon mark visible, first add 2 gallons of water into the empty 5 gallon pail and mark the water level with a sharpie marker. 3. For the quart that “makes 5 gallons”, empty the contents of the quart into an empty 5 gallon pail then fill with clean water. Mix lightly.
Application:
Always apply at least 2 (two) heavy coats of sealer to your surface. Older surfaces may require more than two coats, depending on surface porosity. Once the first coat is dry to the touch apply the second saturation coat. When the second coat is completely dry you can now put any decor, furniture etc. back on the treated surface.
Vertical Surfaces:
Spray starting at the top of the surface allowing the product to saturate and drip heavily before moving onto the next spot. Slowly spray in a horizontal cross hatch motion, maintaining at least a 6-inch drip or run down.
Horizontal Surfaces:
Spray the product until it starts to pool up slightly. You will know enough is applied in any given spot when the product starts to pool (puddle) up with a milky-white color. Although the puddling will dissipate slowly into the pores, you may wish to back roll or brush out puddles for a faster dry time.
For small areas such as bannisters: USING A BRUSH IS NOT RECOMMENDED. You may use a 1/4” nap roller, making sure roller is soaking wet and apply 3 coats per one spray coat (meaning a total of 6 coats rolled to equal two coats sprayed).
IMPORTANT: Avoid letting any water to come in contact with your newly sealed surface for 24 hours. After full cure time is achieved (approximately 4-5 days at 75° F) you can expect the full beading effect. Wait to test water repellency after the full chemical cure period. To conduct a test, simply drip some water in a few places where you have sealed the surface. If the drips make the surface darken, this is an indication that it is still absorbing, meaning you need to apply another coat. (This issue is most common with older surfaces).
Clean-Up:
Rainguard Water Sealers uses a water based formula. Simply rinse out equipment with clean water until it runs clear. Any undesired over-spray on windows or glass can be immediately wiped off with a clean cloth. If the product has already dried it can be washed off quickly with a clean cloth, warm water, and a mild soap.
Anything we missed? Call us at 949-515-8800, chat is also available on the lower right side of this page, or email us: info@rainguard.com
