Applying Dicor Paint To Your Roof: A Step-By-Step Guide

how do i put dicor paint on roof

Dicor paint is a unique, specially formulated acrylic coating designed to protect and enhance the aesthetics of RV roofs. Dicor's roof coating system consists of two parts: the Cleaner/Activator and the Acrylic Coating. Before applying Dicor paint to your roof, it is important to thoroughly clean and prepare the surface. This includes removing any dirt, debris, and contaminants that may prevent adhesion. Once the surface is clean and dry, you can apply the Dicor Cleaner/Activator, which chemically alters the roof surface to ensure proper adhesion of the subsequent coats of Acrylic Coating. After the Cleaner/Activator has been applied and dried, you can proceed with applying the Dicor Acrylic Coating, which should be done in a minimum of two coats.

How to put Dicor paint on a roof

Characteristics Values
Roof Preparation Remove heavy deposits of dirt, leaves, pine needles, and other debris using a broom or air blower. Any rocks or other large objects should also be removed.
Roof Condition Roof must be in good condition.
Roof Colour After cleaning, the roof should be "white" in colour, indicating that the surface has been chemically altered.
Masking Use masking tape to mask off roof edging to enable coating to be applied with a clean, straight edge. Also, mask other surfaces where coating should not be applied.
Cleaning Clean the roof with Dicor Cleaner/Activator or Dicor Fiberglass Clean & Prep. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
Surface Preparation Prepare the surface by rubbing with fine steel wool or sandpaper to provide a slightly abraded surface to which the coating will adhere.
Mixing Thoroughly mix the contents of the paint for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to application.
Application Dicor Acrylic Coating shall be applied in a minimum of 2 coats at a rate of 1 gallon per 125 sq. ft. per coat. Allow each coat to dry for 12 to 24 hours before applying the next coat.
Tools Dicor Acrylic Coating may be applied by roller or brush.
Curing Dicor Acrylic Coating requires complete evaporation of water to cure. Cool temperatures and high humidity may slow down the curing process. Do not apply if weather conditions will not permit a complete cure before rain, dew, or freezing temperatures occur.
Clean-up Clean brushes, tools, and other equipment with soapy water immediately after use. Dried film is difficult to remove from any surface.

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Preparing the roof surface

Firstly, it is essential to remove any heavy deposits of dirt, leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the roof. This can be done using a broom or an air blower. Ensure that any rocks or other large objects are also cleared from the surface. The roof must be in good condition before proceeding.

Next, focus on cleaning the surface more thoroughly. Use Dicor's Cleaner Activator, a low-viscosity pink liquid, to chemically alter the EPDM surface and create a strong bond for the subsequent coats of acrylic coating. This step is crucial for effective roof preparation and adhesion. Make sure to follow the instructions on the Cleaner/Activator product for proper application.

After applying the Cleaner/Activator, remove any remaining loose dirt, oil, rust, chalk, mildew, loose coating, or other contaminants that could prevent maximum adhesion of the Dicor paint. For a fiberglass roof, use Dicor's Fiberglass Clean & Prep product, and for other roof types, use a suitable cleaning agent to ensure the surface is thoroughly cleaned. Rinse the roof with water to remove any residue and allow the surface to dry completely.

Once the roof is clean and dry, prepare the surface by lightly rubbing it with fine steel wool or sandpaper. This step will create a slightly abraded texture, enhancing the adhesion of the Dicor paint. Ensure that you cover all joints and roof seams with Dicor's Coating Ready Cover Tape, which is a polyester fleece-backed seam sealing tape. It is also important to mask off roof edging and other surfaces where you do not want the coating to be applied using masking tape.

Before proceeding with the application of the Dicor paint, ensure that the roof surface is completely dry and frost-free. Additionally, check the weather conditions and ensure that no rain, dew, or freezing temperatures are expected within the curing time, as this may affect the curing process and the stability of the Dicor Acrylic Coating.

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Using Dicor's Cleaner/Activator

Dicor's Part 1 Cleaner/Activator is a low-viscosity, pinkish liquid that chemically alters the EPDM surface to which it is applied. It creates a "lock and key" effect with the subsequent two coats of acrylic coating. The cleaner/activator must be used to ensure proper adhesion of the coating.

Before using the cleaner/activator, the roof must be cleaned of any heavy deposits of dirt, leaves, pine needles, and other debris. This can be done using a broom or air blower. Any rocks or other large objects should also be removed. The roof must be in good condition, with any deteriorated or damaged substrates repaired or replaced.

The cleaner/activator must be thoroughly mixed for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to application. It can then be applied to the roof surface, which must be free of residue or loose particles. The surface should be completely dry and frost-free before proceeding with the coating.

After applying the cleaner/activator, it must be removed by power washing prior to the application of the acrylic coating. The entire coating process, including the cleaner/activator and two coats of acrylic coating, must be completed in one day, with each layer drying before proceeding to the next.

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Applying Dicor Acrylic Coating

Dicor Acrylic Coating is a high-solids acrylic elastomer coating system that can be used to enhance the aesthetics and renew the surface of existing RV roofs. It has superior weatherability, ultraviolet resistance, fire retardancy, elongation, flexibility, adhesion, and ease of application. The Dicor Acrylic Coating System is an excellent protective elastomeric barrier that will add beauty and years to your RV.

Before applying Dicor Acrylic Coating, ensure that the roof is clean and free of any residue, loose particles, degraded substrate, grease, oil, dirt, or other contaminants. Use a broom or air blower to remove heavy deposits of dirt, leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Any rocks or other large objects should also be removed. The roof must be in good condition, with any deteriorated or damaged substrates repaired or replaced.

Once the roof is clean and dry, mask off the roof edging and any other surfaces where you don't want the coating to be applied using the masking tape provided. Then, apply Dicor's Part 1 Cleaner/Activator Primer (RP-CRP-Q) to the roof surface. This will chemically alter the surface, creating a lock and key effect with the subsequent two coats of acrylic coating. Allow the Cleaner/Activator to stand for a minimum of 15 minutes to react with the surface, then power wash it off using a minimum 2,000 psi pressure washer. After power washing, allow the surface to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Dicor Acrylic Coating may be applied by roller or brush and should be thoroughly mixed for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to application. Apply a minimum of two coats of the coating, at a rate of 1 gallon per 125 sq. ft. per coat. The actual amount required will depend on the type of surface, texture, method of application, and weather conditions. Allow each coat to dry for 12 to 24 hours, depending on weather conditions, before applying the next coat.

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Drying and curing time

Dicor Acrylic Coating should be applied in a minimum of two coats at a rate of 1 gallon per 125 sq. ft. per coat. The number of gallons required will depend on the type of surface, texture, method of application, and weather conditions at the time of application.

The Dicor Acrylic Coating must be preceded with Dicor EPDM Cleaner/Activator to ensure proper adhesion. The cleaner/activator must be removed by power washing prior to the application of the acrylic coating. All surfaces must be clean, dry, and frost-free before coating.

The drying time for Dicor Acrylic Coating is between 12 and 24 hours, depending on weather conditions. However, it is important to note that the coating process, including the application of the cleaner/activator and two coats of acrylic coating, must be completed in one day. Each layer should be dry to the touch before proceeding to the next.

Dicor Acrylic Coating requires complete evaporation of water to cure. Cool temperatures and high humidity may slow down the curing process. It is important to ensure that weather conditions will allow for a complete cure before rain, dew, or freezing temperatures occur. The acrylic coating will freeze and become unstable at temperatures below 32° F within 48 hours after application.

Dicor also offers a Self-Leveling Ultra Sealant, which has a faster curing time. At 77° F with 50% relative humidity, the sealant will skin over in 30 minutes, be tack-free in less than an hour, and be dry in 2 hours. However, it may take several days to fully cure.

Dicor lap sealant has a longer cure time, with the product reaching 80% cure in 48 hours and requiring 30 days to fully cure.

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Common issues and troubleshooting

Before applying Dicor paint to your roof, it is important to be aware of some common issues and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth and successful painting process. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Roof Preparation: Ensure that your roof is properly cleaned and prepared before applying any paint. Remove any heavy deposits of dirt, leaves, pine needles, and other debris using a broom or air blower. Pay attention to areas where fruit, tree sap, or environmental fallout may have accumulated, as these can cause issues with adhesion.
  • Surface Condition: The roof surface must be in good condition, free of tears or cracks. Any areas that are damaged or deteriorated should be repaired or replaced before painting. Dicor offers peel-and-stick repair kits specifically designed for this purpose.
  • Primer and Adhesion: Dicor EPDM Cleaner/Activator or Primer is essential to ensure proper adhesion of the paint. Make sure to follow the instructions and allow the primer to cure completely before applying the paint. Improper adhesion can lead to cracking and leaks.
  • Weather Conditions: Dicor paint requires the right weather conditions to cure effectively. Avoid painting if rain, dew, or freezing temperatures are expected within 48 hours after application. Cool temperatures and high humidity can slow down the curing process.
  • Coating Process: Dicor Acrylic Coating must be applied in a minimum of two coats, with each coat allowed to dry for 12 to 24 hours, depending on weather conditions. The entire coating process, including the primer and two coats, must be completed in one day.
  • Staining: Stains or streaks may appear after painting, especially if the roof is not properly cleaned beforehand. Pollen and tree sap can cause staining, so it is important to protect the painted surface from these contaminants.
  • Leakage: If the paint does not adhere properly, it can lead to leaks. Once the roof is painted, it can be challenging to identify the source of a leak. Water can travel under the paint, creating gaps between the paint and the roof material.
  • Sealing and Repair: For sealing cracks or tears in the roof, Dicor offers Coating Ready Cover Tape, a polyester fleece-backed tape. However, be cautious as this tape cannot be repositioned after application without damaging the material.
  • Maintenance: Proper maintenance of your Dicor roof is crucial. Avoid using cleaners with strong scents, as these can attract wildlife. Regularly inspect your roof for any tears or damage, and follow Dicor's care and maintenance instructions for optimal longevity.

Frequently asked questions

First, clean the roof with a broom or air blower to remove heavy deposits of dirt, leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Any rocks or other large objects should also be removed. Then, use Dicor's Cleaner/Activator to chemically alter the roof surface and ensure proper adhesion of the paint. Power wash the roof to remove the Cleaner/Activator before painting.

Dicor Acrylic Coating can be applied by roller or brush. It should be applied in a minimum of two coats at a rate of 1 gallon per 125 sq. ft. per coat. Allow each coat to dry for 12 to 24 hours before applying the next coat.

The roof surface must be completely dry and frost-free before painting. Do not apply paint if cool temperatures, high humidity, or freezing temperatures are expected within 48 hours of application, as this will slow down the curing process or cause the paint to become unstable.

Clean brushes, tools, and other equipment with soapy water immediately after use. If the paint is subjected to rain before it has dried and wash off occurs, immediately wash the stained surfaces with soapy water to prevent staining.

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