
DRYLOK® is a versatile masonry waterproofer that can be applied to interior, exterior, above, or below grade concrete or masonry walls. It is designed to be applied to bare concrete or masonry surfaces, and it is important to prepare the surface properly before application. This includes removing any old paint, efflorescence, dirt, or debris using a wire brush or other suitable methods. Once the surface is clean and dry, DRYLOK® can be applied, and it is recommended to allow adequate curing time before exposing the surface to water or painting over it. The specific waiting time may vary depending on the product and application, but generally, DRYLOK® dries within 30 minutes and can be repainted after 3 hours. For fish ponds, a longer curing time of 5-7 days is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal surface for application | Bare, raw, clean, new concrete or masonry |
| Surface preparation | Remove dust, dirt, loose or broken mortar, old paint, and efflorescence with a wire brush |
| Surface dryness | Dry or slightly damp |
| Time between second coat and rain | 24 hours |
| Time between application and repainting | 3 hours |
| Time between application and backfilling | 24 hours |
| Time between application and curing | 5-7 days |
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What You'll Learn
- Drylok is best applied to bare, clean, and dry concrete
- Old paint should be removed with a wire brush or sandblasting
- The concrete should be free of grease, oil, form release compound, and paint
- Wait 24 hours after the second coat of Drylok before painting with a latex top coat
- Drylok can be used to waterproof concrete fish ponds but requires a cure time of 5-7 days

Drylok is best applied to bare, clean, and dry concrete
For the best results, it is recommended that Drylok be applied to bare, clean, and dry concrete. The product is formulated to be applied to raw, clean masonry, and concrete surfaces.
Drylok may be used over other cementitious-type waterproofing paint in good, repaintable condition, but it is not suitable for use over oil or latex-based paint on the inside of a building. If applied over these paints, Drylok will adhere, but it will not be able to penetrate the pores of the masonry, and therefore will not effectively waterproof the surface.
To prepare the concrete surface for Drylok application, it is important to remove any dust, dirt, loose or broken mortar, and old paint. A wire brush can be used to effectively remove these substances. Sandblasting or other suitable methods may also be used to remove old paint. Efflorescence, or white, powdery, crystal-like deposits, must also be removed as it can prevent Drylok from properly bonding to the concrete.
Once the concrete surface is clean and dry, Drylok can be applied according to the directions on the product. Proper coverage, including a minimum of two coats, is required for effective waterproofing. After the second coat, it is important to carefully inspect the surface for pinholes and apply an additional coat if necessary.
Drylok can also be used as a base coat before painting. It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after applying Drylok before painting with a latex or acrylic top coat.
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Old paint should be removed with a wire brush or sandblasting
DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer is a versatile product that can be applied to interior, exterior, above or below-grade concrete or masonry walls. It is designed to be applied to bare concrete or masonry surfaces, and it is important to prepare the surface before application.
If you prefer to avoid using chemicals, you can try using a wire cup brush and a drill. This method is most effective on old paint and stains that are completely dry. First, scrub the area with a stiff-bristled or wire brush and then rinse thoroughly with water. You can also try heating up a cup of white vinegar and applying it to the stain with a sponge. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub the area with a wire brush and rinse with clean water. Repeat if necessary.
Sandblasting is another option for removing old paint. This process involves using a tool like a sandblaster or soda blaster, which shoots out sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) at high pressure. This method is effective but creates fine particles, so it is important to wear a dust mask or respirator during the process.
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The concrete should be free of grease, oil, form release compound, and paint
When preparing concrete for painting with DRYLOK, it is important to ensure that the surface is free of grease, oil, form release compound, and paint. This is crucial for achieving optimal adhesion and waterproofing. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations:
Removing Grease and Oil:
Start by inspecting the concrete surface for any signs of grease or oil contamination. These hydrophobic materials can inhibit the bonding of DRYLOK to the concrete. To detect hydrophobic contaminants, perform a simple water-drop test. If the water drops remain in droplet form instead of spreading out, it indicates the presence of grease or oil. The next step is to remove these contaminants effectively. Avoid using aggressive methods like blasting, as this can spread the contaminants to previously uncontaminated areas. Instead, opt for scrubbing with a brush, water, and detergent, steam cleaning, or low-pressure washing (under 5000 psi).
Dealing with Form Release Compound:
Form release compounds are used during the curing process to seal the concrete and retain water for cement hydration. While they facilitate the curing process, they can inhibit the bonding of DRYLOK. To address this, you will need to remove the concrete layer below the level of compound penetration. This can be achieved through abrasive blasting, shot blasting, high-pressure water blasting, or other mechanical means.
Addressing Old Paint:
If the concrete surface has old paint, it is crucial to remove it before applying DRYLOK. Old paint can hinder the waterproofing capabilities of DRYLOK. Utilize methods such as wire-brushing, sandblasting, or other suitable techniques to eliminate the old paint. Ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the application of DRYLOK.
Additional Surface Preparation Tips:
Before applying DRYLOK, ensure the concrete is properly cured and free of any dust, dirt, or loose contaminants. You can remove these by sweeping, vacuuming, air blasting, or water spraying. Additionally, look out for any white, powdery, crystal-like deposits, known as efflorescence. This occurs due to water intrusion and must be removed before applying DRYLOK, as it can prevent proper bonding.
By diligently following these steps and ensuring the concrete is free of grease, oil, form release compound, and paint, you will maximize the adhesion and waterproofing performance of DRYLOK on your concrete surface.
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Wait 24 hours after the second coat of Drylok before painting with a latex top coat
When painting new concrete with Drylok, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure optimal results. While each project is unique, here is a general step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Concrete Surface
Before applying Drylok, the concrete surface must be properly prepared. Start by ensuring the concrete is clean, dry, and free of any grease, oil, form release compound, and old paint. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt, dust, loose mortar, and efflorescence—the white, powdery, crystal-like deposits that form due to water intrusion. Efflorescence must be removed as it prevents Drylok from properly bonding to the concrete. If there is old paint on the surface, determine whether it is in good, repaintable condition. While Drylok can be applied over cementitious-type waterproofing paint, it should not be used over oil or latex-based paint on the inside of a building, as it will not effectively waterproof the surface.
Apply the First Coat of Drylok
Once the surface is prepared, you can begin applying Drylok. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label for proper application techniques and safety precautions. Drylok is specifically formulated for application on bare masonry and concrete surfaces, so it is important to ensure the concrete is free of any coatings that may interfere with its performance.
Allow the First Coat to Dry
After applying the first coat of Drylok, allow adequate time for it to dry. Refer to the product instructions to determine the recommended drying time between coats. Proper drying ensures that the coats adhere well and that the waterproofing properties of Drylok are fully effective.
Apply the Second Coat of Drylok
Once the first coat has dried, apply the second coat of Drylok, following the same application techniques as before. Ensure full coverage, as this is crucial for effective waterproofing. After the second coat, carefully inspect the surface for any pinholes and apply an additional coat to those areas if necessary.
Wait 24 Hours After the Second Coat
Before proceeding to the final step of painting with a latex top coat, it is essential to allow sufficient time for the Drylok to cure. Wait at least 24 hours after applying the second coat of Drylok. This waiting period ensures that the Drylok has adequately cured and will provide an ideal base for the latex paint.
Paint with a Latex Top Coat
Finally, after the 24-hour waiting period, you can paint the Drylok surface with a high-quality latex top coat. Choose a latex paint that is suitable for concrete surfaces and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. This final step will not only enhance the appearance of your project but also provide a durable and protective finish.
Remember to carefully review the Drylok product instructions and safety guidelines before beginning your project. Each project is unique, and factors such as temperature, humidity, and surface conditions can impact the application process and drying times. By following these steps and allowing adequate time for each stage, you can achieve successful results when painting new concrete with Drylok and a latex top coat.
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Drylok can be used to waterproof concrete fish ponds but requires a cure time of 5-7 days
DRYLOK® can be used to waterproof concrete fish ponds, but it is not specifically designed for this purpose. While some users have reported success in using DRYLOK® to seal their ponds, others have experienced issues with leaking. It is important to note that DRYLOK® is not flexible and may not be able to expand with the concrete if it cracks.
Before applying DRYLOK® to a concrete fish pond, it is crucial to properly prepare the surface. The concrete should be clean, dry, and free of any grease, oil, form release compound, and old paint. A wire brush can be used to remove any dirt, dust, loose or broken mortar, and efflorescence (white, powdery, crystal-like deposits).
When applying DRYLOK® to a concrete fish pond, it is recommended to apply at least two coats to ensure proper coverage and waterproofing. After the second coat, carefully inspect the surface for any pinholes and apply an additional coat if necessary. It is important to allow sufficient cure time for the DRYLOK® to fully evaporate all volatile "processing aids" before filling the pond with water. The recommended cure time is 5–7 days, or at least one week as mentioned in some sources.
It is worth noting that DRYLOK® may affect water quality if the recommended cure time is not followed. Additionally, DRYLOK® is not intended for use with live animals, and there may be potential health risks associated with its use in a fish pond. Some users have reported issues with the product raising the pH level of their tanks. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the safety and suitability of DRYLOK® for this specific application.
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Frequently asked questions
Drylok can be applied to new concrete once the surface is dry, clean, and free of grease, oil, form release compound, and paint. The surface should be prepared by removing dust, dirt, and any loose or broken mortar with a wire brush.
You should wait at least 24 hours after applying Drylok before painting over it with a latex top coat.
Yes and no. Drylok may be used over cementitious-type waterproofing paint in good, repaintable condition. However, it cannot be used over oil or latex-based paint on the inside of a building as it will not be able to penetrate the pores of the masonry and will not waterproof the surface.
Yes, Drylok can be easily recoated. If there is staining or leakage, consider using the "masonry waterproofer" instead of "concrete floor paint".
The Drylok directions indicate that the surface is dry in 30 minutes and can be repainted after 3 hours. However, it is recommended to wait 24 hours between the second coat and rain to ensure the application is not interfered with.









































