Home > Using our Polyurethanes - Polyurethane Products
Polyurethane Products
All of the products The Rot Doctor™ carries work very well indeed, with performance and durability linked directly to product cost. These are not the type of products you will find at retail outlets and they are substantially different from all normal paints or coatings. We offer some bottom line thoughts on each of the products we carry below, and encourage anyone considering using these products to e-mail or call us if you have questions.
RHINO TOP
RHINO TOP is a water-based acrylic/epoxy exterior coating, supplied upon request with silica sand if a non-skid coating is desired. Although not a polyurethane, it is included here since it is often used as a top coat for the Elatsuff™ 120. For application to primed wood or concrete. Available in White, Burlap, Sandstone, or Brownstone. Coverage is approximately 200–250 sq. ft. per gallon (5–6 sq. meters/liter), and two coats are required to get adequate thickness.
# 910 one gallon can… $82.60
Available colors:
White
Burlap
Sandstone
Brownstone
Note:Colors shown above are close approximations. Actual colors will vary slightly depending on the color accuracy of your monitor as well as other factors.
We are impressed with this stuff! Think of it as a Super Paint. For dollar value it is hard to beat. It is an acrylic/epoxy formula supplied with spherical sand to make it non-skid. It is often used as a topcoating for ELASTUFF™ 120. It will also go down nicely by itself on wood or concrete that has been primed with S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer. It spreads beautifully with brush or roller and can be cleaned up easily with water. It’s not totally waterproof, and it won’t last forever, but it is easily repaired. The US Navy likes it as well, we understand. We are told that they have it aboard the USS Nimitz, as well on other walkways, decks and ramps. Its satin sheen makes it aesthetically attractive, and it is available in a variety of colors. Coverage is 200–250 sq. ft. per gallon (5–6 sq. meters/liter) and at least two coatings are required for adequate protection.
RHINO TOP was specifically developed for use over wood, concrete, masonry, stucco, and plaster surfaces where a durable colored coating is required. Its epoxy modified acrylic finish is designed to resist abrasion, weathering and moisture degradation. RHINO TOP is recommended for use on decks, stairways, ramps, walkways, recreational courts, pool decks, tennis courts, patio decks and floors. It is also specified as a fine texture, weather resistant colored finish on vertical surfaces such as building exteriors, bridge structures, median barriers, retaining walls and noise abatement walls.
If RHINO TOP is applied as the primary coating, all surfaces must be primed with S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer. If the surface is flat and will receive traffic, any holes, cracks or crevices you want closed must be filled with an epoxy filler, such as our SculpWood® Epoxy Putty or Paste. Avoid using the flexible polyurethane sealants to fill voids on horizontal surfaces that will receive traffic.
For plywood it is essential that all side and end-grain surfaces be completely waterproofed with multiple applications (at least 3) of S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer, or an epoxy resin such as our General Purpose Epoxy™ Resin. Otherwise water will wick in through the edges and the plywood will begin to delaminate beneath the RHINO TOP.
RHINO TOP: Simple to apply and simple to clean up, and relatively inexpensive. Be sure that all holes and cracks you do not want to show after coating are filled with a hard epoxy filler, such as the SculpWood® Epoxy Putty or Paste.
Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS and Accelerator
Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS is a single-component liquid-applied elastomeric, abrasion resistant polyester-polyurethane finish/final coating. It is a flexible, UV stable top coating suitable for any surface that will accept paints and coatings. Its durability makes it useful for harsh environments such as high traffic areas, or boat decks and hulls that have to survive in a harsh marine environment. Elasta-Tuff™ Accelerator is recommended as an additive to Elasta-Tuff™ when applying at lower temperatures.
Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS… # 925 one gallon can (3.8L)… $128.81
Elasta-Tuff™ Accelerator… # 927 3 oz can (89 ML)… $8.25
Available colors:
Pacific Gray
Monterey Sand
Ash Brown
White
Note: Colors shown above are close approximations. Actual colors will vary slightly depending on the color accuracy of your monitor as well as other factors.
Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS is intended as a primary coating for S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer treated wood, fiberglass, and concrete where the extra protection and durability of an extended-life polyurethane is required. Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS is also recommended for protecting ELASTUFF™ 120 from degradation caused by normal weathering and ultraviolet exposure. As a top coating, Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS provides a semi-gloss, wear resistant finish for boat and pedestrian decks, stairways, patios, balconies, and to protect any primed wood, concrete, and fiberglass. Elasta-Tuff™ is slick when wet or icy. When used on exterior stairs, patios, decks and walkways, we recommend the use of a non-skid additive such as silica sand, rubber or cork particulates, or non-skid strips applied to the surface.
For plywood it is beneficial if all side and end grain surfaces are completely sealed from any moisture penetration before the application of the Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS. This can be done with 3 coats of S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer. Or with a coat of S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer and one coat of an epoxy resin such as the General Purpose Epoxy™ Resin. Or with a coat of S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer and two coats of the Elastuff™ 120.
Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS should not be applied when the ambient temperature is below 45°F (7°C), or if rain is anticipated within 24 hours of application. Minimum storage temperature of 40°F (4.5°C) is recommended. Store Elasta-Tuff™ 6000-AL-HS in a warm area prior to application for sufficient length of time to bring material temperature to 75°F (24°C).
If thinning is required for application, use xylene solvent sparingly, not more than 5% per volume. Clean equipment with MEK or methylene chloride.
Use the arrow link above for more detailed information.
ELASTUFF™ 120
ELASTUFF™ 120 is a 100% solids polyurethane base coating for wood, fiberglass, concrete or steel. Available in charcoal gray only. Coverage is approximately 100 sq. Ft. per gallon (2.5 sq. meters/liter) and at least two coats are required to get adequate thickness.
One unit consists of parts A & B (mix 1:1)
# 930 two gallon unit… $221.00
only available in Charcoal Gray
This is a two-component 100% solids polyurethane coating containing a highly cross-linked polymer which yields a dense, tight finish. It is very water resistant. Its toughness, combined with its elongation properties, results in outstanding flexibility and impact resistance. It is a thick liquid, with some self-leveling properties, that will bond with extreme strength to any clean, dry surface: wood, fiberglass, concrete, or steel. ELASTUFF™ 120 has been used in the industrial market for years but has not been made available to the general public. Coverage is approximately 100 sq. Ft. per gallon (2.5 sq. meters/liter), and at least two coats are required to get proper film thickness.
We have tested ELASTUFF™ 120 and it is all that the manufacturer’s specs say it is. For a flexible, waterproof sealant on wood, fiberglass, concrete or steel that will last indefinitely. Nothing we can find is better than ELASTUFF™ 120.
ELASTUFF™ 120 is completely compatible with S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer and all the fillers and resins we sell. For deteriorated wood or fiberglass that is to be built up, sealed and waterproofed, ELASTUFF™ 120 is the preferred product.
ELASTUFF™ 120 can be applied without primer to any tight, solid surface. Slick surfaces, such as epoxy or polyester laminates, should be scuff-sanded and wiped down with M.E.K. before applying ELASTUFF™ 120. For surfaces that are softer, such as deteriorated wood, old concrete, chalky fiberglass, a penetrating epoxy prime coat is required. For this use the S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer. The application of a penetrating epoxy sealer will improve the adhesion to any surface.
For plywood it is beneficial if all side and end-grain surfaces are completely waterproofed with ELASTUFF™ 120, or an epoxy resin such as the General Purpose Epoxy™ Resin, or sealed from any moisture penetration with 3 applications of S-1™ Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer.
ELASTUFF™ 120: Very strong, tough stuff that will adhere to most surfaces and absolutely waterproofs them. Can be applied without primer to solid, clean, dry, wood, fiberglass, concrete, or steel. At least two coatings are required, applied perpendicular to one another. Terrible stuff to mix and we strongly suggest a mixer blade attached to a drill.
ELASTUFF™ 120 applies thickly, flows, and is partially self-leveling. It will seep into cracks and crevices, and we have applied it to old, cracked raw wood. Works just fine, although you can get bubbles as the product displaces air trapped in the wood or concrete. These will pop but will also leave a small bubble-ring on the cured coating. The bubble rings can be sanded smooth and are normally covered by the final topcoating. It can be applied in thinner coatings to vertical or overhead surfaces.
We have diluted ELASTUFF™ 120 five, ten and fifteen percent with M.E.K. to achieve thinner, more penetrating coatings. The cure time is slightly extended, the penetration increased, and the coating thinned. You may find a thinner mix desirable for some applications. We strongly advise a cartridge respirator when using M.E.K.
ELASTUFF™ 120 can be applied as a final topcoating if color change and some surface chalking are not objectionable. Sand can be sprinkled on the first coating while still wet for traction, and then the second coating applied to cover.
UPDATE…
One of our first users of ELASTUFF™ 120 applied it to an older wood tongue-and-groove deck (with a RHINO TOP final coating) and he had a few problems with pot life and with bubbles appearing as the ELASTUFF™ 120 settled into the wood. The air temperature was in the high 70’s. Based on their experiences, consultation with the manufacturer, and our own experience with the product, we offer the following suggestions:
Mixing and Pot Life…
The manufacturer’s data lists Mixed Useable Pot Life for ELASTUFF™ 120 @ 30–40 minutes @ 75° F (24° C) and 50% relative humidity. However, “unofficially” we have been told that these pot life times can be reduced by 50% for every 10 degrees rise in temperature. This means that if the temperature is at 80° F (27° C) the pot life will decrease by 25%. The pot life can be further
reduced by mixing and then holding the ELASTUFF™ 120 in a container while it is
being applied, where it will generate its own induction heat. It will quickly solidify under these conditions.
ELASTUFF™ 120 should be mixed in quantities no greater than two one-gallon units at a time, and then immediately poured in an “S” pattern across the surface and spread to the desired thickness. Do not hold mixed ELASTUFF™ 120 in an application bucket, especially when temperatures are above 70° F (21° C).
We do not recommend applying ELASTUFF™ 120 at temperatures above 80°F (27°C). But if you must, we suggest cooling the cans prior to mixing by refrigeration or by immersing the cans in cold water up to (but not over) the rims, and then immediately after mixing the product it be put down and spread. In very hot weather mixing 1/2 gallon units would be advisable.
Accelerated curing in a container will make the container hot, but ELASTUFF™ 120 will NOT explode or burn.
There is no available chemistry that will remove cured ELASTUFF™ 120. M.E.K. will soften it, and M.E.K. can be used for clean-up before the ELASTUFF™ 120 is in its cured state.
Bubbles and Blisters…
On older, porous wood ELASTUFF™ 120 may bubble or blister as air escapes into the uncured film. The bubbles will usually break as the ELASTUFF™ 120 cures. These areas can be sanded smooth after the ELASTUFF™ 120 is cured. Cured ELASTUFF™ 120 sands like plastic, and we suggest a paper grade near 80# grit. Edges can be feathered down to smooth by sanding.
Surface Adhesion…
ELASTUFF™ 120 will bond tightly to all surfaces, although we strongly suggest that any very slick surface (such as epoxy or polyester resin overcoats) be scuff-sanded and wiped down with M.E.K. before the application of the product.
Joints and Seams…
ELASTUFF™ 120 will settle into joints and seams, and then may protrude or bubble as air gasses out after the product is applied. This can be minimized by filling the seams with either a Polyurethane Sealant, such as the Dymonic® 100 or the SculpWood® Epoxy Fillers, either the Paste or Putty. In addition, or instead of, the seams can be covered with a fiberglass or polyester seam tape bedded in ELASTUFF™ 120. You can buy this tape at your local home store.
Application Tools…
ELASTUFF™ 120 should be applied using a roller, squeegee, trowel or brush.
POLYURETHANE SEALANTS / ADHESIVES
These polyurethane caulking sealants are compatible with the wood restoration epoxy products we sell.
We believe that pure polyurethane sealants are the most tenacious gunnable caulking sealants available. They are long-lasting and can receive and retain most finish coatings. Polyurethane sealants can be applied to any clean, dry surface, or a surface that has been primed with a penetrating epoxy. They are very sticky, which makes final tooling more difficult than with some of the silicone, acrylic, and combination sealants. Nevertheless, polyurethane sealants are the only ones we can recommend because we believe they are the most durable and most compatible with a wide variety of substrates and final finish coatings. For the casual around-home use, you may want to consider one of the acrylic or mixed sealants that are offered at any home store. Many cure more quickly than the polyurethanes and are easier to tool. We don’t encourage the use of silicone sealants around wood; the silicone molecules are absorbed into the wood and contaminate it to the point that many paints and all epoxies will not bond properly.
Dymonic® FC
A fast curing, low modulus, silane end-capped, polyurethane hybrid sealant. A general purpose sealant for all normal bonding, bedding and sealing. The Dymonic® FC is available in black, buff, gray, redwood tan and white. For technical information see the more information link.
# 825 10.1 oz (300 ML) cartridge… $16.55
Colors are approximate.
Black
Buff
Gray
Redwood Tan
White
Dymonic® 100
A high-performance, high-movement polyurethane sealant. A bonding sealant for seams, joints and junctions where adhesive strength is of primary importance.
The Dymonic® 100 is available in white. For technical information see the more information link.
# 827 10.1 oz (300 ML) cartridge… $13.93
Colors are approximate.
White
Which product do you use where?
Both Dymonic® FC and Dymonic® 100 have extremely strong bonding strength. They are compatible with all materials except ABS and Lexan.
Dymonic® FC is the best choice under normal conditions for bonding, bedding, and sealing of seams in all materials, including concrete.
Dymonic® 100 is the best choice in locations where you expect heavy push-pull stresses on the joint and you want the sealant to act as an adhesive fastener; or, if you are tack-joining materials without other fasteners and adhesive strength is the most important issue.
Here is a chart that will help you estimate how many cartridges you will need for any application:
