Coating of fish ponds

Ever since koi fish ponds became popular, enquiries with regard to coating and waterproofing fish ponds have been on the increase. Paint manufacturers are often reluctant to give advice or recommend products to use in these applications - and for good reason. Manufacturers have little control over preparation and application on site and the prospect of a client's prize fish turning belly-up makes the potential risks outweigh the reward in profit several times over. There are products that are very successfully used in this application - provided that the contractor adheres rigourously to the specification provided. Chlorinated Rubber Enamels, Moisture Cured Polyurethanes and Twin Pack Polyurethanes are most often used - specifications and advice can be obtained on request.

Mass housing coatings

The mass housing market in South Africa is one of the only areas in the construction industry that remains vibrant in spite of the economic downturn. Every site has its own set of requirements and there is no universally acceptable system. We have provided coating solutions for numerous sites over the past 5 years and have experience in most major regions of South Africa. We are keen to share this experience and can benefit developers in this market.

Clear Epoxy Sealers

I had an enquiry today concerning overcoating a previously sealed cement floor with a twin pack epoxy. The client was not satisfied with an alkyd based sealer previously used and asked a contractor to apply a twin pack epoxy clear coat over the existing coating. The contractor went ahead and the alkyd based coating dissolved causing the epoxy to peel off in large areas. When using a twin pack epoxy or polyurethane over previously coated surfaces, it is essential to determine the compatibility of the two systems. In this case the solvents in the epoxy coating re-dissolved the underlying layer causing the observed failure. The alkyd-based sealer should have been completely removed prior to use of the twin pack coating. Fortunately this was a small area in a domestic home and the client felt partially responsible!!