Painting Over a Rubber Base

Liquid Rubber Bases

• A rubber base is usually a protective surface that bonds to building materials such as concrete, aluminum, wood, steel, and even some plastics. Adding a liquid rubber base to these materials is both environmentally safe and provides a protective membrane around the surfaces. The base can withstand extreme cold or heat and hydrostatic pressure, protect metals from corrosion, stop existing rust, and is completely waterproof. You apply the liquid rubber by painting it onto the surface, including a rubber base, so that it adheres and protects. Once this is dry, you can apply a coat of acrylic paint if you want to change the color. A liquid rubber base fills in cracks, forms a bond with the surface and becomes the new base.

Rubber-Based Paints

• Rubber-based paint is specially formulated to withstand water, weather conditions, and molds and fungi. Rubber-based paints cover all sorts of surfaces and bond to molded rubber bases as well. A swimming pool or a boat needs a paint that will withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the water, is long-lasting, and reliably bonds to whatever surface is needed. Rubber-based paints bond to rubber bases -- as well as steel, wood, and metal -- to ensure a tight, anti-corrosive seal that will last for years. Recently, the chlorinated rubber-based paints have been shown to be environmentally unsound, so alternatives to this paint are being used that have less impact on the environment.

Epoxy-Based Paints

• Epoxy-based paints cover rubber bases with a strong, long-lasting waterproof bond that is suitable for pool use and on garage floors and other areas that get a lot of wear and tear. Epoxy paints fit smoothly over a rubber base, however, the base must be sanded or acid-washed so that it bonds with the epoxy.

Acrylic Paint

• Acrylic paints are used by artists because they are easy to apply and quick-dry to a permanent bond. Using an acrylic paint to cover a rubber base or rubber-based paint in a pool provides a long-lasting surface and protects against any rubber cracking. The paint is environmentally friendly, cleans up easily with soap and water, and will cover a surface that is subjected to hydrostatic pressure for many years.