Roof Coating finished...again

PP · July 18, 2012, 02:06:39 PM

I spent the last couple of days scrubbing, prepping, and finally putting on another layer of Kool Seal elastomeric coating. I couldn't find anyone around here able to climb the ladder and admire my work ( even the wife wasn't having any of it, bless her soul) so I decided to post a picture here with all the other bus porn. The coverage was so good it took just under 1 gal and I got a 25% discount on the can because it was dented. Walmart no less. If only it was as cheap and easy to do the rest of the bus.
Enjoy, Will

usbusin · July 18, 2012, 02:14:17 PM

That looks really nice, Will.

How did you apply it? Roller?

Did the initial coat go over bare metal or was it already painted?

My roof is anodized aluminum. Any suggestions for prepping it?

PP · July 18, 2012, 02:35:15 PM

I used a 2" disposable brush. It originally looked like it was going to leave brush marks, but as it dried, they slowly disappeared. This is the third time I've coated it since I purchased the bus. My policy is to recoat every 2 years. I cleaned it first with a solution of chlorine and dish soap using a soft bristled brush. That probably would have been good enough, but there were cracks developing around the air horns and satellite dish mounts so I decided to stick with my 2 year plan since I would probably be throwing the left over Kool seal away before I ever used it again.
Not sure what you would use for a primer, or is one is even needed with this coating stuff. I threw the can out or I would see what it recommends. I know it said to clean and remove any loose material before applying. HTH, Will

Kwajdiver · July 18, 2012, 02:35:40 PM

Looks nice, a job well done.

Bill

PP · July 18, 2012, 02:50:15 PM

Quote from: Kwajdiver on July 18, 2012, 02:35:40 PM
Looks nice, a job well done.

Bill

Thanks Bill, but I'm still envious of your new paint job, Will

usbusin · July 18, 2012, 04:48:06 PM

A 2" brush, wow!

I would think I can get quite a temperature reduction if I do this to my anodized aluminum roof. Several years ago in 110F heat in Redding, CA my two roof air-conditioners would only hold the inside temperature to 85-90F. This was in the sun with no shade trees.

Thanks for the info.

GaryD

muddog16 · July 19, 2012, 08:21:07 AM

Will, that looks great! Does the Kool Seal bleed on the bus sides? I've put off sealing the roof for the last 2 years......trying to figure out what to use.

PP · July 19, 2012, 08:41:38 AM

I wash and put a coat of wax on the old girl every 6 months even though the paint is sorely faded. In that time, there might be a little white streaking in areas, but nothing that really stands out, and that only happens during the following summer after putting a coat on. I wash the roof each summer when I see it starting to do that with bleach and soapy water and then it stops.
BTW-it was not my intention to use a 2" brush. When I picked up the Kool Seal I asked the wife if she had any large paint brushes in her tub of refinishing supplies and was told that she had "all kinds of brushes". Her idea of a large brush is 2". I figured I would at least do the seams and along all the edges, but as I kept going the unfinished area slowly grew smaller and smaller until I had the entire roof covered. It was pure luck that 1 gal was exactly enough. For an unfinished roof, I would invest in 2 gals and don't skimp. It's elastomeric and needs to be put on thick, that's why the brush lines smooth out. HTH Will

Chopper Scott · July 19, 2012, 06:37:11 PM

I've used a product called Henry's Solar Flex and it doesn't bleed. Sure didn't waste my time with a 2" brush. Used a roller and all seems well after several years.