How to Paint a Pool with Epoxy Paint

Step 1

Inyo Pools carries Ramuc EP Hi-Build Epoxy pool paint so this guide will be based on the instructions for that brand.

Step 2

If your pool is already painted, the existing paint type should be determined for compatibility before applying any new paint. This can be determined by sending a sample to Ramuc (or other paint manufcturer) if the paint type is unknown. There are also a few tests you can try. Take a 1 inch paint chip, immerse it in denatured alcohol. If the chip dissolves, it is a water-based acrylic. If it doesn't dissolve, immerse a new chip in 75% mineral spirits and 25% Xylol, wait 30 seconds and rub the chip between your thumb and forefinger. If it dissolves, the paint is a synthetic rubber-base coating. If not, try immersing one last chip in 100% Xylol. If it dissolves, the paint type is chlorinated rubber; if it does not, it is an epoxy. 

Step 3

If you do not already know how many gallons of pool paint you will need.

Please click here to view the Ramuc paint calculator guide. 

Step 4

You will need the following cleaning supplies: Ramuc Clean and Prep Solution or Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and muriatic or sulfamic acid solution; high pressure power washer with minimum 3000 p.s.i. and turbo tip attachment. For surfaces previously painted with epoxy, you will also need #80 grit sandpaper, a power sander, sanding block and a wire brush.

Step 5

For epoxy paint, a condensation test will also be required, using several one-foot square pieces of transparent plastic and duct tape.

Step 6

You will need the following painting supplies: Roller for solvent-based coatings with maximum 3/8" nap; paintbrush; 5-gallon bucket to intermix paint; mechanical mixer (paddle attachment on a power drill can be used); Ramuc Thinner or xylene for thinning paint and clean-up.

Please click here for thinner. 

Step 7

For joint and crack filler, you will need hydraulic cement or Durathane® polyurethane sealant or any other submersible polyurethane sealant (do not use silicone-based products). Durathane must be top-coated before submersing with chemically treated water. 

Step 8

If your pool surface is plaster, concrete or gunite, it should be tested for integrity and repaired before you begin. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the hydraulic cement patch or crack joint filling.

Step 9

If the pool surface is previously painted epoxy or bare fiberglass, it will need to be abraded to a 80# grit profile. Pressure wash using the turbo tip, taking special care on an epoxy surface to remove all chalky residue. Then scrub all pool surfaces with the TSP solution to remove all dirt, oils, chalk and loose paint.

Step 10

Wash (etch) the surface with a 15 - 20% solution of muriatic or sulfamic acid (follow manufacturer's instructions on label). Following the acid treatment, neutralize acid-treated surfaces with TSP and water. After this etching, the a bare concrete or plaster surface should feel similar to medium grade sandpaper.

Step 11

After the washing and etching are complete, allow the surface to dry for at least five dry days. You will then conduct a condensation test by using duct tape to apply the 1-foot square pieces of transparent plastic to the pool surface. Place them on the deep end wall and floor, and on a few other areas. Wait three hours and then check if condensation has formed underneath; if it has, you should remove the plastic, wait 24 hours and then test it again. Repeat until there is no condensation.

Step 12

Ramuc EP Hi-Build Epoxy pool paint requires no primer. Primer should not be used. Using a mechanical mixer, mix Part A for about 5 minutes. Then mix Part B for about 5 minutes. Combine both parts into your 5-gallon bucket and mechanically mix for about 15 minutes. If you are using more than one 2 gallon kit, intermix (box) the kits for uniform color.


Please click here to view the swimming pool paint. 

Step 13

Once mixing is complete, allow the paint to set for 20 - 45 minutes prior to use at 70 degrees F and 50% relative humidity; at 65 degrees F the set time is 45 minutes. Lower temperatures and higher humidity will affect the final cure of the coating. The pot life (or use life) of Ramuc EP Hi-Build Epoxy pool paint is three hours.

Step 14

To apply, use a phenolic core roller for solvent-based coatings with maximum 3/8" nap (mohair or lambskin). Apply paint at the recommended coverage rate during ideal air and surface temperatures of 50 - 90 degrees F. Never paint when rain is expected.

Step 15

When done, wait 5 - 7 accumulative dry days before filling an outdoor pool, meaning you add an additional day of drying time for each day of rain. You would wait 10 - 14 days for an indoor pool with proper ventilation. To recoat, apply paint within 16 - 72 hours. If after 72 hours, you must sand the first coat before applying another coat.