What is Chlorinated Rubber Paint – Benefits & Usage Tips

Painting can be quite time-consuming and expensive. This is why it pays to choose a paint that will last for many years.

In other words, it is far better to purchase paint that will last so you will not have to do the painting work so frequently. While picking it’s also a good idea to choose a paint that is best suited for the environment. This is where chlorinated rubber paint may be of service.

Chlorinated rubber paint is a type of coating that is widely used to coat surfaces in agricultural, commercial, healthcare, and areas dedicated to leisure activities such as swimming pools.

But what makes chlorinated rubber paint so effective and a good choice for your home? Let’s explore the advantages along with a few disadvantages this type of paint offers…

Chlorinated Rubber Paint

The first thing to note is that chlorinated rubber paint is not rubberized paint, but it does have several properties associated with rubber.

Chlorinated rubber is a strong, incombustible material noted for its versatility and durability. The paint is typically a thermoplastic resin that can be applied in thick coats but will air dry.

Because the coating is water-repellent, flexible, long-lasting, and resistant to chemicals and mold, it is often used in areas that are exposed to moisture, chemicals, and even sewage.

The most common usage that many homeowners will recognize is with swimming pools which is why it is also called “pool paint”. But chlorinated rubber coating can also be used for areas around the pool, ornamental ponds, and even housing for animals such as a doghouse.

Benefits of Chlorinated Rubber Paint

The most common benefits of chlorinated rubber paint include the following…

1- Versatility

What may be most surprising to those who have not heard of chlorinated paint is the sheer number of surfaces that it can cover. It works for many different surfaces (such as brickwork, concrete, steel, tarmac, wood & more), even in kitchens and workshops where either moisture or dirt and debris are an issue.

2- Appearance

The chlorinated paint is practical and attractive. In addition, it comes in a wide variety of colors which makes it well-suited for the laundry room, swimming pool, septic tanks, milking/livestock areas, and other places where water-resistant paint is desirable.

3- Hygienic and Protective

The chlorinated rubber paint resists chemicals, urine, mold, and sewage which means, it is perfect for areas where proper hygiene and resiliency are important. Because the chlorinated paint itself is resilient and water-resistant, it is also found useful for coating road line markings, manhole covers, and animal pens.

Chlorinated rubber paint is also a popular choice for coastal structures, where it is used to cover exposed steel and reinforced concrete. The key advantage of chlorinated paint in coastal settings is its resistance to sea spray and salt. This resistance allows the paint to maintain its integrity and last for an extended period, even under the challenging conditions found along the coast.

4- Easy Upkeep

One of the most underrated aspects is how easy it is to keep the paint clean. Because it is highly resistant to moisture, mold, and chemicals, cleaning chlorinated paint generally takes a few wipes with a common detergent, and that will remove most stains.

5- Relatively Cheap

Although chlorinated pool paint is not as long lasting as epoxy paints, it is usually more cost-effective. This is the reason chlorinated paint is still commonly used in schools, colleges, and community pools, where the annual maintenance budget allows for the regular application of this type of paint.

Epoxy paint has a higher upfront cost compared to chlorinated rubber, but it offers superior durability and performance characteristics.

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Things to Know Before Using Chlorinated Paint

Because of its resistance to so many unwanted chemicals and other elements if you are thinking about using chlorinated paint, then you should consider the following tips on when and where to apply it.

a) Odor

One reason why solvent-based chlorinated paint is not often used on the inside of homes is the odor it generates. So, if you decide to paint inside, then the area should be well ventilated and you need to wear a mask or respirator, gloves, and goggles.

b) Application

It is important to apply the chlorinated paint within the ideal temperature range of 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This generally means applying the paint in the spring or early fall when the temperatures stay within that range for 24 hours.

Using a brush or roller that is solvent-resistant is also recommended when applying this type of paint. You will need to apply two coats for maximum effect.

c) Preparation and Pool Treatment

Before applying the paint, conduct an extra inspection to ensure that the surface being painted is free of any dirt particles or residue from chemicals and is thoroughly dry. Failure to do so may cause the paint to bubble or blister.  

Also keep in mind that if you apply the paint to your swimming pool or pond area, be sure to check the type of treatments used to keep the water clean. Some pool treatments might cause the chlorinated paint to peel away. So, it is best to check the labels before purchasing a treatment that will interact with your chlorinated paint.

Moreover, if you are coating a pool or pond with chlorinated paint, you should not fill it with water for at least 7 days until the paint fully dries and cures.    

Can You Apply Chlorinated Rubber Paint Over Epoxy?

When applying chlorinated rubber over an epoxy surface, proper surface preparation is crucial for ensuring strong adhesion.

This means the epoxy surface should be lightly sanded or etched to create a roughened texture that the chlorinated rubber can effectively bond to. This roughening process helps to increase the surface area and improve mechanical interlocking between the two coatings.

Additionally, if you later want to switch to a longer-lasting epoxy coating, the existing chlorinated rubber paint will need to be completely removed. The rubber paint is not compatible with the new epoxy, so full removal, likely through abrasive blasting, will be required.

This additional step of removing the incompatible rubber paint can incur substantial extra costs. Keeping this in mind is important when initially selecting the coatings to ensure the most cost-effective long-term solution.