Description
Rust-Oleum® 5500 is a high-quality solvent-free epoxy for use on floor surfaces, in pools, and on exposed wall surfaces (shower areas, etc.). The product provides an extremely durable, near-enamel-like, hard, and dense finish that withstands chlorinated water and regular cleaning with strong chemicals.
Product description
Properties:
- Enamel-like finish – extremely hard and dense surface
- Fully resistant to chlorinated water
- Food grade, odorless application
- Completely waterproof at 150 μm film thickness
- Solvent-free – VOC 8 g/l
5500 is waterproof and can be used on solid substrates such as cast-in-place concrete and fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Absorbent substrates must be primed with impregnation primer 5401. When used in outdoor pools, some color fading will occur.
Important safety information: Work safely with epoxy
Rust-Oleum® 5500 is a fantastic product for creating extremely durable surfaces in pools and showers. However, because it is an epoxy product, proper caution is required during application. Epoxy can be allergenic upon skin contact and therefore requires you to protect yourself appropriately.
What are the risks?
- Skin allergy: The greatest risk with epoxy is skin contact. It can cause eczema or allergic contact dermatitis. Once you have become allergic, it is often permanent.
- Eye irritation: Splashes in the eyes can cause serious irritation and damage.
- Invisible risks: Even though the product is solvent-free and odorless, the chemical components can still affect you if they end up directly on the body.
How to protect yourself
- Use the right gloves: Ordinary household gloves are not enough. Use chemical-resistant disposable gloves (preferably nitrile). Change gloves immediately if you get material on them.
- Protect the skin: Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants. If you get epoxy on your skin, wash immediately with soap and water – never use solvents to clean the skin.
- Safety goggles: Always wear safety goggles or a visor to prevent splashes in the eyes.
- Good ventilation: Even though the product is odorless, it is always good to have fresh air in the space where you are working.
- Keep it clean: Wipe up spills immediately and keep tools clean.
FAQ
Product properties
- Type: Solvent-free water-based epoxy (2-component)
- Surface finish: Satin, enamel-like
- Film thickness: 15 μm dry / 25 μm wet (full waterproofness at 150 μm)
- Coverage: 41 m²/l at 15 μm
- Dust dry: 6 hours (20°C)
- Recoatable: 16 hours (20°C)
- Application: Roller
- Dilution: Water 10–20%
- VOC: 8 g/l
- Applications: Pools, showers, floors, tiles, and concrete
- Colors: White RAL 9010, Pool Blue (S0520-B), Concrete Grey (RAL7001)
Frequently asked questions
Which surfaces is Rust-Oleum 5500 suitable for?
The product is suitable for pools, shower areas, floor surfaces, and exposed wall surfaces. It works on power-troweled concrete, tiles, clinkers, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, and other non-absorbent smooth surfaces. Absorbent substrates must first be primed with impregnation primer 5401.
How long does the surface last?
With proper pre-treatment and application in two coats, Rust-Oleum 5500 provides an extremely durable surface that withstands chlorinated water and regular cleaning with strong chemicals for many years.
What is the difference compared to regular pool paint?
Rust-Oleum 5500 is a 2-component epoxy paint that cures chemically and provides an enamel-like, extremely durable surface. Regular pool paint is single-component and does not provide the same hardness, waterproofness, or chemical resistance.
How much do I need?
A 4L kit covers approximately 164 m² for one coat (15 μm). For full waterproofness, two coats are recommended – in that case, count on about 82 m² per kit. A standard pool usually requires 2–4 kits depending on size.
What temperature can I paint in?
Apply at an air and surface temperature above +10°C. Avoid application in direct sunlight, high humidity, or when rain is expected within 24 hours.
Do I need to prime first?
On non-absorbent surfaces (tiles, clinkers, troweled concrete), you can paint directly. On absorbent substrates such as raw concrete, you must first prime with Rust-Oleum impregnation primer 5401 – otherwise, the epoxy will not adhere properly.
Is the product environmentally friendly?
Yes – Rust-Oleum 5500 is solvent-free with an extremely low VOC content (8 g/l) and is odorless during application. This makes it one of the more environmentally friendly options among epoxy paints.
Can I paint myself or do I need a painter?
The product can be used by skilled DIYers, but it requires careful pre-treatment and exact mixing of the base and activator. Always follow the data sheet and safety instructions. Use nitrile gloves and safety goggles.
Pre-treatment
Clean the surface thoroughly from grease, dirt, algae, and loose paint. Sand or blast if necessary to open the surface. Absorbent substrates are primed with Rust-Oleum impregnation primer 5401 and allowed to dry overnight. Ensure the surface is completely dry and free from moisture before application.
Application
Mix the base and activator thoroughly according to the instructions – incorrect mixing will result in a sticky surface that never cures. Apply with a roller evenly over the surface. Let the first coat dry for 16–24 hours at 20°C before applying the second coat. Two coats are required for full waterproofness. Wait at least 7 days after the last coat before filling the pool with water. Always use nitrile gloves and safety goggles throughout the process.
Data sheets
Technical data sheet: Download PDF
Safety data sheet: Download PDF