FAQs

Q. How does Koolcoat work?
A. Koolcoat blended in paint and applied as recommended becomes a reflective barrier to heat. Ordinary insulation resists the conduction of heat through a structure whereas Koolcoat reflects the sun's energy away from a structure, thus avoiding heat absorption.

Q. Will Koolcoat lower energy bills?
A. Based on studies by the following organizations, among others, radiant barrier paint coatings can save over 50% of heating and cooling energy usage. Results of course will vary depending upon the application of the coating and the daily routine through the structure.

U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. EPA
University of Nevada at Las Vegas
U.S. Army
The Federal Energy Management Program
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Q. How will Koolcoat save winter heating costs?
A. Heat travels to cold. With Koolcoat applied on interior walls and ceiling heated air is reflected away from the perimeter walls and the heat does not escape outside to the cold. Koolcoat helps maintain a comfortable temperature while using less heating energy.

Q. What kind of paint should I blend with Koolcoat?
A. Koolcoat can be blended with all interior and exterior paints: Acrylic, latex, oil based, epoxy, urethane, etc. Depending upon the application a decision of paint quality must be made. For example, applying Koolcoat in the attic, an inexpensive paint could be used, however if you wanted to paint the exterior roof, a choice of a good long-lasting elastomeric paint would be in order.

Q. Does paint color matter?
A. The lighter the color or shade, the more heat reflection you gain.

Q. What surfaces of my structure should I paint with Koolcoat for maximum energy savings?
A. For maximum energy savings, Koolcoat should be applied both inside and outside. To get started conserving energy, try applying Koolcoat in an inexpensive paint to the underside of your roof decking. That application alone will lower summer temperatures in the attic, reducing the heat gain into the structure.

Q. How much Koolcoat do I need?
A. Koolcoat is sold in pre-measured kits, designed for blending in one gallon, five gallons and ten gallons of paint. The exact amount of Koolcoat needed depends on how much paint your project will use. Coverage rates per gallon of paint vary depending on the type of paint and surface to be covered. On average figure 200 square feet of coverage per gallon of latex paint and 30 to 50 square feet for elastomeric roofing paints. So after calculating the square footage to be painted, figure the amount of paint required and purchase the correct kit of Koolcoat to match the gallons of paint.

Q. How do I apply Koolcoat?
A. Koolcoat can be sprayed, rolled and for small areas, brushed. If spraying, an "airless" spray machine that develops 2000 to 3000 psi is required. You must remove all filters from the machine and use a large tip of .020" or .030". Make sure you have plenty of hose to reach all the areas you want to coat, and wear the necessary protective gear that you would normally use while spraying paint. To apply Koolcoat with a roller, once the Koolcoat is blended into the paint, simply pour into a roller tray and apply. If using a power roller, remove any filters from the pumping mechanism just like the directions for spraying.

Q. How many coats of paint are needed?
A. Depending upon the surface to be coated, two coats of paint with Koolcoat blended in are adequate for maximum energy savings. If the surface is quite porous, a primer coat may be necessary before the paint with Koolcoat is applied. Additional coats of Koolcoat only add marginal energy saving, and if later you cover the Koolcoat with plain paint, expect to lose some energy efficiency.

Q. If I blend more Koolcoat into paint than recommended, will I achieve more energy savings?
A. The pre-measured kit of Koolcoat increases paint volume by at least 20%. By increasing the ratio of Koolcoat to paint, you will increase the reflectivity and thus energy efficiency, but first TEST a small amount of paint with the new ratio. Some paints can carry an added load of Koolcoat and still adhere well. Some paints may not carry the added material and won't apply correctly.

Q. How do I mix Koolcoat into paint?
A. Choose an area where no wind is going to disturb the blending process, Koolcoat is a microscopic powder and you don't want it to become airborne. Wear protective eyewear and a dust mask. Begin by pouring the paint into a larger container (Koolcoat adds 20% volume), stir the paint thoroughly until it is well mixed and then slowly pour the Koolcoat into the paint. Stir until the blend is smooth with no clumps.

Q. Are there any special preparations needed before applying Koolcoat?
A. Like with any other paint, a clean surface is necessary for good adhesion. Remove any dirt, scale, rust, oils, wax, etc. from the surface before painting.

Q. Does Koolcoat change the finished texture?
A. The dried surface will have a slightly textured surface.

Q. Can I apply Koolcoat to anything else?
A. Yes! Blended in high-temp paint Koolcoat can be applied to any hot surface (providing the paint is rated for the temperature in question). Steam pipes, boilers, hot water pipes, barbeque pits and engine compartments are just a few places Koolcoat can be used to insulate hot areas. Additionally Koolcoat blended with the correct type of paint can be applied to the exterior or interior of refrigerators, freezers, walk-in coolers and freezers, fish holds, ice merchandisers, or any other device that tries to maintain a temperature higher or lower than the ambient temperature.

Q. What other properties does Koolcoat have?
A. Because Koolcoat is a ceramic based product, the finished surface will be harder and much more abrasion resistant than regular paint.