Life Deck/Life Paint Videos

Life Deck AL System Instructional Videos

Step 1: Flashing:

Flash at wall-to-deck with 4” x 4” facia with 2”x4” minimum 26 gauge bonderized sheet- metal overlapped at least 4” and caulked in front and back with a Life Deck approved sealant such as RainbusterTM 900 or equivalent. If calf raises the flashing is not bonderized it must be etched so that coating will bond . Nail all flashing every 4”.
Deck Preparation: Be sure the surface is clean, dry and free of grease, paint, oil, dust or curing agents.

Step 2 – Metal Lath:

Place the AL lath (only hot dipped galvanized) on the plywood and cut the lath to fit the area making sure the edge of the lath does not parallel any wood seams. Lath should run across the grain of the plywood. The lath has a grain and it should be placed so that it curves down at the edge of the deck. The lath should be held back 1/2” from all edges (staple through flashing when necessary). This will allow material to be feathered with a brush. With the lath in place, staple the lath using 16 staples per square foot (minimum 1” crown x 5/8” long, non corrosive equal to Senco brand). Overlap the lath between 1” to 2”. With a hammer, pound down any seams or staples that are higher than the lath.

Step 3 – Base Coat:

Combine one bag of LD-1 cement with 1-1/4 gallon of LD-81 acrylic and add up to one quart of water. Mix until uniform with a low rpm 1/2” drill motor. Pour the mixture onto the lath and trowel smooth at the rate of 40 square feet per batch. Use a paint brush to spread the base coat on the flashing making sure to get the mixture into the seams and corners. Using a brush, wet with water, feather all outside edges. Scrape off any high spots or ridges that may inhibit application of a smooth slurry coat.

Step 4 – Slurry Coat:

Combine one bag of LD-1 cement with 1-1/4 gallon of LD-81 acrylic and add up to one quart of water. Mix until uniform with a low rpm 1/2” drill motor. Pour the mixture onto the surface and trowel smooth at the rate of 100-150 square feet per batch. Use a paint brush to spread the base coat on the flashing making sure to get the mixture into the seams and corners. Using a brush, wet with water, feather all outside edges. Scrape off any high spots or ridges that may inhibit application of a smooth slurry coat.

Step 5 – Texture Coat:

Combine one bag of Life Deck LD-3 cement with one gallon of LD-81 acrylic and mix thoroughly with a low rpm drill motor. Add up to one quart of water to achieve the desired consistency. Using an acoustical hopper gun, spray the texture onto the deck with a circular motion to achieve approximately 70% coverage at a rate of about 150 square feet per batch. After a few moments, depending on the temperature, the texture must be “knocked down” using a 20” x 5” rounded pool trowel for best results. To avoid making impressions, the applicator should wear spiked shoes. Wipe trowel clean with a wet rag as needed. Spray continuously, do not stop in the middle of the deck.

Step 6- Top Coat:

Mix containers of the same color and same product together to insure a consistent color. Product may be thinned by adding 1 pint of water per gallon to avoid streaks, especially in hot weather. Roll two coats of Life Deck Top Coat using a 3/4” roller at a rate of 200-250 square feet per gallon per coat, allowing appropriate cure time between coats (2 hours @ 800F, 4 hours @ 700F. Shaded areas require longer cure times between coats or use). Spread the Top Coat in two directions to achieve a uniform finish. Coverage will vary according to texture. Allow 4 to 6 hours drying time (at 70 degrees) before permitting light pedestrian traffic. For best results, allow to cure 24 hours before direct traffic is permitted. Allow an additional 24 hours before heavy objects are placed on the surface.