Waterproofing is a major issue for most untrained workers, this is simply because a leak is not that easy to find!
Even veterans in the trade are using methods that are totally outdated, as an example, a leaking tiled balcony will invariably be subjected to ripping out the old tiles and torch-on laid over the concrete and new tiles installed. The cost and mess that this old style of remedy subjects the home owner to is ridiculous.
Do not be dismayed, this is practiced across the globe even at this date of mid 2025. Education has not kept pace with technology.
Kote products, if nothing else, is extremely innovative and inventive and ardent students of tomorrows technologies. So much so that old established companies are trying to copy our products.
So before we teach our students how to use our products, lets firstly establish that no one has products like ours and therefore it is in your interest, seriously, to pay close attention to our processes and methodologies, because what we are going to show you, does not apply to ancient products on the shelves of shops in this or any country!
Tools
When attempting to repair or maintain a surface experiencing water leaks it is really important to have the correct tools!
PLEASE remember, what you are learning here only applies to KOTE products and does not necessarily apply to other, common products found in this country.
We have VERY specific reasons for teaching you the best practice when using KOTE products.
We are NOT in favour of using paint brushes or rollers for certain substrates as these methods induce foam and this is compromising the aesthetics and efficacy of the final protective film. TAKE NOTE!!! A mop is better than a brush!
Not all surfaces need this tool, some surfaces is best to spray using an airless gun. Such as this one from Adendorff Tools
Surface Preparation
What separates the handyman from the professional is the time and intelligent attention to how to prepare the surface.
You will be amazed at the difference this makes and the money it saves and sometime marriages as well. "I TOLD YOU SO" ( can you hear the words?)
The Devil is in the details, and we cannot overemphasize the critical importance surface preparation is. NOTHING STICKS TO GREASE, AND MOST OFTEN GREASE IS INVISIBLE!!!
Clean and dry may mean different things to different people but in this game of coatings, it is very specific. The surface MUST be degreased, thoroughly rinsed and completely dry.
People leave the coating until the last moment, then because they have visitors coming, it must be rushed and there is where the system breaks!
Okay enough warnings now lets get into preparing surfaces...
How to clean tiles
How to clean tiles (any tiles) This method applies to most surface preparation projects you will encounter.
- Use KleenKote neat out of the container and spread with a broom. Use a backward forward motion to "scrub" the surface and then leave the foam to activate and dissolve the grease off the substrate.
- After about 5 minutes rinse THOROUGHLY and leave to dry, on a warm day outdoors, this could be about 2 hours, on a cold day indoors this could be a whole day or more, the use of a fan heater indoors is useful to accelerate drying time.
- That's it, you are now ready to apply the WaterKote...
How to apply WaterKote
Now that your surface is clean, de-greased and dry you can apply WaterKote
- If it is tiles you are waterproofing, perhaps on a balcony, be sure all the grouting is in good condition, If not, renew! (also see tips on the right) Assume all is good to go then use a brush on the edging and slightly up on the verticals of walls or steps, use a very soft brush with long bristles and work SLOWLY. Apply a generous coat to this area going all the way around the perimeter. Leave to dry for about an hour in good weather and apply two more coats in the same manner. Please note, this brush work is only for the verticals where the flat mop will not reach!
- Now it is time to apply WaterKote to the tiles on the floor. Pour WaterKote onto the surface of the floor and using a flat mop as per picture, spread the WaterKote slowly and evenly over the whole area working from the furthest point backwards toward to the exit. Leave for about on hour in good weather and repeat twice more.
- After applying three coats, leave to dry, undisturbed, for a day or two in good weather, by undisturbed we mean not even cats or dogs to walk over the area.
- It is very important that the surface not get wet from any source including rain or sprinklers etc for about three days.
Cracks and Parapets
When dealing with parapet walls or cracks, which is a major culprit of water ingress and damp, do not use traditional powdery products as fillers. Many cracks are dynamic, meaning that they will expand and contract or open and close according the changes in temperature, therefore use a filler that will withstand the elements as well as be flexible. FillaKote is such a filler made from pure ceramic and high-performance acrylic binder.
It is advisable to widen the crack by chiselling away some of the plaster and either brush away the dust or rinse with water to clean the area of loose debris. Use a good quality paint scraper or trowel to fill and flatten the FillaKote using a little water on the surface of the trowel to smooth off the finish. Sanding afterward may not be needed if this is done correctly. Apply three coats of WaterKote to waterproof the surface. You can also use StellarKote as a protective waterproofing paint with the colour of your choice.
When Using KleenKote it is best to use neat and brush over the surface with a house broom to dislodge any difficult dirt and leave the foam to activate and degrease for about 5 minutes.
THEN, please take note, it is imperative to rinse THOROUGHLY because the grease is in the foam and leaving foam behind means leaving grease behind!
Side Notes/Tips
Cracks and gaps can be filled by mixing WaterKote with some fine, clean and dry sand into a wet putty and spread with a paint scraper. This will dry into a very hard and yet flexible mass.
Use a high pressure cleaner whenever possible to remove foam and rinse thoroughly.
Avoid brush marks
Brush marks could be distracting so to avoid them simply wrap the brush with an old piece of cotton cloth and tie down with an elastic band. See pic below...
Please note that this method only really works on smooth surfaces, use a spray gun preferably.
