We get a lot of inquiries on how to use Boysen products and we enjoy getting to chat with you about all things paint. This is also how we get to hear about any “fake news” going around in the painting community. They can be hard to get rid of! Today, we’re dispelling a particular one about Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion. Read on.
Don’t Use It as a Topcoat!
We often hear about painters and DIYers using Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion as a topcoat to add shine and a layer of protection to a surface—anything from using it over painted walls and on tiles. Don’t do this though!
Many seem to think that Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion can be used as a topcoat because it’s transparent and dries to a glossy finish. But, it’s not formulated to act as a protectant for surfaces. It’s not meant to be used as such and may not be effective for this purpose.
Besides, when used as a topcoat there’s a high chance of it turning yellow within a few weeks or months. Exactly the opposite of what you want a clear topcoat to do. So, if it’s not a topcoat, what do you use Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion for? A sealer to prevent moisture.
Apply Between Primer and Paint
Moisture on your concrete surface can cause paint problems down the line. Blistering and peeling paint are prime examples of what can happen when there is excessive moisture on your room walls.
Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion is a water-based, acrylic coating that serves as a barrier against dampness on concrete surfaces. It acts as a sealer so that the moisture from the concrete will not seep through and damage your paint. So it can do its job properly, you will need to apply Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion after the primer (such as Boysen Permacoat Flat Latex B-701) and before the topcoat (such as Boysen Permacoat Semi-Gloss Latex).
Keep in mind, however, that this is not a waterproofing product. For durable and reliable waterproofing, check out Boysen Plexibond.
Great for Wallpapers and Damp Walls
If you’re planning on putting up wallpaper, get a container of Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion too. Apply this product before your wallpaper to seal the surface. This will help ensure that the moisture from the concrete will not seep through and ruin the wallpaper.
Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion can help with the problem of a damp shared wall as well. Say for instance you have two rooms side by side sharing a common concrete wall. One room is air-conditioned. In some cases, the shared wall of the other room becomes moist because of the air-conditioned one. Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion will be useful for the wall that becomes damp.
If, however, on the other side of the damp wall is an exterior surface, it’s recommended that you treat the exterior wall instead with a waterproofing system, such as Boysen Plexibond, rather than just relying on Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion. After all, heavy rains are a world away from just dampness because of an AC.
Now, get out there and work on a new project. And while you’re getting supplies at the hardware store, spread the word that Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion shouldn’t be applied as topcoat!
For questions and inquiries about Boysen Products, feel free to reach out to our technical team at ask@myboysen.com or call (02) 8363-9738 local 413 to 418 during office hours for a one-on-one consultation.