Fiberglass Ladder Maintenance with Fiberglass Protective Coating March 19 2018
Getting ready for summer? Protect your fiberglass ladder with Rainbow’s Fiberglass Protective Coating #4621
Fiberglass ladders will weather, as will most materials, when exposed to an outdoor environment. The degree of degradation of surface appearance will be accelerated by warm, moist climates; areas of high humidity; and high solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The effects from weathering on fiberglass ladders includes:
1. Color change - comes from resin yellowing, fading pigment, or fiber whitening
2. Loss of gloss finish
3. Surface fiber appearance - due to erosion or “fiber blooming.” Fiber blooming is the condition in which small fibers are exposed and give the ladder a chalky appearance. These exposed fibers collect dirt or grease and may affect the electrical properties of the ladder. These raised fibers also allow water along with water vapor to penetrate the ladder and lower the electrical resistance of the rail which will reduce its value as an insulator. Lastly, this condition will cause the user discomfort if the exposed fibers penetrate the skin.
3. Physical appearance - ladders may exhibit cracking, decaying, chipping, or flaking.
Rainbow Fiberglass Protective Coating (#4621) is designed to protect fiberglass ladders and other assemblies against all of the above effects that may be caused by exposure to weather, humidity, or UV radiation.
You can use Rainbow Fiberglass Coating on these surfaces:
- Fiberglass Ladders
- All types of Disconnect Sticks
- Material Handling Booms
- Digger Derrick Booms
- Temporary Change Out Equipment
- Fiberglass Street Light Poles
Applying Fiberglass Protective Coating is simple:
1. Surface must be clean, dry and free of rust before spraying. Prep the surface of the ladder by lightly sanding until smooth and free of flaking and splintered fiberglass. Take care to protect surrounding areas from spray mist. For best results, use when can is between 50°F and 90°F (10°C and 32°C.).
2. Shake can at least one minute after rattle is heard and occasionally during use.
3. Spray surface with steady even strokes at a distance of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25cm). Several light coats give a better finish than one heavy coat. Allow 30 minutes of drying time between light coats. Allow to completely dry before use.
4. To clear sprayhead for future use, turn can upside down and spray for 3 seconds. Completely empty cans may be recycled or disposed of with regular trash. Dispose of partially empty cans responsibly. DO NOT incinerate or compact.
5. If clogging develops, turn sprayhead 1/4 turn or remove and clean sprayhead slot (Figure 1). Do not stick pin or other objects into can opening. With can and sprayhead pointed away from you, reinsert sprayhead with a gentle twisting motion.