Seal and Protect Your Basement

Jun 21, 2017 | Tutorials

Below ground pools are great, but they shouldn’t be made from your foundation. Ames Research Laboratories’ basement formulas are ideal for stopping basement leaks in extreme situations.

Ames’ Blue Max formula is top of the line when it comes to waterproofing your basement. A highly elastomeric liquid rubber, Blue Max is perfect for interior waterproofing of basement walls as well as exterior and holds up to dirt for foundation waterproofing. Here is how to apply it to properly seal any surface you choose.

You Will Need:

Get your tools in order. Both Ames’® Blue Max and Block & Wall Liquid Rubber can be applied with a paint brush, a push broom, a roller, or a commercial sprayer.  In addition, you will need Ames® Peel & Stick Seam Tape and scissors or a utility knife.  For larger commercial jobs, we recommend an airless sprayer to make it easier on yourself, here are our sprayer specifications. 

Are you ready for application? Our basement coatings do not need a primer, but we do suggest a little bit of prep work. Caulk all cracks greater than 1/8″ wide with Ames’ Blue Max trowel-grade. For surfaces with joints, cracks, or where two unlike surfaces come together, it’s a good idea to use Ames’® Peel & Stick Seam Tape to provide some additional strength and reinforcement, ultimately lengthening the lifespan of your project. Prime all surfaces generously with Ames’ Blue Max and then let dry prior to setting the Seam Tape in place. Apply a topcoat of Ames’ Blue Max or Block & Wall Liquid Rubber over the Seam Tape and allow to cure.

It’s important to remember that Ames’ Blue Max must be top coated in exterior applications if it is going to be exposed to UV rays. 

Ames’ basement coatings are best applied between 50° to 90° F on warm dry surfaces. For exterior applications apply when the weather is nice, the sun is out, and the forecast says it’s likely to stay that way. A slight tack is normal after drying. Ames’ Blue Max may be recoated or top coated when it is dry to the touch. Low temperatures, high humidity and evening and morning dew will require increased drying/curing time so be patient.

Clean-up, Storage, and Disposal: Clean tools and small spills with water. Store unused product in its original container, tightly sealed and protected from freezing. Dispose of this product in accordance with local, state, or federal requirements.
We recommend 3 gallons per 100 square feet for water containment. The application must be applied in a continuous, unbroken seal of a minimum dry thickness of no less than 30 mils (the thickness of a dime). Two coats minimum, three to four is ideal. As you probably guessed, more coats translate into a longer lifespan for your coating. Rough surfaces will require additional product and drying time.
We want to make sure you get the most out of our products. Before you start coating your basement, be sure surfaces are clean and dry. Read all label instructions before beginning and try running a test patch first in an inconspicuous area to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction.

All products mentioned here are available for purchase here or at your local Ace Hardware, Do It Best, or True Value. Do your project right the first time with Ames Research Laboratories!