How to build your wood deck waterproofing kit

1

Preparation

For wood decks we always recommend sanding first. Just give it a light sand

2

Fabric reinforcement

Choose Fabric Reinforcement if you have any crack or joints you would like to cover.

3

Waterproofing

Choose the size and color of SEMCO Liquid Membrane that you need for your project.

4

SEALER

Sealer is only needed if you have heavy foot traffic or any furniture on your deck.

Wood deck waterproofing

Build your wood deck waterproofing kit

Start by selecting the setup that fits your wood surface and waterproofing needs. Then use the prep and application steps below to complete the job with confidence.

Step by step

How to use SEMCO Liquid Membrane on wood surfaces

Follow these steps for prep, application and cure timing based on the pool surface you are coating. The goal is a clean substrate, even coverage and enough cure time before water exposure.

1

Preparation

Sand the wood surface with a 60 grit sandpaper. Take off any loose coating and ensure surface is free of any debris

Helpful Tip

As wood often absorbs water, avoid pressure washing wood prior to the application.

2

Masking

Mask off areas that are not receiving any coating. Remove masking tape before material has fully cured.

3

APPLYING COAT

Use a 1/2" nap roller. Allow any pre-treated areas to fully dry. Apply a thin coat (0.015 inch per coat) of SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ with brush or roller over substrate including pre-treated areas. Once you can walk on the surface and not get any residue on your shoe or feet or cannot leave a fingerprint impression it is ready to re-coat. Apply another thin coat of SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ in an alternate direction over the first coat of SEMCO Liquid Membrane™. Let topcoat dry to the touch, approximately 1–2 hours at 70 °F (21 °C) and 50% RH. When last coat has dried to the touch, inspect final surface for pinholes, voids, thin spots or other defects.SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ will dry to a lighter color when it’s dry to touch. Use additional SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ to seal the defects. Required total thickness is 0.03 - 0.04 inches for non submerged applications.

4

Curing Time

Curing time depends on temperature, humidity and airflow, however typically initial cure is within 6 - 7 days as per specific product recommendations.

5

Additional Information

• For clean up use warm water to clean brush or roller right after use.
• For optimal bonding we highly recommend preparing the surface as mentioned above for best results.
• Stir up the product well before use in order to mix up the color pigments.
• Avoid application in direct sun light in the afternoon or temperatures of over 85F as it might cause the product to dry too fast before it can adhere to the substrate
• Suitable for light foot traffic.For heavy foot traffic or vehicle traffic, we recommend using SEMCO Titan Shield Gloss or SEMCO Sealer Matte.
• It can not be applied to wet substrates or substrates still containing moisture, else it will not cure correctly and stay tacky. Max. rest moisture in substrate can be up to 3%. If you are unsure about the moisture content, have it measured prior to application.
• It is always advisable to apply a small test patch in an inconspicuous are to ensure adequate adhesion prior to full application.
• If you have multiple containers of SEMCO Liquid Membrane™, we highly recommend to either mix them together or use one container for the last layer to get color consistency.

SEMCO Liquid Membrane FAQ

Can I waterproof a wood deck with SEMCO Liquid Membrane™?

Yes — it's widely used to waterproof and encapsulate wood decks, deck boards, stairs, and framing. It rolls on and cures into a flexible, watertight rubber film that seals the wood against rain and moisture; one customer describes fully encapsulating their deck boards in an even color, and another built up 3 coats for a watertight roof deck. It's an especially good choice for exterior balconies and roof decks over living space, where a true waterproof membrane matters.

Which parts of the deck should I coat — tops, sides, or undersides too?

For full protection, coat every wood surface water can reach: the tops and edges of the boards, the sides, and ideally the undersides and framing. Reviewers coat the underside of boards and the joists and posts to stop damp and rot — one in humid Florida sealed under the boards specifically to protect the structure. Encapsulating the wood on all faces gives the longest life; at minimum, seal the walking surface and board edges thoroughly.

Will SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ flex with the wood as the deck expands and contracts?

Yes — that flexibility is a key advantage on wood. It cures into an elastomeric membrane that stretches up to 1300% and bridges cracks up to 1/4", so it moves with the boards as they swell, shrink, and shift with weather instead of cracking like a rigid deck paint. Reviewers describe the cured film as tough, durable, and flexible, performing exactly as advertised on decks and balconies.

How many coats does a wood deck need, and how much will I use?

Apply a minimum of 2 coats for a standard deck and 3 coats for a roof deck or balcony over living space. Bare, rough, or thirsty wood soaks up more, so coverage often runs toward the lower end of the 100–250 sq ft per gallon range — a few reviewers note a rough deck used more than expected, so measure your area, plan for the coats, and buy extra. For a large deck, the 5-gallon pail is the economical choice.

My deck feels sticky or tacky underfoot after coating — what happened?

A deck that's still tacky underfoot usually hasn't finished curing, or was coated too thick, in cool or humid weather, or before a previous coat set — a couple of reviewers on large decks hit this. Give it the full 5–10 day cure at moderate temperatures with good airflow, and always build up thin, fully-cured coats. For a smooth, non-tacky walking surface that's comfortable for bare feet, let it cure fully and consider a Titan Shield Gloss topcoat.

Will it work on plywood, OSB, and exterior balconies over living space?

Yes — SEMCO Liquid Membrane bonds to plywood and wood sheathing and is a strong choice for exterior balconies and decks over occupied rooms, where a leak means interior damage. One reviewer waterproofed an exterior balcony over plywood with excellent adhesion and a flexible watertight result, and another sealed a flat roof-deck above living space. Reinforce seams and fastener lines with fabric and build up 3 coats for these critical over-living-space decks.

Can I use it on deck framing, joists, and posts near the ground?

Yes — sealing framing, joists, and posts is a great way to protect the structure from ground moisture and rot. Reviewers coat the framing of low decks and the 4x4 posts set into the ground, giving them a couple of days to cure. It forms a tough rubber barrier that keeps damp and insects from destroying the wood, which is especially valuable in high-water-table areas.