Technical Specifications

• Old Uncoated Wallpaper - To determine if the wallcovering is a true paper wipe a wet sponge across the surface – if the
water is readily absorbed it means there is no vinyl coating. This type of wallcovering can be effectively sealed with
GARDZ.
Surface Preparation - Surfaces should be clean, dry, sound and free of dust, dirt, excessive chalky material, grime,
grease, oil, wax, mildew, wallpaper adhesive or any contamination that may interfere with adhesion. If unsure, always
wash surface with a household ammonia and water solution, appropriate cleaning solution, or solvent (Do not use TSP as
a cleaner). Remove any unsoundly adhered coatings. Sand any remaining paint film edges smooth with the surface.
Countersink exposed nailheads and fill all nailholes and gouges with Ready Patch®. Remove interior mold and mildew
before painting with a solution of one cup household bleach per gallon of water or a quality biocidal wash. Rinse well.
Always wear protective clothing and goggles to prevent eye and skin contact with bleach. Do not mix ammonia or any
other chemical with bleach solution. If you are concerned about mold and mildew behind walls, underneath flooring, in
ventilation systems or other unseen areas, contact a professional who specializes in mold and mildew remediation. For
commercial buildings and schools follow appropriate guidelines for mold removal. WARNING! If you scrape, sand or
remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS,
SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a
NIOSHApproved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you
start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-
LEAD or log on to www.epa.gove/lead.
Application Conditions – Apply when temperature is above 50°F (10°C) and below 90°F (32°C). Warmer temperatures
will accelerate and colder temperatures will prolong the dry time of this product. Do not apply if humidity is greater than
85%. Close container after each use.
Application Methods – Stir well before using. Do not thin. Using a brush, medium nap roller or sprayer, apply GARDZ
liberally to the entire surface to ensure good penetration. Do not over-apply or coating will sag. GARDZ appears milky
blue-white during application but dries water-clear; properly sealed surfaces should have a uniform sheen when viewed at
an angle. Reapply to areas that have been missed or not sufficiently coated.
Keep container closed when not in use.
• Brush – For best results use a quality nylon/polyester or other, similar, synthetic blend bristle brush with flagged tips.
• Roller – Use a roller with a 3/8” or less synthetic nap or use the Zinsser WallWiz® Roller. Apply GARDZ to walls from
the bottom up to prevent product from running down the wall. For ceiling applications where a roller would be too messy
or disruptive (popcorn ceilings, for example) GARDZ may be applied using a power sprayer or garden sprayer (see
below).
• Sprayer – GARDZ may be applied using HVLP or airless sprayer systems. Use a .011 to .013 tip and 800 to 1200 psi for
airless application. Maintain a distance of at least 18 to 24 inches between the spray tip and the surface. If surface is too
fragile for power sprayer application, GARDZ may be applied with a garden sprayer. For best results, use a sprayer with a
clean 2-gallon plastic tank. Pour GARDZ into the tank and pressurize according to manufacturer’s directions. Adjust the
nozzle setting to dispense the product in a fine, consistent, fan pattern, keeping the sprayer tip at least 12 to 18 inches
from the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for clean up and storage and protect adjacent areas from over-spray.
Drying Time – Dries to touch in 30 minutes. Porous surfaces that have been sealed with GARDZ are ready for finish
coating or wallpapering after 3 hours.
Topcoating/Wallpapering – When dry, GARDZ may be topcoated with any standard architectural water-base or oil-
base primer or topcoat paint. GARDZ is compatible with all types of joint compounds and spackling pastes and any
texture or popcorn finish may be applied over it. Although wallpaper may be installed directly over any surface that has
been coated with GARDZ, some types of wallpaper and translucent wallcoverings may require an additional coat of an
opaque primer such as SHIELDZ® Universal.
Coverage – Approx. 350 – 450 sq. ft. (33 – 42 m²) per gallon. Textured or skim coated surfaces will be very absorbent
and may require a second coat. Application losses may vary according to the porosity of the substrate and the method of
application and should be taken into account when estimating the quantity of product needed.