FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS
-
What is LizardSkin?
LizardSkin is a line of products that help reduce heat and noise and protect surfaces for cars and trucks of all sizes. Developed by Mascoat, the leader in insulating coatings, the coatings have been proven on thousands of vehicles since 2005.
What is the difference between the three products?
LizardSkin CI – Ceramic Insulation is designed to reduce engine and solar heat transfer. LizardSkin SC – Sound Control is used to dramatically reduce road noise and noise transfer. LizardSkin TopCoat does not have any insulation or sound damping qualities, but is instead intended to add durability, traction, and a glossy appearance to the other coatings. It can be used as a standalone product, if desired.
What colors are available?
LizardSkin-SC is available in flat black. Ceramic Insulation is available in both flat black and white. LizardSkin TopCoat is available in semi-gloss black.
Will it prevent rusting?
When applied to a properly prepared surface, LizardSkin products will create a seamless membrane, creating a constant protective moisture barrier with no gaps or seams. This will prevent future rust from forming by sealing the substrate from moisture. DO NOT APPLY LizardSkin coatings directly to rust. Existing rust MUST be treated prior to applying LizardSkin.
What is the expiration date of the product for opened and unopened material?
Unopened Ceramic Insulation is good 18 months and Sound Control is good for 24 months from the date of manufacture; partially-used containers, when properly stored, should be used within 6-8 months. The expiration date of the product is clearly listed on the barcode label of each pail.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
What do I need to apply LizardSkin?
Please see our Preparation Page for a full list of equipment needed.
If I am using both Sound Control and Ceramic Insulation, which product should I apply first?
Always apply LizardSkin Sound Control (SC) before Ceramic Insulation (CI). Be sure to wait 24-36 hours in between applying CI on top of SC. To view the entire application process, visit instructions page.
What parts of the car/truck do you apply it to?
For best results, it is recommended to coat the entire interior with both CI and SC. Typical applications for both products include firewalls, floor pans, transmission tunnels, doors, hoods, trunk lids, under headliners, inside fenders, panel van walls and any other areas that allow heat and/or sound into the interior.
Can it be used as a bed liner?
We do not recommend the use of LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation or Sound Control as a bed liner. Although the products are very tough and durable, they are not designed to withstand the rigors that bed liner materials are subject to.
Can LizardSkin go on top of a bed liner product (RhinoLinings®, Line-X®, etc)?
No, LizardSkin should not be placed on top of a bed liner. While LizardSkin is very durable, it is not as hard as the liner products. Either coating can be applied PRIOR to application of a bed liner in certain applications but ensure that the LizardSkin is completely cured first (24-48 hours).
Can it be used as an undercoating to prevent starring?
Yes, both LizardSkin CI and LizardSkin SC can be used on the interior or exterior of the vehicle. At the recommended thickness, the coatings can prevent starring from normal road debris. For additional toughness, LizardSkin TopCoat is available.
Can LizardSkin products be used together?
For maximum sound control and insulation performance, both LizardSkin CI & SC may be used, but it is important that LizardSkin Sound Control be applied prior to application of LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation. Once both are correctly applied and fully cured (48 hours), you can use LizardSkin TopCoat to add durability, traction, and a glossy appearance.
Can I mix the products together so I spray them both at the same time?
The products CANNOT be mixed together because Ceramic Insulation and Sound Control are two different formulations.
Can you put it on the inside and outside of the firewall, transmission tunnel and floor board?
Yes, both products can be applied on either side of the metal.
Does the substrate need any preparation before application of LizardSkin?
Surface must be clean, dry, and free of rust, oil, and grease. Different levels of surface prep may be required to achieve a clean, dry surface.
Bare steel requires an automotive primer. High gloss primers and painted surfaces may require a scuffing prior to application.
Will not adhere silicone seam sealers. Contact LizardSkin for further instructions.
Fiberglass, wood, plastic, and stainless steel may need to be scuffed. Make sure any residual dust or particulates are cleaned off the surface before applying LizardSkin.
When applying LizardSkin over a rust encapsulator or similar type of coating, you need to use a primer manufactured or approved by that company and applied according to their instructions before applying LizardSkin. After applying the primer, it may need to be scuffed.
Mask off all areas not intended to be sprayed with LizardSkin.
Use aluminum foil or newspaper and painter’s tape to cover irregular shaped components, including; steering columns, brake and throttle pedal assemblies, wiring, suspension components, and any screw holes or threaded holes.
How long do you wait in between coats?
Time between coats is dependent on temperature and humidity but will usually fall between 1 and 2 hours. The best way to test is the 90-degree thumb test. Place your thumb on the first coat and twist 90 degrees. If no coating is apparent on your thumb and the coated surface is not pliable, it is ready for the next coat. If you are applying LizardSkin CI on top of LizardSkin SC, you must allow the SC a full 24-36 hours of drying/curing time before application of CI. Cure times may be prolonged in colder temperatures and higher humidity. Both CI and SC have unlimited recoat windows. Just make sure the coated surface is clean and dry.
Can I roll or brush this product on?
We strongly recommend that the LizardSkin products be applied with the LizardSkin SuperPro Spray Application Kit. Small applications of less than 1 square foot can be brushed, though sanding after each coat may be required to ensure even coats. Please call for further instructions.
Can I use a Schutz (Undercoating) Gun to apply LizardSkin?
We strongly recommned against using these types of sprayers to apply LizardSkin because the pick-up tube and nozzle are not big enough to properly handle the thick, viscous consistency of LizardSkin SC and CI. Clogging and splattering can be a constant issue when using that type of sprayer. We specially manufacture the SuperPro Application Sprayer to allow the coating to apply cleanly and uniformly without clogging or splattering.
What temperature should you apply LizardSkin?
Both the metal substrate and air temperature must be greater than 60˚F (15˚C) to allow the coating to properly cure. It is ideal for the temperature to be above 70˚F (21˚C). The higher the temperature, the faster the drying and curing.
How do I mix LizardSkin when it’s in the pail?
Please use the red mixing paddle provided with the SuperPro Application Kit attached to a variable speed drill. Mix the product at low speed (less than 300 RPM) moving the paddle up, down, and around until it reaches a smooth consistency. Normal mix time is less than one minute. If you do not have one, you can contact us at 800-549-0042 to get a replacement paddle.
Can I thin LizardSkin with water to make it go further?
NO. Thinning LizardSkin will greatly reduce its effectiveness. The addition of water will affect both adhesion and insulation properties. If you feel thinning is necessary, contact LizardSkin for further instructions.
Can LizardSkin be sprayed on plastic?
Yes, but the surface may need a light scuffing prior to application. You will also need to wipe off any residue the scuffing leaves behind.
Can I order parts for my SuperPro spray gun?
LizardSkin does not carry/sale replacement parts for the SuperPro sprayer. If you need to order a replacement gun, be sure to tell us why so that we can identify any defects.
AFTER APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Can it be sanded?
Yes. If sanding is required for a smooth surface, we recommend an extra 10 mils to the recommended thickness to account for product being removed in the sanding process.
Can it be painted? If so, with what?
Yes. Please see above question regarding sanding if you are looking for a smooth finish. For enhanced durability or to achieve a semi-gloss appearance, you can apply LizardSkin TopCoat. If another color is desired, any automotive-grade paint is suitable for use on top of LizardSkin.
What is the texture of LizardSkin?
CI and SC have a finished texture like an exaggerated orange peel when following recommended spraying guidelines. Different textures can be achieved by adjusting the nozzle and air pressure.
How do I remove any overspray from application of LizardSkin?
Wet overspray can be cleaned up with soap and water. Please remember that prevention is best because we cannot have a product that adheres for life and is also easy to remove. Be sure to tape and cover any areas you don’t want product on prior to application of LizardSkin.
What type of glue can I use to glue upholstery to LizardSkin Insulation?
Any standard upholstery glue is acceptable, but LizardSkin must be completely cured prior to application.
Can I use this on my headers or exhaust?
No.
What happens to the product if it encounters temperatures greater than 500˚F?
LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation is suitable for sustained temperatures of 350˚F and for brief spikes in temperatures up to 500˚F If the product encounters temperatures greater than 500˚F, then it may become brittle and lose adhesion, causing it to fall off the surface to which it was applied.
What is the R-Value of LizardSkin?
While R-values are a sufficient way to measure inches of insulation in a home, they don’t tell the whole story of the effectiveness of LizardSkin-CI. Our ability to slow radiant heat gain while allowing convection pull heat off the coated substrate is what allows us to be so effective with such a relatively thin insulation layer. The seamless nature of our coating also ensure that hotspots caused by gaps in cut and paste insulation materials are a thing of the past.
Can I use LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation to control the temperature and condensation in my camper van?
If you are concerned about cold weather insulation, we recommend you use LizardSkin-CI in combination with a more traditional insulation method (Polystyrene XPS board, Thinsulate, etc.). This gives you both hot and cold weather performance and minimize the impact of condensation that can form in a campervan and damage traditional insulation materials.