LIZARDSKIN FAQs
LizardSkin is a line of automotive insulation and sound dampening (damping) 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.
LizardSkin CI – Ceramic Insulation is designed to reduce engine and solar heat transfer.
LizardSkin SC – Sound Control is used to dramatically reduce and deaden sound, road noise rattles, 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 auto insulation and sound deadening coatings. It can be used as a standalone product, if desired.
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.
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 and a primer applied prior to applying LizardSkin.
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.
LIZARDSKIN APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Please see our Preparation Page for a full list of equipment needed.
The coatings are extremely thick and viscous, like a milkshake or cake batter. Because of that, brushing and rolling are not recommended because it is impossible to achieve uniform thickness. Uniform thickness during application is not only imperative to curing and dry times, but also performance once the coatings have dried.
The SuperPro Application Kit is the only method recommended to apply LizardSkin SC or CI, as the sprayer has been specifically designed for the high viscosity of the coatings. Undercoating (Schutz) Guns have a smaller pick-up tube and spray orifice, which can lead to clogging and splattering of the coating.
Brushing or rolling will result in uneven thicknesses, leading to performance and curing issues.
The air compressor should have at least a 20 gallon tank, be capable of 4-5 CFM, and able to achieve 70 PSI at the gun.
On smaller air compressors, we do not recommend more than 25 feet of line to ensure that there is consistent pressure during the spray process. Larger air compressors can handle larger lines
Always apply LizardSkin Sound Control (SC) BEFORE Ceramic Insulation (CI). Be sure to wait at least 24-36 hours in between applying CI on top of SC. The coatings have an “infinite recoat window, so there is no maximum time between spraying Sound Control and Ceramic Insulation. If you do wait for an extended period of time, blow off any dust/debris and wipe down with a wet rag, then allow to dry. To view the entire application process, visit instructions page and print them out for a handy copy.
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.
No, 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.
No, 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.
All types of seam sealers will need an automotive primer prior to applying LizardSkin. If the primer was applied more than 3 days prior to LizardSkin application, then the surface should be lightly scuffed.
Yes, both LizardSkin CI and LizardSkin SC can be used on the interior or exterior of the vehicle. At the recommended thickness, both automotive insulation coatings can prevent starring from normal road debris. For additional toughness, LizardSkin TopCoat is available.
Please see our page on how to calculate the amount of product needed.
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.
The products CANNOT be mixed together because Ceramic Insulation and Sound Control are two different formulations, each independently designed for heat insulation and sound deadening respectively.
Yes, both products can be applied on either side of the metal.
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, preferably NOT in an aerosol can. High gloss primers and painted surfaces may require light scuffing prior to application. Do NOT scuff so hard that you reach bare metal.
LizardSkin coatings will not adhere to silicone seam sealers and can detach after curing. It is recommended to apply a primer on top of the silicone seam sealer prior to applying LizardSkin coatings. Contact LizardSkin for further instructions.
Fiberglass, wood, plastic, and stainless steel will need to be scuffed with light sandpaper (~120 grit). 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. Please follow manufacturer recommendations for topcoating.
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.
Time between coats is dependent on temperature and humidity but will usually fall between 1 and 3 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.
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.
We strongly recommend 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.
Both the metal substrate and air temperature must be greater than 60˚F (15˚C) to allow the coating to properly dry and cure. It is ideal for the temperature to be above 70˚F (21˚C). Generally speaking, the coatings will dry and cure faster with higher temperatures and lower humidity, but you should never “bake” the coating in an oven or force cure it with an external heater. That can cause “skinning”, trapping moisture inside the coating.
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.
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.
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.
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 possible defects.
AFTER APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Yes, you can take the gun apart for cleaning. All pieces of the outer nozzle will come by hand. If you take out the inner brass nozzle, be sure to use a deep 11 mm socket. If you use a shallow socket, you may break the brass piece.
To clean the sprayer, move to a sink or somewhere with running water. A wire brush and/or wire pipe cleaners can aid in cleaning.
Detach the cup and fill with water to let soak. Then remove spray tip and nozzle with your hand and ensure that threads and inners of the two pieces are completely clean of product.
Alternate running water in and around the brass nozzle, as well as into the brass pickup tube until water starts flowing freely. Let water flow both directions until it the discharge is mostly clear. Finally, clean the cup of all material.
Reassemble gun completely once everything is cleaned and then fill up cup with warm water and reattach to the air line. Spray one full cup of warm water through the gun. Detach cup from sprayer, allow both pieces to dry, and store until next use.
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.
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 in black color, you can apply LizardSkin TopCoat.
If another color is desired, any automotive-grade paint is suitable for use on top of LizardSkin CI and SC coatings. A primer is not required in between LizardSkin and another coating but can be used if desired because of LizardSkin’s slightly porous nature. Please follow primer instructions for application.
Prior to top coating, ensure that the LizardSkin has cured for at least 3-4 days (72-96 hours) in temperatures above 60˚F (15˚C). Air movement across the coating will help the curing process, so provide the coated surfaces with airflow during the entire curing process if possible.
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.
When the recommended thickness is applied, LizardSkin SC adds about 0.5 lbs/square foot and LizardSkin CI adds approximately 0.1 lbs/square foot. If you are employing both coatings, the total weight per square foot is 0.6 lbs.
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.
Any standard upholstery glue is acceptable, but LizardSkin must be completely cured prior to application.
LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation is suitable for sustained temperatures of 350˚F. If the product encounters temperatures greater than 350˚F, then it may become brittle and lose adhesion, causing it to fall off the surface to which it was applied.
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.
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.
