It is always challenging to choose between similar products from the same company. These two Drylok waterproofers have many things in common, and it can be a little overwhelming to decide which one would be right for you.
In this post, you can find out which formula is better suited to your needs. We are going to look into the details of all features that differentiate them. We also added tips on how to use these formulas to get the best results.
The main difference is that Drylok Extreme has better water resistance than Drylok Original (15 PSI as opposed to 10 PSI). Drylok Extreme is wind resistant, includes biocide, and has a longer warranty. Additionally, the Extreme has a smooth texture, while Drylok Original offers a sandy texture.
Water and Wind Resistance Capabilities
The most important difference between these two waterproofing products is their water resistance.
Drylok Original stops 10 PSI (pounds per square inch) of hydrostatic pressure, which is an equivalent of 22 ft (6.7 m) high wall of water.
Extreme can stop water up to 15 PSI (33 ft or 10 m high wall). On top of that, it is able to withstand category 4 hurricane winds, thus resists up to 140 miles per hour wind-driven rain.
Both are excellent waterproofers, but Drylok Extreme is, as its name suggests, more suitable for extreme conditions and areas often affected by strong winds and hurricanes.
Drying Times
Keep in mind that you need a minimum of 2 coats to achieve desired waterproofing results.
The drying time of Drylok Extreme is slightly faster, with only 45 minutes to be dry to touch and 2 hours to recoat.
Drylok Original takes 1.5 hours to be dry to touch and between 2 to 3 hours to recoat.
If, for decorative purposes, you want to apply latex paint as a topcoat, you need to leave both Drylok formulas to dry for about 24 hours.
These are the ideal drying times reached in optimum conditions. You should avoid damp, cold, and humid conditions.
Additionally, it is noted on Drylok’s website that if you desire to use Extreme for painting the inside of concrete non-potable water tanks, you should wait a week before it is ready for use. That is likely due to the chemicals added for protection from mildew growth.
Quantities Available
The available sizes of these two products are almost identical. You can find them in 1 quart, 1 gallon, and 5-gallon containers. The only difference is that Drylok Original is also available in a 2 gallon tin. The shelf life of an unopened tin is 5 years in both cases.
There is no difference when it comes to the size of the area you can cover with one container of the paint. Both formulas offer coverage of 75-100 square feet per gallon of the product.
The good news is that Drylok took the burden of calculations away from you. Therefore, if you don’t know how much waterproof paint to get, you can use their coverage area calculator.
Warranties
Another big difference between the products comes in the shape of warranties. If you are looking for longer reliability and thus also a warranty, Dylok Extreme would be the better choice.
While the Original comes with a fully transferable 10-year product warranty, the Extreme offers 15 years, making it a perfect choice for new constructions.
Product Texture
Thanks to its smooth texture, Extreme is considered the better option for a decorative finish topcoat.
At the same time, it serves well as a waterproof primer. It includes biocide and therefore protects from mildew growth on the dry paint film.
On the other hand, the sandy texture of Drylok Original is great if you want to hide any imperfections. It is ideal for use in places yet to be covered with decorative finishes or non-habitable rooms like utility areas, crawl spaces, and others.
Application Methods
To apply the first coat of either of the two waterproofers, you need to use a quality nylon bristle brush (Drylok even makes their own dedicated brushes (amazon link)) or a three-quarter-inch nap roller.
The difference comes in applying the second coat. Drylok Original can only be applied with the brush or the roller, while Drylok Extreme can also be sprayed.
Spraying could be the better option for anyone looking for a fast way to apply the paint to large areas, making Drylok Extreme ideal for painting exterior walls. However, if you are looking for more application accuracy, it is easier to opt for the roller.
Ability to Reduce Radon Gas Penetration
Both products can reduce vapor transfer thanks to the semi-impermeable coating (with <1 perm rating) that stops water and vapor from passing through the material. However, only Drylok Extreme is able to reduce the level of radon gas entering.
Price
Drylok Original is more suitable for someone on a budget or planning to buy larger quantities while still hoping to keep the price affordable.
- GUARANTEED to stop water - withstands 10 pounds of hydrostatic pressure (PSI), equivalent to a wall of water 22 feet high
- Fully transferable 10 Year Warranty
- Helps protect against radon gas penetration by reducing vapor transfer
- Low-odor formula complies with all current VOC requirements
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
But it’s good to keep other aspects in mind as well. Even though the Extreme is more expensive, it could save you money on decorative finishes. Plus, it lasts longer and provides some extra protection.
- GUARANTEED to stop water – withstands 15 pounds of hydrostatic pressure (PSI), equivalent to a wall of water 33 feet high
- Fully transferable 15 Year Warranty
- Helps protect against radon gas penetration by reducing vapor transfer
- Green Wise Certified
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table Summary: Drylok Original vs Drylok Extreme
| Product | Drylok Original (amazon link) | Drylok Extreme (amazon link) |
| Water Resistance | 10 PSI | 15 PSI |
| Wind Resistance | resists 98 mph hurricane winds | resists 140+ mph (category 4) hurricane winds |
| Radon Gas Protection | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 10 Years | 15 Years |
| Drying Times | 1.5 h to touch 2-3 h to recoat 24 h for top coat | 45 min to touch 2 h to recoat 24h for top coat |
| Application | brush, roller | brush, roller, sprayer |
| Texture | sandy | smooth |
| Surfaces | masonry and concrete surfaces | masonry and concrete surfaces |
| Quantities Available | 1 quart, 1 gallon, 2 gallon, or 5 gallon | 1 quart, 1 gallon, or 5 gallon |
Similarities Between Drylok Original and Drylok Extreme
Surfaces on Which It Can Be Used
Both Drylok waterproofers are designed to be applied to masonry and concrete surfaces. They can be used on concrete, stucco, cement, masonry or brick walls, cinder, and porous terra cotta.
Neither of the two products is suitable for metal and neither is recommended for use on floors or wood. However, Drylok has successfully been used as a wood waterproofing agent, but I highly recommend you read my article Can Drylok Be Used on Wood (tips to make it work) for a more complete understanding of this unorthodox use.
Method of Preparing the Surfaces
Before you apply Drylok, clean the surface and get rid of any dirt, grease, oil, dust, or paint. Ideally, you will apply the waterproofing paint to completely bare masonry to ensure that Drylok can properly bond with it.
If you notice any efflorescence (white, powdery, crystal-like deposits) on the surface, remove it using Drylok Etch (amazon link) or muriatic acid, rinse and allow to dry.
Patch all holes and cracks and seal the area where the wall meets the floor if there are any breaks between them.
If you want to apply Drylok to fresh concrete, let the concrete cure for 25-30 days first.
For the best results, Drylok manufacturers recommend you to apply Drylok waterproofers during a rain-free period with temperatures higher than 50°F (10°C).
Application Instructions
Always stir the formulas thoroughly before and during the application, and do not thin them.
To apply the first coat with a roller, always back brush to ensure the paint can properly enter the pores of the masonry. There, it will expand while drying and become a part of the wall, thus providing it protection.
Similarly, if you are using the brush, work the paint in and make sure to fill in all the pores and pinholes.
Let it dry; then you can apply the second coat with the brush, roller, or alternatively with a sprayer if you’re using the Extreme. In case you see some of the pinholes are still open, reapply the paint to those areas.
Disposal Instructions
Disposing of latex paint can be a bit tricky. The regulations vary depending on your location.
For example, the Fairfield Department of Health in Ohio recommends that the best option is giving it away or using the leftovers for recoats. Otherwise, you can mix the paint with an absorbent material and let it dry in a cardboard box.
Drylok is dangerous to humans and toxic to the environment if disposed of irresponsibly.
Do not empty it into drains, and always keep it away from surface and groundwater.
Check your specific local, state, and federal regulations to safely dispose of the formulas, cans, and any absorbents used.
Sources
https://www.drylok.com/products/drylok-extreme-masonry-waterproofer
https://www.drylok.com/products/drylok-original-masonry-waterproofer