Fosroc Nitoproof Reflectacoat
A solvent-based, leafing-aluminium reflective topcoat that shields exposed Fosroc Nitoproof 600 and similar pitch/bitumen membranes from UV degradation and solar heat gain.
What is it?
A one-component, oil (solvent)-based protective topcoat pigmented with high-grade leafing aluminium, applied over Fosroc Nitoproof 600 and other pitch/bitumen waterproofing membranes that will be left exposed to sunlight.
Where is it used?
Exposed flat roofs, terraces, podium slabs, gutters and other horizontal surfaces waterproofed with Nitoproof 600 where the membrane is not buried under screed, tiles or insulation.
Why use it?
Pitch-modified polyurethane and bituminous membranes degrade under ultraviolet light. The leafing-aluminium film reflects UV and solar radiation, extending membrane life, lowering roof surface temperature and reducing thermally induced movement.
How is it applied?
Applied by brush, roller or spray gun as a thin reflective film over a cured Nitoproof 600 membrane, typically within the recommended overcoating window, at a coverage of 7-10 m² per litre per coat.
About Fosroc Nitoproof Reflectacoat
Fosroc Nitoproof Reflectacoat is a protective, decorative and reflective topcoat designed to work as part of the Fosroc Nitoproof 600 liquid-applied waterproofing system rather than as a standalone membrane. Nitoproof 600 itself is a single-component, pitch-modified liquid polyurethane that cures by reaction with atmospheric moisture into a tough, seamless, elastomeric waterproof membrane. Like all bitumen- and pitch-based chemistries, it is vulnerable to ultraviolet light when left permanently exposed to the sun. Reflectacoat is Fosroc’s answer to that exposure problem: an oil-based (solvent-borne) coating loaded with high-grade leafing aluminium that floats to the surface of the film and forms a bright, metallic, light-reflecting skin.
The product matters on Indian rooftops in particular, where intense year-round solar radiation, high ambient temperatures and large day-night thermal swings accelerate the ageing of any exposed bituminous waterproofing. By reflecting a substantial portion of incident UV and solar radiation, Reflectacoat slows the embrittlement and surface crazing that would otherwise shorten membrane life. The same reflectivity reduces the peak surface temperature of the roof, which in turn limits the thermal expansion and contraction the membrane must absorb and helps moderate heat gain into the structure below.
For contractors, consultants and facility owners, the simplest way to understand Reflectacoat is as the finishing layer of a two-part exposed-roofing build-up: Nitoproof 600 does the waterproofing, and Reflectacoat does the sun protection. Omitting it on an exposed application is a common cause of premature membrane failure, so it should be specified and budgeted wherever a Nitoproof 600 membrane will see direct sunlight. Space Arc Engineering, as an authorised Fosroc distributor and applicator covering Delhi NCR and Pan-India, supplies Reflectacoat alongside the full Nitoproof system so that the membrane and its topcoat are sourced, warranted and applied as one compatible package.
The technical insight
The functional ingredient is leafing aluminium pigment. Unlike non-leafing aluminium, leafing flakes orient flat and overlap at the surface of the drying film, creating an almost continuous metallic mirror that reflects UV and infrared radiation rather than allowing it to be absorbed by the dark bituminous membrane beneath. Because Reflectacoat is solvent-based, it has a low flash point (around 23°C), classifying it as a flammable material that must be kept away from naked flames, sparks and hot work during storage and application, with adequate ventilation maintained throughout. The reflective film is intended as a sacrificial, renewable protective layer: it weathers over time and is designed to be re-coated periodically rather than to last the full life of the membrane, which makes inspection and maintenance recoating part of the specification rather than a defect.
Where it is used
- UV-protective topcoat over exposed Fosroc Nitoproof 600 membranes on flat and low-slope roofs
- Solar-reflective finish on terraces, podium decks and balconies waterproofed with pitch-modified polyurethane membranes
- Protective overcoat on exposed bitumen, pitch and asphalt-based waterproofing where UV resistance is required
- Reflective coating on metal and concrete roof gutters and box gutters finished with compatible Nitoproof systems
- Heat-load reduction on warehouse, industrial and commercial roof slabs in hot Indian climates
- Maintenance re-coating of previously protected exposed bituminous membranes to restore reflectivity
Key advantages
- Reflects UV and solar radiation, materially extending the service life of exposed Nitoproof 600 and similar pitch/bitumen membranes
- Lowers roof surface temperature, reducing solar heat gain and the cooling load on the building below
- Reduces thermally induced expansion and contraction, easing stress on the waterproofing membrane
- Single-component, ready-to-use product with no on-site mixing or catalyst required
- Versatile application by brush, roller or spray gun to suit roof geometry and access
- Good resistance to bleed-through and staining from the underlying bituminous membrane
- Practical coverage of 7-10 m² per litre per coat keeps material costs predictable
- Renewable, re-coatable film that allows protection to be refreshed during routine roof maintenance
Limitations & considerations
- Not a waterproofing layer in its own right – it must be applied over a sound, cured Nitoproof 600 (or compatible) membrane
- Solvent-based with a low flash point (~23°C); flammable, requiring fire precautions, ventilation and trained handling
- The aluminium-pigmented finish is a metallic grey/silver reflective film, not a colour-decorative coating
- Reflective performance weathers over time and requires periodic inspection and re-coating to be maintained
- Should not be applied during rain, on damp surfaces, or outside the membrane’s recommended overcoating window
- Solvent content makes it less suited to enclosed, poorly ventilated areas and to projects with strict low-VOC requirements
Selection & best practice
Apply Nitoproof Reflectacoat only after the Nitoproof 600 membrane has cured and within the membrane’s recommended overcoating window (Fosroc advises overcoating exposed Nitoproof 600 where UV exposure occurs, typically within 28 days of membrane application). The surface must be clean, dry and free of dust, ponded water and loose material. Stir the can thoroughly before use to re-disperse the leafing aluminium, then apply a thin, uniform film by brush, roller or spray at the specified 7-10 m² per litre. Because the product is flammable, eliminate ignition sources, ensure ventilation, and use appropriate PPE. Always confirm the current local Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet for your region before specifying, and plan for periodic maintenance re-coats to keep reflectivity intact over the membrane’s life.
Specifications
| Product type | Solvent-based (oil-based) reflective protective topcoat |
| Active pigment | High-grade leafing aluminium |
| Components | Single component (ready to use, no mixing) |
| Primary function | UV / solar-reflective topcoat for exposed Nitoproof 600 and pitch/bitumen membranes |
| Appearance / finish | Bright metallic aluminium (silver-grey) reflective film |
| Coverage | 7-10 m² per litre per coat (surface and texture dependent) |
| Application method | Brush, roller or spray gun |
| Flash point | Approximately 23°C (flammable) |
| Pack size | 20-litre pail |
| Compatible substrate / system | Cured Fosroc Nitoproof 600; pitch and bitumen-based membranes |
| Recommended overcoating window (over Nitoproof 600) | Where UV exposure occurs, typically within 28 days of membrane application |
Industry use cases
Commercial & industrial roofing
Reflective topcoat over exposed Nitoproof 600 on large factory, warehouse and office roof slabs to cut UV ageing and reduce internal heat load in hot Indian conditions.
Residential & housing
Sun protection for exposed terrace and chhajja waterproofing on apartments and villas where the Nitoproof 600 membrane is left uncovered rather than screeded over.
Infrastructure & public buildings
Protective reflective finish on exposed roof decks, plant-room roofs and service areas of hospitals, schools and transit buildings waterproofed with the Nitoproof system.
Facilities management & maintenance
Scheduled re-coating of weathered reflective films on existing exposed bituminous membranes to restore solar reflectivity and prolong remaining membrane life.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nitoproof Reflectacoat a waterproofing membrane by itself?
Why does exposed Nitoproof 600 need Reflectacoat?
What is the coverage and pack size?
How is it applied, and is it flammable?
What colour is the finish?
Does the reflective coating last forever?
Can Space Arc Engineering supply and apply it?
How we position Fosroc Nitoproof Reflectacoat
Within the Fosroc waterproofing range, Nitoproof Reflectacoat is best understood as a companion product to Fosroc Nitoproof 600 rather than a competitor to any membrane – it is the UV-protective finishing layer of the exposed Nitoproof 600 build-up, working alongside Nitoproof 600 Primer for bituminous substrates. Where a colour-stable or trafficable finish is needed instead of a metallic reflective one, Fosroc’s own Nitoproof UVR Topcoat (a two-component polyurethane) or acrylic-based protective coatings are the more suitable choice, and for cementitious flexible waterproofing the relevant Fosroc options are Brushbond RFX/UltraFlex and Nitocote systems. In the broader Indian market, specifiers comparing reflective and protective topcoats over bituminous or PU membranes will also encounter alternatives such as Sika (Sikalastic and aluminium/UV topcoats), MBS (heat-reflective and waterproofing coatings), Dr. Fixit (Newcoat and reflective/heat-reflect ranges) and STP Limited (bituminous and protective coatings). Reflectacoat’s particular niche is solvent-based leafing-aluminium reflectivity engineered specifically for the Nitoproof 600 system, which is its main advantage for projects already built around that membrane; for low-VOC or strictly colour-specified work, one of the water-based or pigmented PU alternatives may be a better fit. Honest positioning: choose Reflectacoat when you are protecting an exposed Fosroc Nitoproof 600 membrane and want a proven, compatible reflective topcoat, and look at the colour-stable or low-solvent alternatives when aesthetics, trafficability or VOC limits drive the specification.
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Authorised distribution, technical advice & professional application across Delhi NCR and Pan-India.