Frequently Asked Questions
About EL+ Turf colorant
Is EL+ turf colorant safe for people, pets and plants?
Yes, EL+ turf colorant is safe people, pets and plants. People and pets should avoid walking on EL+ turf colorant before it is cured. Depending on the weather (temperature and humidity), EL+ turf colorant usually dries in 3 – 5 hours and cures in 24 hours.
Will EL+ turf colorant harm my grass?
No, EL+ turf colorant will not harm your grass. EL+ turf colorant is safe for use on all types of grass and does not adversely affect the process of photosynthesis.
How long does EL+ turf colorant last?
EL+ turf colorant will typically last about 6 – 8 weeks. It lasts longer when applied to dormant turf. When applied to actively growing grass, EL+ turf colorant will get mowed off. Depending on the rate of growth of your grass and the frequency of mowing, EL+ turf colorant can last up to 3 months.
When is the best time to apply EL+ turf colorant?
It is best to apply EL+ turf colorant to a freshly mowed lawn. Wetting the grass prior to EL+ turf colorant application opens the stomata which facilitates better adhesion of the product to the blades of grass. Opening the stomata via moisture also results in a more controlled absorption of the EL+ turf colorant which makes it spread more evenly and leads to a more consistent application.
Is EL+ turf colorant only suitable for application to dormant grass?
No, EL+ turf colorant can be applied to dormant grass or actively growing grass. Applying EL+ turf colorant just before the dormant season, during the dormant season, or during the transition back the growing season will ensure that your lawn remains green.
Is EL+ turf colorant safe for the environment?
Yes, EL+ turf colorant is a non-toxic water-based product that is safe for the environment. The product is made from organic polymeric colorants that are environmentally friendly.
Will EL+ turf colorant fade to blue?
No, EL+ turf colorant will not fade to blue on dormant or actively growing grass. Users prefer the product because of its natural color and tone. The polymeric colorants used in EL+ turf colorant are formulated to match the color of most turfgrass species.
Is EL+ turf colorant really a best-in-class product?
Absolutely. Biases aside, many products claim to achieve the same results as EL+ turf colorant yet that simply is not the case. The concentrate used to make EL+ turf colorant has been evaluated by NC State University and were found to be among the best in class in terms of colorant transfer and turfgrass adherence.
Can I water my lawn after EL+ turf colorant is applied?
Absolutely, however you should wait at least 24 hours after application to ensure that the EL+ turf colorant has fully cured. Keep in mind that when grass goes dormant due to climate changes, disease or lack of water it typically remains alive. Watering your lawn on a regular basis will ensure that the root systems have enough water to remain alive.
Does EL+ turf colorant require dilution before application?
Yes, EL+ turf colorant is bottled as a concentrate that requires dilution prior to application. Refer to product label for dilution instructions.
What are the best handling practices for EL+ turf colorant?
EL+ turf colorant is bottled as a concentrate. Shake the container to ensure the contents are thoroughly mixed before diluting with water. Each gallon of EL+ turf colorant covers between 250 – 500 square feet of turf. Actual coverage area varies depending on the stand height of the grass, the application rate / speed, the type of sprayer and type of spray nozzle being used.
Can pesticides, fertilizers or other products be added to EL+ turf colorant?
Mixing other chemicals with EL+ turf colorant is not recommended for the DIYer and may invalidate the product warranty. To the extent other products are mixed with EL+ turf colorants, extreme care should be taken in order to avoid damage to turfgrass or application equipment. Always perform a “jar test” prior mixing other products with EL+ turf colorants.
What is the best sprayer for applying EL+ turf colorant?
The best sprayer for a job varies based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the size of the job, the type and condition of the turf, and the experience of the installer. For residential applications, battery powered backpack sprayers or electric airless sprayers are generally recommended. Hand pump sprayers can be used but are not recommended. Using a sprayer with a fan type spray nozzle will maximize coverage area and uniformity of the EL+ turf colorant application.
What safety equipment should I use when applying EL+ turf colorant?
Use of proper personal safety equipment is strongly recommended. Using eye protection when handling and installing EL+ turf colorant is of utmost importance. Disposable gloves should be used when handling EL+ turf colorant to prevent contact with skin. In the event of contact with skin, clean with mild soap and water. Refer to MSDS for situations where EL+ turf colorant is ingested or gets in your eyes. EL+ turf colorant will permanently stain clothing.
How do I prepare my lawn for application of EL+ turf colorant?
Clear area to be painted of debris, sticks, leaves, pine cones, acorns, and similar materials. Relocate or mask items in order to prevent unwanted exposure to overspray. Lightly wet the turf before application of EL+ turf colorant for better adhesion of material to the grass blades. The presence of moisture also results in more controlled absorption of EL+ turf colorant and makes it spread more evenly.
How do I prevent staining of concrete, pavers and other elements?
Relocate or mask items in order to prevent unwanted exposure to overspray. Wet surfaces that cannot be moved or masked as accidental overspray is easier to remove from wetted surfaces than it is from dry surfaces. Consider using shields or specialty tools such as Enviro-Lawn’s Rolling Wheel Sprayer; a precision cut-in tool which allows the installer to prevent accidental overspray.
Will weather affect EL+ turf colorant results?
Once the EL+ turf colorant is dried and cured, it will be minimally affected by weather. You can safely apply EL+ turf colorant when frost, dew or minimal amount of moisture is present on the blades of grass. If a heavy rain were to come prior to EL+ turf colorant being dry and cured, it could cause the material to wash off. It is best not to apply EL+ turf colorant less than 8 hours prior to a light rain or 24 hours prior to a heavy rain. Application of EL+ turf colorant during windy conditions is not recommended in order to prevent accidental overspray. Relative humidity will affect dry and cure times; the higher the humidity the longer the dry and cure times.
When do I clean equipment after application of EL+ turf colorant?
Once the EL+ turf colorant application is complete, thoroughly clean your spray equipment before the paint material has time to dry. Failure to properly clean equipment can lead to clogged nozzles and filters.
How do I dispose of unused EL+ turf colorant?
If disposing of unused EL+ turf colorant, please do so in a manner set forth in the MSDS. DO NOT DISPOSE OF EL+ TURF COLORANT IN AREAS THAT WOULD BE NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY EXPOSURE TO THE MATERIAL.
How do I store unused EL+ turf colorant?
Unused EL+ turf colorant should be stored in the original bottle(s) and with the lid(s) tightly secured. Storing previously opened bottles EL+ turf colorant for periods longer than 6 months is not recommended. Storing EL+ turf colorant that has been diluted for periods longer than 2 months is not recommended. Do not store or expose EL+ turf colorant to temperatures below 41 F or above 108 F.
Where can I find a SDS for EL+ turf colorant?
You can download a copy of SDS for EL+ turf colorant from the Resources tab on the Enviro-Lawn website.