FAQ
Surface Preparation & Substrate Condition
Need help with preparing your surface floor?
Should I patch cracks/holes/mortar joints before coating? How would I do this?
Epoxy-Coat recommends patching all cracks prior to coating. Because the
mortar joints/saw cuts are engineered for movement Epoxy-Coat does not
recommend patching them prior to coating. Epoxy-Coat patch kits and
caulk can be purchased online.
Does the concrete need to be cleaned before using the clean-and-prep solution?
Yes, contamination must be removed.
Should I power-wash my floor?
It does help to power wash the
floor to remove surface contaminants to loose coatings or debris. It
does not eliminate the normal preparation steps, which we specify. Power
washing removes contaminants but does not create the necessary profile
for coatings proper adhesion.
If I have fiberglass added to my concrete, will Epoxy-Coat cover the little hairs present after floor preparation?
No. Using a gas torch burn the hairs from the floor prior to coating Coat the floor with the first coat of Epoxy-Coat, wait 24 hours and sand vigorously.
What do I do if the prep solution does not effectively profile my floor?
You can purchase muriatic acid and re-etch the floor or diamond grind the surface.
How many square feet will a full kit cover?
Up to 500 square feet at 9.7 mils Dry Film Thickness. Up to 240 square feet for 20 mils Dry Film Thickness. Most industrial floors apply at 16-20 mils Dry Film.
Metallic Full Kits are going to cover up to 300 square feet, the half kits will cover up to 150 square feet.
Mixing & Application Technique
Should I add thinner to the coating when mixing?
You may add up to 5% thinner to the mix for ease of application using xylene or MEK thinner only.
How long does the standard (base-coat-only) coating take to apply, including preparation?
The most important part of application is the prep, this typically takes one day. The actual mixing & application is usually less than an hour depending on the square footage coating
At what temperatures can I apply Epoxy-Coat?
40-80 degrees F, below 80% humidity. The cooler it is and the less humidity the more working time you have to apply the epoxy. We recommend applying in the evening for cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
When taping, when should I pull the tape up?
For ease or removal, remove tape between 2-3 hours after application at 70F
How would I apply Epoxy-Coat over wood surfaces?
Simply remove sealers/waxes/contaminants/nails and use our flexible acrylic caulk to patch the seams and holes prior to coating. Wood floors may be coated with Epoxy-Coat. Wood areas must be cleaned with a proper detergent and scrubbed if contaminated and all waxes or un-bonding materials removed prior to coating. Sanding the wood to achieve a 100-120 grit profile prior to application of Epoxy-Coat is only necessary if the wood surface is smoother than a 120-grit profile, otherwise no sanding is required. Using the Epoxy-Coat clean and Prep solution is not necessary over wood.
Additives & Decorative Options
Should I use the nonskid (aluminum oxide) in addition to the Performance Flakes?
If the conditions present water or oil, it is recommended.
Does the nonskid wear out?
Yes, the nonskid will typically last up to 5 years depending on traffic.
Do the Performance Flakes wear out?
Generally, the flakes will outlast the coating.
What are the Performance Flakes used for?
They help hide imperfections in the floor by adding a decorative look.
Troubleshooting During Installation
If you have contaminants on the floor and therefore have fish-eye problems, what should you do?
Re-roll the floor until the fish eyes go away and prior to flaking/ non-skidding the floor.
What should you do if you have bubbling problems during installation?
Take a leaf blower and blow the top of the surface to remove the surface tension and removing the bubbles.
Does the floor get slippery?
Yes, when water or oil is present. Aluminum oxide non-skid is recommended to reduce this condition if you have excessive water or oil
Are there any other special requirements for indoor applications?
If your indoor floor is prepped with a muriatic acid treatment, you will need a floor drain and ventilation. The muriatic acid does need to be rinsed down the drain and does produce some odors that must be ventilated. If using the Performance Poly 200 ensure there is proper ventilation as this will have a strong odor.
How can I remove dried Epoxy-Coat from driveway concrete?
We recommend using a safe paint stripper (home use). You can also use a power washer or hand held diamond grinder to remove this stripper
