Floorings

Creating an industrial floor by using a surface hardener

RELATED MATERIALS

1- Surface hardener for cement-based floors

2- Polymer latex for multiple improvements of mortars

3- Cement-based anticorrosive coating for reinforcement elements – Bonding agent

4- Two-component epoxy injection resin for cracks > 3 mm wide – Bonding agent

1. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

The need to construct industrial floors is due to the demand for high abrasive and impact resistance to surfaces with heavy traffic.

1. SOLUTION

hardener is used on floors with high demands in mechanical strengths. It is applied on cementitious substrates such as concrete or screeds. It is suitable for industrial floors as well as floors of small industries, basements, warehouses, workshops, repair shops, parking lots, loading/unloading areas etc.

III.APPLICATION
Substrate preparation
The substrate can be:

• Reinforced concrete.
• Screed of at least 3 cm thick.

Application of  Surface hardener
The material is applied dry by broadcasting on the fresh concrete or screed and as soon as these start to set. If required, the surface of fresh concrete or screed is wetted after broadcasting. Then the material is treated using a special smoothing machine (power float).
Consumption of hardener: 3-5 kg/m² of surface.

1. REMARKS

• Temperature during application should be between +5^oC and +35^oC.
• The product contains cement, which causes an alkaline reaction with water and is classified as irritant.
• Consult instructions for safe use and precautions written on the package.

Leveling and smoothing of floors with self-leveling cement mortar

RELATED MATERIALS

1-Self-leveling, polymer-modified cementitious screed

2- Fast-setting, self-leveling, polymer modified cementitious screed

3- Acrylic, water-based primer

4- Polymer latex for multiple improvements of mortars

1. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

The surface of concrete floors is usually uneven, making it difficult to fix tiles, carpet, plastic flooring etc.

It is necessary to create a levelled, smooth and durable surface if such floorings (as described above) are to be successfully applied.

This kind of surfaces may also be required as finishing layers for floors in places such as basements, home storerooms, attics etc.

1. SOLUTION

The application of cementitious screed, self-leveling polymer modified cementitious flooring, successfully meets all the above requirements.

It is ideal for leveling and smoothing surfaces that are going to be covered with various floorings such as tiles, carpet, plastic flooring etc. It can also function as the final surface of floors in basements, attics, home storerooms etc.

III.APPLICATION
Substrate preparation

1. The surface must be stable and free of dust, dirt, grease, loose particles, etc.
2. The surface should be primed with PRIMER or with Polymer latex diluted 1:1 with water, and is left to dry for two hours.
   Primer consumption: 200-300 g/m².

Application of  Self-leveling, polymer-modified cementitious screed

A clean container is filled with 6,5 litres of water and the content of a 25 kg bag of Self-leveling, polymer-modified cementitious screed is gradually added, under continuous stirring, until a uniform fluid mass without lumps is formed. A low revolution (300 rpm) mixer may be used for mixing.

1. Self-leveling, polymer-modified cementitious screed mixture should be spread in a single layer, with the aid of a large rubber spatula (rakel), at a thickness of up to 10 mm.
   Consumption is approx. 1,65 kg/m²for a 1mm layer thickness.
   For applications at thickness of 10-30 mm, 0-4 mm particle size sand is added in proportion of 30-50% by weight.
2. To remove any air trapped in the self-leveling compound, the surface should be rolled with a special spiked roller. This inhibits formation of bubbles.

1. REMARKS

• The temperature during application must be between +5⁰C and +35⁰
• During summer months, it is recommended that Self-leveling, polymer-modified cementitious screed is not exposed to direct sunlight after its application, in order to be protected from dehydration due to high temperatures.
• Any quantity of the mixture that has started to set should not be used.
• cementitious screed contains cement and reacts as alkaline with water, so it is classified as irritant.
• Consult the usage risks and safety advice written on the bag.
• In case it is desirable the floor to be walkable after 3 hours or to be covered within 24 hours then, instead of cementitious screed, it is recommended the use of cementitious screed.

Construction of conductible self-leveling epoxy flooring

RELATED MATERIALS

1- Two-component, self-leveling, conductive epoxy flooring

2- Two-component, conductive epoxy varnish

3- Two-component, solvent-free epoxy primer

4- Two-component epoxy primer

5- Two-component, solvent- free, fast curing epoxy primer

1. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

Development of static electricity in flooring is a major and distinctive problem encountered in areas such as computer rooms, printing works rooms, textile factories, hospitals, areas where inflammable materials are processed, power stations, ammunitions stores, etc. The presence of electrostatic charge on these floors, not only creates problems for machines installed on them, but is often dangerous for the personnel working there (e.g. danger of explosion).

Therefore the surface of such floors must have, apart from considerable mechanical and chemical strength, the necessary conductivity to ensure the safe and unimpeded discharge of static electricity to earth.

1. SOLUTION

conductive epoxy conductive epoxy, self-leveling conductible epoxy flooring meets the above requirements for floors where static electricity is developed. It is a coloured, 2-component solvent-free epoxy system, with an electrical resistance of 10⁴ to 10⁶ ohms, which displays constant conductivity and prevents the phenomenon of electrostatic charge.

It also displays great durability and resistance to friction as well as being particularly resistant to thinned organic and inorganic acids, alkalis, petroleum products, certain solvents, wastes, water, sea water and adverse weather conditions.

III.APPLICATION
Substrate preparation

1. The surface on which the epoxy coating is going to be applied must be dry (<4% moisture) and stable, free of dust, loose particles, grease, etc and protected from underneath moisture attack.
2. The surface must be properly prepared as appropriate, eg, by brushing, grinding, sand blasting, water blasting, pellet blasting, milling etc., in order to open the pores to allow penetration of the primer and ensure better anchoring and bonding of the epoxy coating to the substrate.
3. Subsequently, the surface should be carefully cleaned from the preparation remnants with a high suction vacuum cleaner.
4. The properly prepared surface (as described above) is then prime with epoxy primer.
   Consumption of the primer:200-300 g/m².
5. Once the primer is dry, any imperfections in the surface (cracks, holes) should be filled and repaired with epoxy primer, mixed with grade 0-0,4 mm quartz sand (or Q35 sand), in the ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 by weight.
   Where fast work is required, filling and repairing can be carried out with fast curing epoxy primer, fast-setting epoxy primer, mixed with grade 0-0,4 mm quartz sand (or Q35 sand), in the ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 by weight.
6. When the primer is dry, special adhesive copper strips (conductors)
   should be stuck down in a grid, spaced out not more than 5m x 5m, and connected
   by a perimetric cable to earth.
7. A thin coat of conductible epoxy varnish should then be applied by roller.
   Consumption of conductive epoxy varnish: approx. 200 g/m².
8. Application of conductive epoxy flooring should take place after conductive epoxy varnish is completely dry, but within 24 hours.

Application of DUROFLOOR-C

1. Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are packaged in containers with predetermined mixing proportions. The whole quantity of component B should be added to component A and the mixture is stirred for approx. 5 minutes with a low-revolution (300 rpm) mixer. It is important that stirring reaches the wall and bottom of the container as well, in order to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener.
2. conductive epoxy flooring is applied by being spread with a smooth trowel at a thickness of approx. 2 mm.
   Consumption: approx. 1,5 kg/m²/mm.
3. To remove any air trapped in the self-leveling layer, the surface should be gone over with a special spiked roller. This inhibits the formation of bubbles.

1. REMARKS

• The quality of the concrete of the floor must be at least C20/25 (minimum cement content 350 kg/m³).
• In case that the substate is wet, its preparation should take place according to the technical solution preparation of floors that are wet for the application of epoxy floorings”.
• Working time of epoxy systems decreases when ambient temperature rises.
• Bonding between successive layers may be severely affected by the intervention of moisture or dirt between them.
• Epoxy layers should be protected from moisture for 4-6 hours after application. Moisture may whiten the surface or/and make it sticky. It may also disturb hardening. Faded or sticky layers in parts of the surface should be removed by grinding or milling and laid again.
• In case that longer time than predicted interferes between the application of successive layers or in case that old floors are going to be laid again, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and ground before application of the new layer.
• The conductible fibres contained in conductive epoxy flooring cause a slight differentiation in its color in relation to the corresponding RAL code.
• Before application, study the safety advice mentioned on the product’s labels.

Epoxy impregnation of industrial floorings

RELATED MATERIALS

1- Two-component, colorless epoxy impregnation

1. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

Flooring in places such as parkings, garages, warehouses, laboratories, petrol stations, service stations, etc is constantly exposed to mechanical wear (friction) and chemical damage (petroleum products, wastes, oils etc).

These floor surfaces must resist wear from friction, not become dusty and have efficient resistance to chemical damage.

1. SOLUTION

The application of colorless epoxy, epoxy impregnation, successfully meets the above requirements.

It is a highly fluid, transparent, 2-component epoxy system with solvents. By virtue of its low viscosity, it is able to penetrate deep into the surface and fill all pores and hairline cracks. The impregnated surfaces are stabilized and display a high degree of hardness as well as abrasive resistance (friction) and resistance to chemical effects e.g. to petroleum products, wastes, oils etc.

III.APPLICATION
Substrate preparation

1. The surface on which the epoxy impregnation is going to be applied must be dry (<4% moisture) and stable, free of dust, loose particles, grease etc. and protected from underneath moisture attack.
2. The surface must be properly prepared as necessary, e.g. by rubbing down by brush or grinding with a terrazzo machine, in order to open the pores and allow colorless epoxy to penetrate.
3. Subsequently, the surface should be carefully cleaned with a high suction vacuum cleaner.

Application of colorless epoxy

1. Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are packed in two separate containers, having the correct predetermined mixing proportion by weight. The whole quantity of component B is added into component A. Mixing of the 2 components should take place for about 5 minutes, using a low revolution mixer (300 rpm). It is important to stir the mixture thoroughly near the sides and bottom of the container, to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener.
2. Depending on the absorptivity of the substrate, 1-2 coats of colorless epoxy should be applied by brush, roller or spray. The second coat should be applied approx. 15 minutes after the first one.
   Consumption: 150-250 g/m²per coat, depending on the absorptivity of the substrate.

1. REMARKS

• The quality of the concrete must be at least C20/25 (minimum cement content 350 kg/m³) and be at least 28 days old (to obtain a significant degree of impregnation).
• colorless epoxy can be applied to new concrete (approx. 3 days old) because it does not affect the setting process. Additionally, it can be applied to slightly damp surfaces (moisture up to 4%). However, in both cases only a small depth of penetration is achieved.
• colorless epoxy contains solvents. In cases of applications in closed rooms, measures should be taken for good ventilation.
• Non-uniform absorptivity of the substrate may cause a non-uniform surface appearance after impregnated.
• Working time of epoxy systems decreases when ambient temperature rises.
• Bonding between successive layers may be severely affected by the intervention of moisture or dirt between them.
• Epoxy layers should be protected from moisture for 4-6 hours after application. Moisture may whiten the surface or/and make it sticky. It may also disturb hardening. Faded or sticky layers in parts of the surface should be removed by grinding or milling and laid again.
• In case that longer time than predicted interferes between the application of successive layers or in case that old floors are going to be laid again, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and ground before application of the new layer.
• Before application, study the safety advice mentioned on the product’s labels.

Construction of industrial flooring using epoxy coating

RELATED MATERIALS

1- Two-component, brushable epoxy coating

2- Two-component, solvent-free epoxy primer

3- Two-component epoxy primer

4- Two-component, solvent- free, fast curing epoxy primer

1. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

Floors in factories, workshops, warehouses, garages, abattoirs, hospitals, etc. are constantly exposed to mechanical wear (e.g. friction, impact etc.) and chemical damage from thinned, inorganic and organic acids, alkalis, petroleum products, wastes etc.

Therefore, the final surface on such floors must have considerable mechanical and chemical strength as well as being easy to clean.

Industrial floors made from concrete, even those made with surface hardener and mechanical smoothing, but especially those from ordinary concrete or terrazzo, do not usually meet the above requirements (e.g. do not resist chemical damage from acids, get dusty etc.).

1. SOLUTION

The application of epoxy coating, brushable epoxy coating, on concrete floors, successfully meets requirements for moderate mechanical and chemical strength and provides a good aesthetic finish.

epoxy coating is a colored 2-component solvent-free epoxy system. Once it has hardened, it forms an easily cleaned final surface that displays great durability and strength against friction (abrasive resistance) as well as resistance to chemical effects, e.g. to thin organic and inorganic acids, alkalis, petroleum products, wastes, water, sea water etc.

However, where such floors are subject to heavy traffic (e.g. heavily loaded vehicles), or exposed to chemicals, the use of self-leveling epoxy flooring is recommended. III.APPLICATION
Substrate preparation

1. The surface on which the epoxy coating will be applied must be dry (<4% moisture) and stable, free of dust, loose particles, grease, etc and protected from underneath moisture attack.
2. The surface must be properly prepared as appropriate, e.g. by grinding with a terrazzo machine, sand blasting, pellet blasting, etc., in order to open the pores to allow penetration of the primer and ensure better anchoring and bonding of the epoxy coating to the substrate.
3. Subsequently, the surface should be carefully cleaned with a high suction vacuum cleaner.
4. The properly prepared surface (as described above) is then primed with epoxy primer.
   Consumption of the primer: 200-300 g/m2.
   On iron and steel surfaces, priming with EPOXYCOAT-AC, anticorrosive epoxy coating takes place in 2 layers. Second layer follows after the first one is completely dry, but within 24 hours.
   Consumption of EPOXYCOAT-AC: 150-200 g/m2/layer.
5. Once the primer is dry, any imperfections in the surface (cracks, holes) should be filled and repaired with epoxy coating, mixed with grade 0-0,4 mm quartz sand (or Q35 sand), in the ratio of 1,5:1 to 1:2 by weight or using epoxy primer
6. mixed with quartz sand, with a particle size of 0-0,4 mm (or Q35) in proportions of 1:2 up to 1:3 by weight.
   Where fast working is required, filling and repairing can be carried out with DUROFLOOR-FC, fast-setting epoxy primer, mixed with grade 0-0,4 mm quartz sand (or Q35 sand), in the ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 by weight.
7. Application of epoxy coating brushable epoxy coating should take place after priming, but within 24 hours.

Application of epoxy coating

Mixing of epoxy coating components

Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are packaged in containers with predetermined mixing proportions. The whole quantity of component B should be added to component A and the mixture is stirred for approx. 5 minutes with a low-revolution (300 rpm) mixer. It is important that stirring reaches the wall and bottom of the container as well, in order to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener.

Creation of a smooth final surface

2 coats of epoxy coating are applied with a roller. The second coat should be applied once the first one has dried, but within 24 hours.

Consumption: 250-300 g/m² per coat.

Creation of a slip-resistant final surface

1. One coat of epoxy coating is applied with a roller.
   epoxy coating consumption: 250-300 g/m².
2. The still fresh coating should be sprinkled with grade 0,4-0,8 mm quartz sand, depending on the slip resistance required.
   Quartz sand consumption: approx. 3 kg/m².
3. Once the epoxy coating has hardened, any loose grains are removed with a high-suction vacuum cleaner.
4. A single coat of epoxy coating is applied as a final sealing layer.
   Consumption: 400-600 g/m².

1. REMARKS

• The quality of the concrete of the floor must be at least C20/25 (minimum cement content 350 kg/m³).
• In case that the substate is wet, its preparation should take place according to the technical solution preparation of floors that are wet for the application of epoxy floorings”.
• Working time of epoxy systems decreases when ambient temperature rises.
• Bonding between successive layers may be severely affected by the intervention of moisture or dirt between them.
• Epoxy layers should be protected from moisture for 4-6 hours after application. Moisture may whiten the surface or/and make it sticky. It may also disturb hardening. Faded or sticky layers in parts of the surface should be removed by grinding or milling and laid again.
• In case that longer time than predicted interferes between the application of successive layers or in case that old floors are going to be laid again, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and ground before application of the new layer.
• Before application, study the safety advice mentioned on the product’s labels.

Construction of industrial self-leveling epoxy flooring

RELATED MATERIALS

1- Two-component, self-leveling epoxy flooring

2- Two-component, solvent-free epoxy primer

3- Two-component epoxy primer

4- Two-component, solvent- free, fast curing epoxy primer

5- Two-component, brushable epoxy coating

1. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

Floors in factories, workshops, warehouses, garages, abattoirs, hospitals etc. are constantly exposed to heavy mechanical wear (e.g. friction, impact etc.) and chemical damage from thinned, inorganic and organic acids, alkalis, petroleum products, wastes, oils etc.

Therefore, the final surface on such floors needs to have considerable mechanical and chemical strength as well as being easy to clean.

Industrial floors made from concrete, even those made with surface hardener and mechanical grinding, but especially those from ordinary concrete or terrazzo, do not usually meet the above requirements (e.g. they do not resist chemical effects from acids, get dusty etc).

1. SOLUTION

The application of, self-leveling epoxy flooring, on concrete floors, successfully meets requirements for high mechanical and chemical strength, and provides a good aesthetic finish.

self-leveling epoxy is a colored, self-leveling, 2-component solvent-free epoxy system, which is applied at a thickness of 2-3 mm. Once it has hardened, it forms an easily cleaned final surface that displays great durability and strength against friction (abrasive resistance) as well as resistance to chemical effects, e.g. to diluted organic and inorganic acids, alkalis, petroleum products, wastes, water, sea water etc.

III.APPLICATION
Substrate preparation

1. The surface on which the epoxy coating is going to be applied, must be dry (<4% moisture) and stable, free of dust, loose particles, grease, etc. and protected from underneath moisture attack.
2. The substrate must be properly prepared, e.g. by grinding, sand blasting, pellet blasting, milling, etc., in order to open the pores to allow penetration of the primer and ensure better anchoring and bonding of the epoxy coating.
3. Subsequently, the surface should be carefully cleaned with a high suction vacuum cleaner.
4. The properly prepared surface (as described above) is then primed with or epoxy primer.
   Consumption: 200-300 g/m².
   On iron or steel surfaces, priming with EPOXYCOAT-AC, anticorrosive epoxy coating takes place in 2 layers. Second layer follows, after the first one is completely dry, but within 24 hours.
   Consumption of EPOXYCOAT-AC: 200-300 g/m²/layer.
5. Once the primer is dry, any imperfections in the surface (cracks, holes) should be filled and repaired with self-leveling epoxy (A+B), mixed with grade 0-0,4 mm quartz sand (or Q35 sand), in the ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 by weight, or using epoxy primer mixed with quartz sand, with a particle size of 0-0,4 mm (or Q35) in proportions of 1:2 up to 1:3 by weight.
   Where fast work is required, filling and repairing can be carried out with epoxy primer, fast-setting epoxy primer, mixed with grade 0-0,4 mm quartz sand (or Q35 sand), in the ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 by weight.
6. Application of self-leveling epoxy flooring, should take place after priming, but within 24 hours.

Application of self-leveling epoxy

 Mixing self-leveling components

Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are packaged in containers with predetermined mixing proportions. The whole quantity of component B should be added to component A and the mixture is stirred for approx. 5 minutes with a low-revolution (300 rpm) mixer. It is important that stirring reaches the wall and bottom of the container as well, in order to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener. Subsequently, quartz sand with particle-size  0-0,4 mm (or Q35) is gradually added into the mixture under continuous stirring, in proportion 1:2 by weight (epoxy resin (A+B):sand), until a uniform epoxy mortar is formed.

Creation of a smooth final surface

self-leveling is applied by being spread with a notched trowel at a thickness of 2-3 mm.

self-leveling (A+B) consumption: approx. 0,6 kg/m²/mm.

Quartz sand consumption: approx. 1,2 kg/m²/mm.

To remove any air trapped in the self-leveling layer, the surface should be gone over with a special spiked roller. This inhibits the formation of bubbles.

Creation of a slip-resistant final surface

1. self-leveling is applied by being spread with a notched trowel at a thickness of 2-3 mm.
   self-leveling (A+B) consumption: approx. 0,6 kg/m²/mm.
   Quartz sand consumption: approx. 1,2 kg/m²/mm.
2. The still fresh coating is then sprinkled with quartz sand, grade 0,1-0,4 mm (Q35) or 0,4-0,8 mm, depending on the desired slip resistance.
   Quartz sand consumption: approx. 3 kg/m².
3. Once self-leveling has hardened, loose grains are removed with a high-suction vacuum cleaner.
4. A coat of epoxy coating (A+B) is applied as a sealing layer.
   Consumption of sealing layer: 400-600 g/m².

1. REMARKS

• The quality of the concrete of the floor must be at least C20/25 (minimum cement content 350 kg/m³).
• In case that the substate is wet, its preparation should take place according to the technical solution “preparation of floors that are wet for the application of epoxy floorings”.
• Working time of epoxy systems decreases when ambient temperature rises.
• Bonding between successive layers may be severely affected by the intervention of moisture or dirt between them.
• Epoxy layers should be protected from moisture for 4-6 hours after application. Moisture may whiten the surface or/and make it sticky. It may also disturb hardening. Faded or sticky layers in parts of the surface should be removed by grinding or milling and laid again.
• In case that longer time than predicted interferes between the application of successive layers or in case that old floors are going to be laid again, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and ground before application of the new layer.
• In case self-leveling will be used on vertical or inclined surfaces epoxy flow regulator should be added in a percentage of 0,5% by weight.
• Before application, study the safety advice mentioned on the product’s labels.

Preparation of oil contaminated floors before the application of epoxy layers

RELATED MATERIALS

1- Two-component epoxy primer for concrete floors

2- Oil/grease remover from concrete floors

1. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

The application of epoxy layers to industrial floors, areas with heavy traffic etc., which are contaminated with oils, it is not feasible. The pores of the floor are filled with oil and therefore the epoxy layer cannot penetrate into the pores and adhere to the substrate.

Consequently, it is required the suitable preparation of the substrate, in order to be achieved the correct application of the epoxy flooring.

1. SOLUTION

In order to apply the epoxy floorings to oil contaminated substrate, the substrate should be clean. The oils should be removed from the pores of the substrate, so as the primer of the epoxy flooring to penetrate the substrate and to be anchored. For the cleaning of oils it is used the special emulsifying cleaning agent Oil/grease remover. When applied to the floor, Oil/grease remover penetrates into the pores and emulsify the oils that have soaked its surface. Afterwards, the emulsified oils are removed from the pores by high-pressure and high-temperature water-blast.

Thereafter, on the surface should be apllied the special primer. The surface must be wet but its pores should not be fully saturated with water. This can be verified if by slightly dampening the surface, the new quantity of water is fully absorbed by the substrate in short time. Should the surface get dry after the cleaning step, the oil rises up and prevents the bonding of epoxy primer to the surface.

III. APPLICATION
Preparation of the substrate

1. Primarily the oil contaminated surface is washed with high-pressure and high-temperature water-blast, in order to clean any superficial dirt.
2. Subsequently the floor surface must be properly prepared by milling, shot blasting etc. so that the oil contaminated pores of the substrate to be opened.
3. Oil/grease remover is then spread on the floor and rubbed meticulously with a hard wire-brush in order to penetrate the substrate pores and emulsify the oil or fat.
4. The emulsified oil or fat is removed from the pores by high-pressure and high-temperature water-blast.

Application of Two-component epoxy primer for concrete floors

1. Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are packed in two separate containers, at the correct, predetermined mixing ratio by weight. The whole quantity of component B is added into component A. The two components should be mixed for about 5 minutes, with a low speed mixer (300 rpm). It is important to stir the mixture thoroughly near the sides and bottom of the container, to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener.
2. Epoxy primer is applied on the substrate, while it is still wet (but without any standing water) and is thoroughly brushed, in order to fully penetrate the pores of the substrate. Then, the surface is treated with a roller, so that the material is uniformly spread.
3. Consumption of epoxy primer: 0,6-1 Kg/m²depending on the substrate
   Consumption of the quartz sand: approx. 1,5 kg/m².
4. The DUROFLOOR system should be applied within 24 hours form priming with the epoxy primer and after it has dried.
5. REMARKS

• Working time of epoxy systems decreases when ambient temperature rises.
• Epoxy layers should be protected from moisture for 4-6 hours after application. Moisture may whiten the surface or/and make it sticky. It may also disturb hardening. Faded or sticky layers in parts of the surface should be removed by grinding or milling and laid again.
• In case that longer time than predicted interferes between the application of successive layers or in case that old floors are going to be laid again, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and ground before application of the new layer.
• Before application, study the safety advice mentioned on the product’s labels.
• Oil contaminated surfaces are particularly problematical. For more information we recommend that you consult our Technical Department.

 Preparation of floors that are wet for the application of epoxy flooring 

RELATED MATERIALS

1- Three-component, water-based epoxy primer

1. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

The application of epoxy systems on industrial floors, on floors subjected to high traffic etc., which are wet or relatively fresh, involves problems in the bonding of the epoxy system to the substrate, as the floor’s pores are full of water and therefore the primer of the epoxy layer cannot penetrate and achieve the proper fastening.

Thus, in order to ensure successful application of the chosen epoxy system, the floor must be appropriately prepared.

1. SOLUTION

For successful application of epoxy systems to wet floors or relatively fresh floors (less than 28 days), proper preparation with the special epoxy primer( water-based epoxy primer) must be carried out. This is a 3-component water-based epoxy primer that is not affected by the presence of water in the floor’s pores and bonds perfectly to wet floors, ensuring the appropriate substrate for the application of epoxy floorings.

It is ideal for floors made of relatively fresh concrete, where there is an urgent need for their covering before their setting is finished and their moisture is lost.

Furthermore, water-based epoxy primer is suggested for floors that suffer from rising moisture, since it has the appropriate coefficient for the diffusion of water vapors and provides, after its application, an epoxy layer that balances the pressure of the rising water vapor and ensures the fastening and bonding of any epoxy flooring or coating.

III.APPLICATION
Substrate preparation

1. The substrate must be stable and free of standing water.
2. When required, proper preparation must be carried out, such as grinding, milling, shot blasting etc.
3. Subsequently, the surface must be cleaned thoroughly with a high-suction vacuum cleaner.

Application of DUROPRIMER-W

1. Components A (resin), Β (hardener) and C (aggregates) are contained in packages in predetermined mixing proportions. The whole quantity of component B is added to component A, and mixed for approx. 5 minutes with a low revolution mixer (300 rpm). It is important to stir the mixture near the sides and bottom of the container, in order to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener. Then, the mixture (A+B) is poured into a clean container and component C is added under continuous stirring. Mixing is done with a low revolution mixer and carries on until the mixture becomes completely uniform.
2. At first, any cracks and imperfections are filled in with water-based epoxy primer (A+B+C).
3. Once the filling material has set, water-based epoxy primer is applied with a brush or roller, diluted 5-20% with water, in 2 layers. Second layer follows after the first one is completely dry.
   Consumption of water-based epoxy primer: 250-300 g/m²/layer.
4. After 48 hours, as long as the layer of water-based epoxy primer has less than 4% humidity, any flooring or coating of the epoxy systems may be applied.

1. REMARKS

• Working time of epoxy systems decreases when ambient temperature rises.
• In case that longer time than predicted interferes between the application of successive layers or in case that old floors are going to be laid again, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and ground before application of the new layer.
• Before application, study the safety advice mentioned on the product’s labels.