Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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.
What are the Performance Flakes used for?
They help hide imperfections in the floor by adding a decorative look.
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.
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.
Should I use the nonskid (aluminum oxide) in addition to the Performance Flakes?
If the conditions present water or oil, it is recommended.
Before Application
How should I prep my floor?
Our kits come with an acid etch to do this effectively. Another option would be to diamond grind your floor, which is the most preferred method of prep. One of the two options must be done to ensure the longevity of your coating.
What temperatures can I apply Epoxy?
40-80 degrees and below 80% humidity. The less humid it is and the cooler it is, the more working time you will have.
Should I patch cracks/holes/mortar joints prior to coating?
It is recommended to patch all holes and cracks prior to coating your floor. Epoxy-Coat patch kits and caulk can be purchased on our website. Mortar joints (saw cuts) are engineered to allow concrete to move, due to this we do not recommend patching or sealing them. This could cause your coating to crack as the concrete moves over time.
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.
Does the concrete need to be cleaned before using the acid etch prep solution?
Yes, any contaminants need to be removed before using your prep solution. This can be done effectively with a pressure washer or degreaser.
Does the concrete need to be cleaned before using the clean and prep solution?
Yes, contamination must be removed.
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.
During Application
How much working time do I have after I mix Part A & B
After mixing, immediately pour out all contents out of the bucket on to your floor. Around the perimeter of your floor and then pour lines in the middle of your floor. After doing this you have 45 minutes of working time. DO NOT work out of the bucket. Your epoxy will harden in the bucket will begin to get hot and will smoke.
How much time should I wait in between coats?
Wait 10-24 hours in between coats. If you exceed the 24-hour limit, you will have to lightly sand your coating before applying a new one.
How do I apply the non-skid?
Non-skid should be broadcasted lightly by hand on top of your last coating. Non-skid will typically last up to 5 years.
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
What should I do if bubbles occur during application?
Take a leaf blower and blow the top of the surface to remove the surface tension and removing the bubbles.
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.
After Application
When taping, when should I pull the tape up?
For ease or removal, remove tape between 2-3 hours after application at 70F
When can I walk on my new floor/put objects back/drive?
After 24 hours light traffic can begin. You can place items back and drive on your floor after 3-5 days. Do not introduce water onto your floor until full 7 days.
How can I clean my floor?
Epoxy floors do not need soap, hot or warm water with a mop or scrubbing brush will work perfectly. We also have a mild citrus cleaner on our website available.
Will How long will my coating last?
In most residential cases, your coating should last up to 30 years. In extreme, high traffic areas coatings last anywhere from 10-20 years.
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.