Complete Industrial Flooring Solutions
Tel: (03) 9738 0742 | Email: info@ablefloors.com.au
- The important thing about a floor is that it is clean, dry, and etched. In the last 15 years, diamond grinding has become much more cost effective and therefore popular. We see this as the ideal way to prepare a floor, although grinding marks need to be minimal or they are likely to show in the finish coat. Some contractors still like to acid etch, and we are happy with a floor prepared this way so long as it is obviously etched. If a floor has a release agent of some sort on it, acid washing is unlikely to be adequate.
- We see grinding as first choice then acid etching as second choice and water blasting only as a last resort. If water blasting is the only option we recommend the water droplet test to be done once the concrete has dried from water blasting. This test is where a few drops of water are placed on the concrete and if the water soaks into the concrete then the concrete should be fine for coating but if the water droplets bead on the surface of the concrete then the concrete needs to be treated further.
- V410 is typically used as an industrial floor coating, whereas V412 is used for its vertical hang up properties. V410 is glossy whereas V412 is satin or low sheen, and V410 has good flow properties, whereas V412 invariably gives a stippled finish.
- V410 is typically used as an industrial floor coating, whereas V412 is used for its vertical hang up properties. V410 is glossy whereas V412 is satin or low sheen, and V410 has good flow properties, whereas V412 invariably gives a stippled finish.
- The mixing rations are very important. They are very simple: a. b. c. The quantities can be modified, but the ratios must remain constant. So for example, if I need 6 litres of E2100, I can mix 3 litres of E2100 pack A with 3 litres of E2100 pack B. E2100 is 1:1 which means 1 litre of E2100 pack A is mixed with 1 litre of E2100 pack B V410 is 3:1 which means 3 litres of V410 pack A is mixed with 1 litre of V410 pack B V412 is 4:1 which means 4 litres of V412 pack A is mixed with 1 litre of V412 pack B.
- The best way to mix the two components is by a power stirrer. Normally, these are operated by a battery drill. Mix for about 1 minute so that the combined product is consistent and thoroughly blended, and then allow the paint to sit for 5 minutes. In lower temperature, stir again briefly prior to use.
- Very – if it isn’t observed, colour and gloss variation will be seen, and ultimately, the mixed product will become unusable.
- Temperature and humidity are both important, especially with V410 and V412. Temperature needs to be at least 10oC, and relative humidity must be no greater than 75%. Observation of these guidelines and mixing/standing/mixing will help alleviate the risk of amine bloom in cold climates.
- This provides a guide to how much paint you are likely to use. It will vary depending on:
- a. The size, or area being coated – larger areas normally give a better ‘coverage rate’.
- b. The condition of the substrate – for example, pitted floors will need a heavier coating
than very smooth floors - c. The expected wear to be imposed on the floor – in high traffic areas, a heavier
coating is recommended - d. The colour – some strong colours will require extra coats for full colour coverage
- Always roll in both directions – i.e. north/south, and then east/west. Unfortunately, it is often impossible to completely eliminate roller marks.
- This issue is often called ‘concrete out-gassing’. It occurs particularly when a floor grinder has exposed small pit holes that contain air. If the concrete is painted on a warming slab – ie, mid morning or mid day, air entrained in these pit holes can expand, and if they have been sealed over, bubbles can form.