Frequently Asked Questions

Epoxy refers to a type of polymer that is formed through a chemical reaction between an epoxide resin and a polyamine hardener. The resulting material is known for its strong, durable, and adhesive properties. Epoxy resins are widely used in various applications, including coatings, adhesives, sealants, and molded parts.

Epoxy coatings are widely used to protect and enhance the appearance of surfaces, including floors, countertops, and industrial equipment. They provide a durable and glossy finish.

Polyaspartic refers to a type of polyurea coating that is derived from the reaction of an aliphatic polyisocyanate component with a polyaspartic ester resin. This reaction produces a durable and fast-curing coating known for its excellent performance in various applications.

Polyaspartic coatings are commonly used as floor coatings in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They are known for their durability, rapid cure time, and chemical resistance. Polyaspartic coatings are used for decorative concrete applications, providing both aesthetic appeal and protection to surfaces such as countertops, pool decks, and patios.

Polyaspartic coatings also have a quick cure time, allowing for faster project completion. Some formulations can cure within a few hours, making them advantageous for applications with tight timelines.

The choice between epoxy, polyaspartic, and polyurea coatings depends on specific project requirements, performance criteria, and environmental factors.

• Choose epoxy coatings for their proven durability and versatility in various applications.

• Select polyaspartic coatings for projects requiring fast curing, UV stability, and flexibility.

• Opt for polyurea coatings in environments with chemical exposure and a need for rapid cure times.

Ultimately, the best resinous coating depends on the specific demands of the project, budget constraints, and desired performance characteristics. Consulting with coating experts and considering the unique requirements of each project is crucial for making an informed decision.

Moisture Vapor Emission (MVE) refers to the movement of water vapor through a porous material, such as concrete. In the context of concrete coatings, MVE can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of the coating systems.

When moisture vapor travels through concrete, it can create pressure beneath the coating. If this pressure becomes too high, it may lead to the blistering, delamination, or failure of the coating. The presence of moisture vapor can also contribute to the development of efflorescence, a powdery deposit of salts on the surface of the coating.

To mitigate the impact of MVE on concrete coatings, it's crucial to assess and manage moisture conditions before applying coatings. This may involve conducting moisture vapor emission tests on the concrete substrate to determine its permeability and potential for moisture-related issues. Various moisture mitigation strategies, such as moisture barriers or epoxy primers designed to resist MVE, can be employed to enhance the adhesion and durability of coatings on concrete surfaces.

Coating new concrete with resinous coatings should be done under specific conditions to ensure proper adhesion and performance. Here's a short explanation of when new concrete can be coated:

Timing:

- Freshly Poured Concrete: New concrete should typically be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days before applying resinous coatings. During this curing period, the concrete gains strength and stabilizes.

Conditions for Coating:

- Surface Dryness: The concrete surface must be completely dry. Moisture content, especially in the form of moisture vapor emission, can negatively impact coating adhesion and performance.

- Clean Surface: Ensure the concrete surface is clean, free from dust, dirt, oils, and other contaminants that could hinder proper adhesion.

- Surface Profile: Depending on the specific resinous coating, the concrete surface may need a certain level of roughness or texture. Mechanical preparation methods, such as grinding or shot blasting, may be necessary to achieve the desired surface profile.

- Temperature and Humidity: Adhere to the recommended temperature and humidity conditions specified by the resin manufacturer. Applying coatings in extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect curing and adhesion.

Testing:

- Moisture Vapor Emission (MVE) Testing: Conduct MVE tests to assess the level of moisture vapor coming from the concrete. Excessive moisture can lead to coating failures, so it's essential to measure and address this concern.

- Adhesion Tests: Perform adhesion tests to ensure that the resinous coating adheres properly to the concrete substrate. This helps verify the success of the preparation and application process.

Consult Manufacturer Guidelines:

Always refer to the specific product guidelines and recommendations provided by the resin manufacturer. Different resinous coatings may have varying requirements and compatibility considerations.

In summary, coating new concrete with resinous coatings should be done after the concrete has sufficiently cured, is dry, and meets the necessary surface preparation requirements. Adhering to recommended conditions and testing protocols ensures a successful and long-lasting coating application.

Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) is a measure of the roughness or texture of a concrete surface, and it plays a crucial role in the adhesion of resinous coatings. Here are short explanations of different concrete preparation options for resinous coatings, each mentioning its corresponding Concrete Surface Profile (CSP):

1. Mechanical Abrasion:

- Description: This method involves using tools like grinders or shot blasters to mechanically abrade the concrete surface, removing contaminants and creating a textured profile.

- CSP: Typically produces a CSP of 2 to 5, providing a moderate to rough profile suitable for strong coating adhesion.

2. Chemical Etching:

- Description: Chemical etching uses acid or other chemical solutions to create a textured surface by removing contaminants, thereby enhancing coating adhesion.

- CSP: Generates a CSP of 1 to 3, offering a light to a moderate profile suitable for certain coating applications.

3. Shot Blasting:

- Description: Shot blasting uses high-velocity steel shot to blast the concrete, removing contaminants and laitance, and providing a textured profile.

- CSP: Produces a CSP of 3 to 5, offering a moderate to rough profile, ideal for coatings that require strong adhesion.

4. Grinding:

- Description: Grinding uses abrasive tools to level the concrete surface, remove irregularities, and create a smooth or textured profile depending on the tool used.

- CSP: The profile can range from 1 to 8, making it versatile for various coating applications depending on the desired roughness.

5. Scarification:

- Description: Scarification involves using cutting tools to remove surface materials, contaminants, and create a textured profile, making it suitable for thick coatings.

- CSP: Typically provides a CSP of 3 to 5, offering a moderate to rough profile for robust coating adhesion.

6. Pressure Washing:

- Description: High-pressure water is used to clean the concrete surface, removing loose materials and contaminants, but it may not alter the surface profile significantly.

- CSP: Generally does not significantly change the existing CSP but is effective for cleaning and surface preparation.

Consideration of the Concrete Surface Profile is crucial in selecting the appropriate preparation method to ensure optimal adhesion and performance of resinous coatings on concrete surfaces.

The lifespan of concrete coatings depends on various factors, including the type of coating used, the quality of the installation, and the level of maintenance. Here are some general estimations for the longevity of common concrete coatings:

1. Epoxy Coatings:

- Indoor Applications: Well-maintained epoxy coatings in interior settings can last 5 to 10 years or more.

- Outdoor Applications: Epoxy coatings exposed to UV rays in outdoor environments may require more frequent maintenance and could last around 2 to 5 years.

2. Polyaspartic Coatings:

- Indoor and Outdoor Applications: Polyaspartic coatings are known for their durability and can last 5 to 10 years or more, depending on environmental conditions.

3. Polyurea Coatings:

- Indoor and Outdoor Applications: Polyurea coatings are highly durable and resistant to various environmental factors. They can last 10 years or more with proper installation and maintenance.

4. Acrylic Sealers:

- Indoor and Outdoor Applications: Acrylic sealers, commonly used for decorative concrete, may last 1 to 5 years, depending on exposure to sunlight and foot traffic.

5. Concrete Stains:

- Indoor and Outdoor Applications: Concrete stains can have a long lifespan, with some lasting 5 to 10 years or more, depending on the type of stain and the level of foot or vehicle traffic.