General Epoxy Guidelines for Achieving Best Results

Epoxy floors Indiana contractors are specialized in what they do, and they undergo through a specific measure to achieve the best results. Coating floors with epoxy is a process, and just like all processes, you need to do it correctly to achieve best results. Below are some of the general guidelines epoxy floors Indiana follow.

Quantity

The size of the batch plays a great role when it comes to affecting the characteristics of the epoxy system. When you mix quantities that are larger than 1 pint at a time will definitely shorten the pot life and the cure time. The larger the batch, the faster the epoxy resin will set.

General Epoxy Guidelines

Aggregate

Selecting a proper aggregate for the epoxy system is both science and an art. An aggregate must be properly washed and left to dry in addition to being properly graded for the intended job. The epoxy floors Indiana contractor has to make sure that the aggregate is at a similar temperature as the epoxy system in which they are to be mixed. Adding the aggregate to the epoxy resin system extends the pot life of the epoxy. During winter time, the aggregate may be heated to help with the set time for the epoxy. The cure time and the pot time of all the epoxy systems depend on the quantity, temperature and the aggregate added.

Thinning

Thinning is largely recommended although some applications require the use of thinning for unusual reasons. Different epoxy contractors prefer different thinners for various reasons.

Storage

The epoxy materials should never be stored in places below 40 degrees F. if the epoxy is stored in a very cold place then there are possibilities of each component being separated and coagulating. Any product that is stored below the recommended temperatures should be brought to at least 90 degrees F for a few days and then stirred well before it is used. By doing this, the viscosity, working time and the handling characteristics are restored to as they were designed originally. It is also recommended to store in air-conditioned trailers, hot or cold water baths.

Color

All hardened epoxy products change color after they are exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Some products take a longer time to discolor than others although they all change color eventually. The change in color will give the product a green or yellow cast. Epoxy floors that are installed inside the house will also change color after some time because of the daylight coming inside.

Important note

The epoxy material bars vapor after curing. It is therefore recommended not to apply the epoxy coating over existing moving cracks or expansion joints. Some pigments coatings require induction period with re-stirring after 10 minutes. Epoxy coatings can protect your floor and enhance the strength of the floor. The functionality of epoxy floor highly depends on how good it was applied and the quality of the epoxy resin. It is very easy to maintain an epoxy floor.