A Must-Read Overview Before Buying Epoxy – Making the Right Choice
Before applying an epoxy coating, you must first prepare the floor for it. Ensure that the floor is thoroughly cleaned and free of any grease or oil. Also, you should degrease and vacuum the floor before the application.
Finally, you should prepare the floor for the application by removing any debris from the surface. You must also apply a protective coating such as a polyurethane one layer thick. Before applying an epoxy coating, you need to understand the temperature range in which it will be used.
A warmer surface will allow the epoxy to penetrate deeper and form a stronger bond. It can be applied on a cold surface as well. Indoors, you can use a heating lamp, curing tent, or heat lamps. However, you must avoid open-flame sources because they can contaminate the surface.
Exhaust gases can elevate the moisture content in the air, affecting the curing process. Catalytic heaters are only an issue in enclosed spaces. Using an epoxy coating requires some knowledge about its application. For instance, it should be applied at a temperature above 50degF or 21degC.
If the substrate is cold, the time to cure it will be longer. Every 18deg F below 70deg F will double the cure time. If the surface is 50deg F, it will take about 18 hours to fully cure. Most epoxies never reach this minimum temperature.
Research and Plan Before Buying
If you’re considering using an epoxy coating for your project, here’s some information you should know: a) The coating’s thickness is important. It is typically measured twice: before and after application. The thickness of the epoxy will reduce as it dries.
A 100-percent solid epoxy will retain its thickness. So, before you buy an expensive epoxy, read up on the details that affect the thickness of the coating. The thickness of the coating is important to consider. The thickness of the epoxy is measured twice: before and after application.
The percentage of solids will be determined by the percent solids. Normally, a coating is 30% to 40% solid before application and decreases to 50% during drying. The thickness of the epoxy will vary from a few inches to a few inches. During the application process, it is best to apply an epoxy that is 90% to 100% solid.
When choosing an epoxy coating, you need to consider several factors. The first is the type of epoxy. You should choose an epoxy that is 100% solids. A high-solid epoxy will result in a thicker film that is more difficult to work with and harder to remove after application.
If you choose a 50%-solids epoxy, you can get away with the less-solids one. The only disadvantage of a 100-percent-solids product is that it is harder to clean up if you spill anything on it. Also, if you haven’t contacted a professional yet, this company serves the Pembroke pines area.
Consider All These Factors First
Another consideration is the thickness. The thickness of an epoxy coating is measured two times: before the coating is applied and after it has dried. The ratio between the two components should be accurate. When mixing the epoxy resin, you should ensure that the parts are properly proportioned.
During the drying process, the thickness of the material will decrease. The best way to avoid this problem is to use a full kit of epoxy. The second consideration is the surface temperature. In a warm area, the epoxy will be more soluble and thinner.
A warm surface will also make the epoxy more resistant to stains and other damage. If the surface is exposed to direct sunlight, the temperature is more conducive to the application of epoxy. This is why it is best to mix the epoxy before using it. A properly-mixed coating will provide a long-lasting, high-quality finish for your property.
The main difference between a 100% solids epoxy and a 50% solids epoxy is the number of solids in the paint. The higher the percentage of solids in the epoxy, the thicker the layer will be. A 100% solids epoxy is more difficult to work with during application because of its high viscosity.
The fewer solids in the epoxy, the easier it is to apply. The more epoxy you use, the more it will protect your property.
