PREPARATION
It cannot be overestimated how important  it is to thoroughly prepare - if you are looking for a top class finish. Many epoxy finishes are quite thin by nature and will , therefore, follow the contours of the surface to which they are being applied.
The basic first principle is to ensure that the original surface is sound, dry, clean and free from  contamination such as grease and oil. We offer a number of useful cleaning products. Click  HERE  for details.
Where applicable Concrete laitance should be removed by acid washing using EPOXY PRODUCTS CONCRETE ETCH and rinsed thoroughly.  
For large areas best results are achieved by Vacuum Track Shot Blasting and it is recommended.  
Many of our products must not be applied onto previously painted floors .
New concrete should be at least 28 days old and care must be taken on the choice of product.
Ensure that any cracks or more heavily damaged areas are repaired. EPOXY PRODUCTS EPOXY FILLER is an epoxy resin based filler ideal for concrete crack repair and EPOXY PRODUCTS PATCHING MORTAR is recommended for larger areas.

MIXING  
Problems will  occur with epoxy resin based products if they are not thoroughly mixed before use. As a general rule if you think you have mixed the product - mix it for another minute!
We recommend that you stir using a mixing paddle in an electric drill on a slow speed.  Mixing the product at too high a speed can produce unwanted air bubbles.
Where you are using a 2 pack product, empty the entire contents of Pack “B” into Pack “A”.
If you are using product that has been standing for a while then it is advisable to stir Pack ‘B’ before emptying into Pack ‘A’.
Ensure attention is given to the sides and bottom of the container during the mixing process.
BE AWARE THAT EPOXY RESIN BASED PRODUCTS HAVE A LIMITED POT LIFE. IN MANY CASES YOU WILL ONLY HAVE 20-30 MINUTES BEFORE THE PRODUCT IS UNUSEABLE.

APPLICATION  
Apply immediately after mixing by brush or roller to obtain a thin even application.  Use a small brush to apply around the perimeter wall, this will  prevent the large paint roller from hitting the walls.
Two coats are normally required for maximum resistance.  
For best inter coat adhesion, apply the second application immediately the first coat is touch dry and, usually, within 48 hours.
If using Anti-slip aggregates, scatter upon the product while still tacky.

TOOL CLEANING
The nature of the product makes it very difficult to clean brushes and rollers. We suggest that you dispose of them. Clean tools with EPOXY PRODUCTS CLEANING SOLVENT.

HEALTH AND SAFETY  
As some people find Epoxy based products irritant to the skin, all users are recommended to use barrier cream and thoroughly wash with soap and water after use.  Avoid skin and eye contact.  If eye contact is made then rinse with clean water and seek immediate medical advise.

FLOOR MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING.

If regular care is provided and recommended guidelines observed, the decorative appearance and life of all Epoxy Products Flooring Systems will be extended.

i) Care Immediately after Installation

The new flooring system should be allowed to fully cure before being used.
The following perimeters apply -:

Careful Foot traffic  -  24 hours at 20°C, 48 hours at 8°C
Full Mechanical and Chemical Loading -   7 days at 20°C, 14 days at 8°C

Washing with water must not occur until the curing cycle is completed i.e. not within 7 days.

ii)   Cleaning

Cleaning regularly is necessary to maintain the appearance and prolong the life of the flooring system.  
Our General Purpose Cleanser is an ideal product for epoxy resin floors.  
The use of Washer Scrubber Dryer machines incorporating the recommended
cleaners would be the best, most effective method of cleaning the floor.
Abrasive cleansers must not be used.
Acid based cleansers must not be used.
Strong alkali based cleansers must not be used in concentration form.
Solvent cleansers must not be used although some solvent “activated” cleansers are suitable.
Scraping of the surface should be avoided however plastic scrapers or squeegees with rounded corners are more gentle to the floors surface.

iii)  Polishing

Having washed the floor the application of approved clear polymer glaze coats or wax polishes are recommended to protect the upper surface from minor scratches and abrasions.  
Wax modified cleansers will provide improved scratch resistance.
The “metallic polishes” will provide immediate protection and we recommend three or more coats are applied following a maintenance washing.  Three or more coats can easily be applied in one day.  Having done so repeated applications of polish should be made every three months.

iii)  Accidental Impact Damage

We advise contacting Epoxy Products Contracts Division as soon as possible to ensure remedial measures can be effected in order to retain the performance of the Epoxy Coating system and prevent water or chemical ingress into the damaged area.

iv) Accidental Scratch or Scoring Damage

Should the flooring surface become scratched or scored by abrasive materials then we would immediately recommend the surface is cleaned with an approved cleanser and an approved polish or glaze coat is applied to the surface.  This will protect the floor from further minor scratches.  Repeat applications building up the thickness of the polish or glaze coat will provide improved scratch resistance.
 
v)  Spillage’s and Deposits

Regular sweeping and cleaning is advised as dirt and dust are abrasive and can prematurely age the surface. Spillage of chemicals i.e., petrol or oil should be cleaned up immediately as with all good cleaning procedures.
After chemical spillage’s, certain chemicals may cause some colour changes. This usually is caused by a surface reaction only and will not impair the mechanical performance of the flooring system. If in doubt, contact Epoxy Products Technical Services Department for assistance .

 Cleaning Methods

i)  Hand Cleaning

The floor can be cleaned by the use of a mop and bucket using our approved cleanser.   

It is important the floor is finally rinsed with clean water to avoid smearing contaminated water across the floor.  The main problem associated with this cleaning method is drying the floor effectively without allowing contaminated water to puddle upon the surface and leave a dirty smear effect when dry.
This method of cleaning is normally only recommended for cleansing small areas of localised spillage.

ii)  Washer Scrubber Dryer Machines

Technical advances in floor maintenance equipment over the past decade have  provided industry with low cost, highly efficient machines applying low foam cleansers with vacuum suction drying.
The use of these machines are recommended as being the most effective method of cleaning floors with minimum disruption.

iii)  Wet Vacuum Pick Up Machines

Having washed the floor with copious amounts of water and cleanser the floor can be dried efficiently by passing over the area with a Wet Vacuum Pick Up Machine.  These machines will dry the floor extremely well leaving a clean dry surface.
To achieve best results however, final rinsing with cold clean water maybe necessary to remove and pick up any fine sediment of dirt that remains upon the surface.

iv)  Power washing

A highly effective method of cleaning but difficult to control and to remove the large volumes of water left upon the floor.  Should the floor levels be variable then water puddles maybe created and difficult to remove.  If this should occur then the problem of  dirt sediment as mentioned above may result.

v)  Steam Cleaning

The use of  a steam cleaner is not recommended for this particular flooring system. Excessive heat shock may cause swelling, blistering and subsequent adhesion failure to this flooring system.

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