1. Preparing

Concrete floors can be made chemically or mechanically. Each form of preparation aims to remove the top layer of concrete; removing contamination and providing a surface profile for the coating to be bonded to. The ‘FeRFA’ Resin Flooring Association suggests preparation is completed mechanically. This reduces the risk of additional contamination if the acid is not washed away correctly, and provides a better surface profile. Mechanical preparation can be carried out by grinding or shot blasting.

2. Potential Problems

There are a number of factors that should be beared in mind before the application of a floor paint or concrete floor paints; namely the composition of the concrete, the amount of time it has been there and its overall strength. Anhydrite screeds are not suitable to have a floor coating as they have poor tensile strength; new concrete screeds should be coated a number of times using coatings with a water base to stop blistering and the concrete should have a minimum compressive strength of 25N/mm2.

3. Product Selection

The majority of single part floor paints are not suitable for application in garages because they suffer from ‘hot tyre picking’. Where a floor is subject to wheeled traffic, FeRFA recommends expoxy floor paints with two parts. Water based epoxy floor paints are suitable for light traffic surfaces including occasional vehicle traffic. High build epoxy floor paints are recommended in areas subject to regular traffic.

4. Application

The pot life of epoxy floor paints should be taken care of. Due to the chemical reaction which occurs when the two parts are mixed together, the pot life is significantly less than standard paints. the area should be treated before mixing. Applicators should make sure that there is enough labour to apply a whole unti within 20 minutes of mixing.

5. Curing Times

Epoxy floor paints cure to a tack free state in one day at 20 degrees celsius and are ready for traffic after 2 days. Curing times will be longer or shorter in negative correlation with temperature. For example, at 10oC the curing time will twice as long. it should be remembered that the ground temperature is often more than 5oC less than the room temperature.