Alright, I got replacement mop attachments and gathered the rest of the materials. My wife and I reapplied the Ballistix this morning and it is MUCH better. I was concerned that I would have some rejection because not every bit of gloss was fully removed from sanding. Turns out that it doesn't need to be fully removed, just scuffed up.
A couple of things that I note to other who will be using this:
1.) The first batch of Ballistix I had struggled to reach the required 135 degrees when mixing parts A and B. I shook it up multiple times, and even when kept somewhere warm it still never fully reached 135. I think I measured it at 134, but it took like an hour to get there. The second batch of Ballistix reached 145 within 5 minutes (ambient temps 75). So I think part of the problem is that the first mix somehow just didn't work correctly. Not sure why since I followed the directions carefully.
2.) The floor temp was better this time. When I first applied the floor was probably about 60 degrees. Measured today it was about 72.
3.) This time I mopped with 99% iso right before applying Ballistix. Last time I mopped the night before. But talking with the Ballistix reps, they recommended hitting it with 99% iso right before application of Ballistix. It helps to open the pores in the underlying substrate in order for Ballistix to adhere better. This is part-way through the iso wipe....you can see that the floor is pretty dull (darker floor is cleaned):
4.) I sprayed and mopped a small section of Ballistix first, then let it sit a few minutes to see how it reacted. After I was pleased with the outcome, we pressed forward.
5.) We made sure to keep the spray tip for Ballistix at least 2' above the ground. Better atomization of the liquid
6.) The Ballistix did not go as far this time around. I did not apply another coat of Armorpoxy 8400X after sanding. I didn't want to risk another poor reaction. So the gallon of Ballistix covered about 1000 sq ft this time, instead of the 1300 I got last time. I didn't have any extra Ballistix on hand since I wasn't sure what to expect as far as coverage goes. I'm ordering another quart today and will finish the last bit once it comes in.
Overall it looks MUCH better than it did last time. No beading at all that I can see
Once I wrap up the last bit (hopefully the quart of Ballistix comes quickly) I can put this whole saga behind me and move on to other projects. Knowing what I know now, I would have done these things differently from the beginning:
1.) Prepped the floor first with some sanding to remove most imperfections. Better finish this way
2.) Not used 8400X sealer, or at least figured out what the curing time actually is. It doesn't say on the bottle, and the product does not show on Armorpoxy's website. I could not find a TDS for it.
3.) Waited until floor temps were higher (not sure if that makes a difference)
4.) Did the final iso wipe right before Ballistix
I'll continue to update as I finish the floor. Thanks for following along.
