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catalyst to resin mix ratio

ezzzzzzz

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Jan 25, 2012
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359
I just completed applying an Epoxy-Coat kit in my garage. I thought I had it all figured out. The overall dimensions are 22 x 36 (800 sqft). Two full premium kits (1000 sqft coverage) were ordered. According to the stick the single batch would cover 10 x 12.5 (125 sqft). My mistake was thinking that the kit must divde the contents into 6 batches...wrong! It is intended to make 8 batches using their marked stir sticks. I divided the resin into six equal containers because my floor was sectioned into six equal areas and got 2.5 quarts each (should have been 2.66 quarts in theory). 6 x 2.5 equals 15 quarts not 16 (or 4 gallons) as expected. It appears the resin measurement is off a bit. The catalyst should have been divided in the same 6 equal measures but instead I poured the catalyst to the lower mark and added one of the resin containers because each area equaled 11 x 11.66 (128 sqft). A difference of only 18 sqft total should not have resulted in .5 gallons of catalyst left over. When done we had approx .5 gallons of catalyst left over. To validate this thought process we filled a clean 6 gallon bucket to the lower mark with water. We then added 2.5 quarts of water. The level exceeded the upper mark by approximately half again the lower mark. Bottom line is I have a mixture ratio of nearly 2.7:1 instead of 2:1. The initial color/flake results looks great if it will cure. Will I have an issue of hardening with this ratio regardless of cure time?
Tomorrow I'll be applying the clear coat if the color coat actually hardens (praying it will). I will be buying multiple measured mixing containers to equally divide the clear resin and the catalyst into six equal parts to ensure proper ratio mixture. Trying to use those sticks in a dark bucket is difficult at best. Oh yeah, it really helps to have at least one extra set of hands...two are even better (Thanks, Wayne and Mike).
If anyone considers using this product I want to point out a couple of concerns. The small hand squeegees supplied are useless except for clearing your windshield or glass shower partition. Purchase a proper 24" floor squeegee. You'll also need an expandable pole with paint roller head. When assembling the spike shoes be sure to tighten the nuts more than you think is needed or they will back off. Clean the rollers supplied with tape to remove as much of the loose nap as possible. Most importantly, purchase measured plastic mixing pails and divide the resin and catalyst into as many sections of flooring as you intend to cover but probably no less than 4 based on a coverage area of 500 sqft (1 full kit and the apparent measurement based on the stir stick markings).
 
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ezzzzzzz

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Jan 25, 2012
Messages
359
After a night of tossing and turning while considering a laborious and costly cleanup I went to the garage to check things out. I made the sign of the cross and placed my finger tip to the surface of the last section coated...... it cured!!!! The more I thought about it I realized that the mix ratio I'd used was actually 2.25:1. So, while I wouldn't recommend it, a small variance in favor of the resin still worked. Clearcoating proceeded at noon after I cleaned off the loose deco flake. It took approximately 1 hour to get the top coat on. The results is very satisfying.
I hope to be moving tools, equipment and parts from the old garage by Wednesday after there is a full cure.
Back to those sticks, I believe their system divides the coating system into 4 or 8 batches. This will not account for any variation in materials sent. Before you apply this product go get as many measured paint mix pails as needed for the number of sections you plan to work with (2 per section with only color coat and 4 per section with color/clear coat). Divide the resins and catalyst equally regardless of the actual amounts it results in. Don't forget the big squeegee, extended pole and paint roller.
The product was easy to use, especially with extra help, the VOC was non-existent... literally no smell at all. The results this morning are great. It looks professional and I'd readily do all over again with Epoxy-Coat products.
 

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ezzzzzzz

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No problem, Christine. I over-thought and under-thought the whole process. When it was done I had used all of the material (except that .5 gallon of catalyst). My floor space is approximately 770 sqft. The two color kits provided enough material to apply 9.7 mil DFT for 1000 sqft. Adding the clear kits would increase that to 19.4 mil DFT. When the extra material and deco flakes are added into the equation I probably have something in the range of 25 mil DFT. It looks super deep and wet. My helpers and neighbors all think it's too nice to use as a garage! The product can be applied thicker than the stir stick directions indicate. I feel that there should be additional instruction on the sticks to identify whether 2, 4 or 8 batches should be expected. In fact, more sticks should be included that provide for batches of 3 and 6. That would ensure the end user would use all of the product and they could compensate for the number of areas they intend to coat. The measured mixing pails eleviates any problems with variance in volume of materials sent too.
 
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rugerlady

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Aug 15, 2008
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Location
Michigan
Thanks for the input, I will have the warehouse take a look at these suggestions. We would love to include seperate measuring containers for making the batches, but we can never find any that will fit in our kits for shipping....
 
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ezzzzzzz

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Jan 25, 2012
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The local cost of these pails was less than $3 each. That is a minimal cost addition to ensure proper ratio mix and full use of product. If Epoxy-Coat could do that it would be great, otherwise the end user could pony up a few more dollars for a first class job.
 

rugerlady

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Aug 15, 2008
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Location
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We have priced the pails out and its not that they a cost prohibitive, they just wont fit into the buckets with all the rest of the stuff.
 
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ezzzzzzz

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Jan 25, 2012
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I was inferring that the customer, not Epoxy-Coat, provide those pails. Thanks for looking into it anyhow.
 
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