EPOXY experts I have a few questions

[Jsf721]

Can you please tell me :

1. The optimal film thickness for 100% epoxy (in mils)?
2. If I plan on doing a full broadcast floor do I need to add the top clear Pollyurethane? Main concerns are durability and UV damage (Yellowing)


Thanks

 

[Shea]

Could you clarify question #1? Dry Film thickness for a single coat is about 9-10 mils on average for a cycloaliphatic 100% epoxy. That doesn't include color flakes, top coats, or primers.

Regarding #2, you will want to add a top coat for a full flake broadcast. Unlike a light or medium broadcast, when you go full there will be some chips that do not adhere fully. Though they are laying relatively flat, only some parts will be glued to the epoxy. As a result, if you don't apply a top coat you will be chipping off bits and pieces of the floor. The chips themselves are U.V. stable. The polyurethane topcoat will only add to the durability of the floor, give you a clear glossy finish, protect the color chips, and be very resistant to yellowing unlike an epoxy clear topcoat.

 

[Jsf721]

If I am not mistaken I though I heard someone tell me 45 mils of epoxy should be applied and that roughly 15 mills fills the profile s a d seeps into the concrete?

Could you clarify question #1? Dry Film thickness for a single coat is about 9-10 mils on average for a cycloaliphatic 100% epoxy. That doesn't include color flakes, top coats, or primers.

Thanks for the info on the clear coat.


Regarding #2, you will want to add a top coat for a full flake broadcast. Unlike a light or medium broadcast, when you go full there will be some chips that do not adhere fully. Though they are laying relatively flat, only some parts will be glued to the epoxy. As a result, if you don't apply a top coat you will be chipping off bits and pieces of the floor. The chips themselves are U.V. stable. The polyurethane topcoat will only add to the durability of the floor, give you a clear glossy finish, protect the color chips, and be very resistant to yellowing unlike an epoxy clear topcoat.

 

[Edger]

I used to roll out 100% solids epoxy with a thick nap roller and ended up with 11 mils after two coats. Almost all of the 5.5 mils of the first coat soaked in so the dry film build was around 6+ mils.

 

[Shea]

15 mills fills the profile s a d seeps into the concrete?

That fortunately is not correct. That would mean your first coat would seep all the way into the concrete. It's not uncommon for a couple mils to soak into the concrete for your first coat, a little more if using a primer since that is what they are designed for, but not 15 mils.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Without a wet mils gauge you need rely on sq ft per gallon.

 

[Jsf721]

5 Gallons of Epoxy over a 350 sq foot area. Would you be able to tell me what the mils are on that?

Thanks

Without a wet mils gauge you need rely on sq ft per gallon.

 

[Jsf721]

5 Gallons of 100% Epoxy over a 350 sq foot area. Would you be able to tell me what the mils are on that?

Thanks

Without a wet mils gauge you need rely on sq ft per gallon.

 

[dcs Inc]

22.9 mils.

 

[dcs Inc]

You can get 1604 sq. ft. at 1 mil thickness.

 

[Jsf721]

Thanks. For the calculation.

22.9 mils.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

You can get 1604 sq. ft. at 1 mil thickness.

We get a guy looking for that at least once a week!

 

[Cruzin90]

The calculation is correct, but it does not account for waste such as the product that does not come out of the roller pad, etc. You should add 5% or 10% of product.

 

[dcs Inc]

Wow, You lose 5%-10% from the roller? I always leave a little in the mixing bucket because it's a big no no turning the bucket upside down to get every last drop.

Mill thickness is a jargon used by architects and engineers. Applicators speak in square footage per gallon. With the correct notched squeegee it isn't hard placing the correct "mil" thickness. Wet mil and dry mil are often two different animals. If a primer has not been used there will be some thickness loss due to saturation.

 

[Cruzin90]

I'm an applicator and I use all the terms: mil thickness, gallons, and square footage. It's better have a little more than to come up a little short. Roller pads soak up quite a bit even if you get all you can out of them.

If they guy is buying 5 gallons, it's not a bad idea to have an extra .25 gallons or .5 gallons extra.

 

[dcs Inc]

OK, I got your point now. I try to tell these guys to pack on little extra on the purchase... heck, they can use it on the next project. Nothing worse than running short.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

DIY equate floor coating to wall painting. You run a little short, shoot out to HD or Lowes and get what you need. Wish it was that easy.

They forget about the window of opportunity, batching, compatibility, etc...

In addition to the fact that most products can't fly on a plane and if they can the cost to do so is astronomical.

A little extra goes a real long way.