Full broadcast flake - how much clearcoat?

[iceman536]

How many coats / what thickness to you need your topcoat to be when applying a broadcast of paint chips?

 

[a3tripod]

I'm sure the real pros will chime in, but I'll give it a go. The product you use will have a minimum mils requirement by which you need to follow. If that means you need to apply more than one coat of epoxy, then do it. I used a 3/8" solvent resistant core roller to back roll my epoxy - which was recommended to meet/exceed the 8 mil minimum.

Once you've applied your epoxy- walk around on your spikes and toss the flakes up in the air to get an even spread as they land. After the minimum wait time is met (re-coat times vary by product) you can roll your clear/topcoat right over the flakes. Some guys recommend sweeping the excess flakes that didn't adhere, but I didn't bother. Just went right over it all and they are firmly stuck now .

 

[Bad Idea]

I usually do two coats of clear sealer at 5 mils each, but that gives you a lightly textured finish that may be too smooth for your preference.

I have done one coat before, but install is a little different. Broadcast the flakes into your base layer. Then sweep off the excess and scrape the surface with a steel trowel to knock down any flakes that are sticking up. Vacuum the floor and seal with about 3-5 mils of clear sealer. Should be textured enough but still easy to clean.

 

[AlphaGarage]

I have done one coat before, but install is a little different. Broadcast the flakes into your base layer. Then sweep off the excess and scrape the surface with a steel trowel to knock down any flakes that are sticking up. Vacuum the floor and seal with about 3-5 mils of clear sealer. Should be textured enough but still easy to clean.

That's pretty much what we spec for. A single coat of clear coat a min 4 mils thick, wet.