Reduce orange peel during epoxy application

[4everRS]

Hi all, I could use some advice/tips.

I'm going to be laying down Sherwin MacroPoxy on a new slab. I had the concrete shot blasted and is ready for epoxy. The last time I did this it left an orange peel texture from the roller. I think I was using a 3/8 or 1/2 nap roller. I'm thinking that is the main problem. Macro sets up so fast, I guess I'm wondering if I should be using reducer to allow it to flow better and lay flatter? This time I'll be using a notched squeegee and backrolling with a 1/4 nap epoxy glide roller.
If reducer is the correct answer, how much, 10%, 15%? Also will the reducer give me a longer working time for throwing flakes?

Any other ideas on reducing orange peel texture and/or giving the macro a longer working time are appreciated.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

You are applying too thin or it is setting up too fast. Talk to the manufacture about your process.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Hi, shot blasting for a garage can leave a fairly textured surface and is not an ideal form of prep for a thin mil epoxy coating system so what you may be experience ins not orange-peeling from the epoxy but the surface texture from the floor prep. You most definitely should prime the floor so the epoxy won't absorb in and it lays out thicker. Use a notched squeegee to float it out and a very light (no downward pressure) backroll.

Thinning could make this issue of telegraphing of the shot blast patterns worse, not better. If you mix up the epoxy in smaller batches, and keep it out of the sun and get it onto the cooler floor, that should be plenty of time to apply.

 

[4everRS]

Thanks for the replies.

I ended up putting down 2 coats of epoxy, throwing flakes in the 2nd. I just did the 2nd last night. The 1/4” rollers are key. Much smoother finish.

Macropoxy is a thick mil formula. It’s actually interesting to work with because of how thick it is. It’s like rolling honey on the floor. I would highly recommend shot blasting the concrete. My concrete contractor knew what I was going to be doing, so they didn’t burn the floor much and no sealer of course.

I did my attached garage with shot blasting and macro 7 years ago with no failure. I understand the shot blasting with a thin film epoxy, but I don’t think anything can stick better than shot blasting first.

Now I have to put the clear down. Probably doing that tomorrow.

 

[4everRS]