Traction with no flake?

[av8bpilot]

Hey all,

I'm having my new construction garage floor done professionally and trying to weigh the concerns with using flakes or not - primarily traction. I want a pretty universal color (white or light gray) to brighten up the space and make it easier to see drips and/or small parts. I've gotten a few quotes and the installers seem about 50/50 on concern over using flakes or not and the possible lack of traction. Same-color flakes are an option too, but I wanted to get opinions on flake-less traction and sweepability between the two.

Thanks in advance.

 

[FJ4FUN]

I really, really try to dissuade customers from going with solid color flake systems. They are very hard to do right and when done "correctly" do not end up providing much stipple/traction. I recommend either a solid color three component system with our EnduraShield hybrid-urethane + SpheriTex traction additive as shown below or, our two component CFLC which does not require the third urethane clear coat.

The SpheriTex are tiny glass spheres and produce a finish similar to fine grain leather, no sharp edges so cleaning is super easy and it won't abrade your skin if you spend a lot of time under your cars. The CFLC finish has a finish very similar to porcelain tile it is very glossy but is surprisingly very grippy (twice the ADA recommended slip resistance). No clear coat means a much quicker return to service and easy to recoat years down the road if you want to freshen up the appearance or, make repairs.

3 Layer System - solid color with / without SpheriTex traction additive

 

[mslim]

What do they use for aircraft hangars? They can't be too slick and I never see one with flake.

 

[FJ4FUN]

What do they use for aircraft hangars? They can't be too slick and I never see one with flake.

Well, because you asked, this is our CFLC ceramic in a hangar application...

 

[FJ4FUN]

BTW, many professional installers will shy away from doing solid color floors and will heavily promote full broadcast variegated color flake floors. Solid color floors will show/highlight every imperfection and speck of dust that lands in the curing coating which can lead to a lot of customer satisfaction issues. You can literally spot a fly wing at 25 yds... The full broadcast variegated color floors are very forgiving and mask minor imperfections well. If you want a solid color floor set expectations appropriately, unless your working in a clean room environment dust and debris WILL make their way into your final finish. With careful prep a lot can be avoided but you really have to pay close attention and plan ahead. Our 3 layer system with urethane + traction additive top coat has two distinct advantages when it comes to this, it will mask underlying substrate imperfections and it creates a matte surface finish which really helps to hide dust going forward. The CFLC ceramic system is designed for heavy duty industrial use, those who use it are typically much more interested in it's function than it's cosmetic appeal (which is still awesome!).

 

[Armorpoxy]

All of our ArmorUltra Job on Pallet Kits and Armorclad Kits (both 100% solids) come wth non skid additives and are used in thousands of hangars. Flecks generally don't give the traction, the non skid additive does.