Steps to Achieving a Successful Clear Floor Coating System
1. Prepare the concrete surface
- Thoroughly prepare the concrete by diamond grinding with a coarse grit to ensure proper adhesion.
- Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free from dust, oil, grease, loose paint, or any other contaminants before coating.
2. Polish the concrete
- After grinding, polish the surface using a higher grit diamond cup wheel to achieve a smooth and consistent finish.
- Ensure the floor is evenly levelled and polished to avoid visible grinding marks or imperfections in the final coating.
3. (Optional) Repair cracks and imperfections
- Since this is a clear coating system, any patched areas will remain visible after application. Many applicators prefer keeping natural cracks for a more authentic, character-rich look.
- If you choose to repair, fill cracks using a two-pack epoxy filler such as Sikadur 31 CFN. For larger cracks or damaged areas, use Epoxy Coving and Repair Kit.
- Allow the repair mortar to fully cure — typically 6–8 hours — before grinding or coating.
4. Apply the first coat
- Apply the first coat evenly across the floor. The general curing time at 20°C is a minimum of 8 hours, though this can vary if solvent has been added.
- It’s recommended to back-roll the coating against the natural light to achieve a uniform finish.
- Use spiked shoes when walking on wet epoxy for even application, while always observing appropriate safety practices.
5. Apply the second coat within 24 hours
- Return within 24 hours of the first coat to apply the second coat.
- Avoid using thinners in the final coat, as this may affect finish quality.
- If the second coat is not applied within 30–36 hours (depending on temperature), lightly sand the surface with 80-grit sandpaper before recoating.
6. (Optional) Apply an additional coat if required
For highly porous concrete surfaces, a third coat may be needed for full coverage. Simply repeat the previous step to apply an additional layer.
7. Add anti-slip media (optional)
If additional slip resistance is desired, add anti-slip media to the final coat to achieve a higher slip rating suitable for your application.
8. Allow adequate curing time
The floor will be lightly trafficable after 24 hours, but avoid parking heavy vehicles such as cars, boats, or trailers for at least 7 days after the final coat to ensure full cure and strength.
