ACRYLIC CONCRETE COATINGS

Solvent acrylic concrete coatings are designed to penetrate deeply into concrete a surface, which also provides the necessary adhesion to support the finish coat that provides the durability acrylic concrete coatings are renowned for having. 

Acrylic concrete coatings are available in a high sheen and a low sheen finish.  The high sheen finishes are often used for showrooms and entryways where as the matte finish offers good slip resistance and the matte finish will help to camouflage any surface defects.  In addition, to enhancing the look of your concrete floor, acrylic concrete coatings also help to retard spalling and substrate deterioration. 

Acrylic concrete coatings are perfect to use on floors, driveways, patios, brick, aggregate, ramps, walkways, steps, and any concrete finish including stucco.  You can also use acrylic concrete coatings to coat an interior floor and concrete surfaces, providing that you have proper ventilation. 

When reduced with Xylene, acrylic concrete coatings can be used as a concrete stain, or if used full strength as an opaque coating.  You can also find acrylic concrete coatings in a clear finish.

As with any concrete coating, acrylic coatings also require preparation work.  If you do not prepare the concrete surface properly before applying the acrylic coating, the coating will not adhere and will eventually flake and chip away from the concrete.  The following briefly describes are the necessary steps needed to prepare concrete for acrylic coating:

Uncoated Concrete: Any concrete surface that is fully cured and which has never been coated must be thoroughly cleaned to remove all oil, grease, dirt and any other foreign matter that could interfere with the penetration and adhesion of the acrylic coating.  Start by scrubbing the entire concrete surface using Oil and Grease Emulsifier and a floor buffer with a 6—grit sanding screen.  You can usually rent one for about $35.00 a day.  You will need to purchase extra screens. 

Once you have cleaned the flooring, you will rinse the surface well with clean water.  Then to neutralize uncoated concrete, etch the surface with Concrete Etch produce recommended by the manufacture of the acrylic coating you will be using.  Make sure that you carefully follow all label instructions carefully. 

If you are coating a previously coated concrete surface, you will begin by first removing any loose paint or coating material and by scuffing the surface so that the acrylic coating will adhere to the floor.  Next, you will clean the surface, removing all dirt, oil, grease, and all other foreign material scrubbing the surface with an Oil and Grease Emulsifier.  Rinse well with clean water and then allow the surface to completely dry.  You should test any previously coated surfaces should to determine if the existing coating is compatibility with the acrylic coating, you want to apply.  If it is not, then you will need to remove completely the previous coating so that there is not lifting of the acrylic coating.

When applying your acrylic coating, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Allow your first coat to dry two hours, or according to the instructions of your product, and then apply a second coat.  If you apply a clear coat that is not included in your kit, make sure that you test all coated surfaces to determine coating compatibility.  Acrylic coatings that contain xylene could cause lifting of some other types of acrylic coatings. 

Important Rules to follow when using acrylic coatings:

·        Do not use Acrylic coatings around open flame.  Extinguish all pilot lights and do not smoke. 

·        Do not apply in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces as the heat turning the solvent into a gas can create blisters. 

·        When acid etching the surface, always add acid to water.  Mix solution in a polyethylene bucket.  Always wear protective clothing, boots, gloves, and goggles. 

·        To avoid solvent entrapment, apply in thin coats.