C&P Knowledge Base
Concrete patios, walkways and driveways can significantly enhance the look and value of living spaces. Both residential and commercial building owners rely on the durability of their concrete floors, while also taking care of their aesthetics. Strong and long-lasting concrete depends on several parameters, such as using a high-quality concrete mix, expertly placing it, and properly curing and sealing it.
Surface Cleaning ;
Surface preparation is extremely important for good and permanent surface coloring systems. The bonding of the coating and coloring systems to the surface depends not only on the product quality and application method, but also on the cleanliness of the application surface, the removal of oil, dirt and similar stains and the removal of loose layers on the surface. As Color&Polish Surface Technologies, we attach great importance to surface preparation before application. For detailed information, you can find detailed information from the Knowledge Base menu Surface Preparation Processes.
Coloring;
Today's concrete surface coloring processes are carried out with standard filled paints with full coverage. As Color&Polish, we bring together your old concrete and similar cement-based coatings with coloring processes that you can color without disturbing the texture of the concrete, except for concrete paints with high coverage.
Within the Color&Polish Surface Technologies system, we offer different concrete coloring systems to meet your needs. While we meet your needs for solvent concrete coloring and concrete polishing systems for outdoor and concrete polishing systems, we are your solution partner with odorless systems that can be diluted with water indoors.
Beyond these, we serve you as the leading brand of coloring systems that push the limits of aesthetics with acid dyes that can be easily used both outdoors and indoors and react with concrete chemicals and make permanent coloring.
Polishes;
If polish is not used in floor concrete applications, the application will be incomplete. When you take the time to apply this topcoat protection, you not only extend the life of your concrete coating, but also maintain and enhance its aesthetic appeal. Depending on the product used, we can summarize the advantages of polishing as follows.
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It allows to increase the color intensity of concrete pavements, whether they are natural color, colored with a colorant, or have a colored concrete hardener surface used during concreting,
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Provides different glosses to the surface, from high gloss to satin gloss
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It prevents dirt, oil, grease, chemicals and stains from penetrating the concrete, making it easier to clean and maintain the concrete surface.
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Prevents surface dusting
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Reduces freeze-thaw damage by keeping water and salt-induced chlorides out of the concrete matrix
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Provides protection against wear and tear.
But to achieve these results, you need to choose the right polish for the task. While there are hundreds of products available to suit almost any concrete application, not every project is suitable for every polish. Otherwise, a perfect decorative concrete job can be ruined by choosing the wrong polish or applying it incorrectly. With Color&Polish Surface Technologies, we offer you surface systems that will meet all your needs. With our water-based, solvent-based and siloxane-based products, your concrete surfaces are under our protection with products specific to surface conditions and performance.
Floor Paints ;
As Color&Polish Surface Technologies, we color your concrete surfaces according to your needs with concrete paints and color line paints in standard colors.
While applying glossy and penetrating floor paints with a strong bond structure with solvent road marking and concrete paints, you can paint your garage and parking areas with high performance with our water-based paints that can be easily used indoors, stain resistant, resistant to hot tire marks, easy to use with its one-component structure.
We also offer solutions for food production factories, dining halls, restaurants and all your needs with our Alpha Paint product, which is compatible with food cotex and can be cleaned very quickly after staining.
With the road marking paints we produce with superior resins, you can easily use our road marking paints on all asphalt and concrete with our long-lasting paints that comply with highway standards in outdoor areas.
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There has been a lot of discussion lately about reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is primarily because many paint and coating applications across the country are subject to increasingly stringent regulations calling for lower VOC levels.
The properties of various types of finishes, which can range from very high VOC (over 400 grams per liter) to very low VOC (less than 100 grams per liter), can help you choose which is best for your project due to the increasingly stringent regulatory environment.
There are two types of concrete finishes:
Water based (C&P WB Outerseal UV, WB Innerseal)
(usually has less volatile organic compounds)Solvent based (C&P MMA Polish, SB Polishcrete)
(usually has more volatile organic compounds)
Once the concrete has dried, both water and solvent based finishes are applied as protective and decorative finishes. These are the primary source of chemical and stain protection for concrete and serve to protect it from wear and damage. These finishes improve the appearance by adding gloss and developing color over time.
The most UV resistant finishes are made entirely from acrylic and methyl methacrylate based polymers. Thanks to technological advances, applicators can now choose from a variety of high quality acrylic finishes using solvent based polymer solutions or water based polymer emulsions.
When a water-based polish is used, the polymer particles are dispersed in the water. As the water evaporates, the polymer particles come closer to each other. As the water continues to evaporate, the polymer particles gradually combine and form a seamless transparent coating on the concrete surface.
When using a solvent-based finish, the polymers are not present separately. Instead, a clear, continuous polymer solution is created by the solvent and polymer. The evaporating solvent of the solvent-based finish draws the polymer strands closer together until they bond.
As a result, both water- and solvent-based finishes leave polymers on the concrete surface. Therefore, water resistance is achieved and the concrete surface often appears shiny. If you are considering switching to water-based finishes for some or all of your projects, it is important to know that water- and solvent-based finishes work similarly after they are applied and cured.
The common properties of solvent and water-based varnishes are listed below:
Tough and durable; the main similarity between the two types of finishes is their ability to protect concrete. With the best acrylic finishes that are exposed outside, this can last for two to three years. Also, since both types provide stain protection, spills from food, chemicals, and automobile stains can usually be cleaned up before they become permanent stains.
Ease of use: Water-based and solvent-based varnishes are usually fully prepared and ready to apply. Depending on the project, they can be brushed on or sprayed on.
UV resistance: Color&Polish exterior finishes are completely resistant to UV light and do not suffer from the photochemical degradation experienced by more UV absorbent polymers such as styrene-acrylics, non-aliphatic polyurethanes and most epoxies.
Here are some differences between water and solvent-based polishes:
Appearance. One of the main differences between water-based and solvent-based finishes is their appearance after application and curing. Concrete surfaces are generally well penetrated and wetted by solvent-based finishes. This creates a shinier appearance that draws attention to the color of the concrete below. Because the polymer particles in water-based finishes scatter visible light differently than the water they are scattered in, the finish appears milky white when applied. Both finishes can achieve a gloss appearance, but solvent-based finishes may have a slight yellow tint to the color after drying.
Control. Water-based finishes have many appealing features, including being non-flammable, having a mild solvent odor, and making them easy to clean up quickly and easily after application. This time savings can mean the difference between a busy installer being late for their next job or being on time. When applied to newly finished or refinished concrete surfaces, water-based and solvent-based finishes provide a high degree of protection that lasts a long time. If you are looking for a high-performance, low-VOC concrete finish that is easy to work with, long-lasting, and doesn’t require as much cleanup as solvent-based finishes, water-based finishes are a great option.
Product Selection:
For many home and commercial applications, concrete sealers provide the necessary protection and visual appeal. One of the most difficult challenges facing concrete installers and their customers is selecting and applying sealers for floor and site concrete in their projects. Each type of finish will provide different qualities, gloss levels, protection and color enhancements that applicators need to know and be able to identify. In addition, slip resistance can also be affected by polish types.
A wide range of finishes is available in the Color&Polish family, depending on the needs of each individual task. The appropriate finish will provide cost, lifetime, abrasion resistance and UV stability. To choose the finish that meets the demands of your project;
Safety: Especially for indoor projects, it is important to ensure that the finish does not increase the likelihood of slipping or emit toxic vapors when applied. Accordingly, ventilation solutions and the correct and dosed use of C&P Grip anti-slip additive are of utmost importance.
Appearance: Glossy to satin glosses can be achieved in lacquer coatings. The degree of color enhancement increases with the gloss level.
Performance: The various products vary in the thickness of the finish application, durability, weather resistance and maintenance needs. It is important to choose a finish that will protect your concrete from the environmental and traffic conditions it may encounter. We also recommend a small area of application prior to any decorative surface treatment you may do, including tinting applications over the system.
Cost will always be a factor, but when it comes to finishing materials, you really do get what you pay for. The result of cutting corners is often a case of save now, pay later. With C&P Color&Polish products, you get exactly what you pay for.
Increasing Color and Gloss Level
The gloss level of the finish and the extent to which the concrete it covers or the coloring application intensifies it is what typically distinguishes the appearance of the finish. Polishes are available in many gloss levels, from a matt finish to a high gloss that creates a wet look, just like wall paint.
Gloss, commonly known as gloss, is simply a measure of the amount of light reflected back from a surface. The higher the reflection, the higher the gloss. MPI standard gloss grades, usually ranging from 1 to 100, are used to measure gloss.
The way in which the finish improves the surface also has an effect on the color of the concrete. In general, color enhancement is greater with solvent-based acrylic film-forming finishes than with water-based finishes. In general, no improvement is seen with non-film-forming penetrating finishes. They are generally not used in stamped concrete as they do not provide protection to the surface “antique” coloring applied by dust release agents or secondary coloring techniques.
The gloss level in acrylic polishes depends on the percentage of acrylic solids in the polishes. Glazes are typically classified according to the percentage of acrylic resin in the glaze. For example, a finish with 25% acrylic resin and 75% solvent carrier or water is usually referred to as a 25% solids finish. The lower the solids content, the lower the gloss or shine. The solids content of a polish varies by region, but generally ranges from a minimum of 20% to a maximum of 35%. With the adoption of stricter Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) laws in many countries around the world, many solvent polishes now contain at least 25% solids. This has led to the use of additives to achieve a low gloss or matt finish. Matting agents are designed to diffuse light across the surface to achieve a less than glossy appearance.
Whether water-based, solvent-based or silane-based, we offer all our finishes in high gloss finishes. We provide your mattifying needs with C&P Mating Agent and your anti-slip needs with C&P Grip agent. You can find the usage amount of both products in their TDS. Before application, you should definitely test on a small area and check whether the surface has reached the desired performance after a day. You may need to increase the dosage according to your performance expectation.
To ensure optimum product performance, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned before attempting to colour, polish or paint over old concrete.
STEP 01 (Surface Cleaning)
• First, the area to be coated must be cleaned.
• All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil stains, paint and polish.
• Oil and grease stains should be cleaned with a cleaning oil. For this application, C&P CLEANER DEGREASER should be used.
• As a trial run, the product should be applied to a 30 cm x 30 cm section of the area to be applied and allowed to absorb for 5-6 minutes.
• Brush the area with a hard-bristled broom. Preferably with a pressure washer or a garden hose, then rinse thoroughly.
• Make sure that the concrete surface is thoroughly rinsed and all surfaces are dried for at least 24 hours.
• The prepared concrete surface must be able to absorb water and must be porous. This structure is an indication that the stain or coating will adhere properly to the concrete surface.
STEP 02 (Surface Etching with Acid)
• If the water poured on the concrete is not absorbed quickly, the concrete is not porous. In this case, it will need to be opened using ETCH&CLEAN etching solution or by a mechanical etching method.
• COLOR & POLISH brand ETCH&CLEAN opens the pores of bare concrete so that C&P Concrete Colorants and Preservatives fully bond to the ground.
• A plastic spray apparatus should be used for the etching solution.
• The solution is sprayed homogeneously onto the concrete. A chemical reaction (foaming and bubbling) will occur with the application. It should be brushed with a hard broom for 10 minutes until the bubbling stops.
• After the process, it should be rinsed once and cleaned with C&P CLEANER DEGREASER for neutralization. Preferably, after the rinse with pressurized water, the surface should be left to dry completely.
• The surface should be checked to ensure that the cleaning and abrading process was successful. The surface should feel like 120 grit sandpaper or rougher and be free of all dirt and concrete dust.
• If you have not achieved the correct roughness, it may be necessary to repeat the process and re-abrade.
• After cleaning and etching, it is important to wait 24 hours before applying C&P colorants or polishes.
STEP 03 (Filling Cracks and Voids)
• A repair and restoration product should be used to fill cracks and holes on the surface.
• C&P CRACK FILLER is a single component, fast and easy to use repair mortar. It forms a solid bond on properly prepared concrete surfaces.
• Repair and restoration materials are usually visible. When used with C&P colorants, it should be expected that repair marks and different color textures will be reflected on the surface. These differences will be minimized as the coloring gets darker.
Before coloring processes are carried out on the concrete surface, the needs should be determined well and the coloring material should be selected accordingly. C&P coloring products are semi-transparent products. If you wish, we can provide information about the products, application methods and methods.
C&P Conc Color
(Solvent Based Ready-to-Use Concrete Colorant)
A ready-to-use, solvent-based concrete colorant. It is preferred in concrete polishing applications. Due to its solvent-based and fast-volatile structure, it is recommended to use on surfaces with low surface absorbency. In concrete polishing applications, # 200 pad resin is sprayed onto the surface with a simple spray system after wiping and it should be distributed homogeneously immediately after spraying with a short-tipped mop. 1 day should be waited after the C&P LSC Densifier application to be made on it. Then, # 400 pad resin should be wiped and the same process should be repeated on it and the coloring process should be repeated. After a waiting period of 1 hour, the other pad and final polishing process should be continued after the # 800 pad resin wiping. The surface gloss and stain resistance can be increased by applying WB Polishseal polish before the burnisher application.
Important note: Since the coloring material is solvent-based, it is NOT RECOMMENDED to use solvent-based products as polish. Solvent-based polishes can cause the paint to dissolve and the paint texture to deteriorate during the polish application.
C&P Conc Color / Consentrated
(Concentrated Concrete Colorant that can be diluted with Acetone)
The product is the concentrated form of C&P Conc Color concrete colorant. In this form, it provides logistic advantage. It is applied by diluting with acetone at a ratio of 1/5 to 1/10. After the product is mixed with acetone, the same procedures should be followed as the ready-to-use C&P Color Conc application in concrete polishing applications.
Spray application should be preferred to create texture on highly permeable surfaces. Since permeable surfaces will absorb the paint quickly, it is not possible to homogenize it with a roller or short-haired roller after spraying. It is definitely recommended to test on a small area before application. Since the product does not have UV resistance on its own, its use in outdoor areas is limited.
In all Conc Color coloring processes, circular movements should be made while spraying and the desired texture should be given. It is recommended to test in a different location to provide the desired texture. The quality of the spraying machine is extremely important in applications made on absorbent surfaces. It should not be forgotten that if a homogeneous shot cannot be achieved during the spraying process, unwanted textures may occur on the surface due to dripping, and this should be taken into consideration.
C&P Acid Paint
(Acid Based Concrete Colorant)
ACID PAINT colorants are also painting materials that do not completely cover the texture of the concrete but react with the concrete to color it. Since it colors the concrete with a chemical reaction, it can be easily used both indoors and outdoors. Although the amount of acid is low, the safety precautions specified in the technical data (TDS) must be taken in indoor use. The application should be done circularly by spraying. Spraying the paint on the surface in different amounts will create different textures. In addition, the use of acid paints in different colors will create personalized textures. Ensuring the porous structure of the concrete before application is extremely important for the polishing process to be done after the application with DEGREASER&NEUTRALIZOR neutralization solution. Both solvent and solvent-free coatings can be preferred in the polish to be done on ACID PAINT applications.
C&P Color Indoor
(Indoor Concrete Colorant that can be diluted with water)
It is a concentrated floor colorant that can be mixed with water. Depending on the desired color darkness and surface absorbency, it can be applied by diluting it with 1/5 or 1/10 water. Application should be done by spraying. If the surface is absorbent, the texture should be given with circular movements. If the surface is not absorbent, the paint can be distributed homogeneously with a short-haired roller or mop after spraying.
Application can be easily done on polished concrete, micro concrete or polished high dose screed in interior spaces.
Different colors can be used at different times and tones to create different textures and to create personalized coloring. In order not to spoil the texture after application, polishing can be done with water-based C&P WB Innerseal or C&P Alpha Polish.
C&P Color Outdoor
(Ready-to-use Solvent-Based Outdoor Concrete Colorant)
It is a ready-to-use UV-resistant concrete colorant. Since the application is done outdoors and the surface absorbs the solvent-based material quickly, COLOR OUTDOOR material should be applied by spraying with circular movements. Texture formation should be ensured by spraying in different amounts. If the surface absorption is low, rolling can be done quickly with a short-haired roller without allowing it to dry immediately after spraying for a homogeneous texture. While rolling, the roller should be overlapped with the previous section and the formation of roll joints should be prevented.
After the application, UV-resistant polishing must be done. Polishing will both increase the durability of the concrete surface and prevent the colorant from wearing out due to surface abrasion. If the polishing is done with a solvent-based product, the application should be done by spraying. In solvent-based polishes, there may be a change in the paint color after the application due to the solvent and slight yellowing may be observed in the colors. For this reason, water-based WB Outerseal application is recommended so that the original color does not deteriorate after the coloring process.
When using concrete polishes, you must take precautions for your personal health and safety. Some of our polishes, dyes and paints contain flammable solvents and can be dangerous if inhaled for long periods of time.
Protective Clothing: It is important to remember to wear protective clothing when working with or applying our concrete polishes. As the volatile substances in solvent polishes evaporate, they pose a serious hazard in unventilated areas. They can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue and dizziness, which can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. It is recommended to wear protective eyewear to prevent eye irritation. It is recommended to wear gloves during application as they can cause dryness, cracking and redness on exposed skin;
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation of the area is critical when using solvent C&P products in enclosed spaces due to the highly toxic vapor content when the container is opened or during application. Adequate ventilation must be provided in the room to remove unpleasant odors. All windows should be opened and fans should be operated to allow fresh air in and to remove solvent vapors.
Keep Polishes Away from Sparks and Open Flames: Solvent polishes are extremely flammable and have a high potential for explosion and fire. Employees should not smoke while applying polishes. Products should be kept away from heat sources and flames. Polishes should be stored in their own containers in areas designated for flammable liquids.
Preventing Water Pollution: In addition to harming human health, varnishes have the potential to pollute lakes, rivers, seas and oceans. In addition to polluting water, they can also kill fish and other living creatures. Varnishes should never be disposed of in public sewers or streams.
Cleaning and Rinsing: Hands should be washed well after the procedure.
First Aid: If the polish comes into contact with the skin, a suitable hand cream or lotion should be used to prevent drying and cracking. If someone breathes in polish fumes and becomes unresponsive, administer oxygen and call 911. If polish has been swallowed, rinse mouth thoroughly and drink large amounts of water or milk. Avoid inducing vomiting. If the person vomits, keep their head down and take them to the hospital as soon as possible for treatment.
Always observe the safety and usage instructions provided by us and refer to MSDS documents for specific product information.
Polishes are applied to newly decorated concrete surfaces to protect them while enhancing their color and durability. To maintain stain and UV resistance, solvent or water-based acrylic polish will need to be cleaned occasionally and reapplied regularly. Since your concrete floor is designed to last a lifetime in your home or on a construction site, it is imperative that the owner participate in its maintenance.
Pigments in the concrete or dyes and colorants added after the concrete has been laid can be the source of the surface color, but the intensity of the color will ultimately depend on how well the finish is maintained. The finish is very important because it plays a major role in determining the color intensity and brightness of any surface that reflects light. As the finish wears, the light scatters more and the color tone becomes less intense. When a finish is applied to a surface that has not been polished for years, the color is revived and the pavement looks almost brand new.
Decorative concrete polishes act as a layer to protect and extend the life of the concrete. The most common adverse conditions that can damage concrete are weather conditions. One way to slow down weather damage is to use polish. Color&Polish polishes are “scratch and stain resistant” rather than “scratch and stain resistant”. It is normal for a polish to wear away over time as a coat exposed to all elements and eventually require reapplication. Exposure, conditions (interior or exterior), location (interior floor, walkways or driveway) and traffic will have a significant impact on when this reapplication should occur. As a general rule, new polish should be applied every two to three years in areas with more traffic and UV rays, while interiors and areas with less traffic should wait four to five years. Spots and faded spots, especially when the surface is damp, are indicators that the surface needs a new coat of polish.
Slip resistance should be considered both during the initial application of the finish and any subsequent re-finishing. C&P GRIP can be mixed into the product before the finish is applied to give the surface a “hardness” and to reduce the likelihood of slipping and falling. The amount of anti-slip agent added will depend on the location and purpose of the concrete. C&P GRIP is not required for interior floors that are unlikely to see much wet shoe traffic, but there should always be enough to be felt by the bare touch on outdoor public footpaths. Please note that grip additives do not completely eliminate slipping on surfaces.
To extend the life of your finish and concrete, periodic maintenance is essential for your sealed surface. Every concrete surface will eventually become stained by leaves, oils, grease, mold and other natural processes. If stains are allowed to wear away at the surface finish, they can eventually set into your concrete.
The best maintenance would be to periodically clean the concrete surface with a mild detergent (dish soap), a soft soapy brush, and a thorough rinsing. It is important to remember that many cleaners used for concrete floors contain chemicals that can dilute and remove the thin coat of polish; labels should be examined closely.
The polish can be applied with a roller or spray, but it is important to remember that polish coatings must be applied thinly. Excessive application can cause whitening, cracking, and bubbling, among other problems. Refer to the Color&Polish product TDS for the application rate. If C&P Grip has been added to the product for slip resistance, do not forget to stir the product periodically during application to prevent it from settling.
Old concrete surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned by hand, with an electric scrubber, or with a back-mounted scrubber before recoating. The surface must be completely dry before applying the finish, and the C&P Degreaser&Neutralizer material used during the cleaning procedure must be thoroughly rinsed. Rinsing should be done by brushing with plenty of water or using pressurized water. Our authorized applicators, who are trained and experienced in finish selection, application methods, and proper preparation, are the best people to handle the refinishing process for your large areas.
The finish will typically dry to the touch within 1-2 hours and allow light foot traffic within 3-4 hours at 21°C ambient temperature. It is recommended that no vehicles be parked or furniture placed on the newly finished surface for at least 24 hours. If rain or condensation is expected within 12 hours after application, the surface should be covered or the application should not be carried out depending on the rain conditions.
Preparation of Concrete Surface
To ensure optimum product performance, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned before starting the polishing or coating process on concrete that has gained its strength for 28 days.
Removing contaminants such as oil and dirt is very important. Proceed carefully and in stages, cleaning one section at a time before moving on to the next.
When the concrete is dry, a haphazard washing method may leave uneven marks. Clean oil-soaked or stained areas spot-wise, as coating these areas with polish may cause poor adhesion or insufficient penetration of the product.
If cleaning cannot be done with Degreaser & Neutralizer, the concrete surface may need to be abraded. Abrasion with C&P Etch – Clean must be carried out in accordance with the conditions specified in the TDS. After application, the surface must be neutralized with Degreaser & Neutralizer and washed thoroughly with water.
The concrete must be completely dry before applying the polish. Even if the surface appears dry, a significant amount of water may remain in the concrete after washing. To determine this, a 50cm x 50cm transparent nylon sheet should be taped to the concrete surface with paper tape and left for 8 hours, and any moisture formation on the nylon should be observed. If moisture is present, drying procedures should be continued.
Optimal Conditions for Application
During application and curing, concrete sealants are sensitive to various climatic factors such as air temperature, humidity, concrete temperature and moisture content, wind, direct sunlight, and rain potential. This is particularly true for water-based materials, as moisture and temperature play a significant role in the effective curing process. When the sealing process is carried out in an environment with uniform and moderate air and surface temperatures of 10-18°C, many sealing problems can be solved. When applied to damp concrete, the surface may “fog” or “blush,” turn white, and/or cause adhesion problems.
Application Methods
Spraying
Using an industrial, handheld pump sprayer, followed by rolling with a roller, a homogeneous coating and appearance can be achieved in the coating application. Use gloves, protective clothing, and goggles to prevent excessive spraying on nearby vehicles, buildings, and other objects. Masking must be applied where necessary to prevent splashing. The product should be sprayed from the nozzle in a fine, even fan pattern. If the material is spraying in streams from the nozzle, either use a nozzle with a larger opening or increase the pressure by pumping the sprayer. Most sprayers have a spray tip that dispenses 1.9 liters per minute; however, a spray tip that dispenses 3.8 liters per minute may be available for materials with higher solids content.
A nozzle is recommended to achieve a uniform spray pattern (3.8 liters per minute).
Avoid leaving large overlaps where you spray the finish. A good technique is for one person to apply the finish using the sprayer and for another to quickly roll over the sprayed areas to ensure consistent coverage and clean up any overlapping spots. Overlapping or allowed to build up, the polish will dry darker and appear stained.
For optimum results and an even coating, clean and maintain your sprayer according to the manufacturer's instructions. A dirty or clogged sprayer will not do this. It is not recommended to spray solvent-based and water-based finishes with the same sprayer without cleaning it thoroughly when changing products.
Mixing water- and solvent-based compounds will clog the sprayer because they are incompatible.
Rolling
Most applicators working on small areas prefer not to use an extension pole and paint roller for applying varnish. All equipment must be resistant to solvents. To avoid thick application during rolling, the C&P Short-Haired roller should be preferred. The performance and appearance of the product depend largely on applying the varnish at the recommended coverage rate. It should be remembered that thick and uneven applications can cause stains and discolor the concrete, and the roller should be used to ensure even distribution. During rolling, one side of the roller should remain wet and overlapping sections should be avoided.
Excessively fast and aggressive rolling can cause bubbling. If the application is interrupted and the surface dries, a line will be visible on the concrete at the junction between the cut area and the new coating.
Application of Water- or Solvent-Based Mastics
There are some minor differences between solvent- and water-based coating application techniques that the contractor should take into account. For detailed information, please refer to the Knowledge Base menu.
However, to summarize, water-based finishes are extremely sensitive to the requirement for a thin coating. Excessive application of water-based finish will cause visible whitening after drying, which can only be corrected by mechanical grinding or scraping. Since water-based varnishes cannot form a film, they are more sensitive to low temperatures and high humidity, as mentioned earlier. Finally, when applying water-based varnish, it is important to remember to always apply the wet side of the roller by overlapping.
Solvent-based varnishes require less attention and care, but they are still slightly easier to apply and correct. Higher surface and ambient temperatures can cause solvents to form a film very quickly due to their increased sensitivity to these factors. Excellent solvent-based varnish products should be applied thinly, just like water-based varnishes, to minimize potential issues and meet requirements. Applying the varnish thicker than the recommended amount is the primary cause of solvent-based varnish issues.