Application of abe.®screed QC 4mm Natural/Quartz coloured epoxy flooring system

1. The substrate must be dry before application. Concrete moisture content tests must be conducted prior to application of the priming system. Maximum moisture content should be between 4 – 5%. (preferably a Protimeter Survey Master or equivalent, or Dynamic Calcium Chloride moisture “weight gain” over 24 hours, or at least a practical overnight “plastic sheet test” is also advisable (approximately 1 m² edges masked down onto the concrete surface).
2. All blemishes in the surface such as pop-outs, omegas, blowholes and honeycombing should be patched with epidermix 201. This should be left overnight to cure and shall then be rendered smooth.
3. Concrete substrate must have a minimum tensile strength of 1.5 N/mm².
4. For a smooth final finish, the surface profile, peak to valley, should not exceed 25% of the coating thickness.

When decanting base from bulk supply, thorough stirring must be accomplished beforehand.

Proper mixing and proportioning of the epoxy binder (base and activator), and filler is essential for good results.

Transfer pre-measured volume of flooring base resin to mixer. Add activator and homogenize.

Where necessary, add relevant filler slowly and mix well.

Prevailing weather conditions must be taken into account otherwise surface defects can occur (see under “properties during application”).

NOTE:

A slow speed mixer must be used. Ensure that the mixing vanes are below the surface of the mix to minimise air entrapment. The stirrer mixing vane configuration should be such as not to introduce unwanted aeration. Also, for this type of mixing, transferring the base/activator combination to a new container i.e. “re-mixing” will eliminate contamination due to unmixed base which is inclined to cling to the walls of the original container.

abe.^®cote flooring resin will not cure if applied at below 10 °C.

1. 1. PRIMING – abe.^®cote flooring resin (neat) should be applied by first pouring a bead of material in theform of a ribbon on the surface followed by brushingor rolling to obtain the required coverage rateb (approximately 3 m²/litre, the coverage rate will vary subject to surfaceprofile and absorption rate). Do not leave material in the container too long because it will set due toexothermic reaction and reduce the work life.
   2. COARSE AGGREGATE 1.1 SCATTER – Immediately after applying the resin (primer) evenly broadcast the abe.^®screed gauging aggregate into the resin at a rate of 100 g/m² and allow the system to cure overnight but not exceeding 48 hours.
   3. EPOXY SLURRY COAT MIX -Mix the slurry coat (4.5 kg abe.^®screed slurry aggregate + 5 litres abe.^®cote flooring resin = 6.7 litres yield) and apply it at a rate of 1.5 m²/litre to obtain a thickness of 1.5 mm using a 3 mm notched trowel over the surface and allow the product to level out for approximately 5 minutes.
   4. AGGREGATE BUILD (NATURAL OR COLOURED) – Broadcasting the coloured aggregate into the slurry coat at a rate of 4.8 kg/m² and trowel off to finish. Broadcast the aggregate into freshly applied epoxy slurry coat mix in a “rainfall pattern”. Use a Garden Vacuum/blower to level the broadcast aggregate by directing air onto the broadcasted area. Light broadcasting of quartz should compensate for any unevenness followed by power floating. An electric power trowel using plastic blades is an option to obtain smoother finishes. Allow the system to cure overnight but not exceeding 48 hours.
   5. SURFACE SEALING (FLOORING RESIN) OPTIONAL – The surface high spots are to be rubbed off, de-nibbing, using a sanding block and all loose, excess aggregates to be vacuumed off. A sealer coat of clear abe.^®cote flooring resin should be applied in 2 coats, each coat applied by first pouring a bead of material in the form of a ribbon on the surface to be coated. The first coat applied at a rate of 2 m²/litre followed by the second coat applied at a rate of 4 m2/litre. Apply the product as evenly as possible, working from left to right, and then back, followed by back rolling using a high quality mohair nap roller and allowing each coat to cure overnight but not exceeding 48 hours.
   6. TOP COATING (abe.^®cote PUD matt) – The final two top coats of abe.^®cote PUD, matt finish, should be applied by first pouring a bead of material in the form of a ribbon on the surface to be coated. The first coat applied at a rate of 9 m²/litre followed by the second coat applied at a rate of 10 m²/litre. Apply the product as evenly as possible, working from left to right, and then back, followed by back rolling using a high quality mohair nap roller and allow the coat to cure overnight but not exceeding 48 hours between coats.

   Coverage rates offered may vary due to substrate surface profile changes and absorption properties.

Tools, brushes and mixing equipment should be cleaned with abe.^® super brush cleaner immediately after use and before the material has set. Hardened material can only be removed by mechanical means. 

Enlist the services of experienced cleaning specialists. Furthermore, the following recommendation will go a long way to maintain the original appearance of the epoxy floor viz.

1. Protect from trafficked dirt/grit ingress into coated area by using dirt traps etc.
2. Use of a “renewable” clear high wear polymer based floor polish will reduce scratching and “black heel”.
3. Encourage frequent maintenance cleaning.

All abe.^®screed QC (quartz coloured) systems have a shelf life of 2 years if kept in a dry, cool store in the original, unopened packs.

If stored at high temperatures and/or high humidity conditions, the shelf life may be reduced.

Product safety information required for safe use is not included. Before handling, read product and safety data sheets and container labels for safe use, physical and health hazard information. The safety data sheet is available from your local a.b.e.^® sales representative.

This data sheet is issued as a guide to the use of the product(s) concerned. Whilst a.b.e.^® endeavours to ensure that any advice, recommendation, specification or information is accurate and correct, the company cannot – because a.b.e.^® has no direct or continuous control over where and how a.b.e.^® products are applied – accept any liability either directly or indirectly arising from the use of a.b.e.^® products, whether or not in accordance with any advice, specification, recommendation or information given by the company.

Where other products are to be used in conjunction with this material, the relevant technical data sheets should be consulted to determine total requirements.

a.b.e.^® has a wealth of technical and practical experience built up over years in the company’s pursuit of excellence in building and construction technology.