Epoxy Floor Coating

Problem Solving
Guide 2020
 Epoxy Floor Coating
Problem Solving Guide
Table of Contents:
PROBLEM PAGE
Amine Blush...................................................................... 3
Blisters................................................................................ 4
Bubbles.............................................................................. 6
Color Differential............................................................... 9
Contamination.................................................................. 11
Debris in Coating............................................................... 13
Delamination or Peeling.................................................. 15
Fish Eye............................................................................... 17
Flash Set............................................................................. 19
Hazy or Cloudy Coating..................................................... 20
Orange Peel ....................................................................... 22
Osmotic Blistering............................................................. 24
Pinholes............................................................................. 26
Product Settling................................................................. 27
Roller Marks....................................................................... 28
Slow Cure........................................................................... 30
Stains.................................................................................. 31
Tacky or Uncured Coating................................................. 33
Tire Marks.......................................................................... 34
Uneven Flake/Chip Application........................................ 37
Yellowing........................................................................... 39
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 Epoxy Floor Coating
Problem Solving Guide

Amine Blush
Description
A surface oiliness or exudate,
commonly referred to as “amine
blush”, technically called an
amine carbonation.

Cause:
The cause is most likely due to a side chemical reaction of moisture
(humidity) in the air, interacting with the curing agent. This
phenomenon is known to epoxy chemists as “amine blush” or “amine
bloom.” It can occur if polymerized during conditions of cool ambient
temperatures or high humidity.

Prevention:
Maintain proper environmental conditions.
Temper materials 48 hours before application.
Heat the workspace with indirect or electric heat.

Repair:
Wash the surface with a solution of sudsy, mild detergent (dish soap) and
potable water, rinse thoroughly allow to dry. Examine the surface for any
remaining residual stickiness/oily fill. If any stickiness/oiliness remains,
repeat the process. Once all sticky/oily film is removed, confirm the
surface is thoroughly dried, lightly abrade the surface, solvent wipe and
continue with the application.
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Problem Solving Guide

Blisters
Description
A pocket formed between two
coats of a coating system with a
loss of adhesion and a dome in
the coatings film.

Cause:
Blister formation is typically a result of increased pressure from
moisture accumulation or solvent vaporization at certain points in a
coating film.

Moisture on Surface
Solvent on Surface
Solvent in the Resin
Water in the Resin
Osmotic Blister

Prevention:
Do not coat over hot surfaces or surfaces in direct sunlight.
Lightly sand and solvent wipe.
Do not add solvent to the materials.
Check for surface condensation in cooler temperatures.
Control environmental conditions in the work space.

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Problem Solving Guide
Blisters (continued)
Repair:
Determine the area of repair, determine a logic repair area, and
termination points to minimize visible repair demarcations. Then tape
off area of repair, or re-coat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to
remove the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow
to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer taking care using the appropriate
preventative action items.

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 Epoxy Floor Coating
Problem Solving Guide

Bubbles
Description
A small body of air or solvent
gases entrapped within the cured
film of coating forming a globule
in the solid film.

Cause:
Out-gassing of the substrate during time of unsuitable environmental
conditions during coating application, applying a coating to a surface in
direct sunlight exposure, or applying the coating thicker than the
recommended thickness.

Bubbles develop when the surface of a coating films over due to heat,
humidity or air flow. This rapid surface drying process prevents air or
violating solvents within lower levels of the film from escaping.

Bubbles can also form in coatings due to application during cooler

temperatures or high relative humidity. The drying and curing of the
coating film is retarded, so this affects the air or solvent release from the
film. Consequently, if the next coating layer is applied too soon,
the solvent in the underlying film becomes trapped and bubble
formation can occur.

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Problem Solving Guide
Bubbles (continued)
In brief, the most common cause of bubbles are:

Out-Gassing –Air or vapor emitting out of the substrate during

application.

Application During Unsuitable Environmental Conditions– In elevated

temperatures or high humidity rapid cure can trap air in the film, low
temperatures can cause the material to be very viscous make it hard for
the entrapped air to escape.

Air Flow– Air movement across the surface causes the material to film,
trapping air in the film.

Direct Sunlight– Direct sunlight causes the material to tack up

prematurely, before air in the material has released.

Mixing – Using bad mixing techniques or mix at a high speed will entrain
air into the material.

Surface Preparation – The more aggressive the surface preparation the

more open the surface texture and the surface is more porous allowing
more air emissions from the substrate during application.

Application Over Porous Substrate – Naturally porous substrates have a

higher vapor emissions rate causing more out-gassing.

Rolling air into the coating from vigorous rolling.

Applying the material late in the curing process.

Applying material too thick.

Carbon Dioxide Gas (CO2) as a byproduct from urethane curing reaction.

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Problem Solving Guide
Bubbles (continued)
Prevention:
Apply material during proper environmental conditions.
Mix material at low speed (600 rpm).
Maintain minimal vortex while mixing.
Use the correct equipment.
Apply material during declining temperatures.
Apply materials within the recommend environmental conditions.
Avoid applying material in direct sunlight.
Do not add solvents.
Do not apply material over the recommended thickness.
Spread the material with a squeegee or a trowel and back roll properly.
Wet out roller before back rolling.

Repair:
Determine the area of repair, entire space or isolated area, if the bubbles are
concentrated in an isolated area(s) determine a logic repair area and
termination points to minimize visible repair demarcation’s tape off area of
repair, or recoat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to remove the
gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow to cure. Apply the
topcoat sealer taking care using the appropriate preventative action
items.

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Problem Solving Guide

Color Differential
Description
Obvious difference in shade of
color in a the final pigment coat of
a system.

Cause:
Using Different Batches – Production batches of material are limited to
production vessel sizes. Sometimes additional materials need to be
made, or sometimes contractors draw from their stock and supplement
with new materials. Always check to make sure that you have the same
batch number on each unit of the pigmented side of the product prior to
adding the activator. Although the same formula is used for each batch
of product, the ratios still might be slightly off due to reasonable
human error.

Not Pre-Mixing System Components – Materials settle from differences

in pigment weight and vibration from shipping, or just over time.

Splitting Units – Coatings are measured and manufactured by weight.

When contractors split units in the field it is usually by volume. It is
absolutely critical to mix the material well before splitting, and
volumes from each draw-off are accurate with each other.

Retouching the Material - Once a film starts to form it should not be

retouched. Retouching after initial set often cause color differences.
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Problem Solving Guide
Color Differential (continued)
Adding Solvent to the Material – Add solvent to the material affects the
materials rheology (the way the material flows, levels, internal make-
up). This can cause pigment separation leading to discoloration

Environmental Conditions – In cold conditions materials are more

viscous making them difficult to blend into a homogeneous blend,
leading to an uneven mix causing discoloration. In hot conditions the
material becomes thin. Thinner materials can be applied too thin and not
covering or hiding properly.

Prevention:
If using different batches, always box the material before mixing.
Check boxed material before applying.
Always pre-mix the materials before mixing components.
Avoid splitting unit, but when splitting units, pre-mix components
and accurately measure the division of the split.
Do not re-touch the material after initial set, usually 10-15 minutes,
5 -7 minutes for fast cure materials.
Avoid adding solvent.

Repair:
Determine the area of repair, entire space or isolated area, if the bubbles
are concentrated in an isolated area(s) determine a logical repair area
and termination points to minimize visible repair demarcation’s tape-off
area of repair, or recoat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to
remove the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow to
cure. Apply the topcoat sealer taking care using the appropriate
preventative action items.
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Problem Solving Guide

Contamination
Description
Foreign matter on the surface of
the substrate or within the body
of the material being applied
causing defects in the cured
coating.

Cause:
Lack of cleanliness or attention to detail with regards to job site
generated debris
Foreign matter being tracked into the work area
Oils from HVAC Vents
Leaky valves or pipes
Perspiration from workers
Cross-contamination from previous partially used materials

Prevention:
Verify there are no jobsite contamination source such as dripping,
faucets, oil contamination from HAVC vents.
Provide clean material delivery path with walk-off mats.
Have workers wear headbands in warm weather.

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Problem Solving Guide
contamination (continued)
Repair:
Determine the area of repair, determine a logical repair area and
termination points to minimize visible repair demarcation’s tape-off
area of repair, or re-coat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to
remove the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow
to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer taking care using the appropriate
preventative action items.

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Problem Solving Guide

Debris in Coating
Description
Unwanted aggregate, or foreign
matter in the finished coating.

Cause:
Unwanted deleterious substances in the finished coating comes from
sources at the jobsite.
Particles on the substrate remaining from surface preparation.
Contamination being tracked in from the mixing station particles
falling from ventilation vents.
Hard material particles coming of dirty mixing blades and mixing
vessels, cured material coming off roller covers.

Prevention:
Clean substrate thoroughly, perform surface cleanliness test.
Provide clean material delivery path with walk-off mats.
Wipe down equipment and vents before starting application.
Ensure mixing paddle and mixing vessel are clean.
Change roller covers once they become sticky.

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Problem Solving Guide
Debris in Coating (continued)
Repair:
Determine the area of repair, determine a logical repair area and
termination points to minimize visible repair demarcation’s tape-off
area of repair, or recoat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to
remove the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow
to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer taking care using the appropriate
preventative action items.

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Problem Solving Guide

Delamination or Peeling
Description
The epoxy is peeling or “letting
go” from either the concrete or
between layers of coatings due to
lack of adhesion.

from substrate:
Cause:
Improper or insufficient surface preparation
Contamination on the substrate
None or improper primer
Application over a hot surface
Moisture on the surface of the substrate
High MVER (Moisture Vapor Emission Rate)

Prevention:
Properly prepare the substrate to ICRI CSP 2, 3 or 4.
Perform water break test.
Verify surface is free from contamination.
Prime surface with recommended primer.
Check surface temperature before application.
Perform moisture testing in accordance with ASTM F1869 and ASTM F2170.

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Problem Solving Guide
Delamination or Peeling (continued)
Repair:
Remove coating, perform proper surface preparation and follow
preventative actions, and replace with new coating.

between coats:
Cause:
Application of a coat when the previous coat is beyond it’s recoat
window.
Contamination of the surface
Amine blush on surface
Coating over a coating that has not cured
Coating over a hot surface

Prevention:
Ensure coating is applied within the recommended cure window.
Control environmental conditions in the work space.
Lightly sand and solvent wipe between coats.
Inspect for amine blush.
Allow materials to fully cure before coating over.

Repair:
Identify areas of coating delamination from the previous coat in the newer
coating, determine if they are in isolated areas, if they are concentrated in
an isolated area(s) determine a logical repair area and termination points
to minimize visible repair demarcation’s tape-off area of repair.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screen area to remove
the gloss, make sure you remove all delaminating coating and feather the
edge for a smooth transition, Solvent wipe. Lightly hand sand, solvent
wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer.
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Problem Solving Guide

Fish Eyes
Description
Fish eyes are a type of coating
defect which is characterized by
circular voids or separation in the
coating. Fish eyes are small,
crater-like openings in the
finish after it has been applied.

Cause:
Fish eyes are usually the result of surface contamination or low surface
tension due to coating surface that are beyond the critical cure window.
They are caused by the surface tension of the coating being applied,
being higher than the surface the coating is being applied too. Thinning
materials will change the materials rheology and will contribute to or
cause fish eyes.

Prevention:
Ensure surface is free of contamination.
Coat previous coat within the critical cure window.
Lightly abrade surface and solvent wipe.
Do not thin materials.
Do not use hydrocarbon fueled heat sources.

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Problem Solving Guide
Fish Eyes (continued)
Repair:
Locate all fish eyes in the coating, determine if they are in isolated areas,
if they are concentrated in an isolated area(s) determine a logical repair
area and termination points to minimize visible repair demarcation’s
tape-off area of repair. For individual fish eye repair, tape-off a six inch
square with the fish eye in the middle of the square.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to
remove the gloss, make sure you sand down into the crater of the fish
eye, then solvent wipe. Fill fish eye crater even with adjacent coating,
allow to cure. Lightly hand sand, solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer,
allow to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer.

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Problem Solving Guide

Flash Set
Description
Material setting too fast,
setting in the mixing container,
shortened work life.

Cause:
Hot materials
Hot substrate
Elevated temperature
Mixing materials too long
Leaving materials in the mixing vessel too long
Applying materials in direct sunlight or windy conditions
High humidity will affect moisture cured systems

Prevention:
Temper materials 48 hours before installation.
Control environmental conditions in the work space.
Mix materials for the recommended mix time.
Pour material out in ribbons in the work area.
Chill materials if required.

Repair:
Check for defects in the coating that may have been caused by the
flash set. Repair defects in accordance to that specific defect.
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Problem Solving Guide

Hazy or Cloudy Coating

Description
A hazy or cloudy opaque
appearance in the film of the
coating, most visible in clear
coatings.

Cause:
Environmental Conditions – High humidity during application,
surface at dew point during cure.

MVER (Moisture Vapor Emissions Rate) – High moisture vapor

emissions during application.

Moisture Contaminated Materials – Previously opened containers

resealed in humid conditions.

Prevention:
Only apply materials under proper environmental conditions
humidity, and dew point.

Test MVER, if over recommended threshold treat with VaporControl Primer.

Check any open containers for moisture condensation before using.

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Problem Solving Guide
Hazy or Cloudy Coating (continued)
Repair:
Identify areas of haziness in the coating, determine if it is in isolated
areas. If it is concentrated in an isolated area(s) determine a logical
repair area and termination points to minimize visible repair
demarcation’s tape-off area of repair.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to
remove the haziness, solvent wipe. Fill fish eye crater even with adjacent
coating, allow to cure. Lightly hand sand, solvent wipe. Apply
appropriate primer, allow to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer.

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Problem Solving Guide

Orange Peel
Description
A stippling texture in the final
coat of a coating system.

Cause:
Material too cold – Cold materials are more viscous and don’t level
out correctly.

Material too hot – Hot materials can flash set before the coating has
flowed out.

Old materials – As materials age their rheology changes and becomes

thicker or more stiff.

Material is applied too thin – When a material is applied too thin it

doesn’t flow and level out correctly.

Prevention:
Apply material in proper environmental conditions.
Only use materials that are within their shelf life.
Apply materials at their recommended application rate.

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Problem Solving Guide
Orange Peel (continued)
Repair:
Inspect areas in the coating, determine if the orange peel texture is in
isolated areas, if the texture is concentrated in an isolated area(s)
determine a logical repair area and termination points to minimize visible
repair demarcation’s tape-off area of repair.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screen area to remove
the gloss, solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow to cure. Apply the
topcoat sealer.

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Problem Solving Guide

Osmotic Blistering
Description
Blisters developed by moisture
vapor transmission (MVT)
carrying soluble salts to the
bond line between a concrete
substrate and an impermeable
coating and forms a blister in
the coating system.

Cause:
Osmosis blistering is the process by which moisture molecules are
transferred through the substrate and collect on the underside of the
coating. As the salts accumulate, they form an osmotic cell that
functions as a desiccant, attracting more soluble salts.

Prevention:
Test for MVER (moisture vapor emission rate) to ASTM F1869.
Test for In-Situ Relative Humidity (RH) to ASTM F2170.
Test PH level of concrete.
Apply VaporControl Prime as recommended.

Repair:
Completely remove the coating or flooring, prepare substrate to
ICDI CSP 2,3 or 4, perform water break test.
Apply VaporControl Primer as recommended.
Re-apply the coating or flooring system.

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Problem Solving Guide

Pinholes
Description
Small craters in the film of the
cured film of the coating.

Cause:
Pinholes, are often caused by out-gassing of the substrate during time
of unsuitable environmental conditions during coating application,
applying a coating to a surface in direct sunlight exposure or applying
the coating thicker than recommended thickness. Pinholes develop
when the surface of a coating films over due to heat, humidity or air
flow. This rapid surface drying process prevents air or violating solvents
within lower levels of the film from escaping forming a bubble. When a
bubble breaks it leaves a pinhole.
In brief, the most common cause of Pinholes are:
Application during unsuitable environmental conditions
Application over porous substrates
Application over moisture or during periods of high humidity
Air entrapment during mixing
Mixing with the wrong type of mixing paddle
Rolling air into the coating from vigorous rolling
Applying the material late in the curing process
Applying material too thick
Carbon Dioxide Gas (CO2) as a byroduct from urethane curing reaction
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Problem Solving Guide
Pinholes (continued)
Prevention:
Apply material during proper environmental conditions.
Mix material at low speed (600 rpm).
Maintain minimal vortex while mixing.
Use the correct equipment.
Apply material during declining temperatures.
Apply materials within the recommend environmental conditions.
Avoid applying material in direct sunlight.
Do not add solvents.
Do not apply material over the recommended thickness.
Spread the material with a squeegee or a trowel and back roll properly.
Wet out roller before back rolling.

Repair:
Determine the area of repair, entire space or isolated area, if the
bubbles are concentrated in an isolated area(s) determine a logical
repair area and termination points to minimize visible repair
demarcation’s tape-off area of repair, or recoat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to
remove the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow
to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer taking care using the appropriate
preventative action items.

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Problem Solving Guide

Product Settlement
Description
Pigments and solids separating
and settling on the bottom of the
container while liquids float to
the top.

Cause:
Time: Some products settle with time.
Vibrations: Settling due to vibration during shipping.
Poor Storage Conditions

Prevention:
Only use materials within their shelf life.
Store materials under recommended conditions.
Always pre-mix components before adding the catalyst.
Do not use materials that are not properly dispersed.

Repair:
If product appears to be settled, make sure the mixing blade reaches the
bottom of the container and continue mixing. Make sure product is
homogeneous before application. If it is still not homogeneous, dispose
of materials properly.

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Problem Solving Guide

Roller Marks
Description
Lines in the coating that are
visible appearing as a straight
line, usually visible by light
reflection.

Cause:
Roller marks are caused by the trailing edge of a roller when rolling or
back-rolling a coating this defect can be attributed too:

Difference in coating thickness

Rolling with the weight bearing side of the roller on the trailing edge
Using the dip and roll method of application (uneven material
disbursement)
Applying material in high humidity or elevated temperatures
Rolling the material late in the curing process
Using the wrong type or nap length roller for the application
Not overlapping properly (half overlap for back-rolling)
Not cross-rolling
Not properly wetting out the roller before beginning work

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Problem Solving Guide
Roller Marks (continued)
Prevention:
Apply material during proper environmental conditions.
Apply material evenly with a squeegee or trowel.
Cross-roll material.
Use proper roller covers.
Wet out roller cover before applying material.
Apply material within work time.
Use proper overlap rolling technique.

Repair:
Use a double attachment roller frame or trail with open edge of roller
frame.

Determine the area of repair, determine a logical repair area and

termination points to minimize visible repair demarcation’s tape-off
area of repair, or recoat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screen area to
remove the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow
to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer taking care using the appropriate
preventative action items.

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Problem Solving Guide

Slow Cure
Description
An extended to time for the
material to reach initial and full
hardness, physical properties,
chemical and abrasion resistance.
Slow Cure also causes an extended
time before the coat can be coated
over. Low humidity will affect
moisture cure systems.

Cause:
Mix Ratios: Incorrect ratios were used when preparing material.
Mixing Methods: Short mixing time, wrong mixing paddle, or wrong
sized mixing vessel.
Temperature: The ambient, surface, or product temperature was too
cold.

Prevention:
Temper materials 48 hours before installation.
Control environmental conditions in the work space.
Use only factory pre-measured units.
Mix materials for the complete recommended mix time.
Use correct mixing vessel and mixing paddle.

Repair:
Heat work space
Wait for material to cure
Check for amine blush
Solvent wipe before proceeding
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Problem Solving Guide

Stains
Description
To soil or discolor a coating
from it original color by
reaction from contact with
some other substance, or
residual color that has
penetrated the surface or a
coating from continual contact.

Cause:
Contamination from strong acids or alkaline
Early exposure to chemicals or water before full cure (7 days)
Substances such as mustard, ketchup, coffee can stain if left on
the surface
Sulfuric acid from batteries

Prevention:
Allow coating to fully cure before use.
Evaluate service conditions before selecting products.
Clean up spills within an hour.
Use clear top coats.

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Problem Solving Guide
Stains (continued)
Repair:
Try cleaning with PH neutral industrial strength cleaners. In some cases
mild acids may remove stains. Scrub with green or blue 3M Scotchbright
pads. Use automotive polishing compound to help restore gloss from
aggressive scrubbing.

If stain can not be removed, determine the area of repair, determine a

logical repair area and termination points to minimize visible repair
demarcation’s tape-off area of repair, or recoat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screen area to
remove the gloss, solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow to cure.
Apply the topcoat sealer taking care using the appropriate preventative
action items.

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Problem Solving Guide

Tacky or Uncured Coating

Description
Soft or uncured material.

Cause:
Sticky material is typically uncured material caused by under mixing,
wrong mix ratio or not adding a B component to the A component.

Prevention:
Stage mixing station with correlating A & B components.
Mix in a third container.
Scrape sides of mixing container and mix additional 30 seconds.
Mix materials for the recommended mix time.

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Problem Solving Guide
Tacky or Uncured Coating (continued)
Repair:
Determine if sticky areas are isolated to small pockets or large
areas.

If they are small pockets, scrape up all soft sticky material, scrape
up down into the pockets.

Use solvent to remove any residual soft material.

Fill in pocket even with the adjacent surfaces.

Determine the area of repair, determine a logical repair area and

termination points to minimize visible repair demarcation’s tape-off
area of repair, or recoat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screen area to
remove the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer,
allow to cure. Apply the topcoat sealer taking care using the
appropriate preventative action items.

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Problem Solving Guide

Tire Marks
Description
Black/brown stains or lifting
epoxy caused by automobile
tires.

Cause:
The process that causes tires to leave black marks on floor coating is
“plasticizer migration.” Plasticizers are polymer chemical compounds
that are used to create a more flexible rubber compound. They
naturally migrate of the rubber. They carry degraded rubber and other
fillers from within the rubber compound onto the floor coating. This
migration is increased when the tire are heated from driving

Prevention:
Use clear polyaspartic top coat.
Use mats under tires.
Clean stains off as soon as possible.

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Problem Solving Guide
Tire Marks (continued)
Repair:
The best way to remove tire marks is to soak the area for a 15 -20 minutes
first with a good industrial strength cleaner degreaser. After it has
soaked, use a nylon bristle brush to scrub the tire marks. Be careful not to
de-gloss the finish.

It may take a second soaking to remove it all depending on how long you
have let the marks build up. Another product that works well is Goof Off.

There is a commercial product for removing tire marks on coatings. NAB

Black Streak and Tire Mark Remover. It’s manufactured by North
American Bioindustries https://northamericanbio.com/

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Problem Solving Guide

Uneven Aggregate/
Flake Distribution
Description
Uneven distribution of colorflakes
or decorative aggregates, using
different size colorflakes resulting
in poor aesthetics.

Cause:
Poor attention to detail
Using multiple personnel to broadcast
Using broken down chip or chips from the bottom of the bag
Driving chips into the surface instead of lofting them into the air

Prevention:
Chip into clear coating.
Use attentive personnel to broadcast.
Use tapered bucket for broadcasting.
Don’t stand in one spot while broadcasting.
Loft chips up in the air so they float down.
Always provide a submittal sample before commencing with the
application.

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Problem Solving Guide
Uneven Flake/Chip Application (continued)
Repair:
If you broadcast into a clear coat, you may be able to pick up chips if
required.

Determine the area of repair, determine a logic repair area and

termination points to minimize visible repair demarcation’s tape off
area of repair, or recoat the entire space.

Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screen area to
remove the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, allow to
cure. Apply a clear sealer chip into the clear coat and back-roll (only
back-roll random chip patterns) reapply chips and seal the floor taking
care using the appropriate preventative action items.

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Problem Solving Guide

yellowing
Description
An amber or yellowing
appearance in epoxy coatings.

Cause:
Epoxy are generally aromatic resins, some aliphatic resins have been
developed but they are cost prohibitive for the flooring industry. UV
exposure is the leading cause of ambering or yellowing, however
common aging will eventually cause the same affect. Even if clear UV
stable top coats such as polyurethane and polyaspartic are placed over
the epoxy, ambering will still occur. This include both clear and
pigmented resins, however it is most noticeable in clear coatings.

Prevention:
Do not apply epoxies in high UV exposure environments.
Use high grade epoxies with UV absorbents.
Use UV stable pigmented top coat.
Top coat with high gloss polyurethane or polyaspartic.

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Problem Solving Guide
yellowing (continued)
Repair:
Lightly sand the repair with a #60-#120 grit paper or screed area to remove
the gloss, then solvent wipe. Apply appropriate primer, and allow to
cure.

For Random Chip Applications :

If the condition can be fixed by just adding some additional chips. Apply a
clear sealer, chip into the clear coat and back-roll. Then apply an additional
coat of clear sealer to the repair area or logical termination points. In some
cases, the entire area may require an additional coat of sealer.

If the condition is too many chips in a location. Sand down feather the
chips in the color. Tape off the repair area. Apply new color coat from same
batch of material. Apply a clear sealer, chip into the clear coat and back
roll. Then apply an additional coat of clear sealer to the repair area or
logical termination points. In some cases, the entire area may require an
additional coat of sealer.

For 100% Chip Coverage Applications :

Determine repair area. Tape off the repair area. Sand down feather the
chips in the adjacent area. Apply a clear sealer, chip into the clear coat.
Scrape the chipped area and detail edges to blend in. Vacuum to remove all
debris. Apply sealer coats as required to match the existing. In some cases,
the entire area may require an additional coat of sealer.

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