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Decorative Metallic Epoxy Flooring Solutions from RockTred
Due to the unusual qualities and characteristics of the FLOOR-ESSENCE Flooring, there is no right or wrong way to install this truly unique system. Every floor will have its own distinct appearance or ‘effect’, which can be created by an almost unlimited variety of creative application techniques. Installers can use feathers, rollers, brushes, leaf blowers, and more to make unique and one-of-a-kind flooring solution. We suggest you do some experimenting before tackling your first project, it is essential to have a “trial run” with this product to become familiar and comfortable with a proven procedure / technique.
The basic steps for the installation of the FLOOR-ESSENCE Floor System include :
1. Surface Preparation
2. Pigmented Primer Coat
3. Floor-Essence Coat
4. Clear topcoat [epoxy, polyaspartic or polyurethane]
PREPARATION : Surface preparation should always be performed by ‘mechanical’ abrasion, preferably shot-blasting or with a planetary grinder, following ICRI Guidelines CSP-2 OR CSP-3 [www.icri.org]. Ideally, the substrate should be ‘smooth’ and level and free of as many imperfections as possible in order to allow for a uniform and ‘glass-like’ finished system. Therefore, in most cases grinding is the preferred method. Cracks, joints, voids, gouges, and imperfections in the substrate should all be filled or repaired prior to applying the primer coat.
- When grinding the substrate, repairs can be made prior to grinding.
- When shot-blasting is utilized, repairs should be performed after preparation.
PRIMER COAT: Priming the substrate is a crucial step in the FLOOR-ESSENCE Floor System installation, and every precaution should be taken to avoid out-gassing and/or contamination of the primer prior application of the Floor-Essence Coat. Always use the recommended “Pigmented” primer and apply at the recommended spread rate in order to allow for a smooth surface (texture). Although proper pigment load is critical for many coating applications, this is not the case with the FLOOR-ESSENCE Primer Coat. The main objective of the pigmented primer is to produce a ‘background’ that hides any imperfections in the substrate, at the same time the colorant helps to add exceptional depth and intensity to the finished system appearance. Different colored primers have different light reflective and/or light absorbing qualities and, therefore, can change the overall appearance of the finished floor. We highly recommend using a black [or dark] colored primer or background color for each of the FLOOR-ESSENCE colors. Basically, the black color helps greatly enhance the depth and reflective qualities of the system while standardizing the “System” and providing more predictable results regardless of the FLOOR-ESSENCE color selected.
FLOOR-ESSENCE COAT: Once the primer has cured sufficiently, and prior to applying the FLOOR-ESSENCE Coat, inspect the primer and remove or repair as may be needed. The FLOOR-ESSENCE Coat must be applied within 24 hours after application of the primer, or additional preparation to the primer may be required. The FLOOR-ESSENCE Coat combines a clear cyclo-aliphatic epoxy with one (1) of eight FLOOR-ESSENCE pigments [refer to the FLOOR-ESSENCE Color Chart]. Although several of Rock-Tred’s 100% solids cyclo-aliphatic epoxies may work for this system, we have found that CHEM-ROCK MV works the best with the Floor-Essence pigments and produces the most reliable results. Once the epoxy and pigment have been mixed together and applied to the primer, the ‘MAGIC’ of the FLOOR-ESSENCE System begins. Every floor installation will have its own distinct appearance or ‘effect’, created by an almost unlimited variety of creative application or “finishing” techniques.
FINISHING TECHNIQUE ONE : “HAMMERED METAL”
REQUIRED TOOLS : Spray or squirt Bottle filled with MEK
- After waiting 5-10 minutes, back-roll the FLOOR-ESSENCE Coat using irregular strokes and immediately squirt or “spritz” the entire surface with the MEK from a squirt bottle. Change the height of the bottle [distance from floor surface] in order to get various size spots – for the appearance of hammered metal.
FINISHING TECHNIQUE TWO : “CULTURED STONE”
REQUIRED TOOLS : A 9” loop or rug roller
- After waiting 5-10 minutes, back-roll the FLOOR-ESSENCE Coat with a 9” loop or carpet roller – for the appearance of a cultured stone.
FINISHING TECHNIQUE THREE : “BROKEN GLASS”
REQUIRED TOOLS : Several # 12 copper wires mounted on a broom handle
- After waiting 5-10 minutes, score or scrape the wire through the ‘wet’ FLOOR-ESSENCE Coat with long irregular, and random, strokes. Immediately squirt or “spritz” the entire surface with the MEK from a squirt bottle to help “meld” or soften the lines. Change the height of the bottle [distance from floor surface] in order to get various size spots - for the appearance of broken glass.
REMEMBER . . . All three (3) techniques can be combined, or you may be able to develop your own technique and distinctive look through trial & experimentation.
TOPCOAT(S) : The application of a clear UV resistant / “wear” coat over the FLOOR-ESSENCE Coat is highly recommended for additional protection and durability. The finish or topcoat must be applied within 24 hours after the application of the FLOOR-ESSENCE Coat has been completed.There are several optional clear topcoats available for this application depending on the final appearance desired and eventual use of the area [i.e. – foot traffic, lift truck, chemical exposure, etc.]. A clear ‘finish’ will also add additional depth, durability, and luster to the overall appearance of the system :
- CHEM-ROCK MV – 100% solids, 2 component gloss epoxy
- CHEM-THANE 509 – 56% solids, 2 comp. high chemical resistant polyurethane, available in gloss or satin finishes.
- CHEM-THANE WB – 54 to 55 % solids, 2 comp. water-based polyurethane, available in gloss, satin, or matte finishes.
- CHEM-THANE P Series – 100% solids, 2 component polyaspartic, available in 3 version of cure.
Refer to the individual Product Data Sheets for each product shown above to help select the most appropriate coating; or contact ROCK-TRED directly for further recommendations and/or technical assistance.
