Marble Metallic Epoxy System

HOW TO PREPARE SURFACE FOR LIFE SPECIALTY COATINGS Liquid Marble / Metallic Epoxy System?

Inspection

• Surface must be structurally sound, dry and free of oil, grease, curing agents, dirt, dust or other foreign material that may prevent proper adhesion. Surface must be porous and profiled (See Preparation section.) The concrete should be at least 2500 psi and feel like 30-grit sandpaper. The concrete should be porous and be able to absorb water. A minimum of 28 days cured is required on all concrete. Relative humidity in the concrete floor slab should be below 80% (per ASTM F-2170).
• Before starting flooring work, test existing concrete slab to make sure there is no efflorescence, moisture and/or high levels of alkalinity.
• Calcium chloride tests should be conducted to determine if the concrete is sufficiently dry for an epoxy flooring installation in accordance with the latest edition of ASTM F 1869, Standard Test Method for Measuring Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride.
• Failing to adhere to these strict guidelines can result in product delamination, discoloration, blistering, or all together failure of the coating system. Testing is the responsibility of the applicator. Life Paint bears no responsibility for failures due to any of the above conditions.

Surface Preparation

Cleaning

Clean surface entirely with TSP and rinse completely with water several times. Remove mildew or algae using 50/50 blend of household bleach and water. (Do not allow bleach to come into contact with acid). Read bleach instructions and warnings carefully before using. Rinse thoroughly and allow to completely dry.

Crack Preparation

Use a concrete diamond blade to cut out all cracks and joints to 1/4 inch width and 1/4 inch depth. Clean joints thoroughly and remove all concrete dust and debris.

Etching

• Clean surface entirely with TSP and rinse completely with water several times. Remove mildew or algae using 50/50 blend of household bleach and water. (Do not allow bleach to come into contact with acid). Read bleach instructions and warnings carefully before using. Rinse thoroughly. The surface must be porous enough to allow the product to soak in. Surface should feel like 30 grit sandpaper.
• Prepare surface by either shot blasting, grinding, Liquid Grind ^TM (approved liquid etch) or, if a previous coating is currently installed, sanding. Prepare concrete profile equal to CSP 2-3 as specified by ICRI (International Concrete Repair Institute. When using a mechanical method, be sure not to be too aggressive leaving behind grind marks or grinding it to a smooth surface.

HOW TO INSTALL LIFE SPECIALTY COATINGS Liquid Marble / Metallic Epoxy System?

Crack Fill/Patching Installation

Using LD7200 Crack Patch, mix paste by equal volume 1:1. LD7200 is mixed thoroughly when combined product is completely gray. Apply to crack, joint, or spalled area using a putty knife or trowel, completely filling the space, scraping off extra LD7200 to leave a uniform, level finish. When dry, sand or grind smooth if overfilled. Surface will be ready to prime in 4-6 hours.

Note :When working with epoxies, subsequent coats, or recoats, must be completed before 48 hours after the previous application. If not, sanding of the cured application is recommended to ensure subsequent coat adhesion.

Primer/Metallic Coat

LD40 Metallic pigment sold separately from the epoxy. Each jar of LD40 is specifically measured to mix into a 1.5 gallon kit of LD12 Epoxy. Metallic colors can be mixed and used in a variety of creative ways. For more information, please contact your Life Specialty Coatings Sales Rep.

In a clean mixing container, add entire contents of 1 jar of LD40 Metallic Pigment and 1 gallon of Part A Resin and drill mix together to prevent any potential clumping of pigment. Once thoroughly mixed, add ½ gallon of Part B Hardener and mix thoroughly for 2-3 minutes with a low speed (400-600 rpm) drill motor/jiffy mixer. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container during mixing.

Apply with a stiff squeegee or notched trowel and backroll using a 3/8” non-shedding nap roller. Always back roll the product using the “cross rolling” technique. 1 gallon should cover approx. 150 sq. ft. (1.5 gal kit covers 225 sq. ft.)

You may re-coat as soon as the surface is dry to touch or in about 12 hours. If 48 hours (recoat window) has been exceeded, lightly sand the surface and wipe with acetone before next application.

Metallic Coat

In a clean mixing container, add entire contents of 1 jar of LD40 Metallic Pigment and 1 gallon of Part A Resin and drill mix together to prevent any potential clumping of pigment. Once thoroughly mixed, add ½ gallon of Part B Hardener and mix thoroughly for 2-3 minutes with a low speed (400-600 rpm) drill motor/jiffy mixer. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container during mixing.

Apply with a stiff squeegee or notched trowel and backroll using a 3/8” non-shedding nap roller. Always back roll the product using the “cross rolling” technique. 1 gallon should cover approx. 100 sq. ft. (1.5 gal kit covers 150 sq. ft.).

Dispersion Effect

To help alleviate roller lines and bubbles, denatured alcohol should always be used when installing a metallic floor system. The technique used will depend on the overall effect desired.

Once the epoxy is backrolled, immediately walk back over surface using spiked cleats and, using a high-quality spray bottle, spray denatured alcohol on the surface of the wet epoxy. Denatured alcohol can be sprayed on in larger droplets or in a mist in all directions. Large droplets will cause a more drastic “Hammered Metal” Effect, while a fine mist will create a much more natural “Modeling” Effect. It is best to spray into the air and allow the denatured alcohol to fall on the surface straight down rather than spraying at an angle. Make sure to spray every square inch of wet epoxy to properly randomize the appearance.

Helpful recommendations: It is much easier to work up to joint lines and/or sections of 600 square feet or less. If doing larger areas, make sure to have enough help to apply product quickly.

Caution: The LD31-96 will begin to tack up shortly after application. Be ready to move as quickly as possible. For longer working time, use the LD33-96 product.

 Other Applications:

• A final backroll with a plastic looped roller cover can create an interesting texture and pigment movement in the metallic floor.
• The use of a cordless leaf blower can also assist in blending multiple colors together and help in a more natural appearing “feathered” finish.
• There are many different possible results, but it is highly recommended to test any technique on a sample area prior to testing out on an actual jobsite.

Top Coat

In a clean and dry bucket, thoroughly mix two parts A with one part B of LD31-96 epoxy together by volume. Combine using an agitator, jiffy mixer or stir stick. Mix for at least 2 minutes or until completely combined, scraping the sides and bottom of mixing bucket. Only prepare the amount you can use in 15 minutes or less (larger batches than 1.5 gallons will short pot life.) The top coat is ready to be applied by brush, roller, or squeegee. If using a squeegee, be sure to back roll for uniform coverage. Coverage should be approximately 150 sq. ft. per gallon.

Optional Materials

Additional Top Coats

• LD2003 CRU Chemical Resistant Urethane. Adds superior chemical resistance, abrasion tol erance, scratch resistance, UV protection and damage protection to the final color coat. Available in gloss (LD2003) or satin (LD2004). *Satin finish will detract the metallic effect.
• LD2009 Polyurea. Adds chemical and abrasion resistance, protects final color coat from damage and UV resistance. Available in a 2 hour (LD2009), 4 hour (LD9750), or 12 hour (9790) dry time.

Note : Please refer to individual product technical sheets for more detailed product information on all products within this specification.

Clean Up

Uncured material can be removed with a solvent. Cured material can only be removed mechanically.

Limitations

• Temperature/Weather: Do not install if the temperature is below 55 degrees.
• Water will ruin uncured products. If inclement weather threatens, cover area to protect new application.
• Do not allow any product to FREEZE while in container.

MAINTENANCE + HEALTH ADVISORIES FOR LIFE SPECIALTY COATINGS Liquid Marble / Metallic Epoxy System?

Maintenance

Floors should be inspected during use for inconsequential damage and wear. Damage areas should be remediated as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the area(s). To repair, remove any loose coating and refer to this specification; repeat process in affected area.

Clean daily using a dry soft bristled broom, dry mop, or wet mop with a floor/tile cleaner, to retain the epoxy looking new.

Health, Protection and Safety

Refer to individual product container labels, individual product technical data sheets, and SDS for health, protection, and safety precautions.

Warranty

When the warranted product is applied in accordance with this specification guide, label instructions and common sense widely accepted painting practice and procedures, Life Paint will warrant said product against manufacturing defects that might cause premature failure such as blistering, peeling, or unusual wear. Directions are as complete as possible but cannot encompass all conditions, applications, and/or surfaces beyond manufacturer’s control. In the event of a warranted failure and upon the presentation of proof of purchase, the remedy will be the provision price for said product. This warranty does not include labor or the costs associated with labor. This warranty may not be transferred or assigned and extends specific legal rights which may vary from state-to-state. No other warranty is expressed or implied.