Polymer Nation Flooring FAQ | Expert Guidance on Coatings & Installation
Moisture & Concrete Substrates
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Polymer Nation flooring solutions, including moisture testing, coating adhesion, surface preparation, and troubleshooting gloss, color, and finish issues.
Q: Why is moisture a concern when applying coatings to concrete?
Q: How can I test for moisture in concrete before applying a coating?
Q: What moisture levels are acceptable for coating application?
Q: How should I prepare a concrete slab with high moisture levels?
Answer
High moisture levels (above 75% RH) can lead to moisture vapor transmission, causing coatings to blister or disbond as moisture turns into a caustic liquid beneath the surface. Proper moisture testing and vapor barriers are essential.
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Answer
There are four common moisture testing methods:
ASTM D 4263 (Plastic Sheet Method) – Identifies surface moisture but lacks quantitative accuracy.
Moisture Meters – Measures comparative moisture levels up to 2 inches deep but does not provide precise results.
ASTM F-1869 (Calcium Chloride Test) – Measures moisture emission rates but only at the surface level.
ASTM F 2170 (Relative Humidity Test) – Provides deeper slab moisture readings and is more reliable for determining actual moisture content.
ASTM D 4263 (Plastic Sheet Method) – Identifies surface moisture but lacks quantitative accuracy.
Moisture Meters – Measures comparative moisture levels up to 2 inches deep but does not provide precise results.
ASTM F-1869 (Calcium Chloride Test) – Measures moisture emission rates but only at the surface level.
ASTM F 2170 (Relative Humidity Test) – Provides deeper slab moisture readings and is more reliable for determining actual moisture content.
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Answer
Acceptable moisture levels range from 75-85% RH depending on the coating system. For calcium chloride tests, acceptable results are typically between 3-5 pounds of moisture per 1,000 sq. ft. in 24 hours.
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Answer
A proper vapor barrier should be installed beneath the slab, and a moisture mitigation system may be necessary before applying low-permeable coatings.
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Surface Preparation & Coating Adhesion
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Polymer Nation flooring solutions, including moisture testing, coating adhesion, surface preparation, and troubleshooting gloss, color, and finish issues.
Q: How do I ensure proper adhesion between coatings?
Q: What methods can be used for surface preparation?
Q: Can coatings be applied over unknown or incompatible surfaces?
Answer
Existing coatings must be tested for compatibility. If adhesion is confirmed, the surface should be mechanically abraded to remove gloss and cleaned thoroughly before applying the new coating.
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Answer
Common methods include orbital sanding (36-60 grit), diamond grinding, and shot-blasting. Dust removal and solvent wiping are critical to achieving proper adhesion.
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Answer
No, incompatible coatings may cause delamination. Always test a small area before full application.
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Gloss, Finish, & Color Issues
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Polymer Nation flooring solutions, including moisture testing, coating adhesion, surface preparation, and troubleshooting gloss, color, and finish issues.
Q: Why did my "gloss" finish cure with a dull or low-gloss appearance?
Q: How do I fix a coating with a dull finish?
Q: Why does my finished coating have streaks, color separation, or shades?
Q: How do I prevent color inconsistencies in coatings?
Answer
Possible causes include:Poor ventilation or excessive humidity (>75% RH) during application.Cold surface temperatures below 50°F during curing.Chemical exposure before full cure (most coatings require 7 days to fully cure).Improper mixing of components.
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Answer
Improve air circulation, allow proper cure time, and consider reapplying a topcoat after proper surface abrasion.
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Answer
Causes include:
Incomplete mixing of colorants before adding the hardener.
Different batch numbers of colorants leading to variations.
UV exposure causing color shifts over time.
Incomplete mixing of colorants before adding the hardener.
Different batch numbers of colorants leading to variations.
UV exposure causing color shifts over time.
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Answer
Thoroughly mix colorants before adding hardener and blend batches together ("boxing") to ensure uniformity.
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Common Coating Defects & Repairs
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Polymer Nation flooring solutions, including moisture testing, coating adhesion, surface preparation, and troubleshooting gloss, color, and finish issues.
Q: Why are there wrinkles in my cured coating?
Q: How can I fix wrinkles in the coating?
Q: Why is my coating showing premature wear or deterioration?
Q: How do I test the concrete substrate before application?
Answer
Wrinkles may result from:
Excess solvent use during mixing.
Application over incompatible surfaces or high temperatures before curing.
Cold substrate temperatures causing contraction during curing.
Excess solvent use during mixing.
Application over incompatible surfaces or high temperatures before curing.
Cold substrate temperatures causing contraction during curing.
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Answer
A: Sand or grind down the imperfections, remove dust, and reapply the coating properly.
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Answer
Common causes include:
Improper mixing of resin and hardener leading to weak curing.
Poor maintenance practices, such as neglecting regular cleaning.
Soft concrete substrates, which reduce coating performance.
Improper mixing of resin and hardener leading to weak curing.
Poor maintenance practices, such as neglecting regular cleaning.
Soft concrete substrates, which reduce coating performance.
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Answer
Use methods like the Simple Cup Adhesion Test or ACI-503 Bond Test to verify substrate quality.
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Application & Maintenance Best Practices
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Polymer Nation flooring solutions, including moisture testing, coating adhesion, surface preparation, and troubleshooting gloss, color, and finish issues.
Q: How do I repair peeling or delaminating coatings?
Q: Why does my floor coating have small bumps or lumps?
Q: What safety precautions should I take when applying coatings?
Answer
Depending on the severity:
For widespread issues, remove the entire system and reapply from a clean substrate.
For smaller areas, remove the damaged section, prepare the surface, and patch with the same coating system.
For widespread issues, remove the entire system and reapply from a clean substrate.
For smaller areas, remove the damaged section, prepare the surface, and patch with the same coating system.
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Answer
Possible reasons include:
Lint from roller sleeves – Always use lint-free rollers.
Inadequate surface cleaning – Ensure proper dust and debris removal.
Poorly mixed additives – Thoroughly blend dry additives before application.
Frozen product usage – Always store coatings above freezing temperatures.
Lint from roller sleeves – Always use lint-free rollers.
Inadequate surface cleaning – Ensure proper dust and debris removal.
Poorly mixed additives – Thoroughly blend dry additives before application.
Frozen product usage – Always store coatings above freezing temperatures.
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Answer
Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and respiratory protection when handling chemicals. Follow all manufacturer guidelines and safety data sheets.
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