Garage floor coatings

Garage floor coatings and finishes have become very popular in recent years creating significant demand for them. Unfortunately, garage floor coatings quality varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer so results are often mixed. Moreover, cheap, low quality imports from China (see Epoxy-Coat and other imports) lower consumer confidence giving the industry a black-eye. Manufacturers that produce low quality products or import low quality products create dissatisfied customers lowering consumer confidence. Top Secret Paints produces only high quality products made in America with American labor.

Solvent based urethane and epoxy garage floor coatings, such as those produced by Top Secret, are superior to 100% solids products because adhesion is achieved by soaking into the concrete eliminating the requirement for grinding or blasting in most applications, and that can save the property owner a lot of time, mess and money! Obviously, once the resins have soaked into concrete adhesion is permanent. Solvent-less 100% solids products require grinding or blasting because without a solvent to act as a vehicle to transport resins into the concrete the surface must be very carefully prepared. 100% solids product are very unforgiving in this regard, which is why Top Secret Coatings does not produce them.

A common non-solvent thinner known as nonyl phenol is a low cost additive used to make low cost coating products. This chemical is sometimes used in small amounts to make 100% solids epoxy floor paint, however, cheap epoxies may contain large amounts of this inexpensive chemical. You will want to check your epoxy MSDS for references to nonyl phenol. Top Secret epoxy paints do not include this inexpensive ingredient.

Another clue of cheap and imported epoxy include “induction time” (after mixing the two components the mixture must sit for several minutes to “self cook” before being applied), and crystallization of either part A or part B if left sitting for several months (like crystallized honey, simple heating will dissolve the crystals). After the two epoxy parts have been combined there is a working time (pot life) during which the epoxy can be applied or used. Generally the pot life will be anywhere from a few minutes to sever hours and longer. At the end of the pot life the mixture becomes very warm or even hot as it hardens. This harsh chemical reaction lowers the workability and leveling properties of the product during application. Many hard to use products have a higher loss rate. In other words, the user must add the extra cost of lost material due to premature catalyzation.

A really interesting product for those wanting to avoid two component A&B mixing catalyst-cured floor coating products is Aquapoxy II (TS-920). This product is very well liked for a variety of reasons but chiefly among them is the fact that Aquapoxy features A&B resin and catalyst-curing but does it without requiring mixing! With Aquapoxy the A&B components are included pre-mixed in the same container, however the resin and catalyst do not begin to sure until it is spread during application. With Aquapoxy, micro-ground resin particles are transported into concrete producing a permanent bond. The finish is breathable eliminating the drama of moisture or high humidity at time of application. These factors combine to make Aquapoxy easy to use and versatile indoors or in exterior applications. And it&s tough! Aquapoxy is durable enough for manufacturing, commercial and areas where there is high volume motorized traffic. It is low odor, low VOC and produces a nontoxic finish.

Featured Product

Aquapoxy II (TS-920)

Concrete Paint

Painting concrete and masonry walls is often considered when a crack has been repaired. However, paint can also be effectively used to impede the movement of water and water vapors, often in below grade structures such as a basement. A solvent type (oil) based waterproof “barrier coating” from Top Secret Paints is recommended for this type of application. These barrier coatings typically include alkyd, epoxy or polyurethane products. While water based paints can be resistant to water they are not commonly considered waterproof, nor are water-based paints considered an effective solution where water intrusion is present. Moreover, water-based concrete paint and coatings products are typically breathable meaning the cured finish is in fact porous.

Since water based paints are breathable they do not trap moisture which can cause blistering and peeling which is a plus. However, this breathability can lead to mold and mildew conditions where water is regularly present. Oil-based concrete paint rated for submersion duty can effectively stop the movement of water and unwanted vapors lessening concerns about mold and mildew.

Moisture assessment is an important consideration when using any concrete paint or coating product, especially where barrier coatings are used, because too high hydrostatic pressure can cause loss of adhesion. The industry standard for hydrostatic pressure is 4 LBS, which is easily measurable using a VaporGuage Hydrostatic pressure test kit available from Top Secret Coatings (www.topsecretcoatings.com). The VaporGuage kit is easy to use, effective and inexpensive.

Unlike concrete paint and coating products Seal-it! Deep Penetrating Sealer (TS-104) is a permanent solution. It works by soaking into concrete where it acts as catalyst to fuse lime and other components in concrete into an dense glass-like impenetrable substance. This product provides improved resistance to weather, stains, heavy wear and abrasions. In the process it actually strengthens concrete densifying and hardening it. Seal-It! offers improved resistance to water, freeze-thaw attack, extreme temperatures, petroleum stains, and deicing salts.

Product quality really makes a difference! Mono-Epoxy (TS-200 produced by Top Secret Coatings) is intended to be easier to apply than typical two-component catalyst cured paint because it is catalyzed by oxygen rather than chemically. Mono-Epoxy features epoxy ester resins which allow for oxygen curing. The resulting finish is high-gloss, waterproof and durable. The finish offers a high level of hardness and flexibility. It adheres to most any surface, seals, waterproofs and is resistant to chemicals, spilled fuel and acids. It is impact resistant to 350 PSI, heat resistant to 350 + degrees, color-fast, UV resistant, non-chalking and it resists cracking, chipping and peeling. It is self-priming in two coats eliminating the need for primer.

Before painting your wall be sure to remove all dirt, grime, oil, salt, dust and efflorescence for proper adhesion. Additionally, check for moisture! The vast majority of failures due to loss of adhesion are caused from too much moisture at time of application. As a side note; fresh concrete should never be painted. The industry standard is a minimum of 28 days allowed for concrete to cure properly before concrete paint and coating products are applied. Keep in mind that, curing compounds may inhibit the adhesion of concrete paint and coating products so you want to avoid including curing compounds and water-based sealers part of your wall paint or coating project.

Featured Products

VaporGauge Test Kit | Seal-it! Deep Penetrating Sealer | TS-200 Mono-Epoxy