Problem solving on missing basecoats

At Real World Epoxies, a big source of satisfaction comes from helping installers solve problems. It’s just what we do! Here’s another quick example:

We’ve heard a few reports over the years from installers with “missing” epoxy basecoat on their flake floors - like it’s been sucked up underneath the flake and allowed patches of concrete to show through. Here are a few things we’ve learnt about preventing this unwelcome disappearing act:

1. Check film thicknesses – Put at least 200 microns (5m²/L) down on primed surfaces and 250 (4m²/L) on bare concrete to ensure there’s a good bed of resin to flake into. Be mindful of losses as well as they can be relatively large on small areas, e.g. single garages.
   
   
2. Ensure even coverage – Thinner areas will be more prone to this defect, so take advantage of the working time solventless epoxies have and triple roll to make sure films are as even as possible.
   
   
3. Pigment your clear epoxy sealer – If you’re priming, add pigment to give you extra coverage. That way if the resin pulls back, you see the same colour as your basecoat rather than concrete.
   
   
4. Tip for Ezypoxy Rollcoat – Our rollcoat was formulated with gelling properties to offer extra protection against this type of thing. Roll out and let it settle for a bit before broadcasting. This will allow the gelling to take effect and help the film resist being drawn into the flake.
   
   

If you have any questions or would like to discuss missing basecoat under flake further, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Take care and keep smiling,

Jack Josephsen