Bubbles Appearing in Your Concrete Floor Coatings? by Jimmy McGhee

Reducing Air in Epoxy, Polyurea, Polyapsartic and Polyurethane Flooring Applications

 

One major frustration that may arise during the application of a flooring system is the presence of air bubbles. There are several factors that all relate to the entrapment of air in a floor coating. These problems can be easily avoided if you take the proper precautions before, during, and after the application process.

Aggressive Mixing

Floor coatings must be properly and thoroughly mixed prior to application.  Do not rush the mixing process. Mixing twice as fast for two minutes is not the same as mixing at an optimal speed for four minutes. A power drill set at a medium speed (300-500 rpm) with a spiral mixing blade is the ideal tool for the mixing process.  Try to move the mixing blade throughout the container during the mixing process to ensure that the material is properly mixed, but keep in mind to mix in as little air as possible.

Colder Temperatures

The viscosity (thickness) of a floor coating is dependent on temperature.  Colder temperatures increase the viscosity of a flooring system which makes it more difficult for air bubbles to come up to the surface and be released.  Try to plan a day when the weather is closer to an optimal 75-77°F. Most importantly, always keep the material preconditioned (kept somewhere at optimal application temperatures).