EPU Flooring

EPU flooring is a mixture of epoxy and polyurethane resin , known as hybrid part of floor coating. It has a better life and execution in comparison to epoxy flooring. Epoxy – Polyurethane hybrid floorings makes it unique as we combine the benefits of both epoxy and polyurethane. Also, known as flexo- hard flooring it has a high amount of flexibility along with equally good toughness. The EPU stoichiometry is balanced in such a way that the combined result of the flooring delivers excellent gloss and adhesion of epoxy along with the flexibility of polyurethane. The EPU chemistry allows the cured floor to be somewhat flexible exhibiting high elongation and high impact strength which is important in applications such as coatings that require chip resistance. The low viscosity of EPU makes them work very well in casting and self-leveling flooring applications. Also, the chemistry allows low exotherm which further enhances the pot life, which is an important aspect in self-leveling floors. EPU floors generally consist of resinous material with a combination of filler, which includes resin, hardener, filler, and color. Mixed onsite with a variable speed stirrer and applied within the time frame to avoid the mixed material from getting jelled. These are applied at a thickness ranging from 0.5mm to 3mm, with wide color options available.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

❖ Flexible in nature

❖ UV resistant

❖ Seamless

❖ Slip resistant

❖ Abrasion resistant

❖ Scratch resistant

❖ Higher temperature resistant

❖ Good leveling properties

❖ Solvent free

❖ Fast & easy application

❖ Economical

❖ Durable

❖ Good chemical resistance

❖ Excellent adhesion property to concrete

❖ Available in attractive & pleasant RAL colors

❖ Excellent chemical resistance

❖ Easily applied by brush or roller

❖ Excellent protective properties

❖ Good resistance to abrasion

❖ Non dusting & totally seal the concrete surface preventing dusting

❖ Resistance to thermal shocks

❖ High gloss

INSTALLATION METHOD:

1. Step 1: Clean Concrete Surfaces

● If necessary, use a flat-edged shovel or scraper to remove hardened debris. Then, vacuum the garage floor. Prepare a cleaning/degreasing solution according to manufacturer's instructions. Wearing rubber gloves, use a stiff-bristle brush and the solution to scrub off any grease or oil stains.

1. Step 2: Wet Flooring

● Use a hose to wet the entire floor with water. Working in 5-foot-square sections, use a power scrubber with a brush attachment and the degreaser to clean the entire floor. Use the stiff-bristle brush to scrub the corners and along the walls where the machine can't reach. After the floor is clean, use a rubber squeegee to pull soapy water into a central area. Remove the solution with a wet-dry vac. Check with your country's environmental office to see if you are allowed to dispose of the solution by flushing it down the toilet.

1. Step 3: Prepare Acid-Etching Mixture

● Pour a gallon of water into a plastic sprinkler can. Wearing a vapor respirator, pour 12 ounces of 32-percent muriatic acid into 15 cups of water (for smaller or larger amounts, use 1 part acid to 10 parts water) in the sprinkler can. Mix the solution for a few seconds with a paint stirrer. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over a 10x10-foot area.

1. Step 4: Scrub and Etch

● Power-scrub the 10x10-foot area for 10 minutes or use a long-handled acid brush (to save on equipment rental). Repeat the sprinkling/scrubbing process until the entire floor is acid etched. Rinse three times to flush acid residue. Let the floor dry overnight.

1. Step 5: Mix Epoxy Coating

● Following manufacturer's instructions, use a drill and stirring bit to mix together the two epoxy solutions. To ensure complete blending, pour the mixture into a second bucket and power-mix the paint again.

1. Step 6: Apply Along Perimeter

● Using duct tape, tape the area directly beneath the garage door, then brush a 4-inch strip of epoxy against the tape and along the garage walls.

1. Step 7: Roll on Epoxy

● Use a 9-inch-wide roller with a medium nap to paint the floor. Attach the roller to a pole. Then, dip the roller into the bucket of epoxy so only the bottom half of the roller is covered. (This loads the roller with the right amount of epoxy.) Working in a 4-foot-square area, apply epoxy to garage floor in a large "W" pattern. Backroll to fill in the pattern and remove any roller marks. Make sure edges remain wet as you move from section to section to prevent noticeable seams from forming. Let the first coat dry as per manufacturer's instructions.

1. Step 8: Apply a Second Coat

● If you don't want a glossy floor (they are slippery when wet), add a non-skid floor coating into the epoxy for the second coat. Stir with the drill and stirring bit. Repeat Step 7. Want to add color flakes? Scatter them lightly while the area is still wet—add more flakes until you create your desired pattern.

1. STEP 9: FINISHING

● Mask off and paint the bottom 4 inches of garage or basement wall with the epoxy mix used on the floor. This border creates a cohesive look that also acts as a protective baseboard. Vacuum or sweep up debris, immediately wipe away spills with a soft cloth, and deep-clean soiled floors by mopping with a mixture of ½ cup ammonia to a gallon of water.

1. STEP 10 : CURING & PROTECTION

● Allow flooring system to cure undisturbed for at least 24 hours after application of final coat. Semi-rigid epoxy coatings require 7 days at room temperature to reach nominal design strength, and flexible epoxies may require longer periods to reach nominal full cure. Lower temperature extends curing times, and a useful rule of thumb is that cure time requirements double for every 15-20 degrees F drop below room temp.

INSTALLATION MATERIALS:

❖ EPU paint

❖ Flat-edge shovel or scraper

❖ Shop vacuum

❖ Garden hose

❖ Power scrubber with brush attachment or long-handled acid brush

❖ Stiff-bristle brush

❖ Rubber squeegee

❖ Plastic sprinkler can

❖ Drill with stirring bit

❖ Paintbrushes

❖ 9-inch medium-nap roller and roller pole

❖ Duct tape

❖ Plastic bag

❖ Cleaning/degreasing solution

❖ Rubber gloves

❖ Respirator

❖ 32-percent muriatic acid