1. BEFORE USING, WARM THE RESIN AND HARDENER
Warm up the resin and hardener before use with heat lamps or store them in a hot location to guarantee the chemical reaction gets off to a good start and to encourage effective curing. A tiny, portable epoxy storage box made of rigid foil-backed insulation sheets can be constructed if the epoxy will be used outdoors. It should be heated either by an electric heating pad or a standard light bulb to maintain a temperature of 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (21-32 degrees Celsius). By using this technique, the heated resin and hardener will stay close to the work area and won't cool down before being mixed and applied.
Additionally, the space needs to be maintained warm for the duration of the epoxy's complete cure period. Depending on the epoxy from ArmorPoxy, cure times and temperatures can vary. The curing process will take longer if the substrate and surrounding temperature are lower. Generally speaking, the cure time doubles for every 18° F decrease in temperature below 70° F. Therefore, the epoxy will need roughly 18 hours to cure if the substrate and surrounding environment can only be heated to 50° F. Remember that most epoxies won't ever fully cure at temperatures below 50° F unless they are designed for usage in cold climates.
Epoxy coatings usually are best suited for application at temperatures over 50°F (10°C), except those that are particularly prepared and labeled with the ability to cure at low temperatures. Like are ArmorPoxy’s UltraFast Coating. The best application temperature, however, varies depending on the substance. Applicators should consult the epoxy coating documentation or contact ArmorPoxy technical support team to determine the minimum suggested application temperature for the product being applied. Next, they must ensure that temperature is maintained in the coating environment throughout application and cure.
WHY TEMPERATURE MATTERS
Chemical reaction starts when epoxy resin and hardener are combined. The pace or speed of the chemical reaction of the epoxy as well as the degree of cure will be influenced by the temperature of the environment, the concrete to be coated, and the epoxy mixture. The chemical reaction will proceed more quickly in warmer environments and more slowly in colder ones. Both will have a direct impact on the epoxy's physical characteristics and cure time.
The handling qualities of epoxy resin are also impacted by temperature. Epoxy gets increasingly thicker and less fluid as the temperature decreases. This implies that mixing and measuring the epoxy resin and hardener in cold weather is significantly more challenging, which might result in improper mixing and a higher chance of coating failure. The application of cold, thick epoxy and chilly substrates can also result in uneven appearance and air bubbles in the end product.
2. VERIFY THE APPROPRIATE MIX RATIO
Making ensuring that the resin and hardener are mixed in the right proportions is crucial. Off-ratio mixing of Parts A and B can substantially impair the epoxy's ability to cure correctly and reach its maximum strength. It is advisable to combine the entire epoxy kit rather than trying to divide it up and mix smaller amounts.
The product determines the appropriate mix ratio, which is another reason to carefully read the directions before usage. One part by volume of Part A (the epoxy resin) to one part by volume of Part B is the mix ratio for many epoxy coatings (the curing agent). However, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 mix ratios are also often used.
The flaws brought on by improper mixing ratios can occasionally be seen when applied. An epoxy coating that does not cure—the chemical reaction does not complete, leaving the coating mushy and tacky—is the most obvious sign of an improper ratio mix. On the other hand, an epoxy prepared incorrectly might react too rapidly and result in fissures in the dried covering.
Other instances, an epoxy coating that was prepared improperly may seem to have dried correctly and not be visibly distinct from a coating that was made correctly. The off-ratio mix, however, may have a negative impact on the coating's flexibility, chemical resistance, water resistance, and hardness. Depending on the coating's service environment, these flaws might not be readily apparent. For instance, an epoxy floor coating that was mixed improperly may initially seem to be good, but once the floor has been used, the coating may delaminate, become easily scratched, or change color when exposed to chemicals or water.
3. THOROUGHLY MIX RESIN & HARDENER
The hardener and resin need to be well combined. Pre-mix Parts A and B before mixing, as usual. Then, using a slow-speed drill and paddle mixer, combine the two components for at least two minutes. By no means mix by hand!
While mixing, scrape the container's bottom and sides. Because the limited surface area of a tiny mixing vessel prevents heat generated by the chemical reaction from dissipating, the chemical activity will be improved. For instance, combine a two-gallon epoxy unit with a three-gallon container.
4. WARM THE SURFACE AND ENVIRONMENT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
The epoxy will thin down, flow more smoothly, and penetrate the surface better when applied to a warmer surface, creating a stronger connection. Building curing tents around outdoor spaces that will receive coatings as well as employing portable heaters or heat lamps can help warm the environment. Never use open-flame heating devices with no ventilation, such as salamanders or catalytic heaters. These heaters' exhaust gases have the potential to contaminate the surface, increase moisture levels, and alter the cure of the epoxy, which might eventually result in coating failure. Unless utilized in a small area, like a curing tent or box, catalyst heaters don't seem to be an issue.
5. CHECK THE EPOXY BEFORE APPLYING THE SECOND COAT
Before you apply a second coat of epoxy and if you need to apply the second coat of epoxy, make sure the first coat has properly hardened. Follow the cure time on the instructions and technical data sheet to ensure you have allowed enough time for the first coat to dry. If the floor is still tacky or you can see your finger print on the surface, the floor has not cured yet and you will need to allow more time for the floor to cure.
Understanding the impacts of applying epoxy in cold weather can help you adequately prepare before starting any job. You may assure a positive outcome by including these stages in your planning and application processes. Following the right steps with epoxy applications, especially in cold weather, ensures a lasting, high-quality finish for your flooring needs.