Information Guides

1. Download: Technical Data Sheet
2. Download: Preparation Guide
3. Download: Application Guide
4. Download: Troubleshooting Guide

General Notes

• Ensure to read the TECHNICAL DATA SHEET, the PREPARATION GUIDE and the APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS thoroughly first.
• It is recommended to do a test patch first to determine the suitability of the product.
• Do not apply when the ambient temperature is below 15c or above 28c.
• The substrate must be cool to touch before applying any sealer or coating.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for coverage.
• Generally only two coats are required, however on a highly porous surface then a third coat may be necessary.

PREPARATION:

Surface Porosity

• Ensure the concrete has sufficient porosity for the sealer to penetrate.
• Dip a finger into a glass of water and apply 2-3 drops to the surface.
• Time the amount of time it takes for the water to soak into the concrete.
• For sufficient porosity to apply a sealer, this should be no longer than 90 seconds.
• Repeat the test over multiple sections of the concrete substrate.
• If under 90 seconds then the concrete has sufficient porosity for application of the sealer.
• If longer than 90 seconds, then it may be necessary to either acid wash or diamond grind the concrete to open it up and create the required porosity.

Moisture

• The substrate must be dry and free from any rising moisture.
• Ideally use a concrete moisture meter to determine the moisture content. If this is not available, proceed using the method below.
• To test for moisture, cut a piece of thick black plastic into 1m².
• Ensure that it is free from any tears or pinholes (this would render the test useless).
• Attach the plastic to a section of the substrate (repeat in other areas) & duct tape the edges.
• It is important that the plastic is completely sealed around all edges and free from holes.
• After 24 hours, remove the plastic. If the concrete has darkened or there is condensation under the plastic, then the concrete is not sufficiently dry to apply a sealer or coating.
• If the substrate is not dry enough then either wait a few more days & repeat the test or it may be necessary to use a concrete moisture barrier. Contact Right Choice for advice.

Contamination

• All substrates must be clean and free of contamination i.e. oil, grease, bird droppings etc.
• Many of these contaminates are easily removed using the Right Choice Concrete Cleaner.
• In some cases it may be necessary to use a concrete grinder or a light acid wash.
• Basically, if water does not penetrate through the contamination then neither will a sealer or a coating.

Acid Etching

• If required, the concrete can be lightly acid etched prior to sealing. This will help to create a more porous substrate.
• Use extreme caution and safe handling methods when using hydrochloric acid.
• Before acid etching, make sure the concrete is cleaned properly of all contaminants, oil, grease and dirt by using the Right Choice Concrete Cleaner (mix @ 50:50 dilution with water), paying extra attention to heavily contaminated areas.
• Rinse the Concrete Cleaner off thoroughly with clean water.
• Dilute the hydrochloric acid with water at a rate of 1 part acid to 10 parts water. CAUTION! Always add the acid to the water, not water to acid.
• Lightly dampen the surface so that the concrete is slightly wet but not puddling water.
• Apply the diluted solution evenly to the surface using a watering can or similar.
• Allow the acid to bubble on the concrete for up to 15 mins.
• Once the bubbling has ceased, thoroughly rinse the surface off with clean water (abide by local laws for disposal).
• Neutralise the surface using the Right Choice Concrete Cleaner (mix @ 50:50 dilution with water, highly alkaline). Brush the mixture into the surface and allow it to sit for 5-10mins before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
• Allow the surface to dry for a minimum of 24 hours (weather dependant).

*Note – If neutralising is not done correctly, acid etching can leave a white powdery residue, (calcium carbonate) on the dried surface. This is a fine white dust which can cause problems with adhesion and delamination of the coating. Once neutralising is complete, check the entire surface of the concrete. It should have a uniformed texture similar to medium grit sand paper (If not, repeat the above process). Sprinkle a few drops of water over the surface and If all the water is quickly absorbed, the surface is sufficiently oil and grease free. If the water still beads up (even if only in certain areas), then further preparation as above will be required.

APPLICATION:

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Before applying any product, please open all coloured drums to check that the colour is correct. If there is any variance in colour etc, please contact Right Choice Coatings before proceeding. Once the product has been installed, Right Choice Coatings will not be held responsible for any colour variations.

Mixing

• If using multiple batches (regardless of if it is pre-tinted or a tint pack added), you need to follow the instructions below or a colour variation may occur.
• Make a line on the outside of the tin where it is filled to (after batching you will fill each tin back up to this line)
• After adding the colour pack to each batch (if not already pre-coloured), pour 1/4 of each batch into a clean bucket and mix them all together. Repeat this process back and forth until all batches are a uniform colour.
• Note: Do NOT mix just 1 batch at a time and then apply as you will get a colour variance.
• Fill each tin back up to the line previously marked and mix thoroughly again. This is now 20ltrs of tinted product ready for application.
• Polyurethane Coating should be mixed at a ratio of: 3 parts A to 1 part B
• Only mix enough product that can be used within a 10-15 minute period.
• Mix “part A” thoroughly first. Once mixed, slowly pour “part B” into “part A” while still mixing.
• Immediately pour the Polyurethane onto the substrate in ribbons. (Do not leave the Polyurethane in the bucket as it will go off much quicker.)
• Use a new bucket for every new batch that you mix. Never mix a new batch in a previously used bucket as this will accelerate the setting time of the Polyurethane and you decrease the working time dramatically.

Application

• Always wear the appropriate personal protection equipment.
• Polyurethane Coating should be applied using a lint free, 8mm nap roller cover.
• Spread the Polyurethane Coating out roughly to achieve approx 5m² – 7m² per ltr. Once the spread rate is achieved, gently “tip off” the polyurethane with the roller and move on to the next section. This will allow the polyurethane to self level. The more times you roll it, the more chance there is of it going off too quick and getting roller marks
• Ensure to keep “wet edge” of the sealer to avoid any overlapping marks.
• Allow 6-8 hours drying time in-between coats.
• Apply the second coat in the same manner as above.
• If you allow more than 10 hours drying time in-between coats, it will be necessary to wait approx 12 hours and then sand the floor using a 180# sandpaper prior to applying another coat.
• Do not walk on for a minimum of 24 hours and allow 10 days before driving over

*NOTE: Polyurethane has a 7-10 day full cure through rate. Please exercise caution when sitting furniture on, sliding boxes etc and walking on in this time frame. DO NOT DRIVE ON FOR A MINIMUM OF 10 DAYS.