By: Linc York, Induron Sales Representative
Self-leveling epoxies have been used to protect and beautify concrete floors for many years. Typically, these epoxies are 100% volume solids featuring high-gloss and very low odor. In the last decade, many advances in the formula have been made and Induron’s Perma-Tuff SL embodies those advances.
Induron Perma-Tuff SL can be used as a primer and finish coat. It is readily available in nearly any color—from white to safety colors. The epoxy also contains a special “low-yellowing” curing agent that mitigates the typical yellowing associated with this class of epoxy coatings. Perma-Tuff SL has a user-friendly, 2:1 mixing ratio by volume, a 30-minute pot life and can be walked on after curing overnight.
Similarly, Induron’s E-Bond 100 Penetrating Sealer is a 100% volume solids, zero VOC and very low-odor penetrating epoxy. E-Bond 100 is not only a stand-alone primer, but it’s also a companion product to Perma-Tuff SL. It is formulated to be very low in viscosity allowing it to penetrate into the surface of the concrete, which forms a much stronger bond than the normal mechanical bond produced by diamond grinding or steel shot blasting. This feature enables the epoxy to provide a single coat of amber-clear finish on concrete floors exposed to foot and fork truck traffic. In addition, E-Bond 100 seals the surface of the concrete preventing gasoline, oil, brake fluid and more from penetrating into the concrete. The epoxy is often used to seal the concrete in salt storage areas, which prevents the leaching of salt into the soil. This application results in a finish that provides a durable and cleanable surface.
The combination of E-Bond 100 and Perma-Tuff SL forms a system that not only offers the strongest adhesion, but can also be easily applied as a smooth, slip-resistant or a broadcast to excess system. The smooth finish is the easiest to keep clean and offers superior light reflectance. The slip-resistant system is ideal for wet areas and is formed by using a light broadcast of abrasive into the E-Bond 100 before applying the finish of Perma-Tuff SL. Though the broadcast to excess system is simple, it’s effective in areas where impact and slip resistance are required.
This system is typically tackled in three applications. First, the E-Bond 100 prime coat is applied at approximately 200 SF per gallon. A clean, dry abrasive, such as silica sand, is broadcast into the wet coating until the surface looks like a beach. After drying overnight, the excess aggregate is removed with a vacuum and the process it repeated using Perma-Tuff SL applied at approximately 80 SF per gallon. Once the second coat dries overnight, the excess aggregate is removed with a vacuum and a final coat of Perma-Tuff SL is applied at 80-120 SF per gallon. The final thickness of the finish coat and the size of the aggregate will determine its cleanability and slip resistance.
These products and coating systems can be applied nearly anywhere, including manufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, beverage and restaurant settings. Russ Law, the owner of Law’s Custom Flooring, states that the E-Bond 100 has a great working time and develops tremendous adhesion. Likewise, he says that the Perma-Tuff SL is so easy to work with and the surface dries quickly, which prevents airborne particulates from marring the finish. Trust us (and Russ), this product pair is what you need to effectively coat your concrete floors.