Preparation, General
Substrate preparation is critical to the success of the application. Epoxy resin flooring is designed to bond permanently to the substrate. Suitable substrates include new plywood (please refer to plywood installation for type of plywood and method to secure plywood,) new or existing concrete, properly bonded existing epoxy. The substrate must be clean (free of grease, oil, hydrocarbons, soluble salts, and chemical contaminants) dry, structurally sound, and profiled.
Preparation on New Plywood
The top layer of plywood needs to be Luan. It should be glued and screwed every 2 inches on every seam, and every 4 inch, on center, in the field. Sweep and vacuum plywood to remove dust, dirt and any bond inhibiting contamination. Ensure screws are either flush or slightly recessed from the top surface of the plywood. All seams to be patched with Bedrock Fine Patch, 100% solids epoxy and allowed to cure. If installation of Double Broadcast Flooring proceeds after 24 hours of the patching of the seams, the Bedrock Fine Patch needs to be sanded prior to the installation of the epoxy flooring.
Preparation on New Concrete
New concrete needs to have the latency removed and profiled to a CPS (Concrete Surface Profile) of 3-4. Shotblasting is the preferred method of preparation, however, other mechanical methods such as diamond grinding, light scarifying, or hand tooling to achieve the same profile are acceptable. Sweep and vacuum concrete surface to remove dust, dirt and any bond inhibiting contamination.
Preparation on Existing Concrete
Methods of preparation on existing concrete include the same preparation as new concrete plus the removal of any existing finished flooring, sealers, paint, mastic, thin set, etc. These materials must be removed mechanically. Do not acid wash.
Details Prior to Installation
Cracks, holes and non-moving joints need to be patched using Bedrock Patch, 100% solids epoxy patching compound, and allowed to cure. Functioning expansion joints cannot be bridged with the finished flooring. They need to be located and marked so they can be saw cut and caulked after installation. Drains, plates, and other termination points need to be chiseled or cut 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch to provide a "toe hold notch."