C&P Knowledge Base
However, to achieve these results, you need to choose the right polish for the job. Although there are hundreds of products available for almost every type of concrete application, not every project is suitable for every polish. Otherwise, a perfect decorative concrete project can be ruined by choosing the wrong polish or applying it incorrectly. With Color&Polish Surface Technologies, we offer surface systems that will meet all your needs. With our water-based, solvent-based, and siloxane-based products, we protect your concrete surfaces with products tailored to surface conditions and performance.
Floor Paints:
As Color&Polish Surface Technologies, we color your concrete surfaces according to your needs with standard-colored concrete paints and color line paints.With solvent-based road line and concrete paints, we apply bright and penetrating floor paints with a strong bond structure, while with water-based paints, you can paint your garages and parking areas with high performance using our paints that are easy to use indoors, stain-resistant, resistant to hot tire marks, and have a single-component structure.
Additionally, with our Alpha Paint product, which is food-grade compliant and can be cleaned very quickly after staining, we offer solutions for food production factories, canteens, restaurants, and all your needs.
With our road marking paints produced using superior resins, you can easily use our long-lasting paints that comply with highway standards for all asphalt and concrete road markings, both in garages for dividing lines and in outdoor areas.
Concrete porches, walkways, and driveways can significantly enhance the appearance and value of living spaces. Both residential and commercial building owners rely on the durability of concrete surfaces while also prioritizing their aesthetic appeal. The strength and longevity of concrete depend on various factors, including the use of high-quality concrete mix, skilled installation, and proper curing and sealing.
Surface Preparation:
Surface preparation is extremely important for good and durable surface coloring systems. The adhesion of the coating and coloring systems to the surface depends not only on product quality and application method but also on the cleanliness of the surface to be applied, the removal of oil, dirt, and similar stains, and the removal of loose layers from the surface. At Color&Polish Surface Technologies, we place great importance on surface preparation prior to application. For detailed information, please refer to the “Surface Preparation Processes” section under the “Knowledge Base” menu.
Coloring;
Today's concrete surface coloring processes are carried out with standard filled, fully opaque paints. At Color&Polish, we offer coloring processes that can be applied to old concrete and similar cement-based coatings without damaging the texture of the concrete, in addition to high-opacity concrete paints.
Within the Color&Polish Surface Technologies system, we offer different concrete coloring systems that will provide solutions to your needs. We are your solution partner with solvent-based concrete coloring for outdoor and concrete polishing systems and odorless systems that can be diluted with water for indoor use.
Beyond that, we serve you as a leading brand in coloring systems that push the boundaries of aesthetics, with acid paints that react with concrete chemicals to provide permanent coloring and can be used comfortably both outdoors and indoors.
Polishes:
If varnish is not used in floor concrete applications, the application will be incomplete. When you take the time to apply this final protective layer, you not only extend the life of your concrete coating, but also preserve and enhance its aesthetic appeal. Depending on the product used, the advantages of varnishing can be summarized as follows.
It enhances the color intensity of concrete coatings, whether they are naturally colored, colored with a colorant, or have a colored concrete hardener surface applied during pouring.
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It provides different levels of gloss, from high gloss to satin gloss.
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It prevents dirt, oil, grease, chemicals, and stains from penetrating the concrete, making it easier to clean and maintain the concrete surface.
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It prevents the surface from becoming dusty.
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It reduces freeze-thaw damage by keeping water and salt-related chlorides away from the concrete matrix.
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It provides protection against wear and tear.
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There has been a lot of discussion lately about reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is primarily because many paint and coating applications across the country are subject to increasingly stringent regulations calling for lower VOC levels.
The properties of various types of finishes, which can range from very high VOC (over 400 grams per liter) to very low VOC (less than 100 grams per liter), can help you choose which is best for your project due to the increasingly stringent regulatory environment.
There are two types of concrete finishes:
Water based (C&P WB Outerseal UV, WB Innerseal)
(usually has less volatile organic compounds)Solvent based (C&P MMA Polish, SB Polishcrete)
(usually has more volatile organic compounds)
Once the concrete has dried, both water and solvent based finishes are applied as protective and decorative finishes. These are the primary source of chemical and stain protection for concrete and serve to protect it from wear and damage. These finishes improve the appearance by adding gloss and developing color over time.The most UV resistant finishes are made entirely from acrylic and methyl methacrylate based polymers. Thanks to technological advances, applicators can now choose from a variety of high quality acrylic finishes using solvent based polymer solutions or water based polymer emulsions.
When a water-based polish is used, the polymer particles are dispersed in the water. As the water evaporates, the polymer particles come closer to each other. As the water continues to evaporate, the polymer particles gradually combine and form a seamless transparent coating on the concrete surface.
When using a solvent-based finish, the polymers are not present separately. Instead, a clear, continuous polymer solution is created by the solvent and polymer. The evaporating solvent of the solvent-based finish draws the polymer strands closer together until they bond.
As a result, both water- and solvent-based finishes leave polymers on the concrete surface. Therefore, water resistance is achieved and the concrete surface often appears shiny. If you are considering switching to water-based finishes for some or all of your projects, it is important to know that water- and solvent-based finishes work similarly after they are applied and cured.
The common properties of solvent and water-based varnishes are listed below:
Tough and durable; the main similarity between the two types of finishes is their ability to protect concrete. With the best acrylic finishes that are exposed outside, this can last for two to three years. Also, since both types provide stain protection, spills from food, chemicals, and automobile stains can usually be cleaned up before they become permanent stains.
Ease of use: Water-based and solvent-based varnishes are usually fully prepared and ready to apply. Depending on the project, they can be brushed on or sprayed on.
UV resistance: Color&Polish exterior finishes are completely resistant to UV light and do not suffer from the photochemical degradation experienced by more UV absorbent polymers such as styrene-acrylics, non-aliphatic polyurethanes and most epoxies.
Here are some differences between water and solvent-based polishes:
Appearance. One of the main differences between water-based and solvent-based finishes is their appearance after application and curing. Concrete surfaces are generally well penetrated and wetted by solvent-based finishes. This creates a shinier appearance that draws attention to the color of the concrete below. Because the polymer particles in water-based finishes scatter visible light differently than the water they are scattered in, the finish appears milky white when applied. Both finishes can achieve a gloss appearance, but solvent-based finishes may have a slight yellow tint to the color after drying.
Control. Water-based finishes have many appealing features, including being non-flammable, having a mild solvent odor, and making them easy to clean up quickly and easily after application. This time savings can mean the difference between a busy installer being late for their next job or being on time. When applied to newly finished or refinished concrete surfaces, water-based and solvent-based finishes provide a high degree of protection that lasts a long time. If you are looking for a high-performance, low-VOC concrete finish that is easy to work with, long-lasting, and doesn’t require as much cleanup as solvent-based finishes, water-based finishes are a great option.
Product Selection:
Concrete coating materials provide the necessary protection and visual appeal for many residential and commercial applications. One of the most challenging issues faced by concrete applicators and customers is selecting and applying coating materials for floor and site concrete in their projects. Each type of polish offers different qualities, gloss levels, protection, and color enhancements that applicators need to understand and identify. Additionally, slip resistance can be affected by the type of polish used.
The Color&Polish family offers a wide range of polishes tailored to the specific needs of each task. The appropriate polish will provide characteristics such as cost, service life, wear resistance, and UV stability. To select the polish that meets your project's requirements:
Safety: Especially in indoor projects, it is important to ensure that the polish does not increase the likelihood of slipping or emit toxic fumes when applied. Accordingly, ventilation solutions and the proper use and dosage of C&P Grip slip resistance additive are extremely important.
Appearance: Various levels of gloss can be achieved in coating finishes, ranging from high gloss to satin. The degree of color enhancement increases with the level of gloss.
Performance: Different products vary in terms of coating thickness, durability, resistance to weather conditions, and maintenance requirements. It is important to choose a coating that will protect your concrete from the environmental and traffic conditions it may encounter. Additionally, we recommend testing the application on a small area before proceeding with any decorative surface treatments, including color applications on the system.
Cost will always be a factor, but when it comes to coating materials, you truly get what you pay for. Cutting corners often results in “save now, pay later.” With C&P Color&Polish products, you get your money's worth every step of the way.
Increasing Color and Gloss Level
The gloss level of the polish and how intensely it covers the concrete or coloring application is typically what distinguishes the appearance of the polish. Polishes are available in many gloss levels, from a matte finish to a high gloss that creates a wet look, similar to wall paint.
Gloss, commonly known as brightness, is simply a measure of the amount of light reflected from a surface. As reflection increases, so does gloss. Gloss is typically measured using MPI standard gloss levels ranging from 1 to 100.
The way the coating improves the surface also affects the color of the concrete. In general, color improvement with solvent-based acrylic film-forming coatings is greater than with water-based coatings. In general, no improvement is seen with non-film-forming penetrating coatings. Since they do not provide protection for the “antique” coloring of the surface applied with dust-separating agents or secondary coloring techniques, they are generally not used on printed concrete.
The gloss level in acrylic coatings depends on the percentage of acrylic solids in the coating. Coatings are typically classified based on the percentage of acrylic resin in the coating. For example, a coating containing 25% acrylic resin and 75% solvent carrier or water is generally referred to as a 25% solids coating. The lower the solid content, the lower the gloss or shine. The solid content of varnishes varies by region but generally ranges from a minimum of 20% to a maximum of 35%. With many countries around the world adopting stricter Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) regulations, many solvent-based varnishes now contain at least 25% solid content. This has led to the use of additives to achieve a low gloss or matte finish. Matting agents are designed to scatter light across the surface, resulting in a less glossy appearance.
We offer all our coatings—whether water-based, solvent-based, or silane-based—with high gloss. We meet your matting needs with C&P Matting Agent and your slip resistance needs with C&P Grip Agent. You can find the usage quantities for both products in their TDS sheets. Before application, it is essential to test the product on a small area and check after one day whether the surface has achieved the desired performance. You may need to increase the dosage depending on your performance expectations.
To ensure optimum product performance, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned before attempting to colour, polish or paint over old concrete.
STEP 01 (Surface Cleaning)
• First, the area to be coated must be cleaned.
• All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil stains, paint and polish.
• Oil and grease stains should be cleaned with a cleaning oil. For this application, C&P CLEANER DEGREASER should be used.
• As a trial run, the product should be applied to a 30 cm x 30 cm section of the area to be applied and allowed to absorb for 5-6 minutes.
• Brush the area with a hard-bristled broom. Preferably with a pressure washer or a garden hose, then rinse thoroughly.
• Make sure that the concrete surface is thoroughly rinsed and all surfaces are dried for at least 24 hours.
• The prepared concrete surface must be able to absorb water and must be porous. This structure is an indication that the stain or coating will adhere properly to the concrete surface.
STEP 02 (Surface Etching with Acid)
• If the water poured on the concrete is not absorbed quickly, the concrete is not porous. In this case, it will need to be opened using ETCH&CLEAN etching solution or by a mechanical etching method.
• COLOR & POLISH brand ETCH&CLEAN opens the pores of bare concrete so that C&P Concrete Colorants and Preservatives fully bond to the ground.
• A plastic spray apparatus should be used for the etching solution.
• The solution is sprayed homogeneously onto the concrete. A chemical reaction (foaming and bubbling) will occur with the application. It should be brushed with a hard broom for 10 minutes until the bubbling stops.
• After the process, it should be rinsed once and cleaned with C&P CLEANER DEGREASER for neutralization. Preferably, after the rinse with pressurized water, the surface should be left to dry completely.
• The surface should be checked to ensure that the cleaning and abrading process was successful. The surface should feel like 120 grit sandpaper or rougher and be free of all dirt and concrete dust.
• If you have not achieved the correct roughness, it may be necessary to repeat the process and re-abrade.
• After cleaning and etching, it is important to wait 24 hours before applying C&P colorants or polishes.
STEP 03 (Filling Cracks and Voids)
• A repair and restoration product should be used to fill cracks and holes on the surface.
• C&P CRACK FILLER is a single component, fast and easy to use repair mortar. It forms a solid bond on properly prepared concrete surfaces.
• Repair and restoration materials are usually visible. When used with C&P colorants, it should be expected that repair marks and different color textures will be reflected on the surface. These differences will be minimized as the coloring gets darker.
Before performing coloring operations on concrete surfaces, requirements must be clearly defined and coloring materials selected accordingly. C&P coloring products are semi-transparent. If you wish, we can provide information about the products, application methods, and techniques.
C&P Conc Color
(Solvent-Based Ready-to-Use Concrete Colorant)
It is a ready-to-use, solvent-based concrete colorant. It is preferred in concrete polishing applications. Due to its solvent-based and fast-evaporating nature, it is recommended for use on surfaces with low surface absorbency. In concrete polishing applications, it is sprayed onto the surface using a simple spray system after sanding with #200 grit resin, and immediately afterward, it must be evenly distributed using a short-bristled mop. After applying C&P LSC Densifier, it should be left to cure for 1 day. Subsequently, a #400 pad resin polishing should be performed, and the same process should be repeated for the coloring process. After a 1-hour waiting period, the #800 pad resin polishing should be followed by the other pads and the final polishing process. The surface's gloss and stain resistance can be enhanced with a WB Polishseal coating application before the burnisher application.
Important note: Since the coloring material is solvent-based, the use of solvent-based products as polish is NOT RECOMMENDED. Solvent-based polishes may cause the paint to dissolve and damage the paint texture during the polishing process.
C&P Conc Color / Concentrated
(Acetone-Dilutable Concentrated Concrete Colorant)
The product is the concentrated form of C&P Conc Color concrete colorant. This form provides a logistical advantage. It is applied by diluting it with acetone at a ratio of 1/5 to 1/10. After mixing with acetone, the same procedures as the C&P Color Conc application are performed for concrete polishing applications.
For high-permeability surfaces, spray application is recommended to achieve the desired texture. Since permeable surfaces absorb the paint quickly, it is not possible to homogenize the surface with a roller or short-nap roller after spraying. It is strongly recommended to test the product on a small area before application. Since the product does not have UV resistance on its own, its use in outdoor applications is limited.
When spraying during all Conc Color coloring processes, circular motions should be made to achieve the desired texture. It is recommended to conduct tests in a different location to ensure the desired texture is achieved. The quality of the spray machine is extremely important when applying to absorbent surfaces. It should be noted that if a homogeneous application cannot be achieved during the spraying process, unwanted textures may form on the surface due to dripping, and care should be taken in this regard.
C&P Acid Paint
(Acid-Based Concrete Colorant)
ACID PAINT colorants are painting materials that do not completely cover the texture of the concrete but color it by reacting with it. Since it colors concrete through a chemical reaction, it can be used comfortably both indoors and outdoors. Although the acid content is low, the safety precautions specified in the technical data sheet (TDS) must be strictly followed for indoor use. Application should be done using a spray method in a circular motion. Applying the paint in different quantities to the surface will create different textures. Additionally, using acid paints in different colors will create unique textures. Ensuring the porous structure of the concrete before application and neutralizing it with DEGREASER&NEUTRALIZOR after application is extremely important for the subsequent polishing process. Both solvent-based and solvent-free coatings can be used for polishing ACID PAINT applications.
C&P Color Indoor
(Water-Dilutable Indoor Concrete Colorant)
It is a water-mixable concentrated floor colorant. Depending on the desired color intensity and surface absorbency, it can be diluted with 1/5 or 1/10 water for application. Application should be done using a spray method. If the surface is absorbent, a texturing process should be performed using circular motions. If the surface is non-absorbent, the paint can be evenly distributed using a short-pile roller or mop after spraying.
Application can be easily performed on polished concrete, micro concrete, or polished high-dose screed in indoor areas.
Different textures can be created by using different colors at different times and in different shades to achieve a personalized color scheme. To prevent the texture from deteriorating after application, a finishing process can be performed using water-based C&P WB Innerseal or C&P Alpha Polish.
C&P Color Outdoor
(Ready-to-Use Solvent-Based Outdoor Concrete Colorant)
This is a ready-to-use UV-resistant concrete colorant. Due to the fact that the application is carried out outdoors and the surface quickly absorbs solvent-based materials, COLOR OUTDOOR should be applied using a spray method with circular movements. Different amounts of spraying should be applied to achieve texture formation. If the surface absorption is low, to achieve a homogeneous texture, rolling can be done quickly with a short-haired roller immediately after spraying without allowing it to dry. During the rolling process, the roller should be overlapped with the previous section to prevent the formation of roller joints.
After application, a UV-resistant polishing process must be performed. Polishing increases the durability of the concrete surface and prevents the colorant from wearing out due to surface abrasion. If polishing is done with a solvent-based product, the application should be done by spraying. In solvent-based coatings, changes in paint color may occur after application due to the solvent, and slight yellowing may be observed in the colors. For this reason, to prevent the original color from fading after the coloring process, the water-based WB Outerseal application is recommended.
When using concrete polishes, you must take precautions for your personal health and safety. Some of our polishes, dyes and paints contain flammable solvents and can be dangerous if inhaled for long periods of time.
Protective Clothing: It is important to remember to wear protective clothing when working with or applying our concrete polishes. As the volatile substances in solvent polishes evaporate, they pose a serious hazard in unventilated areas. They can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue and dizziness, which can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. It is recommended to wear protective eyewear to prevent eye irritation. It is recommended to wear gloves during application as they can cause dryness, cracking and redness on exposed skin;
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation of the area is critical when using solvent C&P products in enclosed spaces due to the highly toxic vapor content when the container is opened or during application. Adequate ventilation must be provided in the room to remove unpleasant odors. All windows should be opened and fans should be operated to allow fresh air in and to remove solvent vapors.
Keep Polishes Away from Sparks and Open Flames: Solvent polishes are extremely flammable and have a high potential for explosion and fire. Employees should not smoke while applying polishes. Products should be kept away from heat sources and flames. Polishes should be stored in their own containers in areas designated for flammable liquids.
Preventing Water Pollution: In addition to harming human health, varnishes have the potential to pollute lakes, rivers, seas and oceans. In addition to polluting water, they can also kill fish and other living creatures. Varnishes should never be disposed of in public sewers or streams.
Cleaning and Rinsing: Hands should be washed well after the procedure.
First Aid: If the polish comes into contact with the skin, a suitable hand cream or lotion should be used to prevent drying and cracking. If someone breathes in polish fumes and becomes unresponsive, administer oxygen and call 911. If polish has been swallowed, rinse mouth thoroughly and drink large amounts of water or milk. Avoid inducing vomiting. If the person vomits, keep their head down and take them to the hospital as soon as possible for treatment.
Always observe the safety and usage instructions provided by us and refer to MSDS documents for specific product information.
Polishes are applied to newly decorated concrete surfaces to protect them while enhancing their color and durability. To maintain stain and UV resistance, solvent or water-based acrylic polish will need to be cleaned occasionally and reapplied regularly. Since your concrete floor is designed to last a lifetime in your home or on a construction site, it is imperative that the owner participate in its maintenance.
Pigments in the concrete or dyes and colorants added after the concrete has been laid can be the source of the surface color, but the intensity of the color will ultimately depend on how well the finish is maintained. The finish is very important because it plays a major role in determining the color intensity and brightness of any surface that reflects light. As the finish wears, the light scatters more and the color tone becomes less intense. When a finish is applied to a surface that has not been polished for years, the color is revived and the pavement looks almost brand new.
Decorative concrete polishes act as a layer to protect and extend the life of the concrete. The most common adverse conditions that can damage concrete are weather conditions. One way to slow down weather damage is to use polish. Color&Polish polishes are “scratch and stain resistant” rather than “scratch and stain resistant”. It is normal for a polish to wear away over time as a coat exposed to all elements and eventually require reapplication. Exposure, conditions (interior or exterior), location (interior floor, walkways or driveway) and traffic will have a significant impact on when this reapplication should occur. As a general rule, new polish should be applied every two to three years in areas with more traffic and UV rays, while interiors and areas with less traffic should wait four to five years. Spots and faded spots, especially when the surface is damp, are indicators that the surface needs a new coat of polish.
Slip resistance should be considered both during the initial application of the finish and any subsequent re-finishing. C&P GRIP can be mixed into the product before the finish is applied to give the surface a “hardness” and to reduce the likelihood of slipping and falling. The amount of anti-slip agent added will depend on the location and purpose of the concrete. C&P GRIP is not required for interior floors that are unlikely to see much wet shoe traffic, but there should always be enough to be felt by the bare touch on outdoor public footpaths. Please note that grip additives do not completely eliminate slipping on surfaces.
To extend the life of your finish and concrete, periodic maintenance is essential for your sealed surface. Every concrete surface will eventually become stained by leaves, oils, grease, mold and other natural processes. If stains are allowed to wear away at the surface finish, they can eventually set into your concrete.
The best maintenance would be to periodically clean the concrete surface with a mild detergent (dish soap), a soft soapy brush, and a thorough rinsing. It is important to remember that many cleaners used for concrete floors contain chemicals that can dilute and remove the thin coat of polish; labels should be examined closely.
The polish can be applied with a roller or spray, but it is important to remember that polish coatings must be applied thinly. Excessive application can cause whitening, cracking, and bubbling, among other problems. For application rates, refer to the Color&Polish product TDS. If C&P Grip has been added to the product for slip resistance, do not forget to stir the product periodically during application to prevent settling.
Old concrete surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned by hand, with an electric scrubber, or with a walk-behind scrubber before recoating. The surface must be completely dry before applying the polish, and the C&P Degreaser&Neutralizer material used during the cleaning procedure must be thoroughly rinsed. Rinsing should be done by brushing with plenty of water or using pressurized water. Our authorized applicators, who are trained and experienced in polish selection, application methods, and proper preparation, are the best people to handle the re-polishing process for your large areas.
The polish will typically dry to the touch within 1-2 hours and allow light foot traffic within 3-4 hours at 21°C ambient temperature. It is recommended that no vehicles be parked or furniture placed on the newly sealed surface for at least 24 hours. If rain or condensation is expected within 12 hours of application, the surface should be covered or the application should not be carried out depending on the rain forecast.
Preparation of the Concrete Surface
To ensure optimal product performance, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned before starting the polishing or coating process on concrete that has achieved its strength after 28 days.
Removing contaminants such as oil and dirt is very important. Proceed carefully and gradually, cleaning one section at a time before moving on to the next.
When the concrete is dry, a haphazard washing method may leave uneven marks. Clean oil-soaked or stained areas spot-wise, as coating these areas with polish may result in poor adhesion or insufficient penetration of the product.
If cleaning cannot be done with Degreaser&Neutralizer, the concrete surface may need to be abraded. The abrasion application with C&P Etch – Clean must be performed in accordance with the conditions specified in the TDS. After application, the surface must be neutralized with Degreaser&Neutralizer and washed thoroughly with water.
The concrete must be completely dry before applying the polish. Even if the surface appears dry, a significant amount of water may remain in the concrete after washing. To determine this, a 50cm x 50cm piece of transparent nylon should be taped to the concrete surface with paper tape and left for 8 hours, and the moisture formation on the nylon should be observed. If moisture is present, the drying process should be continued.
Optimal Conditions for Application
During application and curing, concrete sealants are sensitive to various climatic factors such as air temperature, humidity, concrete temperature and moisture content, wind, direct sunlight, and rain potential. This is particularly true for water-based materials, as moisture and temperature play a significant role in the effective curing process. When the sealing process is carried out in an environment with uniform and moderate air and surface temperatures of 10-18°C, many sealing issues can be resolved. When applied to damp concrete, the surface may “fog” or “blush,” turn white, and/or cause adhesion issues.
Application Methods
Spray
Using an industrial, hand-held pump sprayer, followed by rolling with a roller, a homogeneous coating and appearance can be achieved in the varnish application. Use gloves, protective clothing, and goggles to prevent excessive spraying on nearby vehicles, buildings, and other objects. Masking must be applied where necessary to prevent splashing. The product should be sprayed from the nozzle in a fine, even fan pattern. If the material is spraying in streams from the nozzle, either use a nozzle with a larger opening or pump the sprayer to increase the pressure. Most sprayers have a spray tip rated at 1.9 liters per minute; however, for materials with higher solid content, a spray tip rated at 3.8 liters per minute may also be available.
It is recommended to use a nozzle with a flow rate of 3.8 liters per minute to achieve a uniform spray pattern.
Avoid leaving large overlaps in the areas where you are spraying the finish. A good technique is for one person to apply the varnish using the sprayer and another to quickly roll over the sprayed areas to ensure consistent coverage and clean up any overlapping spots. Overlapping or allowed to accumulate, the varnish will dry darker and give the appearance of being stained.
For optimal results and an even coating, clean and maintain your sprayer according to the manufacturer's instructions. A dirty or clogged sprayer will not do this. Spraying solvent-based and water-based polishes with the same sprayer without proper cleaning is not recommended when switching products.
Water and solvent-based compounds
Optimal Conditions for Application
During application and curing, concrete sealants are sensitive to various climatic factors such as air temperature, humidity, concrete temperature and moisture content, wind, direct sunlight, and rain potential. This is especially true for water-based materials, as moisture and temperature play an important role in the effective curing process. When the sealing process is carried out in an environment with uniform and moderate air and surface temperatures of 10-18°C, many sealing issues can be resolved. When the sealant is applied to damp concrete, the surface may “fog” or “blush,” turn white, and/or cause adhesion issues.
Application Methods
Spraying
Using an industrial, handheld pump sprayer, followed by rolling with a roller, a homogeneous coating and appearance can be achieved in the coating application. Use gloves, protective clothing, and goggles to prevent excessive spraying on nearby vehicles, buildings, and other objects. Masking must be applied where necessary to prevent splashing. The product should be sprayed from the nozzle in a fine, even fan pattern. If the material is spraying in streams from the nozzle, either use a nozzle with a larger opening or pump the sprayer to increase the pressure. Most sprayers have a spray tip that dispenses 1.9 liters per minute; however, for materials with higher solid content, a spray nozzle that dispenses 3.8 liters per minute may also be available.
It is recommended to use a nozzle that dispenses 3.8 liters per minute to achieve a uniform spray pattern.
Avoid leaving large overlaps where you spray the varnish. A good technique is for one person to apply the varnish using the sprayer and another to quickly roll over the sprayed areas to ensure consistent coverage and clean up any overlapping spots. A varnish that has been allowed to overlap or accumulate will dry darker and give the appearance of being stained.
For optimal results and an even coating, clean and maintain your sprayer according to the manufacturer's instructions. A dirty or clogged sprayer will not achieve this. Spraying solvent-based and water-based varnishes with the same sprayer without proper cleaning is not recommended when switching products.
Mixing water-based and solvent-based compounds together will clog the sprayer because they are incompatible.
Rolling
Most applicators working on small areas prefer to use an extension pole and a paint roller for varnish application. All equipment must be solvent-resistant. The C&P Short-Haired roller should be preferred to avoid thick application during rolling. The performance and appearance of the product depend largely on applying the varnish at the specified coverage rate. It should be noted that thick and uneven applications can cause stains and discolor the concrete, so a homogeneous distribution should be ensured with the roller. During rolling, one side of the roller should remain wet, and overlapping sections should be avoided.
Excessively fast and aggressive rolling can cause bubbling. If the application is interrupted and the surface dries, a line may be visible on the concrete at the junction between the cut area and the new coating application.
Application of Water- or Solvent-Based Mastics
There are some minor differences between solvent- and water-based coating application techniques that the contractor should take into account. For detailed information, please refer to the Knowledge Base menu.
However, to summarize, water-based sealants are extremely sensitive to the need for a thin coating. Applying water-based sealant too thickly will cause visible whitening after drying, which can only be corrected by mechanical grinding or scraping. Since water-based varnishes cannot form a film, they are more sensitive to low temperatures and high humidity, as mentioned earlier. Finally, when applying water-based varnish, it is important to remember to always apply it with the wet side of the roller overlapping.
Solvent-based varnishes require less attention and care, but they are still slightly easier to apply and correct. Higher surface and ambient temperatures can cause solvents to form a film very quickly due to their increased sensitivity to these factors. Excellent solvent-based varnish products should be applied thinly, just like water-based varnishes, to minimize potential problems and meet requirements. Applying the varnish thicker than the recommended amount is the primary cause of solvent-based varnish problems.