Tech Data

Application Guidelines and Procedures

Store product in a cool and dry area away from direct sunlight.
A smooth but slightly profiled surface will provide the best results The most suitable surface preparation would be surface profiling with a floor grinder. However, a fine brush blast (shot blast) can be used as well. If shot blasting, a CSP-2 or CSP-3 is ideal. All dirt, foreign contaminants, oil and laitance must be removed to assure a trouble free bond to the substrate. A test should be made to determine that the concrete is dry; this can be done by placing a 4’X4’ plastic sheet on the substrate and taping down the edges. If after 24 hours, the substrate is still dry below the plastic sheet, then the substrate is generally dry enough to start coating.

Priming and Mixing

Before priming, repair any cracks, holes or other imperfections. Each primer color selection will provide a different look even when the same metallic color pigment is used; generally dark color primers will provide the best results. We recommend that a black primer be used initially in your evaluations, as this will allow you to make your offerings more standardized. Other primer application techniques can be utilized to provide variable characteristics such as broadcasting a fine sand into the primer and backrolling in into the coating. This broadcast can provide a different look and add dimension and depth to the finished appearance. Typical broadcast coverage rate is about a quart of sand per 500 square feet or a bag of sand per 7,000 square feet as a general guideline. Allow the primer to dry before applying the binder with the metallic color pigment. Use one 4 oz container of MetaPlex 500 for each mixed gallon or 1 ½ gallon of clear binder, depending on the desired opacity. Mix the pigment in well with a slow speed mixing equipment to avoid mixing in air.

Application

Applications are best performed using a ¼” notched squeegee, ensuring a uniform application rate. After the clear binder has been applied, backroll the surface with a lint free roller to insure a uniform coverage and thickness.

For a low viscosity binder, backrolling the surface will be all that is needed. In some cases, you may want to perform some additional finishing steps. The first technique would be using a small foam roller and finishing by randomly swirling the finish into the floor. Many of these swirl marks will dissipate, but some will remain and leave a unique patina. This foam roller swirl technique works well with a low or medium viscosity binder.

For a high viscosity binder where the product will not level out correctly from a foam roller swirl technique, you can use a solvent (such as denatured alcohol) to create various visual effects. The alcohol is best applied using a hand held trigger spray bottle on a course spray setting. As the spray droplets drop to the surface, the surface tension changes and creates patina patterns. This spray method can also be used for thin applications (8 mils or less) to provide a hammered look.

Topcoating and Maintenance

The binder system plus MetaPlex 500 can be the final coat, although many clear coatings such as urethanes can be used to protect the unique surface. If there is too much texture in the floor, use a light sanding to knock down the high spots, followed by another application of the clear binder (without pigments).

Use a high-grade polymer wax to protect the surface. Periodic maintenance, wax recoating and buffing will maintain a long-lasting floor. For a low-maintenance floor, explore lower gloss topcoat options. Cleanup is dependent on binder system used. Use soap and water for MetaPlex 500.