Application

Mixing Materials

Coating Technologies, Epotec High Build Epoxy is a two pack material. It is supplied as a Kit consisting of a 2.5 kg coloured Base in a 4 litre can and 500 gram of Hardener packed in a 500ml can.
As the mixing ratio is specifically controlled, there is plenty of room left in the 4 litre can to add all of the hardener and to be able to properly stir the resulting mix. This should be done thoroughly with a wide, flat stirrer.
Stir for 3 - 4 minutes, then allow mixture to stand for 10 minutes. This ensures curing of the mix is uniform before application.

Note: ALL of the hardener must be mixed with ALL of the Base. Do NOT use a high speed mixing blade as this may cause aeration leading to film porosity. Hand stirring preferred.

Application

Do Not Apply Directly from the Can, always empty into a roller tray.

Coating Technologies, Epotec High Build Epoxy is best applied by roller. A No. 4 grade (10 mm nap) roller is ideal for most surfaces, the rougher the surface, the longer the roller nap.
It may be sprayed using air-assisted or airless spray by an experienced operator (consult Coating Technologies, Technical Service Department for details).

Most applicators use a roller with a brush for 'cutting-in' and 'laying-off' the textured finish left by the roller. Do not go back over the work after 3 - 5 minutes have elapsed since rolling.
Ensure that the roller is kept 'wet' during painting. Epotec High Build Epoxy is a high build product. This means it produces a thick film in one application. Do not try to spread it out to 'save' paint as this only results in insufficient dried film and roller marks in the pool when the product has fully cured.

NOTE: Do NOT apply Epotec High Build Epoxy in films of greater thickness than 500 microns in one coat. Aim for two coats of material each at approximately 125 microns each. Allow overnight to cure before applying the second coat. Optimum final film thickness should be 250 microns.

Once the Base has been mixed with the Hardener there is a limited time in which it may be applied. This is called the 'pot life' of the mixture and will vary according to the temperature. At 15 C the pot-life will be 3.5 - 4 hours. The warmer the mixture, then shorter the pot-life.

For use during exceptionally warm weather, place the can of mixed material in cold water (particularly in the case of dark colours).

Do NOT apply Epotec High Build Epoxy when the air temperature is below 13 C without warming the material and no application at all should be attempted below 10 C.

NOTE: Paint applied under adverse, particularly damp, conditions may develop a surface white 'bloom'. This 'bloom' will occur if certain precautions are not taken at the time of application. 'Blooming' is caused by hardener, which has exuded to the surface during cure, preferentially reacting with water and forming a white precipitate on the surface. The problem is aesthetic (visual) only and does not in any way affect either the cure or structural protection of the film.

(a) Check the weather, and if rain is expected within 6-8 hours AFTER application, DON'T PAINT.
(b) Ensure you paint during fine weather and that the air temperature is above 10°C.
(c) Start painting BEFORE the dew has gone from exterior surfaces.
(d) Finish painting well BEFORE the dew comes down in the afternoon. (Best time for painting is usually 10.00 am to 1pm in the North Island varying further south). Avoid allowing water into the pool soon after painting, this will inevitably cause 'blooming'.
(e) Epotec High Build Epoxy cures sufficiently overnight to allow the second coat to be applied. If weather prevents the second coat from being applied, for more than 72 hours, the first coat will have to be lightly sanded to ensure a proper key.
(f) Allow an interval of 5 - 7 days between final coat and filling the pool.

Coverage

This will vary depending on the surface texture and type, e.g. porous plaster will take considerably more material than smooth fibreglass.

A rough guide is that a 3kg mixed Kit will give a coverage rate of between 8M2 per coat on rough porous plaster or concrete and 18M2 per coat over prepared smooth fibreglass.

To ensure accurate coverage, measure out areas, that you expect the 3Kg kit to cover, i.e. smooth floor, say 3 x 6 m , giving 18 sq M, or rough walls, 1.5 x 6 m, giving 9 sq M. This will assist greatly in getting the right coverage. Use movable markers as you apply Epotec across the surfaces as a check. Always make sure you have ample Epotec on the floor of the pool at the shallow ends and on any steps.