Product #2 – High-Build Chemical Resistant Epoxy Coating
Installation Guide
Recommended System:
Primer: Product #12 Epoxy Primer (primary choice)
Alternate Primer: Product #899 Epoxy Primer (where specified or when moisture conditions require)
Topcoats: Two coats of Product #2 High-Build Chemical Resistant Epoxy
System Thickness: approximately 21–27 mils (combined)
1. General Information
Product #2 is a 100% solids, high-build chemical resistant epoxy coating designed for concrete, steel, and other structural surfaces exposed to non-oxidizing acids, alkalines, solvents, and industrial cleaning or process chemicals.
The standard recommended system is Product #12 Epoxy Primer followed by two coats of Product #2 High-Build Chemical Resistant Epoxy. Product #2 is supplied as a pigmented coating.
Primer Selection – Product #12 vs Product #899
Both Product #12 and Product #899 are fully compatible primers beneath Product #2. In terms of adhesion, both perform similarly and can be used successfully in most installations.
Product #12 is recommended for most applications because it offers slightly better chemical resistance than Product #899. If a scrape or gouge penetrates the Product #2 topcoat but does not cut through the primer, the primer layer can still provide chemical protection. This adds resilience in aggressive environments and helps future-proof the system if harsher chemicals are introduced later.
Product #899 may be used anywhere and remains a solid choice. Its main practical advantage is in slightly damp concrete conditions when it is not possible to achieve a fully dry substrate. In borderline moisture situations, Product #899 may wet and anchor into the concrete a bit better, reducing installation risk.
Outside of that moisture edge-case, both primers perform well; Product #12 is the default choice because it provides a higher level of chemical resilience.
2. Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is the most important part of any epoxy installation. All substrates must be prepared to a minimum profile of ICRI CSP-2 or better. For detailed procedures, see our Epoxy Surface Preparation Guide.
Before installation, check the following:
- Concrete placement: Slabs on grade should have a functioning vapor barrier. If moisture migration is present, a mitigation system may be required.
- Finishing techniques: Hard-troweled or dense surfaces must be mechanically profiled.
- Age of concrete: Concrete must be cured, clean, and structurally sound.
- Previous contamination: Oil, grease, solvents, and chemical residues must be completely removed.
- Present condition: Remove weak, dusty, scaling concrete. Repair cracks, spalls, and delamination before coating.
Environmental conditions:
Ideal substrate temperature: approximately 75°F
Minimum slab temperature: 60°F
Avoid high humidity and conditions that may cause amine blush.
3. Material Quantities (Per 1,000 ft²)
| Component | Coverage | Approximate Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Product #12 Primer (or Product #899 if specified) | 200–275 ft² per gallon | 4–5 gallons |
| Product #2 High-Build Chemical Resistant Epoxy | 160–200 ft² per gallon per coat | 10–12.5 gallons (total for two coats) |
4. Installation
A. Primer – Product #12 (Recommended)
1. Mixing
- Stir each component individually before mixing.
- Mix two (2) parts by volume of Part A with one (1) part by volume of Part B for approximately three minutes using a low-speed drill and mixing paddle.
- If thinning is desired, add no more than one pint of xylene or MEK per gallon at the time of mixing.
- Only mix the amount of material that can be applied in 15–20 minutes (less in hot weather).
- Do not leave mixed material sitting in the pail for more than about three minutes; working time will be reduced.
2. Application
- Pour mixed primer in a ribbon onto the prepared concrete.
- Spread with a flat trowel, notched squeegee, or roller at approximately 200–275 ft² per gallon.
- For smaller batches, the dip-and-roll method is acceptable and often easier.
- Back-roll with a short-nap roller to even out the primer.
- Allow primer to cure 8–12 hours at 75°F before topcoating.
- If primer sits more than 24 hours, lightly sand and clean before applying Product #2.
B. Product #2 High-Build Chemical Resistant Epoxy Coating
1. Mixing
- Stir each component prior to mixing.
- Mix two (2) parts by volume of Part A (base) with one (1) part by volume of Part B (hardener) for approximately three minutes using a low-speed drill and mixing paddle.
- If slip resistance is desired, add Epoxy.com Anti-Skid Fine at 8–12 fluid ounces per gallon of mixed epoxy and mix for an additional minute until dispersed.
- Mix only the amount of material that can be immediately poured out and applied.
2. Application
- Immediately pour mixed material onto the floor in ribbons or strips.
- Spread at approximately 160–200 ft² per gallon using a squeegee.
- For smaller batches, dip-and-roll can be used if batch sizes are kept manageable.
- Back-roll immediately with a short to medium nap roller. Do not over-back-roll; this can pull the coating too thin.
- Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap lines and cold joints.
3. Cure Schedule
- Allow a minimum of 12–16 hours at 75°F before applying the second coat.
- Apply the second coat using the same procedure as the first.
- Allow approximately 24 hours before light traffic and 48 hours before heavy traffic.
- For hot tire traffic and full chemical exposure, allow 5–7 days for full chemical cure.
More Information
To read more about these and other epoxy systems, visit Epoxy.com.
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