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Technical Note #1 - Coating Delamination

De-lamination of coatings can occur between the coating system and the substrate.

Causes of de-lamination

The possible causes for de-lamination are: Contamination Inadequate surface preparation Incompatibility

1. Contamination

Contamination can be on the floor surfaces or it can be introduced onto the substrate surfaces by sanding, application equipment or washing between coats. Potential sources of contamination include: Aerosol Sprays Construction silicones / Paints Brake fluids / Oils Cleaning materials

Application of a solvent‐based floor finish can re‐dissolve those extracted materials so that they sit on the surface of that floor finish layer. Very often, there are no or only minor signs of rejection. The second finished coat with its surface characteristics will possibly then reduce adhesion.

2. Inadequate surface preparation

Polyurethane and Epoxy floor finishes dry to a highly inert film and they will not adhere to other coats unless they are surface activated. Good sanding followed by vacuuming is essential to achieve a mechanical activation for proper bonding. The sanded surface should appear uniformly dull after sanding. The surface is not sufficiently activated if the screen or sandpaper caused only a few scratches on the floor. Use 120-150 grit.

3. Incompatibility

Using a mixed system can create a lot of problems. Always test products before the full application of the coating. This is especially important when using tints in clear coats.

How to avoid de-lamination

The following is a list of things that, if considered, can help to eliminate or dramatically reduce the likelihood of delamination problems on floors. Wash epoxy and polyurethane floors with Fortis Floor Prep before the sanding process, particularly in kitchens and around tables. Keep application equipment clean. Do not use mixed systems, use only recommended products. Re‐sand existing old floors, changing sandpaper and screens for each coat.

Rectifying de-lamination

Unfortunately, in most cases, a total re‐sand and repeat of the coating process, covering all the above recommendations, guarantees to fix a de-lamination problem on a floor. If the de-lamination is only in small areas, a patch and buff solution be an option (see Technical Note #5).