How to Apply Aquepoxy® Water-Based Epoxy Floor Coating

How to Apply Aquepoxy® Epoxy Floor Coating

Aquepoxy® is a two-part water-based epoxy floor coating for suitably prepared concrete surfaces. Correct preparation, mixing and application are essential for achieving a durable, consistent finish.

1. Concrete Surface Preparation

Ensure the concrete is sound, clean and free from oil, grease, curing compounds, laitance and loose material. Diamond grinding is generally recommended to provide a suitable surface profile for adhesion.

Remove deteriorated coatings and repair cracks, holes or damaged concrete before application. Previously coated surfaces should be mechanically abraded and checked for compatibility and adhesion. Dense concrete, curing membranes and contaminated substrates may require additional assessment.

Acid etching alone is generally not recommended as a substitute for adequate mechanical preparation.

For further information, read our Concrete Surface Preparation Guide.

2. Equipment Required

• Fortis Jiffy Mixer and suitable variable-speed electric drill.

• 20 mm nap lambswool roller.

• Roller tray with open wire grid.

• Brushes for edges and detailed areas.

• Suitable personal protective equipment.

• Ventilation equipment where required.

3. Mixing Aquepoxy®

Combine Part A and Part B at a ratio of 3:2 by volume. Use a suitable mechanical mixer, such as the Fortis Jiffy Mixer, and mix thoroughly for a minimum of 5 minutes.

Ensure material from the sides and bottom of the container is fully incorporated. Allow the mixed coating to stand for 5 minutes before application.

Mix only the quantity that can be applied within the product's working time. Refer to the current Technical Data Sheet for application conditions.

4. Applying the First Coat

Apply Aquepoxy® using a 20 mm nap lambswool roller. Load the roller evenly using a tray and open wire grid. Spread the coating consistently, maintaining a wet edge and cross-rolling to minimise lap marks and uneven coverage.

The first coat typically covers approximately 8 m²/L, depending on concrete porosity and surface texture. Avoid excessive film thickness or repeated rolling as the coating begins to dry.

5. Applying Additional Coats

Apply a minimum of two coats for a typical floor coating system. Subsequent coats generally cover approximately 10 m²/L, depending on substrate and application conditions.

The published recoat interval is typically 4–12 hours at 25°C and 50% relative humidity. Confirm the previous coat is sufficiently dry before recoating.

Three coats may be appropriate for high-traffic floors, vehicle turning areas and specified slip-resistant systems.

6. Slip-Resistant Aquepoxy® Systems

The original Cavco technical documentation identifies Aquepoxy® systems incorporating Skidbrake Fine and Skidbrake Coarse additives for R10, R11 and R12 slip-resistance classifications.

• R10: Mix 2 kg of Skidbrake Fine into 25L of Aquepoxy® for the final coat.

• R11: Broadcast 0.8–1.0 kg of Skidbrake Coarse per 100 m² into the wet second coat, followed by a third sealing coat.

• R12: Broadcast 3.0–3.5 kg of Skidbrake Coarse per 100 m² into the wet second coat, followed by a third sealing coat.

Fortis Non-Slip Additive is also available for compatible floor coatings. However, its performance should not be assumed equivalent to the original Skidbrake systems without supporting testing.

Slip-resistance classifications apply to specified coating systems and application methods. Confirm project requirements and supporting test documentation with Fortis before specifying a slip-resistant finish. R ratings are not directly interchangeable with Australian wet-pendulum P ratings.

Learn more in our Guide to Slip-Resistant Epoxy Flooring.

7. Ventilation and Application Conditions

Provide adequate ventilation and air movement during application and drying to assist water evaporation. Avoid application in cold, humid or poorly ventilated conditions that may delay drying.

The historical Aquepoxy® Technical Data Sheet specifies an application temperature range of 10–30°C. Monitor substrate conditions and avoid condensation or standing water.

8. Drying and Curing

Drying and curing depend on temperature, humidity, ventilation and coating thickness. Allow each coat to dry sufficiently before applying the next.

Full curing typically takes approximately 5–7 days under suitable conditions. As a conservative guide, do not park vehicles on a newly coated Aquepoxy® floor for at least 7 days.

Protect the coating from premature traffic, water exposure and contamination during curing.

9. Avoiding Common Application Problems

• Roller marks: Maintain a wet edge, cross-roll and avoid overworking partially dried coating.

• Uneven colour: Mix thoroughly and apply consistent film thickness across the floor.

• Poor adhesion: Remove contamination, weak concrete and incompatible existing coatings before application.

• Slow drying: Improve ventilation and check temperature, humidity and film thickness.

• Premature wear: Ensure adequate preparation, correct coating thickness and sufficient curing time.

For further advice, visit the Fortis Technical Resources section.

10. Cleaning Equipment

Clean rollers, brushes, trays and mixing equipment with water immediately after use, before the coating cures. Dispose of wash water and coating residues in accordance with applicable requirements.

11. Aftercare and Maintenance

Once fully cured, maintain Aquepoxy® floors through regular sweeping, washing with diluted mild detergent and prompt spill removal. Inspect high-traffic areas for wear and maintain textured slip-resistant surfaces free from contamination.

For ongoing care, read our Aquepoxy® Cleaning & Maintenance Guide. Refer to the current Aquepoxy® Technical Data Sheet for additional technical information.