Preparing a floor for application of UCoat It

Proper floor preparation is vital when applying any floor coating. The following information is intended to be used as a general guide only. Every application is unique, however, we have outlined the basic steps to prepare a surface for UCoat It. This information is not intended to replace a consultation from your local UCoat It dealer or UCoat It service representative. If you have any questions as to what preparation may be neccessary for your application, please call us at 1-800-UCoat-It.

Coating a bare cement surface (New or used)

1. Clean and rinse the area free of dust, dirt and debris with fresh water. While rinsing the area, perform the "water test". Gently rinse the entire area with water and look for evidence of water beading, filming, or otherwise not absorbing into the cement. You should see the cement darken evenly as the water absorbs into it. If any areas (isolated or widespread) appear to be repelling or otherwise impeding the absorption of water further cleaning (see next step) is necessary.
2. Any areas you identified during the water test in Step 1 must be further treated to allow for the absorption of the UCoat bond coat:
   • Isolated Area — Typically, any isolated areas that are repelling water have been contaminated with oil, grease, silcone or some type of solvent. In most cases, these areas can be cleaned using a quality degreaser (USolv, UDegrease), water and a scrubb brush. Agitate the areas thoroughly and perform the water test. Some stains may require more than one cleaning. Areas contaminated with silicone residues (typically found in tire dressings) may require sanding or grinding.
   • Widespread Areas — If the entire area (or widespread areas) appears to repel or otherwise have difficulties absorbing water, it is possible the surface has been treated with a sealer in the past. Some waterbased sealers can be removed with the acid wash (see next step), however stronger sealers or waterproofing agents will require complete removal using a surface grinder or sander.
3. After you prepared the entire surface to absorb water, you will rinse the area with a 10% muriatic acid wash (1 part acid, 10 parts water) for final prep. The acid wash is not to clean the area — it is to neutral pH levels and promote bonding of the UCoat material. Therefore, the acid wash is REQUIRED of all cement floors, new or old. To achieve the proper acid ratio, fill the 6-gal UCoat mixing bucket up to ¾ with fresh water. Add ½ gallon of muriatic acid and stir. On a wet floor (re-rinse with water if necessary), pour the contents of the bucket out and brush to cover all areas. Flush the area thoroughly with fresh water. Repeat the mix, apply a second time and rinse again. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly. Do not let the acid wash dry on the surface.
4. Apply your UCoat bond coat within 48 hours of the acid wash explained above. The UCoat bond coat is applied directly to a damp-wet surface to achieve a permanent bond, so have a hose handy to mist or moisten the floor if necessary.

Coating over an existing floor coating

1. If the area shows evidence of peeling or lifting, it is best to remove the existing coating entirely. A floor coating that is lifting doesn't have proper adhesion to the substrate and coating over it won't solve the problem. Most coatings can be removed with a chemical stripper or floor grinder.
2. If the existing coating shows no evidence of peeling or lifting, clean the area free of dirt and debris. Clean and degrease the entire surface removing any oils, chemicals or other contaminants. Squueege or mop the area dry.
3. Using a pole sander with a 60-80 grit screen, scuff sand the surface to create a mechanincal bond. Vaccuum the area thoroghly to remove all dust.
4. Apply your UCoat bond coat. Please note, any application over an existing coating (other than a UCoat It floor coating) cannot be warranted.

Coating a bare wood surface

1. Clean the area free of dirt and debris. Using a pole sander with a 60-80 grit screen, scuff sand the surface to create a mechanincal bond. Vaccuum the area thoroghly to remove all dust.
2. Mop or wipe the area with a damp rag or cloth to help open the fibers of the wood material and clean up any remaining dust.
3. Apply your UCoat bond coat.