ElectraGuard Application
Instructions for All Substrates
Condensed Installation Instructions for use
over Concrete
ElectraGuard is fairly easy to install - if you'd rather go over
these instructions over the phone give us a jingle at 719 676
3928 (extension 7000 for tech support). We'd love to chat with
you!
OVERVIEW OF TYPICAL INSTALLATION:
Prior to application, prepare substrate (see details below that
are pertinent for your specific type of substrate), ALWAYS pre-test
the bond strength
and install ground foil.
Day one: Roll first
coat of ElectraGuard and allow it to dry.
Day two: If you've had to
repair the concrete mop down a thin coat of ElectraBond over the
first coat of ElectraGuard and allow it to dry (about 2 hours). Roll the 2nd coat of ElectraGuard and allow
it to dry.
Day Three: Roll
optional 3rd coat of ElectraGuard and allow it to fully cure.
Day Four: For ultimate wear resistance and ease of maintenance seal the
ElectraGuard with 2 thin coats of ElectraThane (applied with a
mop). ElectraThane provides a medium gloss. For ultimate gloss
apply a single thin coat of ElectraGlaze with a microfiber mop
head as a final coat.
NOTE:
As
applied, coatings of ElectraGuard provide optimum conductivity and a
matte type (low glare) finish. Optimum wear performance, scuff
resistance and gloss is achieved via the topical application of the
sealers mentioned above
NOTE:
The typical coverage of the ElectraGuard ESD epoxy is about 350 square feet per gallon
per coat. Make your life easy! If you have a SMALL area order
the product in case lots (4 single gallon containers) or single
gallon containers. It is difficult to break down a 5 gallon
container and the containers of catalyst into single gallons.
Example: A 575 SF area (at 3 coats) would require about 5
gallons of epoxy. You will be applying about 1.6 gallons a day!
Our recommendation - ORDER
SIX Single Gallons (these would come with 6 premeasured
containers of catalyst) and save the hassle and potential
problems that measuring may cause. Any remaining product may be
used for ESD Bench Tops and other associated items.
NOTE: The preparation of the substrate
is a critical component of this system and the most time consuming
portion of installing the ElectraGuard esd epoxy floor paint system. Take your time and be thorough! To contact us immediately for tech
support with this product please
call 719 676 3928 (option 2) during our normal business hours of 8 AM to
5 PM Mountain Standard Time.
For 24/7 after hours Tech Support please click here.
AFTER
PREPARING THE SUBSTRATE PLEASE SEE
6)
ALL SUBSTRATES
FOR
APPLICATION
1) PRODUCT RECEIVING AND STORAGE:
Thoroughly
inspect containers prior to use. The products are shipped in tamper
evident containers that will indicate if they have been opened in
transit. Should the seals be broken or the containers damaged contact
United immediately prior to installation. IMPORTANT! United makes every effort
to ship the correct product however VERIFY the material you have
received against your purchase order to United. Contact us immediately
should you receive the wrong material. United SCP is not responsible for
the installation of the incorrect material, color or dye lot due to errors
in fulfilling your order.
Store material at ambient temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit,
out of direct sunlight and protected from the elements. The shelf life
of the product is 2 years under these storage conditions.
1.1) JOBSITE CONDITIONS: The building MUST be weathertight. Flooring should be installed in the final stage
of construction with lighting, HVAC, electricity and running water
operating in a fully functional and permanent mode.
2) APPLICATION OVER
CONCRETE:
2.1) Test
the Concrete for Porosity: Prior to full
scale use evaluate the concrete for its ability to absorb liquids such
as paint. Place a few drops of water on the concrete. If the concrete is
semi porous, unsealed and contaminate free it will absorb the water
within 10 minutes. If water readily absorbs into the concrete the
installation of this product is much easier. Should water not absorb
into the concrete the installation of this product is slightly more difficult
(see 2.4). Note: ALWAYS pre-test the bond strength prior to using
full surface.
2.2)
Bond Strength Testing: Even if your substrate looks perfect it's always
best to pre-test. Utilizing one of our
sample kits
(or non-catalyzed, well stirred product from your order),
apply 2 coats of the ElectraGuard (wait approximately 1 hour between coats
for product to semi harden). For the most representative testing allow this
test area to
cure for 48 hours prior to conducting the following; with
a razor knife etch a 1" x 1" "tic-tac-toe" pattern on the
ElectraGuard epoxy.
Cover this pattern with standard masking tape, wait 5 minutes and
quickly pull masking tape from pattern. Observe the tape. When a
good bond is achieved minimal material will be removed with the
tape. Remember, the bond strength of this material will continue to
improve for about a week. If the bond strength test
passes and the conductivity meets your specifications for electrical
conductivity follow the full scale application instructions that
follow. Note: ALWAYS pre-test the bond strength prior to
using full surface. Note: Concrete sealers, parting compounds or
coatings that may inhibit the adhesion of ElectraGuard MUST be removed
prior to installing ElectraGuard.
2.3) Porous Concrete (concrete
that readily absorbs water): Sweep
slab thoroughly using a new, clean, soft broom. If a sweeping compound
is required to keep down dust use ONLY an oil free
sweeping compound that will
not leave a residue. Follow this by thoroughly vacuuming the slab, saw cuts and
expansions joints. Damp mop or auto-scrub with
ElectraClean
and clean cool water changing the mopping solution frequently if using a
bucket and ringer or as needed using an auto-scrubber.
Allow to dry. Test cleanliness of slab by placing masking tape on
several areas of the concrete and quickly removing. Inspect tape for
dust. Rub the palm of your hand across the slab. If the slab is dust
free and passes the bond strength test proceed to the next relevant step. If the slab is NOT dust free repeat this step.
Note: A muriatic acid
wash and water rinse may be used to clean and open the pores of
unsealed concrete. Muriatic etching is normally
unachievable on sealed concrete (the acid will not react with
the concrete and raise the profile). For more information on
etching concrete please visit ElectraEtch.
Note: Concrete sealers parting compounds or coatings that may
inhibit the adhesion of ElectraGuard MUST be removed prior to installing
ElectraGuard.
2.4) NON Porous
Concrete: For concrete that does not readily absorb water, is highly
contaminated, oily or slick (for example from the concrete finishing
process or the use of concrete curing compounds) the concrete profile
should be modified using one of the three following methods:
A)
Light Diamond
Grind: The preferred procedure is to Diamond grind
the concrete to an SP2 profile (similar to the
texture of a phonograph record). This prep method is highly
recommended. Note: ALWAYS pre-test the bond strength
prior to using full surface. Note: Concrete sealers,
parting compounds or coatings that may inhibit the adhesion of
ElectraGuard MUST be removed prior to installing ElectraGuard.
B)
DiamaBrush: Concrete prep tool (available
for rent at any Home Depot Tool rental center). The preparation
with a DiamaBrush
looks like this (the dull profile has been DiamaBrushed).
Note: an acceptable DiamaBrush profile must be 100% (no missed
areas). The cuts from the DiamaBrush (at minimum) MUST be deep
enough to replicate the depth of the grooves found on a
phonograph record. Note: ALWAYS pre-test the bond
strength prior to using full surface. Note: Concrete
sealers, parting compounds or coatings that may inhibit the
adhesion of ElectraGuard MUST be removed prior to installing
ElectraGuard.
C) Shot blasting (sand blasting)
may be used to prepare the concrete only if the machine operator
is experienced and the equipment is in very good
condition. The profile should resemble 240-320 sand paper, be
flat (with no cuts from the process) and the aggregate should
not embed in the concrete (it must be thoroughly removed).
Please call if further details on this are required. Note:
ALWAYS pre-test the bond strength prior to using full surface.
Important: Grease pens and permanent markers used to mark or draw
on the concrete may bleed through the finished coating. Remove
these marks with Goof Off or similar prior to application of
ElectraGuard. ElectraGuard is not designed to encapsulate the
concrete. As such contaminant bleed through is not warranted.
The concrete must be structurally sound. ElectraGuard is not
warranted nor designed for use over gypsum based underlayments,
self-levelers, floats nor fills.
2.5) Vapor Emissions from
Slab: As this product
is microscopically porous, vapor emissions migrate
through the coating. Although the product has never experienced
a vapor related failure, excessive vapor emissions will increase
the conductivity of the product. In addition, should water vapor
collect beneath floor mats that have been installed over
ElectraGuard it may harm the coating. As such, concrete
subfloors should be tested to (and pass) ASTM D4263 (plastic
sheet vapor emission test method). If the concrete subfloor
vapor emissions have caused flooring failures in the past or if
the substrate fails ASTM D4263 contact our technical
support hotline for recommendations at 719 676 3928 (option 2).
2.6) Removal of
Old
Flooring Adhesives: Diamond grind,
DiamaBrush or scrape prior to installation of
ElectraGuard. Not removing the old adhesive will compromise the aesthetics and
may shadow thru the finished floor paint.
2.7)
Patching and Repairing Concrete: Patch concrete using a
Portland based high quality patching compound such as Mapei
Plan-Patch or similar. ElectraGuard is not warranted nor
designed for use over gypsum based underlayments, self-levelers,
floats nor fills. To help hide the concrete repair apply
one coat ElectraGuard over the repaired concrete and the
remainder of the area. When dry, mop on one coat of ElectraBond, allow it to dry and roll on the remaining coats of
ElectraGuard.
Click here
for complete details (call tech support if you do not
have web access).
CONTINUE TO 6) ALL SUBSTRATES
3) APPLICATION OVER STANDARD VCT FLOORING:
3.1) Preparation
of Substrates:
Strip floor finish, wax, dirt, oil,
grease and other contaminants
from the VCT using E Strip.
Instructions and product information.
Scrub the VCT using the coarsest scrubbing pad available (use new
pads only) in combination with ElectraStrip or ElectraClean - auto
scrubbing is acceptable. Remove the gloss from the VCT if possible.
Insure that all stripping residues have been shopped vacuumed up and
the VCT has been double rinsed with cool clean water and a mixture
of 4 ounces of ElectraClean to one gallon of water. Allow the floor
to dry prior to coating with ElectraGuard.
Sanding: For aggressive stains lightly sand the VCT using standard
floor sanding equipment and 40 to 80 grit (course) abrasive pad or
disk. NOTE: DO NOT SAND VCT TILES MADE PRIOR TO 1999 AS SOME
STANDARD TILES AND SHEETS MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS. Vacuum the substrate to
remove abrasive residue. Damp mop with ElectraClean and double rinse
the substrate prior
to application of ElectraGuard.
3.2) Always Bond Strength Test:
See 2.2 (application details above) and approve results prior to
proceeding.
CONTINUE TO 6) ALL
SUBSTRATES (as follows).
4) APPLICATION OVER EXISTING
FLOOR PAINT:
Note:
It's always best to apply ElectraGuard to a paint free surface. However, many customers successfully bond ElectraGuard to
existing well bonded floor paints.
ALWAYS pretest for
compatibility and bond strength prior to full scale application.
4.1) Preparation
of Painted Substrates:
Lightly sand the existing paint using
a standard electric floor sander equipped with a 40
to 80 grit (course) abrasive pad or disk. Insure that all loose
paint is removed.
Remove the dust that has been created
from sanding by damp moping or auto-scrubbing with
ElectraClean
and clean cool water. Change out the mopping solution frequently if using a
bucket and ringer or as needed using an auto-scrubber.
Allow to dry. Test the cleanliness of the substrate by placing masking tape on
several areas and removing. Inspect the tape for
dust. Rub the palm of your hand across the slab. If the slab is dust
free proceed to the next step. If the slab is NOT dust free repeat the
cleaning process.
4.2)
Always Bond Strength Test:
See 2.2 (application details above) and approve results prior to
proceeding. Please
Note: When testing over paint insure
that ElectraGuard does not remove the existing paint. Occasionally
when ElectraGuard is applied over inexpensive latex based floor paints
the existing paint may peel, bubble and soften. Concentrate your
compatibility review over areas (if any) where the existing paint
has chipped or been removed due to wear (non-compatibility is
exasperated at these interfaces). If your test area appears sound and well
bonded and compatible with the existing paint follow the full scale application instructions
as
follows in section 6) ALL SUBSTRATES.
5) APPLICATION OVER STEEL AND ALUMINUM SUBFLOORS:
5.1) Preparation
of Substrates:
All metal surfaces must be free of
contaminants that may interfere with the bond strength of the
ElectraGuard Epoxy. Remove all welding flux residues, degrease
substrate with common degreasers or steam cleaning if needed. Allow
the subfloor to dry thoroughly. Sand the profile using new clean and
course 60 to 80 grit aluminum oxide sanding disk or otherwise prepare
the surface to replicate that of about a 280 grit piece of sand
paper. This slight profile enhances the bond strength of the
ElectraGuard and removes oxide layers from aluminum. ElectraGuard is
NOT designed to protect steel substrates from rusting. Should this
be a requirement clients have reported good results using
Corotech
V142-20 shop primer (be sure to follow the directions for
application and preparation if using this product).
Corotech is electrically insulative. The static conductive
ElectraGuard Epoxy floor paint will thus NOT be able to ground
through the steel subfloor without assistance. As such, run a bolt
thru the top surface of the ElectraGuard and into the steel in all
four corners of the structure. Contact United if further details are
needed. Remove dust residues by thoroughly sweeping using a soft broom and
an oil free sweeping compound such as Oil-Dry Green Sweeping
Compound part number L91050-G90. Shop vac cracks, crevices, corners
and subfloor to remove all traces of dust and sweeping compound.
ElectraGuard is self-priming but the subfloor should be coated
immediately after preparation to minimize reintroducing rust and
oxide layers that may interfere with successful bonding of the
ElectraGuard.
5.2) Always Bond Strength Test:
See 2.2 (application details above) and approve results prior to
proceeding.
NOTES: ElectraGuard is NOT
designed to inhibit steel from rusting. Steel and aluminum
subfloors do not require the addition of ground straps if the
subfloor is grounded and no primers have been utilized.
CONTINUE TO
6) ALL
SUBSTRATES
6)
ALL SUBSTRATES
6) Apply ground foil tape to
substrate prior to coating with ElectraGuard.
Please Click HERE for Details. The
ElectraGuard system only requires 2 ground connections for small floors
(under 3,000 sf) and one additional ground for every 4,000 sf
thereafter. More grounding attachments
will not raise the conductivity of your flooring system. Each ground point
only requires about 5-10 minutes to install and does not normally
require an electrician.
7) MASK ENCUMBRANCES:
Mask
encumbrances such as walls, wall base, equipment, etc. using high quality standard
blue painters tape.
8) APPLICATION OF
ELECTRAGUARD: Catalyzed ElectraGuard should be used
within six hours of mixing, therefore prepare only the quantity
necessary for immediate use. Add the pre-measured catalyst to
epoxy base. Stir gently using a low speed drill with a rotary
paint mixing attachment until the catalyst has been thoroughly mixed
into the base and the pigments have been well blended into the
mixture. No solids should remain on the sides or bottom of the
pail and the mixture should look creamy with no clumps. Allow this catalyzed mixture to stand 5 minutes.
Pour into the appropriate size paint tray. Note:
United SCP recommends using a high quality 18", 3/8 nap roller
for application of ElectraGuard. Apply the first coat of the catalyzed material in
a thin uniform coating pattern as follows.
In most cases start in a corner of
the area. Trim the corner and about 5 feet along the walls with a 4"
line roller. Taper this application (thick towards the walls and
very light on the side facing you). Immediately roll into this trim
with the larger paint roller. Dip the large roller in the tray; roll
on tray top until the roller is evenly coated and not sloppy wet.
Start back about 4 feet from the trim and evenly roll a coat into
the trim and back onto the floor towards you. When the large roller
is low on paint repeat the process. Always apply the paint back
about 3 feet from where you left off and roll into the wet paint
(where you left off) and back towards you. Avoid thick edges and let
the roller do the work (no need to press the paint roller). When you
look at the area under good lighting follow the gloss! The coating
should be even, thin and contain a minimum of roller marks while
covering the concrete 100%. Most clients have the best luck
applying sections about 5' long at a time. Trim as you go and avoid
splatters and drips. Take your time - roll smoothly my friend! Note: Wet paint rollers and
roller assemblies not exhibiting wear may be stored overnight in
airtight clean trash bags and reused the next day. Allow 1st
coat to cure and dry for 8 to 24 hours. NOTE: curing time
dependent on air movement and ambient temperature in facility. Lightly scrape cured 1st coat to
remove any paint splatters or minor imperfections if needed.
Application using a paint
sprayer: ElectraGuard is normally applied with paint rollers
but may also be applied using an airless paint sprayer with a
10" to 12" fan pattern spray tip, an .021 to .023 inch orifice
and a 30 to 50 mesh filter. Strain paint prior to adding it to the
airless. Use of an
extension pole can help to reduce over-spray. Apply a thin
uniform coat making sure to move at a constant rate. The product
may be back rolled if needed using a high quality 3/8 nap roller.
Expect the first coat of ElectraGuard to
look patchy and thin. Should your first coat not cover
concrete imperfections created from concrete repair: Mop on 1 coat minimum, 2 coats maximum of
ElectraBond Intermediate Barrier Coat. Apply thin even coats
using a finish mop or wax applicator. Allow ElectraBond to dry
for 2 hours prior to proceeding to the next step.
Apply a second thin even coat of catalyzed ElectraGuard using
a 3/8 nap high quality paint roller.
Allow
to cure for 12 to 24 hours (curing time dependent on air
movement, humidity and ambient temperature in the facility). If
needed, lightly scrape the
coating the next day to remove paint
splatters and minor imperfections. An application of a third
coat of ElectraGuard will provide optimum esthetics and
durability.
9)
COVERAGE AND DAILY YIELD: The initial coat will cover
approximately 250 to 400 sf per gallon. Allow the initial coat to dry
and apply a second coat. Second coat coverage
is approximately 300 to 400 sf per gallon. Application of second coat
is much faster. A third coat provides optimum esthetics.
Finished floors may be opened to light traffic, under normal curing
conditions, after 12 hours. Complete curing with maximum durability, chemical resistance
and electrical conductivity will take 5-7 days or longer
(the curing time is dependent on the air flow, ambient temperature
and rH in
the facility). The
average daily yield
is about 5,000 to 10,000 sf per person per day.
10) SEALING:
Your ElectraGuard
ESD Epoxy floor may be sealed for ultimate shine and scuff resistance. As
applied, coatings of ElectraGuard provide optimum conductivity and a
matte type (low glare) finish. Optimum wear performance, scuff
resistance and a medium gloss is achieved via topical applications of 2
thin coats of ElectraThane.
11.1) ElectraThane application instructions:
If needed thoroughly remove
loose dirt and dust from the cured ElectraGuard via sweeping or vacuuming.
Mop on
thin
even coats of ElectraThane using non linting synthetic finish mop,
wax applicator or microfiber mop. Allow the coats or
ElectraThane to
dry (depending on humidity and temperature) for at least 90 minutes
before application of next coat.
11.2 Optimum GLOSS
is obtained by mopping on one thin coat of ElectraGlaze over the ElectraThane.
ElectraGlaze acts as
sacrificial coating. ElectraGlaze may be recoated without
removal when needed.
12) Typical Maintenance:
Please see ElectraGuard Maintenance
NOTES:
Chair casters have the ability to damage any hard
surface ESD flooring including tile, thick set epoxy, rubber and
ElectraGuard. Our
HSSB esd floor mats should be used in front of work
benches that are used in conjunction with chair casters.
ElectraGuard ESD Epoxy Floor Coating has a lower odor than any other
epoxy coating on the market but adequate ventilation is desirable.
If opening bay doors for ventilation be sure to not allow windblown
dust to contaminate the wet epoxy. Ultimate
slip resistance may be achieved by broadcasting fine Aluminum Oxide sand
blast grit to into the wet ElectraGuard. Use latex painters gloves during application for easy cleanup.
ElectraGuard may be installed by competent painting
contractors, by the end user or by
United Installation Services.
ElectraGuard Flooring is a thin set epoxy applied using paint
rollers. As such, slight deviations in thickness, texture, color
and shading may be present in the final installation. Dye Lots
may vary. For best results place your order for the entire
amount needed for the current project plus possible future
expansions. The shelf life of the product is 2 years as long
when stored in a cool dry climate and in unopened containers.
ElectraGuard as applied does not have a shine. It is a low glare
matte finish. For a high shine finish, top coat with the
ElectraGuard High Gloss Sealers.
ELECTRICAL TESTING:
ElectraGuard gains its maximum conductivity and wear resistance
slowly (over about a 30 day period). The typical testing
procedure for compliance verification in most applications
(excluding explosives) is ANSI ESD S20.20-2021 (TR-53 flooring
Section) utilizing methods derived from ESD S7.1-2015
and STM 97.1
ElectraGuard
In its unsealed or slightly sealed form
normally meets DoD 4145.26-M, NFPA-484-18 and many other standards
used in the manufacturing of energetics and for use when working
with very fine particulates such as those generated in 3D
printing. Always pretest to
insure ElectraGuard will meet the standards prior to full scale
application. Note:
When this product will be used for compliance to DoD4145.26-M /
DA PAM APPENDIX C-1. standards always pretest conductivity with the heel grounders or
conductive shoes that are normally used at your facility prior
to full scale approval and application. For these applications lightly applied sealers may be used to tailor resistance
ranges for the specific operational AC voltage used at your facility (the sealers increase the
floor's insulative properties). Excessive concrete vapor
emissions may render the minimum resistance requirement
unachievable.
CONTACT UNITED
STATIC CONTROL PRODUCTS
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- 2023
All rights Reserved
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