November 4th, 2008
Tags: Commercial floors,
Joe Sheehan,
Minnesota,
Industrial Flooring,
Polyaspartic Floors,
Epoxy Floors,
Non Slip Flooring
In this project
Joe Sheehan, owner of GF1 in St Paul
Minnesota, brought his One Day Floors team in to resolve an unattractive
epoxy quartz floor problem at the 3M Corporate Headquarters.
3M Colorquartz is used in One Day Floors
polyaspartic floor system as the resurfacing solution.
The busy corridor is the main entrance area leading from the enclosed executive parking garage to the headquarter’s tower elevators, fitness center and several other personal services offices. The problem was an epoxy 3M Colorquartz application with obvious color inconsistancies, a wavy finish and other cosmetic flaws. The issues were not a result of applicator error, rather the shortfalls are simply inherant and ever present with epoxies.
Upon close examination, one could see the 3M Colorquartz was suspended in the thick epoxy like peanuts in a jar of honey. Quartz suspended in epoxy can result in a less consistent apprearance. Additionally, quartz in epoxy will become dislodged with wear, reducing the Coefficient of Friction (slip resistance).
The ”wetting out” of 3M Colorquartz by the polyaspartic allows for complete encapsulation thus eliminating air entrapment and bubbles. This exotic characteristic creates a substantially improved decorative result while maintaining a long term Coefficient of Friction compliant with ADA and OSHA recommended levels.
Another problem that the polyaspartic floor system eliminates is waviness of the epoxy. Waviness was due to thickness and the self leveling feature of the epoxy coating. For decades the theory has been thicker and heavier is better, a point of view still argued by a few old school epoxy professionals. Epoxy thickness is inconsistent. The millage is reduced in high areas where it is most needed and is thicker in low spots where less wear occurs.
Advanced technology Polyaspartic floor systems are consistent. They are thinner with 3 x the wear resistance of epoxies. One Day Floors proprietary grinding equipment solves the high/low problem on floors by leveling the surface. A flat surface means consistent application of product.
The One Day Floors application methods insure consistency. the One Day Floors application methods insure consistency.
As mentioned in other updates, epoxies can be sanded and resurfaced with “Pure Bred” polyaspartics. One Day Floors technicians don’t have to over order product or over mix on the job because the “Prep Perfect” system and the application methods ensure consistency in the amounts of materials used and the durability of the floor. I might add that the rapid cure of “Pure Bred” polyaspartics enabled a quick resurfacing and faster return to service for which 3M management was most appreciative.
Precautions were made to ensure walls and stainless steel doors were protected with tape and plastic. The next step commenced with grinding the floor to open up the epoxy and level the high spots.
Once the floor was properly prepared the first coat was applied. The unique wetting capabilities of polyaspartic floor systems filled in all scratches from the grinding process.
While the next coat is applied the 3M Colorquartz is broadcast with a hopper gun as you can see below. The quartz lays beautifully on the wet coat.The 3M Colorquartz becomes fully integrated with the “Pure Bred” Polyaspartic creating a truly monolithic floor.
The third clear coat is applied. The clarity of polyaspartics enhanced the3M Colorquartz. Non-yellowing will ensure this decorative treatment will last for years.
The fourth and final coat adds another layer of durability whilemaintaining Coefficient of Friction (slip resistance) compliant with ADA and OSHA recommended levels.
The final result of 3M Colorquartz in this Polyaspartic floor system solved acosmetic issue and provided a superiorsurface…all completed in One Day.
For more information about this project contact Joe Sheehan at 651-748-5999 or www.gfonecoatings.com. To learn more about becoming a One Day Floors factory trained and certified installer please call 866 906 2006.
