Tips for applying concrete coatings in high temps and humidity

07-19-2017

When the temperatures and humidity indexes are high, it is important to take special care when applying concrete coatings.

As a qualified contractor, you know how extreme weather conditions drastically effect your working or application times, and plan accordingly. But even the most experienced crew can be surprised by how fast a coating cures when temperatures sizzle past 100° F, or humidity thickens the air.

So, take the following as a seasonal reminder of ways to work easier during the "dog days" of summer… and an opportunity to train team members newer to the industry.

Tip #1: Choose the right products.

When selecting any type of product that is required to cure, it is critical to consider the environmental conditions. Products used in the lower temperatures should cure at a faster rate than products being used in warmer weather.

For example, Citadel Flooring System's PG-100 polyaspartic polyurea, a 100% solids topcoat suitable for a variety of interior and exterior applications, is available in "slow" or "fast" versions, formulated for temperatures ranging from 40-100° F and 0-40° F. Respectively, RG-80x polyaspartic polyurea, a UV-stable topcoat used for interior or exterior applications, can be obtained in "fast" (0-50° F), "slow" (50-90° F), and "super slow" (90-100° F+) formulas.

This guidance applies across the layers to be coated onto concrete, and your primer or basecoat is no exception. Citadel's Polyurea-350 primer uses proprietary adjustable cure rate technology to maintain its longer pot life capabilities across temperatures, with "arctic" (0-50° F), "winter" (50-70° F) and "summer" (70-100° F) blends.

Always check with your coatings' manufacturer about temperature and humidity limits before installing any coating in a questionable situation.

Tip #2: Keep your pot cool.

Starting with warm product out of the bucket will affect your application. Additionally, for polyaspartic coatings, humidity acts as an accelerator and will dramatically shorten pot life and cure time as well.

There are a few ways to combat short pot life:

•   Keep your products out of direct sunlight.

•   Chill or ice your material so it's cooler than ambient temperature. Some contractors will even use refrigerated trucks to store their materials.

•   Alternatively, mix smaller batches and place the material faster.

Tip #3: Use solvent to make coatings more workable.

If you find your products are more difficult to use than normal, you may want to consider adding solvent to your products to help ease with application. You'll want solvents with a medium-to-slow evaporation rate.

Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data sheets for your products for acceptable solvents and amounts to add.

To get your questions answered on your hot and humid weather coating project, click here to schedule a no-obligation call with our experts, who are happy to help. Or become the resident expert on applying Citadel products in all weather: click here to become a certified contractor.