FAQ and Hints

General

• Q:Can I use PERMAGUARD® epoxy floor coatings in areas outside of garages?
• A: Yes, PERMAGUARD® MAX and PERMAGUARD® PLUS can be used on any concrete floor. Examples of other areas include basements, workshops, utility rooms.
• Q: Can I use PERMAGUARD outside?
• A: No, PERMAGUARD MAX and PERMAGUARD PLUS epoxy floor coatings are intended for interior use only. If used outside the coating will discolor and weather over time.
• Q: How long will PERMAGUARD coatings last?
• A: The life of PERMAGUARD epoxy floors will vary depending on the use and traffic it experiences but with proper maintenance and upkeep, floor using PERMAGUARD products will provide years of durable protection and beauty.
• Q: Do you have best practices for installing a PERMAGUARD epoxy floor kit?
• A: Yes, watch the video discussing common questions and best practices when installing PERMAGUARD epoxy flooring in residential garages and basements.

Surface Prep

• Q: Is my concrete good enough to coat with PERMAGUARD?
• A: It is important that the concrete be sound and in good shape prior to coating. A thorough visual examination looking for damage and moisture issues is a good place to start. Small repairs can be made prior to coating using PERMAGUARD® Epoxy Patch but floors requiring large scale repairs and badly damaged slabs should not be coated.
• Q: How soon can I use PERMAGUARD epoxy floor coatings over newly poured concrete?
• A: If coating over new concrete, it should be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days prior to coating.
• Q: My concrete has cracks, divots and spalls in it, can I still coat with PERMAGUARD?
• A: Yes, cracks, divots and spalls should be repaired and sanded smooth with the surrounding surface prior to coating with PERMAGUARD Epoxy Patch. Watch the video on how to address concrete cracks using this product.
• Q: If my concrete is badly damaged or has heavy cracking, can I still use PERMAGUARD?
• A: We do not recommend using PERMAGUARD epoxy floor coatings over concrete that is badly damaged or has heavy cracking. PERMAGUARD products will not fix structural or substrate defects nor will they hide underlying issues in the concrete.
• Q: Will PERMAGUARD epoxy floor coatings fill in cracks or divots in my concrete?
• A: No, PERMAGUARD products will not hide or fill in underlying issues in the concrete such as cracks or divots. Repairs should be made prior to coating with PERMAGUARD Epoxy Patch.
• Q: How important is it that my concrete be clean prior to coating with PERMAGUARD?
• A: Cleaning the concrete is one of the most important steps in the coating process. Surfaces to be coated must be free of grease, oils and other contaminants that may impede adhesion. Included in every epoxy floor kit of PERMAGUARD MAX and PERMAGUARD PLUS is a Concrete Cleaner and Etch to aid in cleaning the slab prior to coating.
• Q: My concrete floor has oil stains, do I need to remove them prior to coating with PERMAGUARD?
• A: Oil, grease and other stains should be thoroughly cleaned prior to coating with PERMAGUARD using PERMAGUARD® Cleaner and Degreaser epoxy concrete floor cleaner. Dilute 1:4 cleaner to water and apply liberally to the stain. Allow to dwell for 15-20 minutes and scrub vigorously. Rinse with clean water and squeegee or broom off the surface. Watch the video on how remove oil stains from concrete.
• Q: How can I tell if my concrete has been previously sealed?
• A: To test for the presence of sealers, perform a water droplet test. Drop a small amount of water, approximately the size of a quarter, on the surface of the concrete to be coated. Watch to see if a droplet forms or its absorbed into the surface. If the water is not absorbed in 1 minute, the surface has been sealed and cannot be coated with PERMAGUARD.

Moisture

• Q: How can I tell if my concrete has moisture issues?
• A: A visual inspection of the concrete is one of the best places to start. Look for dark or damp spots where moisture may be coming through the slab. Another way to test for moisture is to perform a plastic sheet test. If you are concerned about moisture or see signs of moisture in the concrete, you need to seal the slab with PERMAGUARD® Moisture Seal and Concrete Densifier prior to coating.
• Q: How can I test for moisture in my concrete?
• A: To conduct a plastic sheet test, cut an 18”x 18” square of 12 mil plastic. Tape the plastic to the concrete with duct tape, sealing the perimeter. Allow the sheet to remain on the slab for 16 hours. After 16 hours, remove the tape and inspect the sheet for moisture or if the concrete is damp. Either is a sign of moisture and you will need to seal the slab with PERMAGUARD Moisture Seal and Concrete Densifier prior to coating.
• Q: Can I still coat my floor with PERMAGUARD if there is moisture in the concrete?
• A: Yes, you can still coat your floor with PERMAGUARD if there is moisture but you will need to first seal the concrete with PERMAGUARD Moisture Seal and Concrete Densifier floor sealer prior to coating. This will stop the passage of moisture through the slab and protect the coating. Watch the video on how to mitigate excess moisture in your garage concrete surface.
• Q: How does PERMAGUARD Moisture Seal and Concrete Densifier stop moisture?
• A: It works by reacting with the free alkali in the concrete slab to form a hydrogel, sealing the capillaries and permanently blocking the passage of moisture.

Application

• Q: What is the working time of PERMAGUARD epoxy floor coatings?
• A: Working time is the usable time you have to apply your coating starting from when you begin mixing. PERMAGUARD MAX has a working time of 30 minutes from when you begin mixing while PERMAGUARD PLUS has a working time of 60 minutes.
• Q: How does temperature and humidity affect working and drying times?
• A: Stated working and drying times are based on 70°F (21°C)and 50% RH. Changes in ambient conditions can cause these times to vary. Higher temperature will significantly shorten working and drying times while cold temperatures will elongate them. Keep your conditions in mind and adjust your process accordingly.
• Q: What temperature does the floor, coating and air need to be in order to use PERMAGUARD floor coatings?
• A: PERMAGUARD MAX requires that the floor, coating and air temperature be between 50°F - 90°F (10°C- 32°C) while PERMAGUARD PLUS requires the temperature be between 60°F - 85°F (15°C- 29°C). Coating outside these temperature ranges can cause the coating to either be difficult to work with or fail to cure.
• Q: Can I apply PERMAGUARD epoxy floor products if my floor is damp from cleaning?
• A: No, PERMAGUARD coatings require that the floor be completely dry prior to coating. Allow 12-24 hours after cleaning for the floor to dry. Using squeegees or brooms to remove excess water during cleaning will help shorten the drying time.
• Q: What type of roller is recommended for applying PERMAGUARD?
• A: We recommend using a ¼” nap synthetic roller designed for epoxies. This will limit the amount of material that is absorbed into the roller and provide an even consistent finish.
• Q: My floor has control and/or expansion joints, how do I handle them?
• A: Control and expansion joints are common in concrete slabs and allow for the slab to flex or move as it expands and contracts. Control and expansion joints should be honored. Do not coat or fill in any expansion and control joints in the floor.
• Q: Why did I not achieve the expected coverage?
• A: Every concrete floor is different therefore all coverage rates are approximate. More porous or uneven floors will absorb more and require more material.