When working with floor coatings in hot weather there are important precautions that need to be considered. Timber floor coatings have a working temperature range of between 10°C and 29°C.

Given that the temperature will be much higher during the average spring and summer what should you do?

It is a good idea to start working as early as possible and try to coat the floor before either the floor or the ambient temperature is too warm. Many longtime floor Sanders will try to start putting on coats as early as 6 a.m..

Other things to do include trying to control the atmosphere in the house. For example if there is refrigerated air-conditioning there's nothing wrong with running this prior to coating the floor. Turn it off at least 15 minutes prior to coating the floor and air the room as you tack rag. [Refrigerative systems take most of the moisture out of the air and this is detrimental to a good result.] Of course, do not allow the air-conditioning to run while the coatings are drying Evaporative air-conditioning is known to interfere with the drying process of just about every coating and should not be used prior to or during the application of floor coatings.

A further consideration is where coatings are stored prior to use. If coatings are stored in a vehicle the coatings themselves may be too hot to use. Always ensure the coatings are not hot to the touch.

Finally give attention to what direct light is falling onto the floor. Strong direct sunlight on a coating as it dries will cause a coating to dry with minor to major imperfections. [The same applies if strong direct light affects the floor within 1-2 hours of coating.] This is an often overlooked consideration.

Speak to your distributor about what additives are available for the coatings that you are using. Most coatings have either a wet edge extender or something that you can do to retard the drying process so that you have a better chance of achieving a good look on the floor. As always, use additives with care and never mix additives without direct advice.

For more information contact VCS Products on 9347 0222