Precisely control the leveling effect: Professional operation manual for the use of floor coating leveling agents

Selection suggestions

Choose according to the type of floor coating

Epoxy floor coating: Epoxy floor coating has high strength, high wear resistance and good chemical corrosion resistance. For this type of coating, polyether modified siloxane leveling agents can be used. This type of leveling agent has good compatibility with epoxy resin, can quickly reduce the surface tension of the coating, and make the coating quickly leveled during the construction process to form a smooth and flat coating film. For example, in epoxy floors used in some factory workshops, underground parking lots and other places, adding this type of leveling agent can effectively reduce surface defects such as orange peel and pinholes.

Polyurethane floor coating: Polyurethane floor coating has good elasticity, good wear resistance and strong decorativeness. It is recommended to choose acrylic leveling agents, which are well compatible with polyurethane resins and improve the leveling performance of coatings without affecting the curing reaction of the coating. For example, when used in the construction of polyurethane floors in stadiums, shopping malls and other places, it can ensure that the floor surface has a uniform gloss and no obvious brush marks.

Acrylic floor coating: Acrylic floor coating has the characteristics of fast drying, low cost and bright colors. Fluorocarbon modified polyacrylate leveling agent can be used, which has low surface tension and good wettability, can make acrylic floor coating spread quickly on various substrates, and improve the flatness and glossiness of the coating. It is common in some places with high decorative requirements and limited costs, such as small shops, exhibition halls, etc.

Consider construction environment factors

Temperature: When constructed under high temperature environment, the coating dries quickly and is prone to poor leveling. At this time, a leveling agent with slow volatility and long-lasting leveling effect should be selected, such as some high molecular weight polyether leveling agents, which can maintain good activity at high temperature to ensure that the coating has enough time to level. In a low temperature environment, the viscosity of the coating increases and the leveling property becomes worse. It is necessary to select a leveling agent with good low temperature fluidity, such as some leveling agents containing special solvents, which can reduce the viscosity of the coating and improve the leveling performance.

Humidity: In a high humidity environment, the volatilization of water in the coating is hindered, which may affect the performance of the leveling agent. You should choose a leveling agent that is not sensitive to humidity, or dehumidify the construction environment before use. For example, in summer construction in some humid areas in the south, silicone leveling agents with good water resistance can be used first.

Addition suggestions

Determine the appropriate addition amount

Refer to the product manual: Different types and brands of floor coating leveling agents have different recommended addition amounts. Generally speaking, the product manual will give the recommended addition range in a specific floor coating system, such as 0.1% - 1% (by mass). For example, the recommended addition amount of a certain brand of polyether-modified siloxane leveling agent in epoxy floor coatings is 0.3% - 0.5%.

Perform a small test experiment: Since factors such as the floor coating formula and substrate properties in actual construction may differ from the conditions in the product manual, it is recommended to conduct a small test experiment first. In the small test, the leveling agent is added to the floor coating according to different addition amounts (such as 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%) to observe the leveling effect of the coating and the impact on the coating performance, so as to determine the best addition amount.

Master the timing of addition

Add in the premixing stage: When the components of the floor coating are premixed, a part of the leveling agent can be added. This allows the leveling agent to be fully dispersed in the coating, play a role in reducing surface tension in advance, and prepare for subsequent construction and leveling. For example, when mixing components A and B of epoxy floor coating, add part of the leveling agent to component A and stir evenly.

Add before construction: After the coating is mixed and before construction, add an appropriate amount of leveling agent again according to the actual situation. If it is found that the coating still has poor leveling during the mixing process, or the construction environment has changed, adding a leveling agent at this time can adjust the leveling performance of the coating in time.

Pay attention to the adding method

Add slowly: When adding leveling agent to floor coating, add slowly to avoid adding a large amount at one time, which will cause the local concentration of leveling agent in the coating to be too high, forming new bubbles or affecting the dispersion effect of leveling agent. You can add it by dripping or adding it in small amounts multiple times.

Stir well: After adding the leveling agent, stir it well immediately to make the leveling agent and floor coating fully mixed and evenly mixed. The stirring speed and time should be adjusted according to the viscosity of the coating and the properties of the leveling agent. Generally speaking, the stirring speed can be controlled at 500-1500 r/min and the stirring time is 5-15 minutes.

Construction coordination suggestions

Adjust the construction process parameters

Spraying construction: When using a spray gun to spray floor coating, the pressure, nozzle diameter and spray distance of the spray gun should be adjusted according to the viscosity of the coating and the performance of the leveling agent. Generally speaking, too high pressure may cause excessive atomization of the coating and affect the effect of the leveling agent; too low pressure will cause uneven spraying of the coating. The nozzle diameter should be selected according to the particle size and leveling property of the paint. The spraying distance is generally controlled at about 20-40 cm to ensure that the paint can be evenly attached to the ground and fully leveled.

Rolling and brushing construction: During rolling and brushing, choose a suitable roller or brush, and control the speed and strength of the construction. The length and density of the roller's fluff will affect the leveling effect of the paint. Generally speaking, rollers with longer fluff and moderate density can better carry and spread the paint. Pay attention to uniform strength when brushing to avoid brush marks.

Control the construction environment

Ventilation conditions: Good ventilation conditions help the volatilization of solvents in the paint and the role of the leveling agent. During the construction process, the construction site should be well ventilated, but strong winds should be avoided from blowing directly onto the construction surface to avoid affecting the leveling and drying of the paint. For example, exhaust fans or ventilation ducts can be used to improve ventilation.

Substrate treatment: The surface condition of the substrate has a great influence on the leveling effect of floor coatings. Before construction, the substrate should be thoroughly treated, including cleaning, grinding, degreasing, etc., to ensure that the substrate surface is flat, clean, free of oil and impurities. If there are unevenness or pores on the substrate surface, the paint may accumulate in these parts during the construction process, affecting the leveling effect. Putty can be used to level the substrate before the floor coating is applied.

Storage and subsequent treatment recommendations

Storage conditions

Sealed storage: Unused floor coating leveling agents should be sealed to prevent them from volatilizing and being contaminated by the outside world. Containers with sealed lids can be used for storage to ensure that there is no air residue in the container.

Light and moisture protection: Leveling agents should be stored in a cool, dry, light-proof place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environments. Generally speaking, the storage temperature should be controlled between 5-30℃. At the same time, be careful to prevent the leveling agent from getting damp, as moisture may affect its performance.

Container cleaning

Timely cleaning: After using the leveling agent, the used containers and tools should be cleaned in time to prevent the leveling agent residue from drying up and becoming difficult to clean. You can use a suitable solvent for cleaning, such as acetone, ethyl acetate, etc., then rinse with clean water and dry.

Avoid mixing: Do not mix different types or brands of leveling agents to avoid chemical reactions that affect the performance and storage stability of the leveling agent. When cleaning the container, also ensure that the residues of different leveling agents are completely removed.