Times of highest concern: May – August. Warmth brings humidity, just like the cold brings the dry. The warmth also means that coatings dry too fast, just the same as the colder months cause your coatings to dry slower. Creating all sorts of different problems.
As we discussed in summer, (reference tech data sheet #6 Heat and coatings dont mix) timber floor coatings, in most cases are moisture cured. This means they react with the moisture in the air and consequently start to cure or dry. When there is less ‘moisture’ in the air, the coatings dry slower, which can create problems with the finish and the flow of the product.
During colder months, the coatings viscosity (thickness) will increase, making the actual coating process more difficult. This will often leave an uneven or ‘orange peel’ effect on the floor.
Other coating issues can include roller or track marks and quilting. It is also expected in general that the coating will take longer to ‘cure’ than usual, possibly making it prone to more damage than usual. In addition to the drying time, it is essential to advise your customer the curing time of the product, allowing for climatic conditions. This will reduce the likelihood of the floor being damaged in the first few weeks.
HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS COATING IN WINTER?
- Place the product can or bottle in the sun or in hot water to warm the coating up which will help with the mixing of the coating prior to application
- Try and coat the floor at a warmer part of the day, this usually means avoiding the morning cold and evening breeze. Do not however, coat in direct sunlight. (it can cause the coating to dry with different gloss levels.)
- In some conditions it may be necessary to add approved thinners to the coating to assist in the flow and levelling of the coating.
Do not hesitate to ask us for more information. We would rather you avoid the problem than have to fix it!
