ElectraGuard ESD Epoxy Floors
 ESD Paint on Epoxy Controls Static

Tech Tips on installation, grounding and conductivity 

ElectraGuard ESD Epoxy Main Page

Recently our Engineers were "on site" at several large ElectraGuard ESD Epoxy flooring installations.  Following is a compilation of useful notes and data from "real world" installations of this product. Our unique ESD epoxy is easy to apply. However, different conditions require modification of the basic installation process.  Although this product works well on a variety of substrates (including dry wall, VCT and other types of materials and flooring) the vast majority of installations are applied over concrete. Hence, the following notes apply directly to utilization on concrete. For other types of substrates (like standard VCT or static dissipative esd vinyl) simply give us a call we're here to help.  Preparation of the substrate is a critical component and probably the most time consuming portion of using this material. Take your time and be thorough! Prior to full scale usage evaluate the bond strength of the material to the existing slab. Test the slab for it's ability to absorb liquids.  Place a few drops of water on the cement and see if it absorbs into the concrete. If the concrete is semi porous, unsealed and contaminate free the water will soak in.  If this is the case, more than likely you will not have to pre-wash the substrate with Prepare (our muriatic acid wash).  Simply sweep (do not use any type of floor sweep compounds) vacuum (to remove dust from pours and damp mop prior to applying ElectraGuard. Even if your substrate looks perfect it's always best to pre-test.  Utilizing one of our small sample  containers, apply the material over the section you have prepared (a 6" x 6" area is all that's really needed) and allow  to cure  for 48 hours.  With a razor knife etch a 1" x 1" "tic-tac-toe" pattern on the epoxy.  Cover this pattern with standard masking tape, wait 5 minutes and quickly pull masking tape from pattern.  Observe the tape.  When a good bond is achieved minimal material will be removed with the tape.  Remember, the bond strength of this material will continue to improve for about a week.  If your test area appears sound and well bonded follow the preparation method used for the test and proceed with full scale application as listed below. Note: It's always best to pretest on an area that presents the worst profile for adhesion.

If the above stated bond strength testing fails dramatically, if the concrete does not readily absorb water, is very old, extremely dusty, contaminated or oily (or if the concrete appears extremely slick from the trowelling process) a muriatic acid wash using muriatic acid is recommended.  Most acid washes are concentrated liquid containing Hydrochloric (Muriatic) Acid, detergents and surfactants for use in preparing "problem" concrete, terrazzo, unglazed stone or even ceramic tile flooring prior to coating with E Guard. When using over concrete, diluted muriatic acid dissolves contaminates, opens pours and loosens cementious dust.  In addition acid washes chemically "abrades" (etches) substrates providing a surface texture similar to a light sand blasting.  Careful use of the ANY muriatic acid is essential.  Over application, inconsistent application or leaving the product on the substrate for too long can over etch the concrete.  ElectraGuard is a thin set epoxy, improper use of the muriatic acid washes and the resulting over etched surface texture can  "shadow through" the ElectraGuard ESD floor pain leaving a blotchy inconsistent look to the finished product.  Prior to full scale usage  pre-test a small area via the following method. Note: It's always best to pretest on an area that presents the worst profile for adhesion.

CAUTION: Muriatic acid concrete etchants are typically in a concentrated formulation, read the directions carefully and dilute to the manufacturers recommendations. Safety glasses, gloves, and protective footwear should be worn at all times during application. Provide for adequate ventilation of fumes which may be generated during application.

General directions for muriatic acid concrete etchants: Dilute etchants per manufacturers recommended guidelines : Uniformly dampen the area to be etched with clean water. Apply a uniform amount of the diluted solution to the concrete floor using a synthetic fiber mop. Allow the solution to work for approximately 5 minutes or until white foaming action ceases. NOTE: If no chemical reaction is observed, then there is probably an existing coating on the floor which must be removed if effective results from the use of this product are to be obtained. Completely remove the etching solution, preferably with a wet vacuum. Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water. Mop or vacuum up the rinse water and allow the floor to dry thoroughly. Thoroughly rinse all application equipment with clean water. Utilizing a small sample container of ElectraGuard, apply the material over the section you have prepared (a 6" x 6" area is all that's really needed).  Allow  to cure on the substrate for 48 hours.  With a razor knife etch a 1" x 1" "tic-tac-toe" pattern on the epoxy.  Cover with standard masking tape, wait 5 minutes and quickly pull masking tape from pattern.  Observe the tape.  When a good bond is achieved minimal material will be removed with the tape.  Remember, the bond strength of this material will continue to improve for about a week.  If your test area appears sound and well bonded follow the preparation method used for the test and proceed with full scale application as listed below.  Note: A light abrasive sandblasting or screen disking may substitute for the application of Prepare but is typically not as cost effective .  If an alternative "abrasive" method is chosen pretest prior to full scale application to insure proper shadow free and dust free profile is has been achieved 

Note: Since this product features a microscopically porous polymeric base it maintains an excellent resistance to high concrete vapor emission levels and does not (typically) require Cal-Chloride vapor emission testing.  If your slab emissions have caused flooring failures in the past or you suspect emission levels higher than 5.0 lbs per 1000 sq/ft contact our technical support hotline for recommendations.

Deviations in concrete may be filled utilizing a standard latex modified Portland based patching compound but remember, the variance in surface texture and profile may tend to shadow through the finished epoxy coating.  ElectraGuard bonds reasonably well to latex based caulks and seam fillers (occasionally used to fill saw cuts and expansion joint).  Avoid use over rubber or silicon based fillers and additives

Standard grounding of an ElectraGuard ESD Floor is similar to the grounding of any of our ESD flooring systems.  Our 2" wide, .002 thick Aluminum foil grounding tape is supplied with your order.  Grounding is fast, easy, discreet and may be accomplished without the use of electricians see how to ground your ESD epoxy floor paint for more details.  The vast majority of installations will require attachment to ground as listed in the above link HOWEVER check with you Company or Client for any special requirements they may have.  Example: FAA control tower usage typically requires grounding straps and plates connected to multi-point ground system and not standard AC Electrical ground (for further information see FAA-STD-019d (2002).  Many IBM facilities require attachment to Primary AC Electrical ground.  When in doubt, check with your Client, Company or contact our Technical Support Department for clarification.

Prepare the ElectraGuard carefully: Catalyzed ElectraGuard should be used within six hours of mixing, therefore prepare only the quantity necessary for immediate use.  Add the pre-measured catalyst to epoxy base.  Using a power mixer set at low RPM stir gently until the catalyst has been thoroughly mixed in (try to not beat air into the material).  Allow the catalyzed mixture to stand 5 minutes.  Utilizing a short nap roller or brush, carefully apply a thin uniform coat of catalyzed of the material around perimeter walls, doorways etc (about 6" width and try to not get any on walls ;)  After perimeter of room is completed utilize short nap rollers (18" wide with long handle extensions work best) to roll a thin uniform coat through out the remainder of the area. The initial coat will cover approximately 250 to 500 ft ² per gallon.  Allow the initial coat to dry for 5-7 hours or longer and  apply a second coat. Second coat coverage is approximately 500-600 ft2 per gallon.  Application of second coat is much faster.

NOTE: This product is not recommended for applications that experience reoccurring standing water. United ESD recommends the use of soft chair casters when rolling chairs directly on this product.  Soft chair casters look like standard hard casters but have a rubberized coating on the wheel. Finished floors may be opened to light traffic, under normal curing conditions, after 12 hours. Complete curing with maximum durability and chemical resistance will take 5-7 days. 

Testing of Conductivity is typically accomplished 72 hours (minimum) after final coat has been applied.  Typical testing is accomplished via EOS/ESD test method 7.1. The following results are typical when installed on the vast majority of cement substrates, however your conductivity may vary somewhat depending on the conductivity of the existing concrete slab and other conditions encountered in your installation (ambient humidity etc).  ElectraGuard ESD paint is typically MORE conductive than esd vinyl tile flooring for a faster (yet controlled) discharge.  Electrical readings on substrates other than concrete may vary. Note: Accurate representations of your floors finished conductivity may be ascertained prior to full scale application by electrically testing (per eos esd s7.1) sample installed for bond strength test.

Bare, unsealed concrete will post conductivity in both very conductive as well as insulative (hot and cold) ranges.  ElectraGuard smoothes out these fluctuations and provides an ideal range of conductivity for demanding static control environments.

Ultimate shine and luster may be achieved by coating ElectraGuard with ElectraGlaze (ESD Floor Finish) and polishing with a rotary polisher equipped with fine pad (occasionally) sprayed with a dilution of ElectraGlaze.   Use of these products further enhances ease of cleaning and scuff removal while providing an unsurpassed shine and luster Clients using these floor maintenance solutions report a slight decrease in conductivity and a REDUCTION in tribocharging.   ElectraGlaze may be applied to cured ElectraGuard and NOT polished if a slip resistant, yet sealed surface is desirable.

Additional Notes: ElectraGuard ESD Epoxy Floor Coating has a lower odor than any other epoxy coating on the market but, adequate ventilation is desirable.  If opening bay doors for ventilation be sure to not allow wind blown dust to contaminate the prepared area or the wet epoxy. Ultimate slip resistance of ElectraGuard may be achieved by adding fine Aluminum Oxide sand blast grit to the catalyzed mixture and blending well prior to application or by broadcasting the grit on top of the coating while wet.

ElectraGuard ESD Epoxy Main Page      ElectraGuard MSDS Sheet

ElectraGlaze ESD Floor finish    

Static Control Floor Maintenance Chemicals