When it comes to selecting the right resinous floor coating for your project, understanding solids content is crucial. Solids content refers to the percentage of the coating that remains on the surface after the liquid components have evaporated. This key factor directly impacts the performance, durability, and overall quality of your floor coating. In this article, we'll explore solids content in three popular high-performance resinous floor coatings: epoxy, polyaspartic, and urethanes.
What is Solids Content?
Solids content is the ratio of the non-volatile components in a coating to its total volume. In other words, it's the percentage of the coating that will remain on the surface once the solvents have evaporated. A higher solids content typically results in a thicker, more durable coating that requires fewer applications to achieve the desired thickness.
High solids content coatings, such as those offered by RESINUS, contain a higher percentage of non-volatile components, resulting in a thicker, more durable finish. These coatings typically have solids content ranging from 70% to 100%, providing superior performance and longevity.
Wet Film Thickness vs. Dry Film Thickness
When applying a resinous floor coating, it's essential to consider both the wet film thickness (WFT) and dry film thickness (DFT). WFT refers to the thickness of the coating immediately after application, while it's still wet. DFT, on the other hand, is the thickness of the coating after the solvents have evaporated and the coating has fully cured. The solids content of a coating determines the relationship between WFT and DFT.
To calculate the DFT of a coating, you can use the following formula:
DFT = WFT × (Solids Content ÷ 100)
For example, if you apply a coating with a 90% solids content at a WFT of 10 mils (0.010 inches), the resulting DFT would be:
DFT = 10 mils × (90 ÷ 100) = 9 mils
High solids content coatings allow for a thicker DFT to be achieved with fewer coats, saving time and labor costs while providing superior protection.
Epoxy Floor Coatings
Epoxy floor coatings are known for their excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to chemicals and abrasion. High solids content epoxies, such as 100% solids epoxy, offer superior performance and can be applied in thicker layers, reducing the number of coats required.
100% solids epoxies are ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as industrial facilities, warehouses, and garages. They provide excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and impact, and can be applied in a single coat up to 1/4 inch thick. These high-performance coatings cure quickly and have low VOC emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
Polyaspartic Floor Coatings
Polyaspartic floor coatings are fast-curing, UV-stable, and highly durable. They have a high solids content, usually between 70% and 100%, which allows for thicker application and fewer coats. Polyaspartic coatings also have excellent color and gloss retention, making them ideal for outdoor applications or areas exposed to sunlight.
One of the main advantages of polyaspartic coatings is their rapid cure time. They can typically be applied and cured within a few hours, minimizing downtime and allowing for faster project completion. This makes them an excellent choice for projects with tight deadlines or where extended downtime is not an option.
Polyaspartic coatings also offer superior UV stability compared to traditional epoxies. They resist yellowing and chalking when exposed to sunlight, maintaining their color and gloss over time. This property makes them well-suited for exterior applications, such as pool decks, patios, and walkways.
Urethane Floor Coatings
Urethane floor coatings, also known as polyurethanes, offer excellent abrasion and chemical resistance, as well as flexibility and impact resistance. High solids content urethanes, such as RESINUS High Solids High Wear Urethane, provide exceptional durability offering long-lasting protection.
One of the key benefits of urethane coatings is their flexibility. They can expand and contract with the substrate, making them less prone to cracking and delamination. This property is especially valuable in areas subject to temperature fluctuations or where the substrate may experience movement.
Urethane coatings also provide excellent resistance to abrasion and impact. They are often used in high-traffic areas, such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and automotive shops, where the floor is subject to constant wear and tear.
Choosing the Right High Solids Content Coating
When selecting a high solids content resinous floor coating, consider the specific requirements of your project. Factors to consider include:
- Durability: High solids content coatings offer superior durability and longevity, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and demanding environments.
- Chemical resistance: If your floor will be exposed to chemicals, choose a high solids content coating that offers excellent chemical resistance, such as epoxy or urethane.
- UV stability: For exterior applications or areas exposed to sunlight, select a high solids content coating with superior UV stability, such as polyaspartic.
- Cure time: If your project has tight deadlines, consider a fast-curing high solids content coating, like polyaspartic, to minimize downtime.
- Aesthetics: High solids content coatings are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing you to create a beautiful, durable floor that complements your space.
Understanding solids content is essential when choosing a high-performance resinous floor coating. By selecting a high solids content coating you can ensure a durable, long-lasting floor that meets your project's specific needs. RESINUS offers a range of high solids content coatings designed to provide superior protection and performance in various applications.