United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Construction
Transport
Construction
Transport

Samples basket

Altro Tect technical data sheet

 

Solvent-Free epoxy coating, Nominal thickness 400 - 500 microns

 

Last edited: July 2017

 

Product description
FeFRA Type 3

Altro Tect standard is a durable twin-pack solvent-free epoxy high-build floor coating for use in light to medium duty industrial applications. Altro Tect standard offers excellent chemical and abrasion resistance. It is available in a wide standard colour range with options for bespoke colours.

Altro Tect slip-resistant has all the benefits of Altro Tect standard and in addition provides a degree of slip resistance through the incorporation of a micaceous mineral which lightly textures the surface.

Altro Tect fast-track has the added advantage of a faster initial cure time and is available as a standard or slip-resistant variant.

Altro Tect vertical has all the benefits of Altro Tect standard and is specifically formulated for use on vertical surfaces such as coving, walls and stair risers.

Standard colours

Available in 27 standard colours and clear, with options for bespoke colours.

In common with other epoxy resin finishes, pale colours may show some cosmetic discolouration on exposure to UV light.

Non standard colours

Safety Yellow, Safety Red

Safety Red, Safety Yellow and Black are intended for line marking and small areas of demarcation only. Bright lighting and dark colours in particular black will highlight any defects such as roller lines scratches and marring. For safety colours, light or vibrant coloured coatings, a white undercoat should be used and additional coats may be required.

Safety Red, Safety Yellow and white are not included in Altro resins standard colour range. Bespoke non-standard colours will be subject to additional lead time and possibly increased cost

Typical areas of use

  • General industry
  • Medium duty areas
  • Warehouses
  • Aircraft hangars
  • Vehicle workshops
  • Defence

Advantages

  • Fully sealed surface
  • Low odour
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Good abrasion resistance
  • High gloss finish
  • Ease of cleaning
  • Bespoke colour options

Sustainability

Altro’s steps to sustainability program seeks to optimise our performance with respect to the planet’s resources. Please refer to www.altro.com for further information.

Chemical resistance

Altro Tect variants offer good resistance to a range of commonly used chemicals. However, premature contact with chemicals (including water) during the curing process may give rise to discolouration, staining and variation in gloss. In all cases of chemical spillage, it is essential that the spillage be immediately removed and the surface washed down with clean water, removing water by wet vacuum after operation. Although some chemicals may cause discolouration, this may not affect the durability and integrity of the resin coating. Please refer to Altro and FeRFA Guidance Note No.3 for further information.


Typical physical properties

  Altro Tect™ standard, Altro Tect™ slip-resistant, Altro Tect™ vertical Altro Tect™ fast-track
Speed of cure
Light foot traffic
Full cure

24 hours @ 20°C
7 days @ 20°C

12 to 18 hours @ 20°C
7 days @ 20°C
Application temperature 10°C to 25°C 10°C to 25°C
Usable working life 30 minutes @ 20°C 20 minutes @ 20°C
Intercoat period 18 to 24 hours @ 20°C 12 to 18 hours @ 20°C
Bond strength B3,5 B3,5

Packaging

Altro Tect standard coloured and Altro Tect fast-track are available in a 6.3kg or 10kg two-part composite pack.

Altro Tect standard clear is available in a 5.3kg two-part composite pack.

Altro Tect slip-resistant is available in a 6.5kg three-part composite pack.

Altro Tect vertical is available in a 2.5kg two-part composite pack.

Coverage

Altro Tect standard coloured and Altro Tect fast-track

2.5kg unit:
1st coat 8m²/2.5kg
2nd coat 10m²/2.5kg

6.3kg unit:
1st coat 20m²/6.3kg
2nd coat 25m²/6.3kg

10kg unit:
1st coat 32m²/10kg
2nd coat 40m²/10kg

Material usage is dependent upon temperature, surface profile and porosity; the stated coverage rates should be referred to for guidance only and cannot be relied upon to determine exact quantities. Priming of porous substrates will improve the coverage rates. Pale colours may require additional coats to cover a dark substrate.

Although stringent quality assurance processes are employed, when colour consistency is essential a single batch should be used where possible.

Storage

Ensure that the product is received in good order and store in a dry, frost-free environment, ideally between 15°C and 20°C for at least three days before laying. Excessively high and low storage temperatures will affect the laying performance of the product.

Suitable substrates

Altro Tect may be applied to a variety of substrates including, but not limited to, concrete, polymer-modified cementitious screeds and terrazzo. For all proprietary subfloor systems refer to the manufacturer for recommendations and seek further guidance from Altro.

FeRFA, The Resin Federation, does not recommend Calcium Sulphate, Anhydrite or Hemi-hydrite screeds for overlayment with synthetic resin surfaces.

Substrate requirements

Substrates should be dry, structurally sound and free from contamination, friable materials or laitance which may affect either the adhesion or penetration of the resin system. All residues of old paint coatings and dust must be removed. Substrates should achieve 26N/mm² compressive strength (BS EN 12504-2) and surface tensile strength 1.5N/mm² (BS EN 13892-8). Substrates must include an integral effective damp-proof membrane and contain residual moisture not greater than 5% by weight (75% R.H.) to BS 8203 (see Altro Proof™ for installations above 75% R.H.). Because of their method of application, synthetic resin floorings such as Altro Tect will inevitably follow the profile of the underlying substrate. This will affect the appearance and wear. Variable porosity and profile of the substrate will affect both coverage rates and final appearance. Please consult Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further information.

Substrate preparation

Surface preparation is the most vital aspect of resin flooring application. Inadequate preparation will lead to loss of adhesion and failure. The substrate in question will dictate the method of preparation. In the case of a concrete floor, preparation by dust enclosed diamond floor grinder may be appropriate, or if of a sufficient area for economic reasons, should be lightly shot blasted to leave a textured surface free from contamination.

If the floor has been treated with a cementitious surface improver, then the surface should be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, or abraded with an STR machine followed by thorough vacuuming. Treatment of local repairs such as cracks and holes, improvement or modification of levels and removal of high spots, should be undertaken prior to the flooring installation. Thin coatings will reflect the surface texture. High spots may lead to local premature wear. Excessive profiles as a result of inappropriate surface preparation may significantly affect application, coverage and performance.

Please consult Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further guidance.


Planning

Before proceeding with the installation, careful consideration should determine the best way of installing the Altro system. Efforts should be made to minimise day joints and optimise the open time of the product (i.e. minimise the distance between mixing and laying). It is best to also consider the effect of external influences on the final installation (i.e. direction of light from windows etc.). Time spent at this stage will be invaluable towards the success of your installation. The Altro Tect standard system is designed to be laid at a nominal 400-500 micron thickness.

Application

The following application guide is based on laboratory and simulated site conditions. However, when installations’ conditions differ appreciably from those detailed by Altro, the performance characteristics of both mixing and laying may not be as expected. To achieve the best results at all times please endeavour to establish the correct conditions which in turn will allow the materials to be laid effectively, and meet your customer’s expectations.

Installation conditions

Apply in well ventilated areas. Both the slab and air temperature should be greater than 10°C and rising, up to 25°C. It is not advisable to mix and lay epoxy resin products outside the range 10°C to 25°C. Ambient conditions should be maintained at least 3°C above dew point or below 75% R.H. during the initial stages of cure. At site temperatures below 10°C cure times will be substantially increased unless some form of external heating is used. It must be recognised that the concrete slab temperature will generally be lower than the air temperature, often as much as 10°C, and this will govern the rate of cure. As the resin flooring cures, in condensing conditions moisture vapour may condense onto the surface and cause ‘blooming’, a permanent clouding of the surface. Cold, wet or humid conditions, and limited air-flow, can result in condensation on the part-cured floor. The workability, open-time, cure development and return to traffic will be significantly affected by ambient conditions.

Mixing equipment

  • Slow speed drill (200-500rpm), such as MM17 *
  • Mixing paddle, such as MR2 60B *

* All tool number references relate to Refina Ltd 01202 632 270

Product installation

Using a slow speed drill and paddle thoroughly mix the base colour for 30 seconds. Pour all of the hardener into the pre-mixed base and mix for a further 2 minutes. If using Altro Tect slip resistant variant, fully incorporate the slip resistant aggregate at this stage by mixing for a further minute. Excessively vigorous mixing should be avoided as this can lead to undesirable air entrainment. If the mixing area is not adjacent to the laying area the time required to transfer the mixed material will reduce the open installation time. Remember to always use the correct PPE.

Pour all the mixed material into either a large roller tray, or lay a river of the material onto the prepared substrate. Using either a low-loss medium pile synthetic roller, or dense foam rubber squeegee, distribute the material evenly and uniformly to fully treat the surface. Begin on the side of the main light source and work away from the light. Finish using a roller in the direction of the light source to ensure that a uniform and even coverage is achieved. The area should not be retouched after 15 minutes as this may result in variations of the finish. Allow the system to cure for a minimum of 18 hours at 20°C (or 12 hours at 20°C for Altro Tect fast-track), but no longer than 24 hours at 20°C, (or 18 hours at 20°C for Altro Tect fast-track) before over-coating with the second coat. If the overcoating time period is exceeded, the surface should be lightly abraded and vacuumed before further coats are applied. Ensure good air-flow and ventilation to assist with cure. High temperatures, strong drafts and substrate porosity can affect the lapping time and can cause roller marks.

Joints

The spacing of movement joints must be determined by the design of the subfloor. All live movement joints in the subfloor must be continued through the resin flooring. In all instances the type and positioning of movement joints should be agreed at the design stage between all parties concerned. Please refer to Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further guidance. All joints should be filled with Altro Expand™ flexible jointing compound.

Please see Altro Expand datasheet for further information.

Protection

Whilst of an extremely durable nature these floor systems must be thoroughly protected from the rigours and abuse that exist during the ongoing contractual works.

The resin floor should reach full chemical cure in 7 days at 20°C. Untreated felt paper will suffice as protection from light traffic; however, if protection is required from other trades then the following protection option should be considered. Where heavier access is required then a more suitable medium to take the loadings, such as shuttering ply or Correx by Cordek, should be placed on top of the untreated felt paper. No polyethylene sheets, linseed-treated hardboard, print or dyed card should be placed in contact with the resin surface. All joints in the protection medium should be taped, and all accidental spillages should be recovered immediately by removal and reinstatement of the protection. Damage will occur to the system if the guidance is not followed.


Cleaning (during installation)

All tools and equipment should be regularly cleaned using Altro Solve™ EP to reduce build up and maintain the quality of the installation. Ensure that the correct PPE is worn at all times.

Disposal

Due diligence must be adopted if accidental spillages occur. Recover using absorbent granules, transferring into a suitably marked container. Disposal of all empty containers and accidental spillages should be in accordance with the local waste disposal authority.

Cleaning guidance

Optimum slip resistance and appearance can only be maintained with regular cleaning. The slip-resistant variant will require mechanised cleaning mop cleaning will not be effective.

Steam cleaners and / or hot pressure cleaners should not be used on the floor or walls. A cold / ambient pressure washer may be used if required, but the pressure should not exceed 1400psi. Warm water will offer improved cleaning, but the water temperature should not exceed 60°C.

Regular cleaning regime

  • Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove debris
  • For normal cleaning, dilute an alkaline detergent, such as Altro Clean 44 or similar, by 1:40 in clean water. Alternatively, dilute by 1:10 for infrequent heavy cleaning
  • Liberally apply the water and detergent solution to the floor, scrubbing with a deck scrubber or slow-speed (< 400rpm) scrubbing machine and Altro UniPad or similar
  • Pay particular attention to areas where residues may accumulate, such as internal corners of perimeter coves and around columns
  • If possible, allow the detergent solution to remain on the floor for several minutes to break down deposits, but not sufficiently long to allow the solution to evaporate
  • Remove the solution by wet vacuum recovery and follow this with a fresh water rinse, or rinse the solution into drains if permissible
  • It is important that all detergent residue is removed from the textured surface of the floor. Detergent may become slippery which affects safety, or sticky which attracts and holds more dirt

Please refer to the most up-to-date technical documents, including safety data sheets, for the Altro resin variant prior to beginning your installation.

 

For further information or technical advice
call our Customer Care Centre on 01426 489516
or email: enquiries@altro.com

NOTE: “Altro Ltd” (“Altro”) endeavours to ensure that advice and information given in Product Data Sheets, Method Statements and Material Safety Data Sheets (all known as Product Literature) is accurate and correct. However, where Altro has no control over the selection of its products for particular applications, it is important that any prospective customer, user or specifier, satisfies him / herself that the product is suitable for the intended application. In this process, due regard should be taken of the nature and composition of the background / base and the ambient conditions both at the time of laying / applying / installing / curing of the material and when the completed work is to be brought into use.

However, as site conditions and the execution of the work are beyond our control, we accept no resultant liability.

Altro’s policy is one of continuous research and development and we reserve the right to update our products and information at any time without prior notice.