WATCO®, specialist in solutions for floor renovation, has responded in a targeted manner to these particular needs by offering solutions adapted to each type of covering.
Bitumen renovation
To meet the specific requirements of the bitumen coating, a suitable solution was put in place during the renovation of the 576 m² concerned. Given the moving nature of this coating, it was essential to apply a product that could work with the support. This is why Rust-Oleum® flexible, self-leveling BS95 resin was chosen for this project. Rust-Oleum® BS95 is a self-leveling epoxy paint, specially designed for floors that require a certain flexibility. Thanks to its flexible and high thickness formulation, it offers remarkable resistance to abrasion and impacts, thus guaranteeing the durability of the coating. The application of BS95 was done using a squeegee, creating a dry film with a thickness of 2 mm in a single layer. This self-smoothing coating adapts to surface irregularities, providing a uniform finish. And, to obtain increased resistance to UV rays, chemical attack and ease of cleaning, the RUST-OTHANE® 9200 polyurethane finish has been applied to the BS95.
Concrete rehabilitation
Among the surfaces to be treated, 600 m² of concrete required more extensive preparation. Repairing the holes in the bitumen was the essential first step.
First, Watco® Pourable Repair Mortar was applied to fill irregularities and holes in the concrete. This ready-to-mix mortar is designed to level damaged concrete surfaces. It sets quickly, hardens and solidifies in record time.
For smaller touch-ups, the Concrex® Touch-Up Kit from Watco® was used. This kit includes a two-component paste based on epoxy resin, specially designed to fill gaps, cracks and small holes in concrete and masonry. This solution is ideal for repairing small floor imperfections quickly and efficiently. Using the Concrex® Retouch Kit is simple and precise. After hardening, the paste becomes extremely strong, providing long-lasting protection against wear and chemicals. Note that the paste does not shrink after hardening, thus ensuring a durable finish. Sanding the surfaces made it possible to eliminate the last imperfections. To ensure optimal adhesion of the finishing paint, a layer of Watco® Non-Porous Floor Primer was applied. This primer is a two-component bonding paint, based on water and epoxy resin, specially designed for surfaces which tend not to retain paint.
After a 24-hour drying phase, Watco® Epoxicote paint was applied to provide the concrete surface with superior protection and an aesthetic finish with a light gray color. Classified in category A+ for low VOC emissions, it guarantees a healthy indoor environment. With virtually zero solvent content, this paint is environmentally friendly while providing long-lasting protection for concrete floors. Unlike other paints, Epoxicote does not reduce upon drying, meaning it retains its original volume and thickness.
Resin covering
To prepare the 432 m² of resin coated surface for the application of new paint, a series of meticulous steps were undertaken to ensure optimal coating and maximum adhesion. Initially, a sanding process was implemented to remove stains and signs of wear, creating a surface conducive to robust adhesion of the future coating. Once the sanding was completed, special attention was paid to degreasing the surface. The Watco® Dégraiss'sol product was chosen for this operation, being a special degreaser
designed to effectively remove dirt and grease. This ensured a clean surface ready for the new paint. After this cleaning and degreasing step, Watco® Non-Porous Floor Primer was applied to establish a solid adherent base for future painting.
After drying for 24 hours, a coat of Epoxicote epoxy paint was carefully applied. These rigorous preparation steps, ranging from degreasing to sanding, including the application of non-porous floor primer and epoxy paint, guarantee a final result of exceptional quality. Each phase contributes to the durability and aesthetics of the coating, thus ensuring a successful transformation of the surface.
Throughout the project, Watco® ensured quality technical support by delegating a technician to support the team of craftsmen responsible for repairing the building. This Watco® technician joined the team of craftsmen to show them live how to apply the products. This practical demonstration allowed the artisans to familiarize themselves with the techniques and products as well as to understand the key stages of the process. By providing tailored solutions, in-depth expertise, adequate training and rigorous monitoring, Watco® ensures that its products are applied optimally, thus guaranteeing the quality and durability of the work carried out.