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Altro Coat standard is a twin-pack water-miscible, moisture tolerant epoxy coating with a silk finish. It has been designed to tolerate construction moisture and is ideally suited for use onto newly installed cementitious substrates. With greatly reduced substrate drying time, Altro Coat variants provide a fast-track, cost-effective solution, permitting the passage of moisture vapour from the substrate, while still providing a barrier against contamination from operations above. It is available in a wide standard colour range with options for bespoke colours.
Altro Coat slip-resistant has all the benefits of Altro Coat standard and in addition provides a degree of slip resistance through the incorporation of a micaceous mineral which lightly textures the surface.
Altro Coat vertical has all the benefits of Altro Coat standard and is specifically formulated for use on vertical surfaces such as coving, walls and stair risers.
Available in 26 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.
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.
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.
Altro Coat variants offers 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.
| Speed of cure | Light foot traffic Full cure |
24 hours @ 20°C 7 days @ 20°C |
| Application temperature | 10°C to 25°C | |
| Usable working life | 45 minutes @ 20°C | |
| Intercoat period | 18 to 24 hours @ 20°C | |
| Surface tensile strength | Onto concrete | > 3.5 MPa |
| Taber abrasion | CS-17 wheels 1000 cycles 1kg | Average 0.057g weight loss |
Altro Coat standard coloured is available in a 5.5kg or 10kg two-part composite pack.
Altro Coat standard clear is available in a 3.8kg two-part composite pack.
Altro Coat slip-resistant is available in a 5.7kg three-part composite pack.
Altro Coat vertical coloured is available in a 5.5kg two-part composite pack.
Altro Coat standard coloured:
1st coat 27m² per 5.5kg
2nd coat 39m² per 5.5kg
Altro Coat standard clear:
1st coat 19m² per 3.8kg
2nd coat 27m² per 3.8kg
Altro Coat vertical coloured:
1st coat 33m² per 5.5kg
2nd coat 44m² per 5.5kg
Altro Coat slip resistant coloured:
1st coat 25m² per 5.7kg
2nd coat 35m² per 5.7kg
Where the substrate is porous, the first coat of Altro Coat variant may be diluted with clean de-ionised water at up to 20% to pre-seal the substrate prior to the application of a further two coats.
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.
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.
Altro Coat 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.
Substrates should be free from standing water, 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 to achieve 26N/mm² compressive strength (BS EN 12504-2) and surface tensile strength 1.5N/mm² (BS EN 13892-8). Substrates must include an effective integral damp-proof membrane and contain residual moisture not greater than 80% R.H to (BS 8203.) High and variable substrate relative humidity will affect the drying, hardening and gloss level of the Altro Coat.
Because of their method of application, synthetic resin floorings such as Altro Coat 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 Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further information. Speed of cure Light foot traffic Full cure 24 hours @ 20°C 7 days @ 20°C Application temperature 10°C to 25°C Usable working life 45 minutes @ 20°C Intercoat period 18 to 24 hours @ 20°C Surface tensile strength Onto concrete > 3.5 MPa Taber abrasion CS-17 wheels 1000 cycles 1kg Average 0.057g weight loss
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.
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 Coat system is designed to be laid at a nominal 180 micron thickness in two coats.
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.
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 airflow, 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.
* All tool number references relate to Refina Ltd 01202 632 270
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 two minutes. 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 a large roller tray. Using a low-loss medium pile synthetic roller, 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 10 minutes as this may result in variations of the finish. Allow the system to cure for a minimum of 18 hours at 20°C, but no longer than 24 hours at 20°C before overcoating 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.
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 Systems for further guidance.
All joints should be filled with Altro Expand flexible jointing compound. Please see Altro Expand data sheet for further information.
Whilst of an extremely durable nature these floor systems must by 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, linseedtreated 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.
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.
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 authority.
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. Entrance matting will reduce cleaning requirements and should also enhance the longevity of the floor, when combined with correct maintenance.
In some circumstances the customer may decide to use a high solids acrylic-emulsion surface dressing as a barrier layer to ease cleaning and / or maintain gloss. It should be noted that this will also reduce the surface texture and therefore the slip resistance of the floor finish. This control of slip-resistance, in such cases, rests with those who determine cleaning regime and the application of surface dressings.
Altro Clean 44 and Altro Unipads are available from Altro.
Please obtain the correct material safety data sheets from Altro prior to beginning your installation.
Always wear correct PPE whilst installing resin products.
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.
