High-performance floor coatings have evolved considerably over the past few years. Polyaspartic coatings, in particular have helped to offer solutions for some of the most demanding situations.
These coating systems have several advantages, including, but not limited to, rapid return to service times, UV stability, and increased abrasion and chemical resistance. One unique characteristic specific to the polyaspartic coating material used in the following project was the coating’s extended pot life. As it demonstrates, this added working time comes in handy in giving a crew the time it needs to provide a quality finish.
When Team Pelfrey, a highly successful, up-and-coming Indy Car race team, needed a high-performance floor coating solution it selected a polyaspartic system. Several challenges existed with the project; most notably, the need for a rapid turnaround time on the installation to allow the team to move into its new home on schedule. The urgency was even more significant given the team’s rapidly approaching season.
Before Team Pelfrey acquired the space, the 3000-square-foot facility was a heavy-duty machine shop. The contractor’s crew of four had just 24 hours to complete the project—from surface prep to project sign-off.
Also, the final finish needed to have the integrity to stand up to the rigors demanded by two full-time Indy car race teams. Because of the nature of the occupants, the floor would be contending with an array of potentially damaging materials, including gasoline, motor oil, and other chemicals. A true high-performance seamless flooring system would be necessary.
Installation
The project was completed by Trademark Garage, a team of HP Spartacote-certified installers from New Port Richie, Fla. After workers swept the floor of all debris, they immediately began grinding the concrete surface to remove any latent material and to rid the slab of contaminants from its previous life. Some areas of the floor were treated with an oil emulsifier.
With a properly prepared and vacuumed floor, the team applied a pigmented prime coat of HP Spartacote’s Sparta-Flex at a 3-mil thickness. Thanks to a 25- to 30-minute pot life/working time, the team had plenty of time to lay the floor out properly and ensure a consistent prime coat.
After 90 minutes, and with the prime coat dry, the coating team immediately began applying the second coat of pigmented Sparta-Flex polyaspartic coating at 3 mils. The team paid careful attention to ensure a uniform finish.
Following the application of the second coat, the team applied the final clear topcoat. Arguably the most critical point of the installation, a properly installed topcoat ensures not only a desirable look but also the integrity of the final floor. The topcoat’s high-gloss finish gave the floor an attractive appearance while adding additional durability.
After completing the installation, the coating team handed over the floor to the client within hours of its completion and within the deadline. Team Pelfrey was extremely pleased with the outcome. In less than 24 hours, an old contaminated machine shop floor was transformed into a truly high-performance flooring system.
For more information, visit www.hpspartacote.com.
