Armor Shield Water Based CRU Description
Armor Shield Water Based Chemical Resistant Urethane is a two component, high solids, water-based, aliphatic polyurethane. The UV resistant, mar resistant, chemical resistant nature of this product will cause it to outperform most other types of sealers or topcoats without the unwanted smell of solvents. It is available in a 6-hour cure formula.
Water Based CRU Uses:
Americrete Armor Shield is designed for professional use only and is specified as the finish coat for use in moderate to severe chemical environments or in heavy traffic areas. Apply Armor Shield as a coating over Americrete water base and 100% solids epoxy primers as well as over all of our epoxy floor coatings. Armor Shield is also used as a sealer on a variety of other substrates such as plain concrete, Americrete cements, and acid stained concrete flooring. Use Armor Shield on decorative floors, restaurant floors, food processing facilities.
Advantages of using Water Based CRU
- VOC Compliant
- Chemical Resistant
- Color and Gloss Retention
- Impact & Abrasion Resistant
- No Solvent Smell
- Water-based formula
Amor Shield Coverage
- 600-800 sf. per gal as sealer per two-gallon kit.
Packaging
- 1.5-gallon kits premeasured with Hardener B in 1⁄2 gallon and Resin A in 1-gallon cans sealer (MUST thin with 1⁄2 gallon of water) makes 2 gallons.
- 15-gallon kits premeasured in three 5 gallon pails
Application Inspection
- Concrete must be clean, dry, and free of grease, paint, oil, dust, curing agents, or any foreign material that will prevent proper adhesion. The concrete should be at least 2500 psi and feel like 30-grit sandpaper. The concrete should be porous and be able to absorb water. A minimum of 28 days cured is required on all concrete. Relative humidity in the concrete floor slab should be below 80% (per ASTM F-2170). All moisture should be kept away a min. of 72hrs before application and a min. of 72 hours after installation. This includes sprinklers, rain, fog, dew, etc.
- Before starting flooring work, test existing concrete slab to make sure there is no efflorescence or high levels of alkalinity. Alkalinity refers to a high pH reading which means the floor is not neutral. A high alkaline environment can cause salts to creep up through the cement called efflorescence. These salts have a tendency to prevent or destroy the bonding of coatings to the concrete. The most common form of testing is the use of a wide- range pH paper or tape. Make sure the floors pH reading ranges between 5-9 to ensure adhesion. The testing of concrete for alkalinity can show the amount of alkalinity only at the time the test is run, and cannot be used to predict long-term conditions.
- Calcium chloride tests should be conducted to determine if the concrete is sufficiently dry for a floor coating’s installation. The calcium chloride tests should be conducted in accordance with the latest edition of ASTM F 1869, Standard Test Method for Measuring Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride. When running a calcium chloride test, it is important to remove any grease, oil, curing agents, etc. so accurate readings can be obtained. A rate of 3.5lbs/1000 ft2/24hr period or less is an acceptable amount of vapor pressure for an epoxy flooring installation. If the reading is any higher, please consult your Americrete Salesman for further instructions.
- Failing to adhere to these strict guidelines can result in product delamination, discoloration, blistering, or all together failure of the coating system. Testing is the responsibility of the applicator. Americrete bears no responsibility for failures due to any of the above conditions.
CRU Surface Preparation
Over Concrete: Shot blasting is the preferred method for preparing concrete when applying epoxy and urethane floor systems. When using other methods prepare the surface so that the surface is porous and contaminant free so the product can soak in and properly bond.
As a sealer over concrete: When applying Armor Shield directly over concrete as a clear sealer, the surface may be lightly abraded. Make sure no contaminants or prior sealers are present.
Over Epoxy or Armor Shield: Apply directly over new epoxy or Urethane within 24 hours of initial application. When applying over existing epoxy or Armor Shield that has been cured for longer than 24 hours, and the surface with 100 grit sandpaper, remove debris and wipe with acetone just before new application.
Armor Shield Mixing
As Coating over Concrete, Epoxy, or Armor Shield: Before application, Americrete Armor Shield A-Side and B-Side should be pre-mixed in their individual containers. Add 2 parts of the A-Side to 1 part of the B-Side while mixing, using a mechanical mixer (Jiffy Mixer) at low to medium speeds. For proper leveling purposes, add two quarts of water to 1.5- gallon mix. Mix until a homogeneous mixture and streak-free appearance is attained (approximately 3 minutes). Use care to scrape the sides of the container to ensure that no unmixed material remains. Makes a two-gallon kit.
As a sealer over concrete: When applying as a clear sealer directly on concrete, acrylic cement, or acid stained concrete, it is recommended to thin the Armor Shield with a maximum total of 0.5-gallon water per 1.5-gallon kit. Thinning will aid in penetration, help avoid puddles and help avoid bubbles and unevenness. Make sure to proper neutralize floor if acid stained.
Application Process
- The Armor Shield material may be squeegee, rolled or brushed. Apply product within 24 hours after the previous coating is applied. Immediately after mixing, spread a strip of the batch onto the surface along the edges where it will be cut in using a brush.
- Leave remaining material in a bucket and spread evenly using a 3/8” non-shedding nap roller cover beginning near the cut in the area. Apply quickly and avoid over rolling, as the product will begin to “tack-up” as it begins to cure.
- Re-coat if needed within 24 hours of application to ensure adhesion. If a delay occurs, it is recommended that the surface is sanded and wiped clean with acetone before reapplication.
System Maintenance:
Cleaning the Armor Shield is best done by mopping surface with mild soap and water or a mild detergent. For best appearance, Americrete recommends resealing the surface every 3-4 years. Reseal by lightly sanding existing coating, cleaning surface, and applying Armor Shield over dry surface using above application specifications
