Application Instruction Overview for EC-38 Liquid Dazzle

 IMPORTANT! Before You Begin: Review the complete EC-38 Liquid Dazzle Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS), linked above, along with the Liquid Dazzle System Specification, before installation. The information below is a brief overview and does not replace the manufacturer's complete application instructions. Apply a test area on site to confirm color and finish before beginning the full application.

Materials and Supplies

• EC-72 Epoxy Patch Gel
• EC-12 100% Solids Pigmented Epoxy Primer in the recommended color
• EC-38 Liquid Dazzle Epoxy
• SC-65 Water-Based Semi-Gloss Polyurethane Sealer (or SC-65 Gloss, SC-65 Flat, or EC-95 Clear Polyurethane Topcoat)
• CA-33 Aluminum Oxide #320 (optional, for wear resistance)
• CA-30 Small Safe Grip or CA-31 Large Safe Grip (optional, for skid resistance)
• Midwest Rake Easy Squeegee 18" frame with an 18" 25–30 mil notched blade, or 26" frame with a 26" 25–30 mil notched blade
• Or a Midwest Rake Speed Squeegee, 25–30 mil, or a 1/8" notched trowel
• Loop roller and porcupine roller
• Low-speed drill (200–300 rpm) and mixing paddle

Step 1 – Inspect and Prepare the Concrete

• Concrete must be structurally sound, clean, dry, at least 2,500 psi, and cured a minimum of 28 days
• Test the slab for efflorescence, moisture, and hydrostatic pressure; if moisture emissions exceed 5 lbs/1,000 sq ft/24 hours or RH exceeds 75%, contact the manufacturer before application
• Pre-cut and clean cracks and joints with a diamond blade to at least ¼" x ¼"
• Prepare the concrete to a CSP 3–4 profile, without grind marks or grinding too smooth

Step 2 – Patch and Prime

• Patch cracks and spalls with EC-72 Epoxy Patch Gel and allow 2–3 hours to dry before priming
• Patch and prime until the surface is smooth, even, and very level, since high or low spots, patches, and shot blast tracks can show through
• Apply pigmented EC-12 in the recommended color at 250–300 sq ft per gallon, then back roll; a second coat may be needed to fully seal the concrete and reduce bubbling
• Allow the primer to cure a minimum of 12 hours at 70°F before applying EC-38

Step 3 – Mix EC-38

• Premix each component separately, and box all Part A's for consistent color
• Mix 2 parts A with 1 part B by volume using a low-speed drill (200–300 rpm) for 4–5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the container
• Get the mixed material out of the container within 5 minutes, since it begins to generate heat
• Do not thin EC-38

Step 4 – Apply the Dazzle Coat

• Spread EC-38 immediately with a notched squeegee or 1/8" notched trowel at about 50 sq ft per gallon, getting even coverage over the entire floor
• Back roll with a loop roller for an even look; a porcupine roller can help reduce bubbles
• Apply when the temperature is dropping and out of direct sunlight to help avoid bubbles
• The metallic drift begins after rolling and continues to change the look as the coating settles
• Apply any additional coats within 24 hours, or sand and wipe the cured surface with acetone first

Step 5 – Apply the Topcoat

• Topcoat once EC-38 is dry to the touch, in about 8–10 hours, but no later than 24 hours
• SC-65 Water-Based Semi-Gloss Polyurethane Sealer is the standard topcoat; SC-65 Flat or EC-95 Clear gives a flat finish, and SC-65 Gloss or EC-95 Clear gives more gloss
• Add CA-33 #320 to the SC-65 for maximum wear resistance, or CA-30 or CA-31 for skid resistance
• All sealers affect the final finish, so create large-format samples for approval first

Step 6 – Cure and Clean Up

• Allow 24 hours before light foot traffic, 48 hours before heavy foot traffic, and 3 days before vehicle traffic, at 70°F and 50% humidity
• Do not expose to water for at least 24 hours
• Remove uncured material with an environmentally safe solvent; cured material must be removed mechanically

Installation Limitations

• For professional use only
• For interior use only
• Do not apply below 50°F or above 90°F
• Be aware of the pot life of mixed epoxy
• A slip-resistant additive is highly recommended for areas exposed to wet, oily, or greasy conditions
• Do not allow Westcoat products to freeze