Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How is UCoat It different than the hardware and department store products?

Unlike hardware and retail store products, which are usually consumer quality paints, UCoat It floor coating systems are a true, commercial grade epoxy and urethane products with chemical resistance and abrasion resistance properties superior to typical coatings. We pride ourselves in knowing that UCoat It is the choice of professional raceshops and automotive professionals across the country, where a durable, easy-to-maintain protective finish is necessary for a clean, well-run shop. Best of all, our floor coating systems are packaged in consumer-friendly sizes and include a limited lifetime warranty.

How long will UCoat last?

UCoat It floor coating systems are lifetime products. In automotive dealerships and service areas, and other high-traffic, high-abuse areas, the service life is typically up to 10 years before a recoat is required. In residential applications with proper care, your UCoat It floor will last much longer.

How is UCoat affected by temperature?

UCoat and the other UCoat It floor coating systems, once cured, are permanently bonded to the substrate and maintain flexural strength in extreme heat and severe cold. The coatings are designed to move and stretch with the substrate without cracking or blistering. What about temperatures during installation?.

Is UCoat affected by road salt?

Road salt does not affect UCoat It finishes. If large pieces of salt, or any other abrasive material, are left on the surface and rolled over with a tire, stepped on, or in someway dragged across or ground into the surface, a visible scratch may result. This may be avoided by routine cleaning and good general maintenance of the floor area.

Will oil, gas, brake fluid, transmission fluid, or antifreeze affect UCoat?

All UCoat It finishes are chemical resistant. They are unaffected by automotive and other chemicals, provided the floor is not neglected; spills should not be left for extended periods of time. Information regarding chemical resistance to specific fluids is located under the Product Fact Sheet section in the product installation manuals.

Can UCoat seal garages and basements against moisture?

The standard UCoat finish will prevent liquids from passing through into the concrete, but remains breathable to allow water vapor to pass through due to hydrostatic pressure from beneath the floor. UGloss-AF may be applied to the floor to completely seal the breathable UCoat surface and prevent any moisture or water vapor from passing through the coating.

Does the addition of a gloss coat increase the durability of UCoat?

By increasing the overall thickness of the coating, and by burying the color coats, UGloss and UGloss-AF can add to the durability of the finish in relation to wear and abrasion. However, the chemical resistance is not increased or decreased with the addition of a gloss coat.

What's the difference between UGloss and UGloss-AF, and UFlek and UFlek-AF?

The -AF denotes and Automotive Formula finish. These products intended for use in automotive environments such as a garage, race shop, or service area. UCoat is a standalone product and does not require the use of these products, however, if a gloss coat, or terrazzo finish are desired for automotive environments, an Automotive Formula finish should be used to provide the highest benefit to the consumer.

Can UCoat be used outdoors?

Yes, UCoat is well-suited to exterior applications. UGloss-AF is recommended to topcoat brightly sunlit areas to help prevent yellowing.

Is UCoat subject to "hot-tire pickup?"

No. UCoat is warranted against any kind of lifting and peeling including "hot-tire pickup."

How does welding affect UCoat?

Welding spatter will generally not affect UCoat provided the area is kept clean of slag (to prevent abrasions on floor) and welding is done at bench height.

Is UCoat slippery? What about the gloss?

UCoat, as with any coating, may become slippery under certain conditions. UCoat It recommends the use of the UTex non-slip additive included with every UCoat Kit to create a non-slip floor.

Is installation available?

Yes, installation is available through a Certified UCoat It Installing Dealer. Check our dealer locator for a dealer near you. Note: not all Authorized UCoat It Dealers are UCoat It Certified Installers.

Application-Specific Questions

How large an area will UCoat cover?

A UCoat Kit will provide enough material to cover between 400 and 576 sq. ft. with a bond coat and finish color coat. The coverage depends on the porosity and overall condition of the substrate. Larger areas are easily coated with additional UCoat single and double packs. Once the floor is finished in UCoat, UGloss, UGloss-AF, UFlek, and UFlek-AF kits will cover up to 576 sq. ft., all with one gloss topcoat. Read the installation manuals for further information.

What is the ideal temperature range for applying UCoat It?

The ideal application range for UCoat It is an air or room temperature of 50°-90°F (10°-32°C). Typical drying time and cure times stated in this web site are based at 68°F (20°C). Cooler temperatures may increase dry times, while warmer temperatures may shorten pot life. Refer to the UCoat Instruction Manual for more details.

How long does it take to apply UCoat?

Depending on the finish, it may take as little as one day or up to three days including preparation of the floor. Please consult the installation manuals for details.

What's the drying time?

Typical drying time between coats is 4-12 hours, see installation manuals for details. A standard UCoat finish may be applied and ready for light traffic in as little as one day.

Does UCoat smell bad or give off any harmful odors when it is applied?

UCoat, UGloss, and UFlek are all water-based products and do not give off harmful fumes or odors even when used in enclosed spaces. UGloss-AF and UFlek-AF are solvent based finishes and require adequate ventilation during application.

Is UCoat flammable?

UGloss-AF evolves slightly flammable vapors and should be ventilated during application. This fact also disqualifies UGloss-AF and UFlek-AF from being shipped using air expedited services.

Can UCoat be applied over existing floor coatings?

UCoat may be applied to any sound substrate. For previously coated floors that are NOT peeling or flaking, the surface should be scuffed or sanded to ensure a good mechanical bond. For more details, please read the installation manual available here.

Will UCoat fill cracks in a floor?

UCoat is floor coating, not a filler or patching material. As such, it will mirror the substrate to which it is applied. For patching and filling, use UPatch between the bond and finish coats of UCoat.

Can UCoat be mixed in smaller quantities for smaller areas?

Provided the proper mix ratios are followed, UCoat It materials may be mixed in smaller quantities. The proper mix ratios are listed below:

• UCoat - One(1) Part A to four(4) Parts B — (1:4)
• UGloss-AF - One(1) Part #1 to two(2) Parts #2 — (1:2)

Once mixed, UCoat or UGloss-AF must be used within the allotted pot life of the activated product. See installation guides for pot life chart. UGloss (waterbased) should be mixed in its entirety. Leftover UGloss (waterbased) material will store for up to 1 year in a tightly sealed container.

Preparation-Related Questions

How do I test to see if spots or stains will prevent UCoat from bonding?

Clean and rinse the area free of dust, dirt and debris with fresh water. While rinsing the area, perform the "water test". Gently rinse the entire area with water and look for evidence of water beading, filming, or otherwise not absorbing into the cement. You should see the cement darken evenly as the water absorbs into it. If any areas (isolated or widespread) appear to be repelling or otherwise impeding the absorption of water further cleaning (see next step) is necessary prior to application.

What's the best way to remove oil and grease from the floor prior to coating?

A quality degreasing agent such as USolv, UDegrease, or similar degreaser available at hardware or automotive supply stores will usually lift oils and grease from the floor well enough to allow coating to begin. To determine if your floor has trouble spots, perform the water test. Spray the floor with water and watch for areas in which the water does not soak into the substrate, but beads on the surface. These areas will need to be degreased until the water is readily absorbed by the substrate.

Is an acid wash necessary?

Yes. When applying UCoat It to a cement surface, an acid wash is necessary to neutralize the alkalynity of the surface and lower pH levels for acceptance of the epoxy. We specifically recommend a wash using a mixture of 10% muriatic acid mixed with water and applied to the surface using a bucket and push broom. See UCoat Instructions for full details. Always rinse thoroghly with fresh water and never let the acid solution "dry" on the surface which can cause powdering. The acid wash should be performed within 48 hours, preferrably immediately before, coating.

Should I "clean" the floor with acid?

No. Unlike the acid wash which is described above, using a stronger solution for cleaning or etching is not recommended because it can damage your cement causing the surface to become porous or brittle. All cleaning should be done using a degreaser or quality detergent mixed with water and agitated with a stiff-bristle broom or brush.

Why does the floor have to be wet when applying UCoat?

UCoat is a hybrid, moisture insensitive, water-based epoxy. When UCoat's parts A and B are mixed with part C, the co-plastimer bonding additive, the mixed epoxy will be drawn into the pores of the dampened concrete or wood floor as it cures, creating a PERMANENT bond.

I have a brand new floor. What prep is involved?

Virtually the same prep as a floor that has been used. Always wash the surface clean of dust and debris and carefully check for signs of beading using the water test — builders sometimes spill contaminants that are invisible but will bead water when dampened. Proceed with cleaning and degreasing if necessary. The acid wash is also necessary to neutralize the pH levels of the cement as described above.

I'm having a new cement floor poured. What type of finish should I tell the contractor?

The ideal finish is a hand-trowelled, smooth finish. Avoid power-troweled finishes. Also, you also want the floor to remain unsealed or coated with curing agents. A new cement floor will need to cure for 30 days before preparation and application of UCoat It.

How would I prepare a wood surface for application of UCoat?

Clean the area free of dirt and debris. Using a pole sander with a 60-80 grit screen, scuff sand the surface to create a mechanincal bond. Vaccuum the area thoroghly to remove all dust. Mop or wipe the area with a damp rag or cloth to help open the fibers of the wood material and clean up any remaining dust. Apply your UCoat bond coat.

Purchase-Related Questions

Where can I purchase UCoat It?

UCoat It is available through one of our local Authorized Dealers, or if a dealer is not available in your area, we can ship it to you direct from our warehouse in Michigan. To search for a local dealer in your area, click here. If you do not have a dealer in your area, order directly online or by calling 1-800-UCoat-It (800-826-2848).

How much will it cost to coat a typical 2½ car garage?

Assuming the substrate is in good general condition, and the garage is less than 576 sq.ft. (24'x24'), the cost would be $249.95 for a UCoat Kit. For UGloss-AF, add $209.95 for a total of $459.90, or for UFlek-AF, add $234.95 for a total of $484.90. (When coating a garage and you choose to add a gloss coat or UFlek decorative option, you must use the AF formulas.) Using white or beige may require additional material for proper color coverage. Use our Material Estimator to calculate your recommended material list and estimated cost for your area.

Why is it necessary to purchase a kit? Can I purchase the materials only?

If you are a first-time purchaser of UCoat, you must purchase a UCoat Kit. UCoat It finishes, even though they are easy to apply, must be applied according to a prescribed procedure to obtain the best finish. It is strongly recommended that the included installation manual is read and fully understood, and that the included installation video is viewed by the installer prior to installation of any UCoat It finish.

What is the average cost per square foot?

UCoat is sold in kits and material packs. Assuming maximum coverage per kit, the cost starts at $0.44 per square foot for the standard UCoat finish. For a UGloss floor, the cost is around $0.73 per square foot. UGloss-AF is around $0.80. UFlek and UFlek-AF will add about $0.04 per square foot to the UGloss or UGloss-AF prices. Use our Material Estimator to calculate your estimated cost to coat your area.

If I order online, how quickly can UCoat It be shipped?

Most orders ship no later than 72 hours after placement. UCoat, UGloss, and UFlek may be shipped using air service for delivery as soon as next-day. UGloss-AF and UFlek-AF are restricted to ground service and therefore require 1-7 days transit time depending on destination.

How will my UCoat It ship?

On most orders we ship with UPS. For larger orders, or orders that require a pallette, we ship truck freight.

Is UCoat available in Canada?

UCoat and UCoat It products are available to Canadian customers by calling 1-800-UCoat-It. Shipping costs for international orders are generally higher than orders shipped inside the U.S., and may not be available to all locations. Canadian customers are responsible for local taxes and your shipping handler may charge a brokerage fee as well.

Can UCoat It be shipped outside the continental United States?

UCoat It can be transported outside the United States, however oversea shipping arrangements are the sole responsibility of the customer. UCoat It will ship your order directly to your freight forwarder within the continental United States. Upon delivery, all further arrangements are coordintated between the customer and freight forwarder. Normal shipping charges will apply. Check with local laws for regulations and/or restrictions before transporting. Orders to Alaska or Hawaii that contain (-AF) products must ship via ground or boat transport and generally require a freight forwarder.