Liquid Flooring Systems Course

Lesson 1 • Reading Technical Data Sheets

Teaches interpretation of manufacturer TDS documents including pot life, coverage, and cure times. Accurate TDS reading prevents costly application errors.

Lesson 2 • Chemistry of Liquid Flooring Materials

Explains resin chemistry, curing mechanisms, and how molecular structure affects performance. Connects material science to practical product selection decisions.

Lesson 3 • System Categories and Product Families

Differentiates epoxy, polyurethane, MMA, and hybrid systems by chemistry and use case. Provides a classification framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Chemical Preparation and Priming

Addresses acid etching, degreasing, and primer selection for various substrate conditions. Primers bridge substrate and coating to maximize bond integrity.

Lesson 2 • Concrete Substrate Fundamentals

Reviews concrete composition, curing age requirements, and surface conditions affecting adhesion. Establishes the substrate knowledge base needed for all preparation work.

Lesson 3 • Moisture Testing Methods

Covers relative humidity probes, calcium chloride tests, and surface moisture meters. Accurate moisture data determines system compatibility and prevents delamination.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical Surface Preparation

Teaches shot blasting, diamond grinding, and scarifying to achieve required surface profiles. Proper profile selection directly controls coating adhesion strength.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Component System Ratios

Explains stoichiometric mix ratios for two- and three-component systems and consequences of deviation. Correct ratios are the single most critical factor in achieving full cure.

Lesson 2 • Mixing Equipment and Techniques

Covers paddle mixer selection, drill speed settings, and induction time requirements. Proper technique eliminates unmixed streaks and air entrapment in the mix.

Lesson 3 • Temperature Effects on Material Behavior

Examines how ambient and substrate temperature alter viscosity, pot life, and cure rate. Temperature management prevents premature gelling and application failures.

Lesson 1 • Trowel-Applied Mortar Systems

Covers mixing and troweling of broadcast and mortar-body systems for heavy-duty floors. Trowel technique controls surface flatness and aggregate distribution.

Lesson 2 • Managing Pot Life During Application

Strategies for batch sizing, staging, and pace to stay within material pot life. Expired material causes adhesion failure and surface defects if applied.

Lesson 3 • Application Tool Selection

Matches rollers, squeegees, and trowels to system viscosity and required film thickness. Tool choice directly determines surface texture and material consumption.

Lesson 1 • Aggregate Types and Selection

Compares quartz, aluminum oxide, vinyl chips, and flake aggregates by function and aesthetics. Selection criteria include slip resistance, wear resistance, and design intent.

Lesson 2 • Excess Aggregate Removal and Grout Coat

Covers sweeping, vacuuming, and grout coat application to encapsulate broadcast aggregate. Proper encapsulation prevents aggregate loss and creates a smooth topcoat base.

Lesson 3 • Decorative Flake and Chip Blending

Addresses custom blend ratios, color matching, and multi-layer chip systems for design floors. Consistent blending technique ensures repeatable results across large areas.

Lesson 1 • Topcoat System Selection

Differentiates aliphatic polyurethane, epoxy, and polyaspartic topcoats by UV stability and durability. System selection must align with exposure conditions and maintenance expectations.

Lesson 2 • Topcoat Application Methods

Teaches roller, squeegee, and airless spray application for thin-film topcoat systems. Consistent film build and overlap technique prevent holidays and uneven sheen.

Lesson 3 • Anti-Slip Additive Integration

Covers broadcast and premix anti-slip methods using aluminum oxide and polymer grit additives. Slip resistance must meet functional safety requirements without compromising cleanability.

Lesson 1 • Diagnosing Adhesion and Delamination Failures

Uses pull-off testing, tap testing, and visual inspection to locate and quantify delamination. Identifying failure plane depth determines whether repair or full removal is required.

Lesson 2 • Full System Removal and Recoating

Addresses mechanical removal methods, substrate re-preparation, and recoating protocols after system failure. Thorough removal prevents recurring adhesion problems in the new system.

Lesson 3 • Defect Classification and Root Causes

Categorizes surface, adhesion, and cure defects and links each to preparation, mixing, or application errors. Accurate classification is prerequisite to selecting the correct repair method.

Lesson 1 • Site Survey and Scope Definition

Covers substrate mapping, area measurement, and condition assessment to define project scope accurately. A thorough survey prevents scope creep and material shortfall during installation.

Lesson 2 • Environmental Condition Management

Addresses dew point monitoring, ventilation requirements, and temperature control during application. Environmental conditions outside specified ranges cause preventable application failures.

Lesson 3 • Quality Control Inspection Procedures

Covers wet-film gauge use, adhesion testing, and visual inspection checklists at each coat stage. Staged inspections catch defects early before they are buried under subsequent coats.

Lesson 4 • Project Handover and Documentation

Prepares handover packs including as-built records, maintenance guides, and warranty documentation. Complete documentation protects the installer and informs the client's maintenance team.