APPLICATION GUIDE
Concrete Coating Application Guide
Choose the coating you are applying to find the right mixer, squeegee, roller and finishing tools—plus a practical workflow for a smoother installation.
START HERE
What are you applying?
Select the coating—not just the tool—to see the recommended application setup.
Acrylic Sealer
Thin protective coats for interior or exterior concrete.
See application setup 02Epoxy Base Coat
Standard or extended-work-time epoxy for solid, flake or metallic systems.
See application setup 03Metallic Epoxy
A high-build decorative coat designed for movement and flowing effects.
See application setup 04Urethane
A thin, durable finish coat requiring controlled rolling and a wet edge.
See application setup 05Polyaspartic
A fast-curing protective coating for plain, pigmented or broadcast floors.
See application setupQUICK REFERENCE
Application tool chart
Use this chart to build your basic setup, then review the product-specific directions below.
| Coating | Mixing | Placement or spreading | Rolling / finishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Sealer | Usually stir as directed; do not whip in air | Compatible sprayer or Flat Flex when permitted | Recommended low- or medium-nap roller |
| Epoxy Base Coat | 3–5 gallon Helix Mixer at slow speed | 8–12 wet-mil notched squeegee when specified | 3/8-inch shed-resistant roller for backrolling |
| Metallic Epoxy | 3–5 gallon Helix Mixer at slow speed | 25–30 wet-mil notched squeegee | Magic Trowel or other effect tool as desired |
| Urethane | Helix Mixer sized to the batch | Pour ribbon or transfer to a clean pan | 3/8–3/4-inch shedless roller as directed |
| Polyaspartic | Helix Mixer sized to the batch | Foam squeegee over flake or quartz floors | 3/8-inch synthetic, phenolic-core roller |
BEFORE YOU MIX
Set the job up for success
Prepare the concrete
The surface must be sound, clean, porous or properly profiled, and completely dry for the coating being used.
Read the full directions
Confirm mix ratio, induction time, pot life, coverage, wet-film thickness, temperature and humidity limits.
Stage every tool
Have the mixer, clean pails, squeegee, rollers, frames, extension poles, brushes, shoes and cleanup supplies ready.
Plan the exit
Divide the floor into manageable areas, protect edges and decide where each batch will start and finish.
Acrylic Sealer
Apply thin, even coats. Heavy application and puddling can trap solvent or water, create bubbles, whiten the finish or produce an uneven appearance.
Recommended setup
- Mixing: Stir or mix only as directed for the specific acrylic.
- Application: Compatible sprayer, Flat Flex squeegee or the roller specified by the product.
- Detail work: Solvent-resistant or coating-compatible brush for edges.
- Safety: Appropriate PPE and ventilation for the sealer being used.
Basic workflow
- 01Confirm compatibility
Use application equipment that is compatible with water- or solvent-based material as required.
- 02Apply a controlled coat
Work in manageable sections and keep the coating thin and even.
- 03Maintain a wet edge
Avoid stopping in the middle of an open area or repeatedly rolling material as it begins to tack.
- 04Allow the proper recoat time
Apply the next coat only within the product’s stated recoat window.
Epoxy Base Coat
Use CR-531 Standard Epoxy for a dependable base coat. Choose Extended Work Time Epoxy when the installation, floor size, metallic process or warm conditions make additional working time valuable.
Recommended setup
- Mixing: 3–5 gallon Helix Mixer, variable-speed drill and clean pails.
- Placement: 8–12 wet-mil notched squeegee when the specified spread rate calls for it.
- Backroll: 3/8-inch shed-resistant roller, frame and extension pole.
- Edges: Coating-compatible brush and small roller.
Basic workflow
- 01Pre-mix and combine
Follow the exact Part A to Part B ratio and mix for the specified time at slow speed.
- 02Place the material
Move the mixed epoxy onto the floor promptly; leaving it massed in the pail can shorten usable working time.
- 03Spread to the required coverage
Use the specified notched squeegee or roller method to control film thickness.
- 04Backroll evenly
Keep a wet edge and finish each section before the coating begins to thicken or tack.
Metallic Epoxy
The notched squeegee controls how much material is placed. A Magic Trowel is a finishing and effect tool—it should not replace the correct film-build tool.
Recommended setup
- Mixing: 3–5 gallon Helix Mixer, drill and multiple clean pails.
- Placement: 25–30 wet-mil notched squeegee for the high-build metallic coat.
- Effects: Magic Trowel, gauge rake or other technique-specific finishing tool.
- Floor access: Spiked shoes when permitted by the system and technique.
Basic workflow
- 01Organize colors and batches
Measure the floor into manageable pours and prepare each Liquid Nebula color before mixing begins.
- 02Mix thoroughly
Scrape the sides and bottom while avoiding excessive air. Observe the stated pot life.
- 03Control the film build
Spread with the 25–30 wet-mil notched squeegee according to the specified coverage.
- 04Create the effect
Blend and move the metallic material with the selected finishing tool, then stop before the coating starts to set.
TOOL SELECTION
Flat Flex or Magic Trowel?
Choose Flat Flex when…
- You are spreading a thinner sealer or coating that permits squeegee application.
- You need an even finishing pass without a fixed notch controlling high film build.
- You are moving material consistently before the recommended backroll.
Choose Magic Trowel when…
- You are working a high-build decorative epoxy after the material has been properly placed.
- You want to soften lines, blend colors or create flowing metallic movement.
- The coating instructions and desired effect call for a flexible finishing blade.
Remember: A smooth finishing tool does not establish a precise wet-film thickness. Use the correct notched squeegee when film build must be controlled.
Matte or High-Gloss Urethane
Urethane is applied as a controlled finish coat. Avoid overworking it, introducing air or continuing after the mixed material begins to thicken.
Recommended setup
- Mixing: Properly sized Helix Mixer and clean measuring/mixing containers.
- Rolling: 3/8–3/4-inch shedless roller as directed for the product and surface.
- Film build: Apply at the published coverage; Matte Urethane is typically applied at 4–6 wet mils.
- Edges: Coating-compatible brush or small roller.
Basic workflow
- 01Combine accurately
For Matte Urethane, combine 2 parts A to 1 part B and mix slowly for two minutes, scraping the sides and bottom.
- 02Apply a thin, even coat
Distribute the material at the specified coverage without allowing it to puddle.
- 03Cross-roll
Finish in a consistent direction and use a controlled cross-roll to reduce bubbles and outgassing.
- 04Respect the pot life
Stop using the batch when it begins to thicken. Do not try to roll thickening material back into the floor.
Polyaspartic
Polyaspartic cures quickly. Organize the floor, people, tools and batches before combining Parts A and B.
Recommended setup
- Mixing: Helix Mixer sized to the batch and clean, dry pails.
- Plain or pigmented floors: 3/8-inch synthetic-nap, phenolic-core roller or lambswool cover as directed.
- Flake or quartz floors: Foam squeegee followed by the recommended backroll.
- Do not spray: A pump-up sprayer can create visible bubbles, blisters and pinholes.
Basic workflow
- 01Stage the entire area
Precut edges when appropriate and make sure the applicators can keep pace with the coating.
- 02Mix equal parts
Combine Part A and Part B at 1:1 and mix for approximately 30–60 seconds without creating a vortex.
- 03Place and spread immediately
Use the application method specified for the floor type and move continuously.
- 04Maintain the wet edge
At normal conditions, workable pot life may be approximately 25–30 minutes and becomes shorter as temperature and humidity rise.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Application guide FAQ
Can I use one squeegee for every concrete coating?
No. Smooth and notched squeegees perform different jobs. A Flat Flex moves and finishes thinner material, while an 8–12 or 25–30 wet-mil notched squeegee controls the amount of epoxy left on the floor. Match the squeegee to the coating instructions and required film build.
Why should epoxy be removed from the mixing pail quickly?
Two-component coatings create heat as they react. A mixed coating held in a concentrated mass can heat and cure faster than material distributed across the floor. Complete mixing, then place the material according to its application instructions without unnecessary delay.
Which Helix Mixer size should I choose?
Use the Quart/Cup Helix Mixer for small batches in quart containers or mixing cups. Choose the 3–5 Gallon Helix Mixer for larger epoxy, urethane and polyaspartic kits. Use a slow to moderate drill speed and avoid whipping air into the coating.
Do I always need to backroll after using a squeegee?
Backrolling depends on the coating and desired finish. Many base coats, broadcast-floor coatings and clear coats are backrolled for even distribution, but some decorative metallic techniques use a different finishing process. Follow the directions for the specific coating system.
READY TO BUILD YOUR SETUP?
Shop application tools by coating
Choose your coating first, then select the compatible mixing, spreading and finishing tools.