Nitoflor FC130 - Water-Based Epoxy Floor Coating

Product Overview

Nitoflor FC130 is an economical, water-based epoxy floor coating system manufactured by Fosroc. It is specifically designed to provide a dust-proof, easily cleaned surface that is resistant to most oils and liquids, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

Product Composition

Nitoflor FC130 is a two-component water-dispersed epoxy resin coating system supplied in pre-weighed packs ready for on-site mixing and use. The system comprises two essential components:

• Nitoflor FC130 Colour Base (product code FC612184-3L)
• Nitoflor FC130 Mid Grey Hardener (product code FC612196-13L)

Additional hardener variants are also available, including clear and silver grey options (product codes FC612181-13.1L and FC612183-13L respectively), as well as a clear base (FC612182-2.9L). The complete product is supplied in 16-litre two-component packs.

Design Criteria

Nitoflor FC130 is engineered for application in two coats to achieve an approximate total dry film thickness of 100 microns. Additional coats may be required in high-traffic areas to ensure durability and extended service life.

Key Properties

The product exhibits the following technical properties:

Property	Specification
Pot Life	2 hours @ 20°C; 1 hour @ 35°C
Time Between Coats	6-24 hours @ 20°C; 4-16 hours @ 35°C
Initial Hardness	24 hours @ 20°C; 16 hours @ 35°C
Full Cure	7 days
Mix Ratio (Clear)	25g Base : 100g Hardener (W/W)
Mix Ratio (Coloured)	20g Base : 100g Hardener (W/W)
Dry Film Thickness (2 coats)	100 microns (approximate)
VOC Content	64.9g/litre (Clear); 51.4g/litre (Silver Grey)
Service Temperature	<50°C

Coverage Specifications

Nitoflor FC130 provides the following theoretical coverage rates:

• First Coat: 6-8 m²/litre
• Second Coat: 8-10 m²/litre

It is important to note that coverage figures are theoretical. Due to wastage factors and the variety of possible substrates, practical coverage will be reduced accordingly.

Color Options

The product is available in multiple color variants to suit aesthetic and functional requirements:

• Silver Grey (Light Reflectance Value: 61.27%)
• Mid Grey (Light Reflectance Value: 41.98%)
• Clear

Slip Resistance Performance

Nitoflor FC130 demonstrates the following slip resistance ratings according to AS/NZS 4586:2013 standards:

• Wet Pendulum Test (Appendix A): P4
• Dry Floor Friction Test (Appendix B): D1

To enhance slip resistance, fine quartz sand (0.25mm) can be lightly broadcast into the second coat while still wet, followed by curing overnight and application of a third coat to seal in the sand. This process is suitable only for foot-traffic areas and not for vehicle or forklift traffic.

Chemical Resistance

Nitoflor FC130 demonstrates robust chemical resistance to a wide range of chemicals and substances. The product provides effective protection against most oils and liquids, making it suitable for environments where chemical spillage may occur.

Good housekeeping practices are essential in areas prone to chemical spillage. Spills should not be allowed to dry, as this results in much higher chemical concentrations that can potentially compromise the coating.

Advantages

The key advantages of Nitoflor FC130 include:

• Durable - provides good resistance to abrasion
• Economical - easy to apply, minimizing cleaning costs
• Water-based formulation - low odour characteristics and environmentally favorable
• Good chemical resistance - resistant to a wide range of chemicals
• Flexible substrate compatibility - can be applied to both concrete and asphalt surfaces
• Resilient finish - forms a semi-matte seal that is easily cleaned

Application Instructions

Surface Preparation

It is essential that Nitoflor FC130 is applied to sound, clean, dry substrates to achieve maximum adhesion between the coating and substrate. The substrate must be fine-textured, as surface irregularities may show through and cause excessive wear on high spots.

New Concrete Floors: New concrete must be a minimum of 7 days old. Laitance should be removed by light grit-blasting or diamond grinding. Alternatively, treat with an acid wash, followed by neutralizing solution and thorough rinsing with water, then complete drying. Remove all dust and debris by vacuum brush.

Old Concrete Floors: A sound, clean substrate is essential. Light grit-blasting or acid etching should be performed as for new concrete. Oil and grease penetration may be removed by hot compressed air treatment and priming with a primer coat of Nitoflor FC130. Adhesion tests must be carried out to confirm sufficient preparation.

Asphalt Surfaces: Asphalt should be at least 3 months old before coating. Scrub with detergent solution and allow to dry before application. Note that being a flexible material, asphalt may move more than Nitoflor FC130 can accommodate, potentially leading to cracking in the coating.

Mixing Procedure

The individual components must be thoroughly stirred before mixing together. Pour the entire contents of the base container into the hardener container and mix thoroughly for at least 3 minutes using a heavy-duty slow-speed drill fitted with a suitable spiral mixing paddle.

Important Consideration: Once mixed, the product should be poured into flat, open paint trays to maximize pot life. Holding the product in the original mixing can leads to an exothermic reaction that significantly reduces pot life. Mixed material must be used within the stated pot life. Being water-based, the mixed product may appear usable after the pot life expires but will not cure correctly and will remain tacky on the floor.

Coating Application

Apply the mixed Nitoflor FC130 to the prepared surface using a brush or lambswool roller. Ensure complete coverage and prevent ponding of material, as trapped water prevents complete cure. Airless spray application is also acceptable, but the first coat must be "back-rolled" with a roller immediately after application to assist penetration into the concrete.

The second coat may be applied as soon as the first coat has initially dried, typically within 8-24 hours, depending on surface type and ambient conditions. Good drying conditions and adequate ventilation are essential to allow complete evaporation of water as the resin cures.

Cleaning

Nitoflor FC130 should be removed from tools and equipment with clean water immediately after use. Hardened material can only be removed mechanically.

Maintenance

The service life of a floor can be considerably extended through good housekeeping practices. Regular cleaning of Nitoflor FC130 may be carried out using a rotary scrubbing machine with a water-miscible cleaning agent or by hot water washing at temperatures up to 50°C.

Storage Requirements

Store Nitoflor FC130 in dry conditions between 10°C and 30°C. If stored at high temperatures, shelf life may be reduced. The product should be protected from frost.

Limitations and Restrictions

• Do not apply to substrates known to suffer from rising damp or having relative humidity greater than 80%
• Do not apply at temperatures below 10°C or where ambient relative humidity exceeds 85%
• Service life will be reduced in areas of very heavy traffic such as car park lanes or around work benches
• Being a semi-matte finish, Nitoflor FC130 may scuff more than gloss finishes, though marks can generally be removed with detergent scrubbing
• For food processing applications requiring tainting resistance, separate tests are recommended
• To ensure uniform colour, use only components with identical batch numbers in the same application area
• May develop low taint characteristics in certain conditions

Applications

Nitoflor FC130 is suitable for use on walls and floors in:

• Warehouses
• Garages
• Light industrial facilities
• Food processing areas
• Kitchens
• Areas of pedestrian and light vehicular traffic
• Retail environments

References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitoflor_FC130_TDS.pdf
• [2] Fosroc_Nitoflor_FC150_HP-SL_Roll_Coat_TDS.pdf