Kemper York Company: Film Coatings

Film Coatings

Film Coatings are either water-based or solvent-based. This means that either water or a solvent(s) is used to "carry" a solid material (acrylic, modified acrylic, urethanes, epoxies, etc.) on to the surface of the tile, stone or masonry wherein the water or solvent evaporates leaving the solids bonded to the surface. These solids form a "skin" or hard mechanical barrier that stands between potential stains and the surface.

Film coatings offer a range of protection against a variety of stain causing agents ranging from common household products to industrial chemicals. Film coatings will produce a sheen that varies from high gloss to a matte finish but the final appearance can be modified sometimes by final finishing procedures. All film coatings will require re-coating to maintain effectiveness at some point and, in some cases, stripping of the previous coating is required before re-coating. The ease of stripping depends on the type of coating to be stripped. Acrylics are on the easier end of the scale with epoxies and urethanes being more difficult. In all cases of stripping, be sure to check local, state and federal regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal as the strippers and the film coating waste can be considered hazardous waste.

The longevity and effectiveness of film coatings is determined by a number of factors such as:

Effectiveness of maintenance procedures.
The amount of abrasion to which the surface is subjected.
Ultra-violet light.
Use of "sacrificial" coatings to protect underlying sealers.

The use of film coatings in wet or potentially wet areas necessitates the use of a slip resistant treatments in order to provide adequate protection from slip and fall accidents. These treatments range from adding abrasives to the coating during the application process to applying slip resistant adhesive strips after application is completed.

Not sure if a film coating is right for your particular situation? Check Important Sealing Questions section.