ECTR
ECTR is a two component, glossy, 100% solids, low VOC, low odour, versatile water-clear epoxy resin. It is also available as a factory pre-tinted product with a selection of high volume stock colours. ECTR can be applied as a smooth non-textured finish, or custom aggregate textured finish using very fine to aggressive coarse aggregates that improve traction values on wet or contaminated surfaces.
- Excellent protection for new or restored concrete substrates
- Glossy aesthetic finish.
- Durable, impermeable, and seamless
- Very good mechanical and chemical resistance
- Easily cleaned and maintained
- Low VOC / low odour suitable for application in occupied facilities
Usage
- ECTR is typically used to protect new surfaces or restored existing deteriorated concrete floors
- It can be applied clear or pigmented, typically installed as a concrete primer, high-build smooth coating or as a binder for broadcast or trowel applied surfacing
Advantages
- Excellent protection for new or restored concrete substrates
- Glossy aesthetic finish.
- Durable, impermeable, and seamless
- Very good mechanical and chemical resistance
- Easily cleaned and maintained
- Low VOC / low odour suitable for application in occupied facilities
Packaging
Components A+B: 11.35 L (3 US gal) unit
Component A: 7.57 L (2 US gal)
Component B: 3.78 L (1 US gal)
Colour
Water-clear / pretinted in White, Silver, Light Grey and Medium Grey
Product Details
APPROVALS / CERTIFICATES
- Meets the requirements of CFIA for use in food plants.
Shelf Life
12 months in original unopened packaging.
Storage Conditions
Store in a dry place, protected from freezing at a temperature between 5 °C and 32 °C (41 °F and 90 °F). Protect from freezing. If ECTR has frozen, contact Sika Canada.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) content
< 25 g/L (Clear)
Shore D Hardness
~85
Pull-Off Strength
> 2.4 MPa (> 350 psi) (substrate failure)
Application
Mixing Ratio
Clear and Factory Pre-tint A:B = 2:1 (by volume)
Product Temperature
Condition product at temperatures between 18 °C to 30 °C (65 °F to 86 °F) before using and during the application.
Ambient Air Temperature
Minimum: 10 °C (50 °F)
Maximum: 30 °C (85 °F)
Note: Mixing and application attempted at material, ambient and/or substrate temperature conditions less than 18 °C (65 °F) will result in a decrease in product workability and slower cure rates.
Relative Air Humidity
Maximum 85 % (during application and curing).
Dew Point
Substrate must be at least 3 ˚C (5 ˚F) above the Dew Point to reduce the risk of condensation, which may lead to adhesion failure or “blushing” on the floor finish. Be aware that the substrate temperature may be lower than the ambient temperature.
Substrate Temperature
Minimum:10 °C (50 °F) / Maximum: 30 °C (86 °F)
Note: Any attempt to apply ECTR at substrate temperature conditions less than 18 °C (65 °F) will result in an increase in viscosity and slower cure rates.
Substrate Moisture Content
Moisture content of concrete substrate must be ≤ 4 % by mass (pbw – part by weight) as measured with a Tramex®CME / CMExpert type concrete moisture meter on mechanically prepared surface in accordance with the instructions specified in this product technical data sheet (ICRI/CSP 3-4).
Pot Life
| Material Temperature | Time |
| 23 °C (73 °F) | ~55 minutes |
Curing Time
| Substrate Temperature | Tack Free | Full Cure |
| 23 °C (73 °F) | ~8 hours | ~7 days |
Note:
-
Curing times may vary depending on the ambient temperature, the substrate temperature, and the relative humidity level.
-
Freshly applied material should be protected from dampness, condensation, and water for at least 48 hours.
- Mechanical, chemical, and physical properties will be fully achieved at full cure.
Waiting Time / Overcoating
| Ambiant and Substrate Temperature | Minimum | Maximum |
| 23 °C (73 °F) | ~ 8 hours | 48 hours |
IMPORTANT: If the maximum waiting time has been exceeded. The previous coat must be lightly sanded, to remove all gloss; vacuum cleaning using a brush attachment followed promptly with a solvent wipe off the surface as per the following generally accepted practices:
- Avoid using solvent that can leave a oily residue: (such as, but not limited to most mineral spirit).
- Avoid Paper Towels: Pre-treated shop towels or standard paper towels may contain silicone or manufacturing additives that will ruin your paint job. Stick to lint-free cotton cloths or dedicated microfibre towels.
- Change Rags Frequently: As soon as a rag becomes visibly dirty, discard it or fold it to a clean side. Continuing to wipe with a saturated, dirty rag just re-deposits contaminants onto the surface.
- Wet Wipe: Pour a solvent onto the first rag. Do not dip the rag into the solvent container; pour it directly to keep your supply clean.
- Lift: Wipe down a small, manageable section (e.g., ~0.5 m2 [~ 4-6 ft2]) of the surface. Use enough pressure to break up and lift the oils or sanding dust. Rotate the cloth frequently so you are always using a clean spot.
- Dry Wipe: Before the solvent can flash off (evaporate) and dry on the surface, wipe the same section with a second, clean, lint-free rag. When used correctly, this second cloth absorbs residual solvent and removes materials that could reduce or prevent adhesion or the proper performance of the next coat.
Consumption
Smooth Coating: Prime coat: (8 mil) 5 m2/L (203 ft2/US gal)
Finish coat: (15 mil) 2.6 m2/L (106 ft2/US gal)
Note: Actual coverage rates and material consumption will depend upon porosity and profile of substrates. Test sections are recommended to establish correct coverage.
SUBSTRATE QUALITY
Concrete surfaces must be clean and sound. The compressive strength of the concrete substrate should be at least 25 MPa (3625 psi) at 28 days and a minimum of 1.5 MPa (218 psi) in tensile strength, at the time of the application.
Substrates must be free of contaminants such as dust, dirt, existing paint films, efflorescence, exudates, laitance, form, hydraulic or fuel oils, brake fluid, grease, fungi, mildew, biological residues or any other contaminants which may prohibit good bond or conditions of the substrate that may reduce the overall performances of ECTR.
SURFACE PREPARATION
Before work commences, examine the areas to be covered and report any improper condition(s) in writing to the general contractor, architect or engineer (or otherwise, the owner). User shall not proceed with the work until surfaces and conditions comply with the requirements indicated in this document; applicable industry standards; federal, provincial and local regulations, as well as good trade practices. By starting work, the Applicator/User acknowledges that the conditions are acceptable.
Prepare the surface by any appropriate mechanical means, in order to achieve a profile equivalent to a minimum of ICRI CSP 3 (note: ICRI CSP 6 will provide better overall performances where high shear stress from dynamic loads may be present or that can reasonably be expected). When using shot-blasting, ensure the concrete surface has a uniform texture and avoid creating marks that could show through the coating layers—or, in some cases, through the thin layers of the system utilizing ECTR. Excessive surface removal could result in reduced coverage rates and increased primer consumption.
Sweep and vacuum up all dust or loose material that could impair adhesion, using an industrial vacuum cleaner. Ensuring the surface is free of residual dust guarantees optimal adhesion between the Sikafloor® bonding/insulation layer, the primer, and the substrate. Any protrusions or surface irregularities must be ground down and levelled to create a flat surface prior to application. Repairs to cementitious substrates (patching, etc.) must be carried out using suitable, moisture-tolerant Sika® structural repair mortars.
Repairs to cementitious substrates, filling of blowholes, levelling of irregularities, etc. should be carried out using an appropriate Sika profiling mortar. Contact Sika Technical Service for recommendations in writing.
Note: Contact Sika’s Technical Service for installation recommendations in writing concerning substrates or conditions not listed.
Expansion Joints
Expansion joints should be provided in the substrates at the intersection of dissimilar materials. Isolate areas subject to thermal stresses, vibration movements or around load-bearing columns and at vessel sealing rings. Communicate with Sika®'s technical services.
The owner (and architect) should discuss joint details with the flooring contractor before the job starts.
MIXING
Mixing ratio A:B = 2:1 (by volume)
IMPORTANT:
- Do not hand mix ECTR; mechanically mix only.
- ECTR must be applied as supplied.
Clear and Factory Pre-tint: Pre-stir Components A and B separately, making sure all solids, are evenly distributed. Empty Component B (Hardener) in the correct mix ratio into Component A (Resin) or empty Component A into a suitably sized and clean pail and add Component B in the correct ratio. Blend the combined components thoroughly at low speed (300 - 450 rpm) for at least three (3) minutes using a drill fitted with an Exomixer® or Jiffy type paddle suited to the dimensions of the mixing container and keep the mixing paddle in the mix to avoid entrapping air. Take care not to introduce any air bubbles while mixing. Make sure the contents are completely mixed to avoid any weak or partially cured spots in the coating. During the mixing operation, scrape down the sides and bottom of the container with a flat or straight edge trowel at least once to ensure complete mixing. Do not attempt to attend to unmixed material that may gather on the sides of the mixing container while mechanical or electrical parts are in motion. When completely mixed, ECTR should be uniform in appearance and consistency.
Immediately discharge the product and place material on substrate to be coated. Mix subsequent batches promply.
Notes:
- Mix only that quantity which can be used within its pot life at actual field temperature.
- When using brighter colours, additional coats may be required. Using more colour additive than recommended will result in extended cure times and reduced chemical and abrasion resistance.
APPLICATION
Prime Coat: Apply mixed ECTR as a prime coat onto the substrate using a brush, roller, or squeegee, at a uniform coverage without puddling.
Wear Coat: Once the prime coat is tack-free, apply the wear coat using a brush, squeegee, and backroll to achieve even coverage.
Notes:
- It is important to apply subsequent coats of this and other products within 48 hours (under normal curing conditions). If this coating is allowed to cure longer than the 48 hours before subsequent recoats. Refer to the Waiting Time / Overcoating on page 3 of this document for preparing the surface.
- The use of bright colours may require additional coats.
CLEAN UP
Clean all tools and equipment with a non-flammable solvent. Once hardened, product can only be removed mechanically.