There are three floor coating testing tools you should use before beginning large-scale flooring applications:
Infrared Digital Thermometer
An Infrared Digital Thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the surface you are coating—concrete, metal, wood, etc. It is measured by pointing the thermometer at the surface you are coating and pressing the trigger. Measuring the temperature tells you whether or not the surface is too warm or too cold to accept floor coatings for a proper adhesion. Check the coating product technical data sheet for the appropriate temperature levels before applying.
Digital Psychrometer
A Digital Psychromoeter measures the air temperature and relative humidity in a building. It is measured by turning on the device and swinging it around in a small circle. Both temperature and humidity need to be in healthy ranges in order to prevent epoxy or floor coating failure. Again, check the technical data sheet for the appropriate air temperature and humidity levels before coating.
pH Pencil Test
A pH Pencil Test measures the pH level of the surface you are coating. The pH is measured by marking an X with the special pencil on your substrate, then pouring water on top of the X. Whatever color the X turns will tell you what the pH of that surface is when compared to the pH testing sheet. Generally, concrete should be between 6 and 8 on a pH scale. If your substrate is not in the appropriate pH range, talk to a Tri-Chem Representative before applying your floor coating.
It’s estimated that about three out of four projects in the coatings world will fail due to improper surface preparation. Properly prepping your surface before applying coatings is the key to having a successful adhesion.
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