When can forklifts drive on a new epoxy floor in Nepean?

One manufacturer's data sheet lists heavy traffic return at 7 days for a 100%-solids epoxy at around 21 to 25 degrees C. That is the figure to plan your forklift schedule around, and the data sheet for the specific product being applied governs.

Prep and moisture testing come before any coating, so ask how many days they add. One epoxy data sheet requires the slab to be at or below about 80% relative humidity before application; if the test comes back above that, a moisture-tolerant primer is an extra step. The data sheet also sets temperature limits for application, so the contractor should confirm the schedule against the data sheet for your Nepean facility.

When you review quotes, ask each contractor to provide the product data sheet and safety data sheet for every product they plan to use, confirm the surface profile they will achieve and how they will verify it, and get the cure schedule in writing tied to those data sheets. A fair quote for a Nepean warehouse or distribution facility should address:

• moisture testing results and what happens if the slab fails the threshold
• surface preparation method and the ICRI concrete surface profile targeted
• number of coats and total system thickness
• anti-slip broadcast if forklifts and foot traffic share the floor
• the closure window and phasing plan tied to the data sheet cure times
• proof of liability insurance

When comparing quotes, ask each contractor to break out the cost of crack and joint repair separately so you can see what that line covers before you commit.