Aliphatic Urethane

Aliphatic Urethane is a general purpose urethane we sell. It is comparable to oil-based urethanes (but different, do not add Mineral Spirits!). It is normally a clear resin, but can be purchased in colours, and colour matched. It is a two part resin, one part resin, one part hardener. It is mixed in 2:1 proportions, of 2 Resin for each 1 Hardener. The Resin is part A, the hardener part B respectively.

Common applications for Urethane include coating on top of hardwood floors, concrete, metal, and epoxy finished floors.

Safety

Urethane is flammable. Use Urethane in a well ventilated area. Some form of dust mask or breathing protection is recommended.

Application Overview

1. Prepare Surface to be coated
2. Make sure temperature is at an appropriate level (at or above 65 deg F)
3. Mix Urethane resin and Hardener
4. Apply with a 3/16-inch Nap roller. Use a brush for hard to reach areas
5. Wait 12 hours for the Urethane to cure
6. If necessary, Sand urethane, and apply at least a 2nd coat.

A more detailed overview of how to apply Advance Coatings urethane can be found in the Aliphatic Urethane Data Sheet.

Pitfalls & Tips

The Second Coat of Urethane will Require Less than the First Sometimes

For example, when doing a hardwood floor, the first coat will require a bit more, perhaps 15% more Urethane as the wood will soak much of the first (primer) coat. The second coat will use less urethane, therefore less can be made, and less can be poured down at a given time for this 2nd coat.

Do not mix Aliphatic Urethane and Mineral Spirits

Unlike common oil based Urethanes used for wood finishing (Minwax, Fabulon), you can NOT add mineral spirits to this Aliphatic Urethane. Doing so will result in a cloudy cure. There is no need to thin this urethane in order to avoid bubbling, as it rarely bubbles.

Aliphatic Urethane vs. Water vs. Oil based Urethane Hardwood Floor Colour

The appearance of hardwood under Aliphatic Urethane is somewhere between oil and water based Urethanes, with a strong lean towards the oil based Urethanes known for their gold colour on woods such as Oak. For an example, see this Red Oak floor before and after picture with Aliphatic Urethane.

Curing Urethane can Attract Flying bugs

It is best to use an open window, with a screen to offer some ventilation when curing Urethane. Having an open door or window, may cause flying bugs to be attracted to the aroma of the Urethane. If a bug or dirt is caught in a coat of urethane, it can be rubbed or sanded out, with additional urethane applied on top.

Sanding Urethane is Not Always Required Between Coats

If the primer coat of Urethane is rough enough, a 2nd coat can be applied without sanding. Some experience and judgment should be exercised here.