E1820 Clear Epoxy Coating | Metallic & Quartz Floor System | 40-50 Min Work Time | High Gloss | Abrasion Resistant

Shelf LifeMinimum of 12 Months

COVERAGE RATE

MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

SURFACE PREPARATION

In all cases of surface preparation, the pH should be checked. A pH reading of 7.0 to 8.5 is acceptable. Also, a Water Dissipation Test should be made on random areas of the floor to determine if the proper degree of porosity has been achieved. Before the installation of any Gulf Coast Paint Products, the substrate should be examined for moisture. Test for moisture vapor transmission using ASTM F-1869 Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride. The maximum allowable rate is 3lbs per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours. Test for relative humidity in concrete floor slabs using Probes according to ASTM F-2170. This test measures the presence relative humidity of the slab below the surface. The maximum relative humidity should be below 80%.

New concrete must be cured at least a minimum of 28 days before applying a coating. On-grade slabs must have moisture vapor barrier in place. All laitance, sealers, efflorescence, chemical contaminants, grease, oil and other foreign material must be removed. The prepared surface must be clean, dry and structurally sound. Gulf Coast Paint recommends mechanical preparation by means of shot blasting or diamond grinding to achieve a CSP-2 or CSP-3 profile, in accordance, with the international concrete repair institute (ICRI). The profile should reflect something similar to a 60-100 grit sandpaper. If the substrate is not properly prepared and the appropriate profile is not achieved, failure of the product to adhere to the substrate may occur.

Old concrete surfaces must be structurally sound. Any unsound areas must be repaired prior to proceeding with the resinous installation. For proper patching and preparing, use E615 and/or E1000 with graded aggregate. Remove existing paint and loose concrete by rough sanding, sandblasting, high pressure water cleaning, shot blasting or grinding. In some cases where plant conditions allow, a stripper may be used to remove excessive build-up of paints or sealers.

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS

E1820 is prepared by mixing 2 parts of Base (Part A) to 1 part of Hardener (Part B) with a slow speed power drill with a Jiffy mixer.  Do not vary from mix ratio proportions.  PC-1820 must be used immediately after mixing.

Use of an improper drill mixer can result in streaking of the color because the pigment has not been thoroughly blended.  It can also create curing problems if the hardener also called activator (Part B) is not thoroughly blended with the resin (Part A) which can cause some areas on your floor to remain soft and not harden properly.  DO NOT USE A PAINT MIXER.  Many mixing problems described above can be traced back to using a paint mixer..  DO NOT HAND MIX as this approach can also result in the same problems as using a paint mixer.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

For best results primer concrete with E155 Epoxy Primer. Apply over the E155 while they have a slight tack. Apply E1820 with a short nap roller or squeegee at 80-200 sq ft per gallon. After applying E1820, immediately back-roll material with a porcupine roller to break up any air bubbles formed by mixing or during application. If any concrete out-gassing occurs, roll 1-2 coats of E155 Concrete Primer directly to the concrete surface to help reduce out-gassing before applying E1820. The primer should be butterfly rolled into the concrete to provide uniform coverage.

NOTE:  For safety and product curing, proper ventilation is necessary throughout application and cure.  When using pigmented Finish Coats, be sure the batch numbers are all the same to provide a uniform color.

Do not apply if the surface temperature is within 50°F or above 100°F.  Do not apply if the surface temperature is within 5° of the Dew Point.  PC-1820 Base and Hardener should be stored at 75°- 85°F to help maintain a lower, rollable viscosity.  Do not apply when material is cold.  Allow a minimum of 24-48 hours with good ventilation before putting floor back into service.  If a non-skid finish is required, prepare a test patch for owner approval prior to application. E1820 is not recommended as a finish coat in areas where there is direct sunlight.  Not recommended on floors susceptible to hydrostatic pressure. These systems are designed for application by professional experienced flooring contractors.

CAUTIONS

E1820 is not a fire hazard; the flash point is above 250°F.  However, under conditions of fire it will burn and release potentially toxic fumes.  The Base portion is relatively inert physiologically.  The Hardener portion is corrosive and contains amines and related materials.  These can cause irritation and possibly chemical burns to the skin and eyes.  This is also true for mixtures of Base and Hardener.  Wear safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing when using E1820.  This product is sold without warranty as to performance expressed or implied. Users are urged to make their own tests to determine the suitability for their particular conditions.

SEE SAFETY DATA SHEET FOR FULL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN. NOT FOR RESIDENTIAL USE. FOR PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY.

SEE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET FOR FULL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.  FOR PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY  KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.  NOT FOR RESIDENTIAL USE NOTICE TO BUYER: DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS ON OUR LIABILITY We warrant that our products are manufactured to strict quality assurance specifications and that the information supplied by us is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Such information supplied about our products is not a representation or a warranty. It is supplied on the condition that you shall make your own tests to determine the suitability of our product for your particular purpose. Any use or application other than recommended herein is the sole responsibility of the user. Listed physical properties are typical and should not be construed as specifications. NO WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING SUCH OTHER INFORMATION, THE DATA ON WHICH IT IS BASED, OR THE RESULTS YOU WILL OBTAIN FROM ITS USE. N0 WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, THAT OUR PRODUCT SHALL BE MERCHANTABLE OR THAT OUR PRODUCT SHALL BE FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY IS MADE THAT THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION OR OUR PRODUCT WILL NOT INFRINGE UPON ANY PATENT. We shall have no liability for incidental or consequential damages, direct or indirect. Our liability is limited to the net selling price of our product or the replacement of our product, at our option. Acceptance of delivery of our product means that you have accepted the terms of this warranty whether or not purchase orders or other documents state terms that vary from this warranty. No representative is authorized to make any representation or warranty or assume any other liability on our behalf with any sale of our products. Our products contain chemicals that may CAUSE SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. BEFORE USING, READ THE SAFETY DATA SHEET AND FOLLOW THE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT BODILY HARM.

What is the E1820 epoxy coating?

The E1820 is a 100% solids, solvent-free epoxy coating designed for metallic epoxy floors, quartz systems, and high-performance coatings. It creates a high-gloss, durable surface with excellent adhesion to concrete and masonry.

Unlike lower-grade coatings, it contains no solvents, meaning everything you apply stays on the floor—resulting in a thicker, longer-lasting finish.

What makes E1820 ideal for metallic epoxy floors?

E1820 is specifically formulated with a long 40–50 minute working time, which is critical for metallic systems.

This gives installers more time to:

• Manipulate metallic pigments
• Create natural marble-like effects
• Fix imperfections without rushing
• Avoid roller marks or “set lines”

👉 This is one of the biggest reasons professionals prefer E1820 over fast-setting epoxies. For a full list of our metallic pigment selection to compliment the E1820 check out our Metallic Epoxy Color Pigment Page.

How long is the working time (pot life) of E1820 epoxy?

• Working time: ~40–50 minutes at 75°F
• Pot life: ~35–40 minutes

This extended work time makes it a “slow cure epoxy”, which is ideal for:

• Large floors
• Decorative metallic finishes
• Detailed installs requiring precision

For additional free application assistance over the phone, reach out to us at 630-675-4509 or [email protected].

Why is a long working time epoxy better?

A longer working time epoxy like E1820 allows for:

• Better flow and leveling
• More consistent color blending
• Reduced risk of lap lines
• Less installer stress

Fast-curing epoxies often force rushed installs, which can ruin a metallic floor’s appearance.

Is E1820 a good epoxy for beginners or DIY?

E1820 is professional-grade, but the longer working time actually makes it:

• More forgiving than fast epoxies
• Easier to learn metallic techniques

However, proper surface prep and mixing are still critical for success. For additional free application assistance over the phone, reach out to us at 630-675-4509 or [email protected].

Where can E1820 epoxy be used?

E1820 is versatile and commonly used in:

• Garage floors
• Basements
• Showrooms
• Warehouses
• Restaurants and commercial kitchens
• Schools and offices

It works for both decorative and industrial flooring systems.

Can E1820 be used as a primer or base coat?

Yes. E1820 works as:

• A primer for concrete. For metallic system would recommend the E211 Epoxy Primer & Sealer. 
• A base coat for metallic or quartz systems
• A clear sealer or topcoat. For topcoat options in metallic system would recommend the E352 High Gloss Polyurethane or E1900C Polaspartic.

It penetrates concrete and helps fill small voids and hairline cracks.

Do I need a primer under E1820 epoxy?

A primer is optional but recommended in many cases:

• Use a primer to reduce outgassing
• Improve adhesion on porous concrete
• Enhance metallic color depth
• Would  the E211 Epoxy Primer & Sealer

For fast turnaround or damp slabs, a moisture-tolerant primer is often used.

How durable is E1820 epoxy flooring?

E1820 creates a hard, abrasion-resistant surface that:

• Resists heavy foot and vehicle traffic
• Protects against chemicals and spills
• Prevents dusting and surface deterioration

It’s commonly used in industrial and commercial environments. For additional durability long term, would strongly recommend topcoat of either the E352 High Gloss Polyurethane or E1900C Polaspartic.

What is the coverage rate of E1820 epoxy?

Coverage depends on surface porosity:

• 80–200 sq ft per gallon

Smoother floors = higher coverage
Rough or porous concrete = lower coverage

For assistance choosing the right quantity for YOUR project reach out to us at 630-675-4509 or [email protected].

Does E1820 have strong fumes or odor?

No—E1820 is 100% solids and solvent-free, so:

• Very low odor
• Safe for indoor applications
• No solvent evaporation during cure

How long does E1820 take to cure?

Typical cure timeline:

• Recoat: 12–24 hours
• Light use: ~24–48 hours
• Full cure: several days depending on conditions

Temperature and humidity will affect cure speed.

Can E1820 be used outdoors?

E1820 is not recommended for direct sunlight exposure because UV can cause ambering over time.

👉 For outdoor use, apply a UV-stable topcoat (like E352 High Gloss Polyurethane or E1900C Polaspartic)

What topcoat should be used over E1820?

For maximum durability, apply:

• Polyurethane (chemical resistance)
  • E352 High Gloss Polyurethane
• Polyaspartic (UV stability + fast cure)
  • E1900C Polaspartic.

Topcoats improve:

• Scratch resistance
• UV protection
• Long-term gloss retention

What surfaces can E1820 be applied to?

E1820 bonds well to:

• Concrete
• Masonry
• Properly prepped existing coatings

Surface must be:

• Clean
• Dry
• Mechanically profiled (CSP-2 to CSP-3 recommended)

What is the mixing ratio for E1820 epoxy?

• 2:1 mix ratio (Part A : Part B)

Always mix thoroughly using a Jiffy Style mixer—improper mixing can cause soft spots or curing issues.

Is E1820 resistant to chemicals and moisture?

Yes, E1820 provides:

• Good chemical resistance
• Protection against water penetration
• Resistance to freeze/thaw damage

This makes it ideal for garages, warehouses, and industrial floors.

Why choose E1820 over faster epoxy systems?

Choose E1820 if you want:

• More time to work (40–50 minutes)
• Better metallic effects
• Higher-end professional results
• Less risk of application mistakes

Fast epoxies are better for speed—but E1820 is better for quality and appearance.

Is E1820 epoxy worth it?

If you’re installing a metallic epoxy floor or decorative system, E1820 is one of the best choices because:

• Long working time = better results
• 100% solids = maximum durability
• Professional-grade performance

👉 It’s built for contractors and serious DIYers who want a high-end finish that lasts.