Cold Cure Epoxy – The Ultimate Solution for Low-Temperature Applications

January 13, 2025

When temperatures drop, traditional epoxy coatings often struggle to cure effectively, delaying projects and increasing costs. That’s where Cold Cure Epoxy steps in as the perfect solution. Designed specifically to perform in low-temperature environments, Cold Cure Epoxy ensures reliable results even in challenging conditions.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of Cold Cure Epoxy and provide step-by-step instructions for its installation.

What is Cold Cure Epoxy?

Cold Cure Epoxy is a specially formulated epoxy coating designed to cure in temperatures as low as 35°F (1.6°C). It provides the same durability, adhesion, and chemical resistance as standard epoxy coatings, making it an excellent choice for projects in colder environments.

Key Features of Cold Cure Epoxy

        1.        Low-Temperature Curing: Ideal for winter applications or unheated spaces.

        2.        Strong Adhesion: Bonds securely to concrete, wood, and other surfaces.

        3.        Chemical and Abrasion Resistance: Ensures durability even in industrial settings.

        4.        Versatility: Suitable for floors, walls, and other surfaces requiring a protective coating.

Applications for Cold Cure Epoxy

        •        Garage Floors: A reliable solution for homeowners in colder regions.

        •        Industrial Facilities: Ideal for unheated warehouses or production areas.

        •        Outdoor Surfaces: Works well on patios, walkways, and loading docks.

        •        Cold Storage Rooms: Perfect for freezers or cold storage facilities.

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions for Cold Cure Epoxy

Materials Needed

        •        Cold Cure Epoxy Resin and Hardener (e.g., Epoxy.com Cold Cure #XXX)

        •        Mixing tools (drill with paddle mixer or stir stick)

        •        Rollers or brushes

        •        Surface preparation tools (grinder, vacuum, or broom)

        •        Protective gear (gloves, goggles, and mask)

Step 1: Surface Preparation

        1.        Clean the Surface: Remove all dirt, oil, grease, and debris. Use a degreaser if necessary.

        2.        Repair Cracks and Holes: Patch any damage with an epoxy filler to create a smooth surface.

        3.         Mechanically grind  or shot blast the surface to roughen surface texture  and remove weak and surface contamination for optimal adhesion.

        4.        Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the surface is dry before application, as moisture can interfere with bonding.

Step 2: Mix the Epoxy

        1.        Measure Components: Accurately measure the resin and hardener as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

        2.        Mix Thoroughly: Blend the components using a drill with a properly sized paddle mixer  for 3 minutes. Ensure the mixture is uniform and free of streaks.

        3.        Avoid Over mixing: Do not introduce air bubbles into the mixture.

Step 3: Apply the Epoxy

        1.        Apply the Primer (Optional): If specified, use a primer layer for better adhesion. Allow it to cure as instructed.

        2.        First Coat:: Apply  epoxy onto the surface and spread it evenly using a roller or brush.

        3.        Allow Initial Cure: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended curing time before applying the second coat.

Step 4: Apply the Second Coat

        1.        Repeat Application: Spread the second coat evenly to achieve the desired thickness and finish.

        2.        Add Non-Slip Aggregate (Optional): Add synthetic  anti-skid to the coatings above or  sprinkle a non-slip additive on the surface if required.

Step 5: Allow Final Curing

        1.        Cure Time: Cold Cure Epoxy will typically cure within 24–48 hours, even at low temperatures.

        2.        Inspect and Clean: Once cured, inspect the surface for consistency and clean up any excess material.

Pro Tips for a Successful Installation

        •        Work in Small Batches: Cold temperatures can slow the curing process, so mix only what you can use within the pot life.

        •        Maintain Temperature: Ensure the ambient temperature stays consistent during the curing process.

        •        Use Proper Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

Why Choose Epoxy.com for Cold Cure Epoxy?

At Epoxy.com, we pride ourselves on offering high-performance epoxy solutions that meet the demands of any environment. Our Cold Cure Epoxy products are rigorously tested to ensure they deliver exceptional results, no matter the temperature.

Get Started with Cold Cure Epoxy Today!

Ready to tackle your next low-temperature project with confidence? Browse our selection of Cold Cure Epoxy products and contact our team for expert guidance. Whether it’s a residential, commercial, or industrial application, we have the perfect solution for you.

Contact Us Today:

Call: 321-206-1833 (orders)

352-533-2167 (technical support)

Email: sales@epoxy.com

Visit: www.epoxy.com

With Cold Cure Epoxy from Epoxy.com, cold weather is no longer a barrier to achieving durable, long-lasting coatings.


Epoxy Installation Terminology

June 8, 2012

Epoxy.com technical support staff gets asked a lot about epoxy terminology. This page deals with the terms associated with epoxy  installation times.  Specifically “Epoxy Pot Life” sometimes called the epoxy’s “Working Time“, “Tack Free Time“, “Initial Cure”,  and “Final Cure” sometimes called the epoxy’s “Full Chemical Cure“.  Keep in mind that all of the information below assumes that the epoxy has been properly measured and mix. The information is specificall based on Epoxy.com Products, but is typically true about many 100% solids epoxies.

Epoxy Pot Life aka Working Time

The “Pot Life” of epoxy is the time that it takes for it to start gelling in the in the mix vessel (typically a bucket). One important thing to remember is that this is done by a standard which is 200 grams of the material at a given temperature typically 70° F or 77° F. So remember that the bigger you make the  batch of Epoxy.com resin, the faster the batch will set.  See the Epoxy Pot Life Page for more details.

Epoxy Tack Free Time

The “Tack Free Time” of the epoxy is pretty much just what it sounds like.  It is the time that the epoxy is no longer sticky to the touch. When the epoxy is “Tack Free” it can be handle or even walked on if necessary, but you will want to be careful because the epoxy will be very vulnerable to scratching right after it becomes “Tack Free”. The “Tack Free Time” given on the product’s Epoxy.com technical data sheet is also at a specific temperature, typically 77°F.

Epoxy Initial Cure Time

The “Initial Cure” is not the same as “Tack Free“.  Typically “Initial Cure” is about twice as long as the Tack Free Time. Most epoxies have about 80% of the epoxy’s final cure at “Initial Cure“. After the Epoxy’s “Initial Cure” the epoxy is still vulnerable to scratching, but typically strong enough that these scratching will be strictly esthetic and not structural. In cases where time permits and esthetics are essential you may want to wait 1.5 to 2 times the “Initial Cure” of the epoxy before you allow heavy traffic or rougher handling. The primary outside force that can effect this time is temperature. The epoxy’s “Initial Cure” time assumes the temperature indicated on the technical data sheet, or 77° F. if not otherwise specified.

Final Cure aka “Full Chemical Cure”

When the epoxy has reached its “Final Cure” it has achieved the strengths indicated on the Epoxy.com technical data sheet. It also means that the epoxy has reached its full water resistance and full chemical resistance. This time also is also effected by temperature, similar to all the other times listed above. One interesting note is that “Final Cure” when the epoxy is 99% cured.  Epoxy will continue to harden for as much as a year.  So  the “Final Cure” for epoxy is like the “28 day” cure on concrete.  It is typically said that the concrete is fully cured in 28 days.  In fact concrete will under the right conditions continue to cure for up to 100 years.

For more information email me at
norm@epoxy.com
  or visit Epoxy.com “Where to Start” Page for more information.

Norm Lambert
President & Director of Technical Support
Epoxy Systems, Inc Florida & Vermont USA
Available by Phone M-F 9AM-4PM Eastern Time (6 AM – 1 PM Pacific Time)
352-533-2167 (Voice)
352-465-3497 (fax)
norm@epoxy.com
www.epoxy.com
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Pot Life of 100% Solids Epoxy

June 7, 2012

As the Technical Support Director of Epoxy.com  I get a lot of email and phone calls about how to work with the relatively short potlife (typically 30-40 minutes) of 100% Solids Epoxy and similar resin systems.

It is important to understand that  Epoxy (and epoxy like resins) generate their own heat when mixed. So larger batches of epoxy  will generate more heat then smaller ones. The result of this is that larger batches of epoxy set faster than smaller batches. Start by mixing smaller batches of epoxy and then increase your batch size slowly.

To give you longer working times:

  • Make small batches that you can use in about 1/2 the working time of the material.  That will give you a little wiggle room and it will make your epoxy easier to use.
  • Be sure the product is cool when you mix it.  For best handling properties I like my material in the upper 60’s or lower 70’s. F.

See To Do With Epoxy for more installation tips.

Norm Lambert – Epoxy.com Technical Support Director