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MirrorCoat Application Guide
Introduction
System Three MirrorCoat® is a two-part epoxy product specially formulated to create a high-gloss, clear decorative coating for horizontal surfaces. It will enhance the natural beauty of most woods, and give many other surfaces a deep, rich look.
MirrorCoat will also protect the surface from marring, denting, and minor scratches. It is resistant to most household chemicals, and, because of its unique formulation, MirrorCoat will provide a harder, more heat-resistant finish than most do-it-yourself counter or bartop coatings.
MirrorCoat is solvent-free, and can be used inside a house or a building without creating a hazardous or flammable workspace.
As a two-part product, it cures by chemical reaction, and must be kept off your skin while working with it. It is recommended for interior use only, because outdoors, like many epoxy resin coatings, it will yellow slightly and lose its gloss over time. Do not use MirrorCoat over white backgrounds unless yellowing is acceptable.
While we have designed MirrorCoat to be simple to use, there are procedures to follow which produce the best results. This brochure is a step-by-step application guide, with some tips and tricks to help your MirrorCoat project turn out beautiful.
Please read this information thoroughly and watch the application video before proceeding.
Watch the MirrorCoat Application Video at www.systemthree.com.
Here's What You'll Need
How much MirrorCoat?
Calculate the area to be coated and then you need 4.5 fluid ounces per square foot.
What else do I need?
• Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
• Graduated containers
• Mixing sticks
• 1/8" nap foam roller & handle
• Disposable paint brushes
• Portable propane torch
• Rags
• Level
Getting Ready
Prepare Workspace
• For best results, the workspace and the MirrorCoat should be at least 70°F overnight before applying.
• The surface to be coated must be level.
• Uneven surfaces can result in surface defects.
• Turn off fans, etc. to minimize air movement.
• Vacuum the work area and allow dust to settle.
• Wipe dust from the project's surface with a clean rag, saturated with alcohol or mineral spirits.
Protect Skin
Wear disposable gloves and long sleeves (MirrorCoat contains reactive chemicals which must be kept off skin).
Application Steps
1. Measure Accurately
Measure by volume two parts Resin (Part A) to one part Hardener (Part B), or by weight 100 parts of Part A to 44 Parts of Part B. Pour Part A in first. Pour Part B on top of Part A into the same container.
2. Mix Thoroughly
Vigorously hand-mix the material from the bottom to the top and scrape the sides of the container as well as the mixing stick. Larger batches will take longer to mix. Trapped air comes out on application.
3. Surface Application
Seal Coat
Using a 1/8" foam roller, apply MirrorCoat to the surfaces at no more than ½ ounce per square foot. Too thick of a seal coat will not allow bubbles to pop. Immediately follow by lightly brushing the surface with a disposable paintbrush. Allow the seal coat to cure 4-6 hours or overnight. At 70°F, MirrorCoat will have approximately 60 minutes working time.
Flood Coat
Repeat Step 2, measuring and mixing batches of MirrorCoat. Apply MirrorCoat to surfaces at 4 ounces per square foot minimum to ensure self-leveling. Spread out with a disposable paint brush. Spread the material to the edges and allow to run over. When dripping has stopped, brush the runs together.
4. Pop Bubbles with Propane Torch
Wait 5-10 minutes after entire surface is coated, then pop bubbles using a hand held propane torch. Simply wave the torch back and forth keeping the flame 6-8 inches from the surface to avoid heating the coating too much.
Tips and Tricks
• Large surfaces WILL require multiple batches for complete coverage.
• For best results, two people are suggested to coat large surfaces; one to measure and mix, and one to spread the material.
• Once the entire surface is covered, move on to Step 4, popping bubbles with a propane torch.
• If working out of a cup or tub, mix no more than can be used in 10 minutes.
Notes
MirrorCoat should cure for 5 days before being subjected to use. Clean surface with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap or detergent. Hot objects should be placed on hotpads or coasters.
Applying Over Stains
Conventional interior oil wiping stains or waterbased wiping stains are recommended for staining wood before applying MirrorCoat. Allow twice the recommended drying time for the stain before applying MirrorCoat. Pretest to ensure compatibility with MirrorCoat.
Adding Coats
• Allow previous coat to cure overnight.
• Add additional MirrorCoat at 4 ounces per square foot until desired thickness is reached.
• Sand lightly if material has been curing over 72 hours.
MirrorCoat Buffing and Polishing
There are two situations where buffing and polishing cured MirrorCoat is something to be considered.
1. Fixing Surface Imperfections
Sometimes although the product has the potential of looking like a pane of glass, despite the applicators’ best efforts, there are imperfections in the surface, like dust, small divots or fisheyes. If the surface is covered with them, the best course is to sand the surface dull with medium grit (120-150) sandpaper and pour another layer of MirrorCoat. But, if there are only a few, or if the product didn't quite level out, the surface can be brought to near perfection by buffing and polishing.
2. Refurbishing
The MirrorCoat project that looked beautiful 4 or 5 years ago might have some mars and scratches, or simply not be as glossy as it used to be. You can regain close to that original clarity and high gloss. System Three has published a detailed procedure recommending the specific materials and techniques used to buff and polish MirrorCoat to an essentially perfectly level, clear, and high gloss surface. The information is available on our website at www.systemthree.com or by calling System Three Technical Support at (800) 333-5514.
Clean Up
Clean up tools, equipment and spills with lacquer thinner.
