information on how to install an acrylic panel
information on how to install an acrylic panel
Hey, here is some information on how to install an acrylic panel, which I got from the manufacturer. The instruction wants the concrete contractor to build a grove / gap in the viewing window area and slide the acrylic panel in it. Please post tons of pictures as you build your viewing window. THANKS"¦
Steps required to prepare concrete for Epoxy Coating.
1.0 Allow concrete to cure for 28 days, at which time all surfaces to be coated should be sandblasted to remove all loose and foreign material, all laitance and to expose all voids, honeycombing, ie: bug holes, flaws, cracks, cold joints and irregularities.
2.0 Remaining dust, dirt and sand from sandblasting should be removed by sweeping and the use of a shop vac.
3.0 At this time, all major voids and cracks should be pressure injected with a two-part epoxy, urethane foam, or some combination.
4.0 Suspect areas on the vessel wall should be scrubbed with a chemically resistant brush using acetone/xylene or equivalent solvent and air dry. Use oil free compressed air to remove dust from stubborn areas. Experience has shown that cementatious patching, filling, and dry packing materials will not produce a surface that allows good bonding of two-part epoxies or silicone sealants. Therefore, it is recommended that only cementatious patching materials containing an epoxy are to be used on repairs to the wet side walls of salt water containment vessels. Sikadur 31, "œPatch-Pak" or Sonneborn, "œEpolith Patcher", or equivalents, applied in accordance with the manufactures' technical bulletin, are acceptable. After the containment vessel has been patched, a light sandblast is required to remove any loose materials. Power wash all surfaces with clean water.
5.0 Patch all window rebate areas using an epoxy patching material (Sikadur 31 Hi-mod Gel, or equivalents) to bring all surfaces to a flush, plumb, level and true plane and all bearing surfaces to an even plane with each other. The patching materials may be thickened by blending up to 50% kiln-dried silica sand, when filling large voids and large damaged areas, or areas that did not receive sufficient cement due to improper cement placement. This condition is usually due to the heavy concentration of reinforcing steel that is required in large salt water containment vessels. Allow patching epoxy to cure for the manufacturers recommended time of 72 hours prior to painting.
6.0 Lightly sand or grind with a diamond cup wheel, to roughen surface and knock off any high spots. Break all sharp corners and edges. Solvent wash all window rebate surfaces using acetone/xylene or equivalent solvent. When the areas have dried, apply two coats of 100% solids epoxy (Sikagard 62, or equivalents) in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Allow epoxy to cure for the manufacturers recommended time of 72 hours before applying neoprene bearing pads or setting acrylic or glass panels. All of the above epoxy materials must be applied to concrete with a temperature above 50 degrees F.
Special Notes: The three most important requirements of this procedure:
Note 1. Proper preparation of all surfaces to be coated. Removal of all loose and foreign materials, and proper cleaning of all surfaces with a recommended solvent such as acetone/xylene.
Note 2. Proper mixing. Pay special attention to proper proportions of two-part materials and proper mixing times to guarantee thorough blending of both components of two-part patching and coating epoxies as recommended by the manufacturer.
Note 3. Proper application of products. Watch for air entrapment. Use clean equipment and pay attention to manufacturers recommended temperature for application of product.