SC 90 Clear Coat — High-Performance 90% Solids Aliphatic Polyaspartic Floor Coating
SC 90 Clear Coat is a two-component, high-solids, low-odor, solvent-based aliphatic polyaspartic coating engineered for fast-cure, durable protection of concrete floors in demanding industrial and commercial environments. Formulated with 90% solids content, it delivers a high-gloss, non-yellowing finish with excellent abrasion, impact, and chemical resistance. Designed for contractors and applicators who require rapid return to service with minimal downtime, it is suitable for both direct-to-concrete applications and as a topcoat over broadcast systems. It can also be pigmented to meet project-specific aesthetic requirements.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Coating Type | Two-component aliphatic polyaspartic |
| Solids Content | 90% (±2%) |
| Finish | High gloss (>90 at 60° per ASTM D523) |
| VOC Content | <50 g/L (low odor/VOC compliant in most regions; OTC compliant) |
| Colors Available | Clear (non-yellowing); pigmented options available upon request |
| Mix Ratio (by volume) | 1.7:1 (Part A : Part B) |
| Pot Life (100g mass @ 77°F / 25°C) | 20–30 minutes (varies with temperature/mass) |
| Viscosity (mixed) | 300–500 cps |
| Recommended Film Thickness | 8–15 mils wet (4–10 mils dry typical per coat) |
| Coverage Rate | 100–150 sq. ft. per gallon per coat (depending on surface porosity and thickness; e.g., 150 sq. ft./gal at 10 mils) |
| Packaging | 1-gal unit (5 pints Part A + 3 pints Part B); 4.5-gal kit (2.8 gal Part A + 1.7 gal Part B) |
| Shelf Life | 12 months in unopened containers at 40–90°F (4–32°C) |
| Surface Profile Required | CSP 3–5 (shotblast or diamond grind) |
| Moisture Vapor Emission Limit | <3 lbs/1,000 sq. ft./24 hrs (ASTM F1869) or <75% RH (ASTM F2170) |
| Application Temperature | 40–90°F (4–32°C), surface/ambient, rising; avoid dew point issues |
| UV Stability | UV-stable, non-yellowing |
| Pigmentable | Yes |
| Specific Gravity (Part A) | 1.09–1.11 |
| Flash Point (Part A) | 94°C (201.2°F) |
| Boiling Point (Part A) | 103°C (217.4°F) |
| Viscosity (Part A) | 100–400 cps |
Cure Schedule
| Stage | Time (@ 77°F / 25°C, 50% RH) |
|---|---|
| Tack-free / Dry to touch | 1–2 hours |
| Light foot traffic | 4–6 hours |
| Recoat / Topcoat window | 4–24 hours |
| Vehicle / Heavy traffic | 24 hours |
Test Data (7-day cure @ 77°F unless noted)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (ASTM D638) | 3,500–4,500 psi |
| Elongation (ASTM D638) | 5–15% |
| Hardness Shore D (ASTM D2240, 7 days) | 70–80 |
| Compressive Strength (ASTM D695, 7 days) | 5,000–6,000 psi |
| Taber Abrasion Resistance (ASTM D4060, CS-17 wheel, 1,000 g load, 1,000 cycles) | 20–40 mg loss |
| Impact Resistance (ASTM D2794) | >50 in-lbs direct / >30 in-lbs reverse |
| Flexibility (1/8" mandrel, ASTM D522) | Passes (no cracking) |
| Adhesion to Concrete (ACI 503 or similar) | >300 psi (substrate failure typical) |
SC 90 Clear Coat's aliphatic polyaspartic chemistry delivers UV stability that epoxy-based topcoats cannot match, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications where yellowing would be unacceptable. Its 90% solids content minimizes shrinkage and solvent off-gassing compared to lower-solids alternatives, while the fast-cure schedule allows same-day return to light foot traffic — a critical advantage in occupied facilities or time-sensitive project schedules.
Key Features & Benefits
Fast-Cure Formula
SC 90 Clear Coat reaches tack-free in 1–2 hours and allows light foot traffic in 4–6 hours at 77°F. For contractors working in occupied facilities or on tight schedules, this rapid return-to-service capability reduces project downtime and allows faster project turnover.
90% Solids Content
At 90% solids, SC 90 delivers a thick, dense film per coat with minimal volume loss during cure. This high-build characteristic means fewer coats may be required to achieve target dry film thickness, improving application efficiency and reducing labor costs.
UV Stability — Non-Yellowing
The aliphatic polyaspartic chemistry provides inherent UV resistance, keeping the coating clear and non-yellowing even under prolonged UV exposure. This makes SC 90 appropriate for exterior applications and interior spaces with significant natural light, where aesthetic longevity is a project requirement.
Exceptional Mechanical Strength
With compressive strength of 5,000–6,000 psi, tensile strength of 3,500–4,500 psi, and impact resistance exceeding 50 in-lbs direct, SC 90 is engineered to withstand the mechanical demands of warehouses, manufacturing floors, and vehicle traffic areas. Shore D hardness of 70–80 at 7 days confirms a tough, wear-resistant surface.
Low VOC / Low Odor
VOC content is <50 g/L, making SC 90 compliant in most regions including OTC-regulated areas. The low-odor formulation allows application in occupied or semi-occupied spaces where strong solvent odors would be disruptive or prohibited.
Pigmentable
SC 90 can be pigmented upon request, giving contractors and facility owners flexibility to match floor color requirements or create color-coded zones without switching to a different product system.
Excellent Abrasion and Chemical Resistance
Taber abrasion loss of only 20–40 mg (CS-17 wheel, 1,000 g, 1,000 cycles) demonstrates outstanding wear resistance for high-traffic surfaces. Combined with the coating's chemical resistance, SC 90 is well-suited for environments exposed to oils, fluids, and cleaning agents.
Common Applications
Industrial and Commercial Floors
SC 90 is formulated for the abrasion, impact, and chemical resistance demands of industrial and commercial floor environments where durability and fast return to service are critical.
Warehouses and Manufacturing Facilities
High compressive strength and impact resistance make SC 90 appropriate for warehouse floors and manufacturing areas subject to forklift traffic, dropped loads, and heavy equipment.
Garages and Auto Service Areas
The coating's resistance to vehicle traffic (cleared for heavy traffic at 24 hours) and chemical resistance to automotive fluids make it a practical choice for garage floors and auto service bays.
Topcoat Over Broadcast Systems (Flake/Quartz)
SC 90 is designed to serve as a clear topcoat over decorative broadcast systems, sealing and protecting flake or quartz aggregate while delivering a high-gloss finish.
Direct-to-Concrete Applications
When applied directly to properly prepared concrete profiled to CSP 3–5, SC 90 achieves adhesion exceeding 300 psi with substrate failure typical, ensuring a bond that outlasts the coating itself.
Interior and Exterior UV-Exposed Areas
The aliphatic chemistry provides UV stability that makes SC 90 suitable for exterior concrete surfaces or interior areas with significant sunlight exposure where non-yellowing performance is required.
Compatible Materials
- Concrete (properly prepared to CSP 3–5)
- Broadcast flake systems (decorative chip/flake floors)
- Quartz broadcast systems
- Previously coated concrete surfaces (within recoat window of 4–24 hours)
Product Documents
Application Instructions
Step 1: Surface Preparation
- Ensure concrete is clean, sound, and free of contaminants, laitance, and existing coatings that may inhibit adhesion.
- Profile the surface to CSP 3–5 using shotblasting or diamond grinding.
- Verify moisture vapor emission is <3 lbs/1,000 sq. ft./24 hrs per ASTM F1869, or <75% RH per ASTM F2170.
Step 2: Mixing
- Pre-mix each component (Part A and Part B) separately before combining.
- Combine at a ratio of 1.7:1 by volume (Part A : Part B).
- Mix thoroughly for 2–3 minutes using a low-speed drill.
- Do not aerate excessively during mixing.
- Note: Pot life is 20–30 minutes at 77°F / 25°C with a 100g mass; pot life decreases with higher temperatures or larger batch sizes.
Step 3: Application
- Confirm surface and ambient temperatures are between 40–90°F (4–32°C) and rising; avoid application near the dew point.
- Apply mixed material with a notched squeegee at the recommended wet film thickness of 8–15 mils.
- Back-roll immediately with a 3/8" nap roller or spiked roller to reduce surface imperfections and release entrapped air.
- For broadcast systems, multiple coats may be required — apply within the recoat window of 4–24 hours.
Step 4: Cleanup
- Clean tools and equipment immediately after use with SpecChem SOLVENT 100, Xylene, toluene, or MEK.
- Do not allow material to harden on equipment.
Safety Data Summary
Hazard Information
- Signal Word: Warning
- H315: Causes skin irritation
- H319: Causes serious eye irritation
- H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
- Contains flammable components; keep away from open flame, heat, and sparks
- Flash Point (Part A): 94°C (201.2°F)
- HMIS Health Hazard: 2 (Moderate); Flammability: 1 (Slight); Physical Hazard: 0 (Minimum)
- Not for immersion service or areas with constant water pooling
- Pot life and cure times decrease with higher temperatures or larger mass
- For professional use only; test compatibility in small areas before full application
Personal Protective Equipment
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles required
- Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves required
- Respiratory Protection: Not required in properly ventilated areas; use appropriate respirator if ventilation is inadequate
- Body Protection: Appropriate protective clothing for the task being performed
Safe Handling
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area (P271)
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product (P270)
- Wash thoroughly after handling (P264)
- Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapors, or spray (P261)
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame
- Keep container closed when not in use; store in a well-ventilated area at 40–90°F (4–32°C)
- Keep out of sewers, storm drains, surface waters, and soils in the event of a spill
- If skin contact occurs: wash with plenty of water (P302+P352)
- If eye contact occurs: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing (P305+P351+P338)
- If skin irritation or rash occurs, seek medical advice/attention (P333+P313)
- If eye irritation persists, seek medical advice/attention (P337+P313)
- Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations (P501)
- Emergency telephone: VelocityEHS 1-800-255-3924 (North America)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What surface profile is required before applying SC 90 Clear Coat?
A: Concrete must be profiled to CSP 3–5, achieved by shotblasting or diamond grinding. The surface must also be clean, sound, and meet moisture vapor emission limits of <3 lbs/1,000 sq. ft./24 hrs (ASTM F1869) or <75% RH (ASTM F2170).
Q: How long before the floor can be returned to service after application?
A: At 77°F / 25°C and 50% RH, SC 90 is tack-free in 1–2 hours, allows light foot traffic in 4–6 hours, and is ready for vehicle and heavy traffic at 24 hours.
Q: Can SC 90 Clear Coat be used outdoors or in areas with UV exposure?
A: Yes. The aliphatic polyaspartic chemistry provides UV stability and non-yellowing performance, making SC 90 suitable for both interior and exterior applications where UV exposure occurs.
Q: What is the pot life of SC 90 after mixing?
A: Pot life is 20–30 minutes for a 100g mass at 77°F / 25°C. Pot life decreases with higher temperatures or larger batch sizes, so mix only what can be applied within the working time.
Q: Can SC 90 be pigmented?
A: Yes. While SC 90 is available as a clear coat, pigmented options are available upon request.
Q: Is SC 90 suitable for immersion service or areas with standing water?
A: No. SC 90 is not intended for immersion service or areas subject to constant water pooling. Consult the technical data sheet and SDS before use in wet environments.
Q: What is the coverage rate per gallon?
A: Coverage is 100–150 sq. ft. per gallon per coat, depending on surface porosity and application thickness. At 10 mils wet, coverage is approximately 150 sq. ft./gal.