Streaks, haze, micro-scratches or bubbles after second coat: One of the most prevalent causes of finish failures during the hot summer months happens during recoating. When high humidity is present during drying conditions it causes the drying time to slow down. When this happens extra time needs to be taken when recoating to avoid possible issues. The use of a moisture meter before and after coating is the best way to solve this issue. Simply read and record the moisture level before coating and after, when the readings are within one of each other it is safe to recoat. Remember, in humid conditions give the first coat some extra time to dry before recoating.
Small Bubbles after Drying: Whenever finish is applied with an applicator, the churning action of spreading works small bubbles into the floor surface. Normally the bubbles will break out in a few seconds, resulting in a smooth and even finish. However, when airflow is warm, the warm air blowing across the freshly applied finish will “freeze” the surface very quickly, trapping application bubbles on the surface. In an air-conditioned environment this can still happen, as the air conditioner pushes a large volume of air in order to keep up with the heat.
Prevention: To avoid this problem, add a small amount of water to the finish in order to lower the viscosity. Adding a small amount of water allows a few extra seconds for any bubbles to break before the finish surface dries. If the ambient temperature is between 85◦F and 95◦F, add 5% water to the finish after mixing the finish with catalyst. If the ambient temperature is above 95◦F, mix in up to 10% water, adding a little water at a time until the working level is just right. As a good rule of thumb, 12 ounces of water added to one gallon of finish is close to 10%. Do not add more than 12 oz. of water.
Hot Floors Cause Blistering and Peeling Finish: Solar gain is a difficulty any time of year but tends to be more common during hot weather. Sunlight beating down through windows, patio doors or window walls will considerably heat up wood floors. If a dark stain is on the floor, even more heat will be absorbed. Floor temperatures in these situations can reach as high as 180◦F. If finish is applied over such a hot floor, the finish will set up so quickly that the finish will blister. In addition, the finish may not wet the wood well enough to stay bonded, drying so rapidly that it never penetrates the wood and may later peel.
Prevention: The easiest way to prevent solar gain is to cover any windows, doors, etc. with an opaque material that does not allow sunlight to heat up the floor. Another way to control solar gain is to work at a time of day when the sunlight does not penetrate the gloss. If it is not possible or practical to cover the glass, the work can be completed very early in the morning (4-6 AM) before the sun can heat up the floor.
Hot Finish Causes Bubbles: Hot finish on a cold floor will create millions of tiny bubbles. If the finish is stored in the back of a truck sitting in summer sun, it can get as hot as 160◦F. When this hot finish is brought into an air conditioned job site and applied to a cold floor, the finish begins to penetrate the wood and heats up the air within the boards. This air expands as it is heated and is trapped by the swiftly drying finish. This is visible because the bubbles will be very small and at the end of the grain.
Prevention: Bring all finish into the job site before beginning and allow it to come to room temperature before applying it. Never apply finish that is warmer than the floor.
Job site problems in the hot summer weather are all too common. Stay cool as the temperature rises by using these simple solutions to stop problems before they start!