APF Epoxy Novolac 900 | Chemical Resistant Novolac Epoxy APF Epoxy Novolac 900 is an industrial strength, 100% solids epoxy built for environments where standard epoxy breaks down under chemical exposure. If you are dealing with battery acid, concentrated chemicals, or aggressive industrial conditions, this is the type of system that should be considered. This is not a general purpose epoxy. It is used when chemical resistant flooring is required, not just a protective coating. Unlike standard floor coatings that can soften, stain, or lose adhesion when exposed to solvents or acids, Novolac 900 is engineered with a tighter molecular structure that helps prevent chemicals from penetrating the resin and reaching the concrete below. Technical Performance Snapshot Physical Property Value Mix Ratio 2 Parts A to 1 Part B Compressive Strength 12,500 psi Tensile Strength 8,200 psi Flexural Strength 10,200 psi Hardness 82 Shore D Bond Strength >350 psi, concrete failure VOC Content <50 g/L Important System Design: Novolac 900 is intended to serve as the chemical resistant surface in the system. Do not assume standard clear topcoats are suitable over this product. Many decorative topcoats do not offer the same chemical resistance as a novolac epoxy. Let the Novolac do the work unless a compatible system has been confirmed for the specific exposure. What Chemicals Can It Handle? APF Epoxy Novolac 900 is designed for harsh industrial exposure, including strong acids, solvents, and chemical storage areas. It is especially suited for applications involving inorganic acids, including 98% sulfuric acid. 98% sulfuric acid Battery acid and electrolyte exposure Chemical processing areas Solvent exposure Waste treatment environments Industrial chemical storage Actual chemical resistance depends on concentration, exposure time, temperature, cleaning procedures, and full system design. For critical applications, confirm chemical resistance requirements before installation. Cure Schedule Condition At 77°F At 40°F Pot Life ~30 Minutes Extended Dry to Touch ~4 Hours ~18 Hours Light Traffic ~10 Hours ~36 Hours Recoat Window 12 to 24 Hours 18 to 24 Hours Full Cure and Chemical Resistance ~7 Days ~14 Days Common Questions About Novolac Epoxy How is Novolac different from normal epoxy? Think of normal epoxy as a screen door and Novolac as a solid steel door. Chemicals can eventually soak into standard epoxy and cause softening, staining, or failure. Novolac has a much tighter structure that helps keep chemicals on the surface so they are less likely to damage the resin or the concrete underneath. Do I need a primer first? On most slabs, yes. A quality primer can help seal the concrete and reduce outgassing. For chemical exposure areas, the full system should be selected carefully so the primer, body coat, and final surface all match the exposure requirements. Can I add color flakes or metallic pigments to this? It is not recommended for serious chemical areas. Flakes and metallic pigments are decorative materials, and the chemicals that this floor is designed to resist may attack those decorative components even if the Novolac itself remains intact. For chemical service, solid color systems are usually the safer choice. Does Novolac smell bad during installation? APF Epoxy Novolac 900 is a 100% solids product with VOC content listed at less than 50 g/L. Proper ventilation and safety practices are still required, but it does not install like older solvent heavy industrial coatings. Is it harder to apply than regular epoxy? The application method is similar. Apply with a squeegee and back roll with a 3/8 inch nap roller. The difference is that chemical resistant systems are less forgiving. Mixing, surface preparation, coverage rate, and recoat timing must be handled correctly. Will it turn yellow in the sun? Like most epoxies, Novolac 900 can amber when exposed to UV light. It is best suited for interior industrial spaces where chemical resistance matters more than long term color stability. Can I use this for secondary containment? Yes. Novolac epoxy is commonly used in containment areas, pits, and chemical storage spaces where the coating system must help keep spills on the surface and away from the concrete below. Surface Preparation Concrete must be clean, sound, and mechanically prepared to a CSP 2 to 3 profile. Grinding or shot blasting is required to create the proper surface profile for adhesion. Acid etching is not considered a professional installation procedure and should not be used in place of mechanical grinding or shot blasting. It does not create a consistent surface profile and may void manufacturer warranties. After preparation, vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and debris. Mixing and Application Mix using a slow speed drill and paddle mixer for 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container during mixing. Do not mix by hand, and do not whip air into the material. Apply immediately after mixing. Spread with a squeegee and back roll with a quality solvent resistant 3/8 inch nap roller. Maintain a wet edge and do not roll material after it begins to set. Apply at 100 to 200 SFPG, depending on the target film build and system design. If the 24 hour recoat window is exceeded, abrade the surface with 80 to 100 grit until it is uniformly gloss free and dust free before recoating. System Limitations APF Epoxy Novolac 900 is not suitable for constant temperature exposure over 175°F. It is also not recommended as a clear topcoat for decorative applications. Before application, verify that the ambient temperature is at least 5°F above the dew point. Avoid kerosene or propane forced air heaters during installation, as they may cause discoloration or finish defects. OneStopEpoxy.com We ship Novolac and chemical resistant epoxy systems nationwide.