APF Epoxy 400 Thixotropic
APF Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is a high viscosity, 100% solids epoxy resin system designed primarily for grouting aggregate filled epoxy flooring systems. Manufactured by Arizona Polymer Flooring (APF), part of ICP Group, it can also be used for cove base, wainscot, wall rendering, finish coat, and aggregate binder applications where additional body and vertical hold are required.
A high viscosity epoxy for grout coats, cove base, wall rendering, aggregate binding, and other applications where standard flowing epoxy would not provide the required body or application control.
Quick Answer: APF Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is a high viscosity, 100% solids epoxy primarily used as a grout coat over aggregate filled epoxy floors (colored quartz, vinyl flake, decorative systems). It also handles cove base, wainscot, and wall rendering where standard flowing epoxy will not hold vertically. Applied at 5 – 8 mils per coat by squeegee and back roll — never by dip and roll. Mixing ratio is 2A : 1B. Available in Regular Cure (16 hour light traffic at 77°F) or Fast Cure (7 hour light traffic at 77°F). Optional UVR version available when UV resistance is required.
Where Epoxy 400 Thixotropic Fits in Your System
Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is commonly used as a grout coat over aggregate filled epoxy flooring systems. Its higher viscosity helps fill and seal the surface while providing the body needed to remain workable without flowing like a lower viscosity epoxy.
The same high viscosity formulation also allows the product to be used for cove base, wainscot, and wall rendering applications. APF recommends following the applicable system instructions for aggregate quantities and specific cove or wall installation procedures.
Epoxy 400 Thixotropic may also be used as a finish coat or aggregate binder. The clear version provides good clarity for colored quartz, vinyl mosaic flake aggregates, and decorative architectural concrete used in cove applications. When used as a standalone coating, it produces a uniform orange peel finish.
Key Features and Benefits
-
100% solids epoxy: Provides a high build resin system without solvent evaporation reducing the installed film.
-
High viscosity: Provides additional body for grout coats, cove base, wall rendering, and other applications where greater material hold is needed.
-
Multipurpose system: May be used as a grout coat, finish coat, or aggregate binder.
-
Good clarity: Suitable for use with colored quartz, vinyl mosaic flake aggregates, and decorative architectural concrete in cove applications.
-
Pigmented options: High pigment loading provides good substrate hide and consistent color when roller applied.
-
Physical strength: Shore D hardness of 78, tensile strength of 6,230 psi, and compressive strength of 19,501 psi.
-
11% elongation: Provides a balance of strength and flexibility.
-
Fast Cure option: An optional modified Part B hardener provides faster return to service while using the same Part A component.
-
Optional UVR version: Available when increased UV resistance is required.
-
Special hardeners available: APF lists special hardeners for applications involving damp concrete.
Recommended Applications
- Aggregate filled epoxy flooring systems
- Colored quartz flooring systems
- Vinyl flake flooring systems
- Grout coat applications
- Cove base
- Wainscot applications
- Wall rendering
- Aggregate binding
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouses
- Pharmaceutical facilities
- Retail and commercial spaces
- Health care and institutional facilities
- Correctional facilities
- Veterinary and animal care facilities
Mixing Instructions
-
Premix Part A for 3 minutes before adding Part B. Move the drill throughout the container and scrape the sidewalls and bottom while mixing.
- If a color pack is required, add it to Part A before Part B is added and blend thoroughly.
- Standard color pack loading is 1 pint per 1.5 mixed gallons.
- Safety Blue 077, Safety Red 083, Safety Yellow 063, and White 000 require 1 quart of color pack per 1.5 mixed gallons for proper hiding and coverage.
- Add Part B to Part A. The mixing ratio is 2 parts A to 1 part B by volume.
- Mix the combined material for 3 minutes with a medium speed drill mixer.
- Do not attempt to mix the material by hand.
- Distribute the material onto the surface immediately after complete mixing.
Contractor Tip: Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is applied by squeegee and back roll only — never by dip and roll. This is different from most standard flowing epoxies. Have the squeegee, the 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch back roller, application area, and crew fully staged before Parts A and B are combined. Because APF instructs installers to distribute the material immediately after mixing, staging the job before mixing prevents unnecessary material from remaining in the bucket and gives the crew the best chance at a clean grout coat finish.
Coverage and Cure
| Application Detail |
APF Epoxy 400 Thixotropic |
| Mixing Ratio |
2A : 1B by volume |
| Grout Coat Thickness |
5 – 8 mils per coat |
| Theoretical Coverage at 5 Mils |
Approximately 320 square feet per gallon* |
| Theoretical Coverage at 8 Mils |
Approximately 200 square feet per gallon* |
| Regular Cure, Dry to Touch at 77°F |
Approximately 6 hours |
| Regular Cure, Light Traffic at 77°F |
Approximately 16 hours |
| Regular Cure, Full Cure at 77°F |
Approximately 7 days |
| Fast Cure, Dry to Touch at 77°F |
Approximately 3 hours |
| Fast Cure, Light Traffic at 77°F |
Approximately 7 hours |
| Fast Cure, Full Cure at 77°F |
Approximately 5 days |
| Fast Cure, Dry to Touch at 50°F |
Approximately 18 hours |
| Fast Cure, Light Traffic at 50°F |
Approximately 30 hours |
| Fast Cure, Full Cure at 50°F |
Approximately 14 days |
| Ambient Application Conditions |
Ambient temperature must be at least 5°F above the dew point. High humidity or low temperatures will prolong cure time. |
*APF does not publish a square foot coverage rate in the current Epoxy 400 Thixotropic Product Data Sheet. The approximate 200 – 320 square feet per gallon figures above are theoretical coverage calculated from the published 100% solids content and 5 – 8 mil grout coat application thickness. Actual coverage will be lower when material is consumed filling aggregate, surface texture, pores, irregularities, or remains in application tools and containers.
Cure times depend on temperature and humidity. High humidity and lower temperatures will extend cure times.
Surface Preparation
Concrete must be clean, structurally sound, and properly prepared before Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is applied.
- Concrete must be cured for a minimum of 30 days.
- Concrete must have a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi.
- The surface must be free from wax, loose paint, curing compounds, dust, and other contamination.
- Mechanically prepare concrete to a minimum ICRI/CSP 3 – 4 surface profile. Refer to ICRI Technical Guidelines 310 – 330 for surface preparation standards.
- Acid etching is not recommended and will void the manufacturer's warranty.
- Vacuum the prepared concrete thoroughly to remove all dust before application.
- Previously coated surfaces must be soundly adhered, mechanically cleaned, and abraded to produce a uniformly gloss free, open texture.
Concrete moisture testing:
It is the applicator's responsibility to test concrete moisture in accordance with ASTM F2170-19. If moisture readings exceed 85%, install the APF VaporSolve® system in accordance with its published technical data sheet before applying Epoxy 400 Thixotropic. Contact APF Technical Service for additional guidance.
Application Guidelines
When used as a grout coat:
- Confirm that the primed substrate is pore and pinhole free before application. Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is typically installed over a primed, aggregate filled surface — not directly over bare concrete when used as a grout coat.
- Measure and confirm that ambient conditions are at least 5°F above the dew point.
- Mix the material according to the instructions above.
- Distribute the mixed material onto the surface immediately after mixing.
- Apply with a squeegee.
- Back roll with a quality 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch solvent resistant roller cover.
- Apply in a thin layer at 5 – 8 mils.
- Do not apply Epoxy 400 Thixotropic by dip and roll.
- Apply a second coat when necessary to produce a pore free surface before subsequent coatings are installed.
Cove base applications:
Follow the applicable APF Cove Base Application Instructions for aggregate quantities and installation procedures. The amount and type of aggregate required will depend on the cove system being installed.
Wall rendering and wainscot applications:
Follow the applicable APF System Application Instructions for cove base, wainscot, and wall rendering installations. The Product Data Sheet does not provide a complete standalone wall rendering procedure.
Application Warning: Do not apply Epoxy 400 Thixotropic by dip and roll when it is being used as a grout coat. APF specifies squeegee application followed by back rolling with a 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch solvent resistant roller cover. Dip and roll application will not produce the intended finish and can compromise the grout coat performance.
Regular Cure and Fast Cure Options
APF Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is available with a Fast Cure hardener when a shorter return to service is required. The Part A component remains the same. The Part B component is modified for the Fast Cure version.
At 77°F, the standard version reaches light traffic in approximately 16 hours, while Fast Cure reaches light traffic in approximately 7 hours. Cure performance changes significantly with temperature, so use the cure table above when planning installation and return to service.
Heater Warning: Do not use kerosene or propane forced air heating equipment during application. APF states that combustion byproducts from this equipment may cause discoloration and finish defects. If supplemental heat is required, use only indirect fired or electric heating equipment.
Handling and Safety
- Use only with adequate ventilation.
- Use an appropriate cartridge type respirator during application in confined areas.
- Avoid contact with skin and wear protective gloves.
- Read and understand the current Safety Data Sheet before using the product.
Product Specifications
| Specification |
APF Epoxy 400 Thixotropic |
| Product Type |
High viscosity, two component epoxy |
| Manufacturer |
Arizona Polymer Flooring (APF), ICP Group |
| Mixing Ratio |
2A : 1B by volume |
| Solids Content by Volume |
100% |
| VOC, Clear and Fast Cure Clear |
70 g/L |
| VOC, Pigmented and Fast Cure Pigmented |
79 g/L |
| Shore D Hardness |
78 (ASTM D2240) |
| Tensile Strength |
6,230 psi (ASTM D638) |
| Elongation |
11% (ASTM D638) |
| Compressive Strength |
19,501 psi (ASTM D695) |
| Yield Strength |
9,850 psi (ASTM D695) |
| Flexural Strength |
9,680 psi (ASTM D790) |
| Bond Strength to Concrete |
Greater than 350 psi (ASTM D4541). Concrete substrate fails before coating bond. |
| Grout Coat Application Thickness |
5 – 8 mils |
| Colors |
Clear, 10 standard colors, Safety Red, Safety Yellow, and Safety Blue. Contact One Stop Epoxy for the current standard color chart. |
| Package Sizes |
1.5 gallon (5.7 L) and 15 gallon (56.8 L) complete A+B units |
| Storage Temperature |
50°F – 85°F (10°C – 30°C) |
| Shelf Life |
1 year from date of manufacture for standard components, in original unopened container. The Clear A Component may have a different shelf life — contact APF for specifics. |
| Warranty |
1 year from date of shipment. See APF Standard Warranty Statement for full terms. |
Storage Warning: Store Epoxy 400 Thixotropic between 50°F and 85°F and away from heat sources. Do not allow the material to freeze. In warmer climates, including Florida and other Gulf Coast regions, store the product in a climate controlled environment. Ambient temperatures in uncooled warehouses, storage sheds, and vehicles routinely exceed 85°F during warmer months, which can shorten shelf life and compromise product performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APF Epoxy 400 Thixotropic used for? ▾
APF Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is a high viscosity, 100% solids epoxy used primarily for grouting aggregate filled epoxy flooring systems. It can also be used as a finish coat, aggregate binder, cove base resin, and in certain wall rendering and wainscot applications.
Does Epoxy 400 Thixotropic require a primer? ▾
When used as a grout coat, yes. Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is typically applied over a primed, aggregate filled substrate — not directly over bare concrete. APF specifies that the primed surface must be pore and pinhole free before the grout coat is applied. Follow the APF System Application Instructions for the specific system being installed to confirm the correct primer for that system.
What is the mixing ratio for Epoxy 400 Thixotropic? ▾
Epoxy 400 Thixotropic mixes at 2 parts A to 1 part B by volume. Premix Part A for 3 minutes, add and blend the color pack when required, then add Part B and mix the combined material for another 3 minutes with a medium speed drill mixer.
How thick should Epoxy 400 Thixotropic be applied as a grout coat? ▾
APF specifies a thin 5 – 8 mil application when Epoxy 400 Thixotropic is used as a grout coat. Apply it with a squeegee and back roll with a 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch solvent resistant roller cover.
How much area does Epoxy 400 Thixotropic cover? ▾
APF does not publish a square foot coverage rate in the current Product Data Sheet. Theoretical coverage based on the published 100% solids content and 5 – 8 mil grout coat thickness:
-
At 5 mils per coat: approximately 320 square feet per gallon
-
At 8 mils per coat: approximately 200 square feet per gallon
Actual coverage will be lower once material lost to aggregate texture, surface irregularities, and application waste is accounted for.
Can Epoxy 400 Thixotropic be applied by dip and roll? ▾
No. APF specifically states that Epoxy 400 Thixotropic should not be applied by dip and roll when used as a grout coat. Apply the material with a squeegee and then back roll it with a suitable solvent resistant roller cover.
Is Epoxy 400 Thixotropic UV resistant? ▾
APF lists excellent UV resistance with the optional UVR version of Epoxy 400 Thixotropic. The standard version should not automatically be treated as equivalent to the UVR option where UV exposure is a concern.
Is a Fast Cure version available? ▾
Yes. APF offers a Fast Cure hardener for Epoxy 400 Thixotropic. The Part A component remains the same, while the Part B component is modified for faster cure and return to service.
How quickly does the Fast Cure version cure at 77°F? ▾
At 77°F, APF lists the Fast Cure version as dry to touch in approximately 3 hours, ready for light traffic in approximately 7 hours, and fully cured in approximately 5 days.
Can Epoxy 400 Thixotropic be used for cove base? ▾
Yes. Cove base is one of the intended applications for Epoxy 400 Thixotropic. APF directs installers to the applicable Cove Base Application Instructions for the correct aggregate quantities and installation procedure.
Can Epoxy 400 Thixotropic be used for wall rendering? ▾
Yes. APF identifies wall rendering and wainscot as supported applications. Follow the appropriate APF System Application Instructions because the Product Data Sheet does not provide the complete wall rendering procedure.
Is acid etching acceptable for concrete preparation? ▾
No. APF does not recommend acid etching and states that acid etching will void the manufacturer's warranty. Mechanically prepare concrete to a minimum ICRI/CSP 3 – 4 profile per ICRI Technical Guidelines 310 – 330.
What should be done when concrete moisture exceeds 85%? ▾
Concrete moisture should be tested in accordance with ASTM F2170-19. If moisture is indicated above 85%, APF specifies installation of the VaporSolve® system in accordance with its published technical data sheet before proceeding.
Can I use a propane heater during application? ▾
No. Kerosene and propane forced air heaters can cause discoloration and finish defects due to combustion byproducts. If supplemental heat is required during application or cure, use only indirect fired or electric heating equipment.
Technical and Safety Documents
For complete technical, application, handling, storage, and safety information, review the current APF Product Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet before installation. Product documents are updated periodically, so always confirm that you are working from the current revision.
View TDS and SDS Sheets
