Installing an Elastomeric Parking Deck System using MMA Resins

Watch as a decorative concrete educator and installer Bob Harris uses the two-part resin system known as MMA, or methyl methacrylate, to install an elastomeric parking deck system.

About MMA Resins

Two-part resins like MMA combine a resin with a hardener. The chemical reaction produces a tough bond that resists peels, breakage, and impact fractures. MMA resins are formulated to have a slower reaction rate immediately after mixing to allow more time for application. Once applied, MMA resins harden fast yielding a quicker return to service than other types of floor coatings. Another unique advantage of MMA resins is that they can cure at low temperatures—as low as 30°F.

Installation

NOTE: Do not allow air to blow over the surface of the resin before or after you apply it. This will reduce the working time of the MMA resin. The installed system can be textured or left smooth.

First mix the Duraamen Macrylex HOO hardener to the Macrylex P12 resin and mix for 2 minutes using a drill and Jiffy Mixer. Pour the mixture in ribbons onto the substrate. Use a notched squeegee to spread the mixture at a uniform coverage rate of 100 square feet per coat per gallon. Then backroll with a medium-nap 3/8-inch roller.

If the surface has absorbed most of the product you’ll need to apply another coat before moving on to the next step.

With the resin applied it’s time to add colored aggregate. Colored aggregate adds visual aesthetics and is optional. There are many colors and mixes of colors to choose from. If not using colored aggregate you will want to broadcast 30 mesh silica sand. Cover at approximately 5 to 10 pounds per 100 square feet.

After everything has set, sweep, scrape and vacuum up the residual aggregate or sand (Bob Harris used quartz aggregate), then prepare the Duraamen Macrylex F32. Macrylex F32 is a flexible MMA resin that resists cracking and is used as a waterproofing layer.

Add the self-leveling additive to the F32 and mix thoroughly. Add filler and pigment in the ratio of 1 quart per 5 gallons of MMA resin. Finally, add the hardener to the F32 and mix again.

Pour the F32 resin onto the substrate in ribbons and trowel or gauge rake it into place at a thickness of 1/16″ — 1/8″ (Or thicker if the project calls for it). Use a hand trowel for areas where a gauge rake won’t fit—such as in the corners and nooks. Then roll with a porcupine roller and broadcast sand again. Again, once the material completely sets, sweep, scrape and vacuum the residual aggregate, and then apply the topcoat.

At this point, Bob Harris demonstrates broadcasting a light layer of sand which allows the gray color of the material to show. You have a choice of what color aggregate and how much you wanted to use.

Duraamen MMA F26 is used as a topcoat. When mixing F26 works quickly. It is helpful to have all your materials and tools nearby and organized before you are ready to prepare the topcoat. Mix in the optional colored pigment of your choice. Then mix in the MMA resin hardener.

Pour this prepared mixture onto the substrate in ribbons and distribute using a notched squeegee. Working quickly but deliberately, spread the material onto every part of the surface applying more ribbons of the product as needed. After drying your elastomeric parking structure using MMA resin is complete.