If you uncover black mastic adhesive beneath your floor tile, you probably know that you have a potential headache on your hands. Manufactured during the middle part of the last century, black mastic was commonly used as a flooring adhesive for flooring tiles in both residential and commercial settings. Though very effective and cheap, this material frequently contains asbestos. Unfortunately, what manufacturers didn’t know then can kill you today. Black mastic containing asbestos is hazardous. As the black mastic deteriorates or is disturbed, it can release asbestos also known as Asbestos Black Mastic into the air. If asbestos is breathed in, it can cause the deadly condition known as mesothelioma. Along with health hazards, another concern is new flooring cannot be adjusted well until you remove the existing adhesive. Whether it is applying Epoxy over black mastic or installing any other material over it, the concern is the same.
Can You Use Epoxy to Cover Asbestos Black Mastic?
The quick answer is–no. But wait. You can if you take certain steps. Epoxy itself isn’t an adequate sealer for black mastic, but you can certainly seal asbestos black mastic rather than removing Asbestos Black Mastic. In fact, many contactors find sealing Black Mastic material to be safer and more convenient than removing it.
The safest route for covering asbestos black mastic (and you may as well assume that most black mastics contain this hazardous material) is to use a Black Mastic sealer that has been specifically formulated and designed to seal black mastic. For example, Perfect Primer developed its flagship sealer PerfectPrimer to seal and prime asbestos black mastic with just a single coat. Once the sealer has been applied to the mastic and dries, epoxy or paint can then be safely applied.
Is it Safe to Use Epoxy over Black Mastic?
Being one of the most popular resin floor technologies which have good mechanical and chemical resistance properties. It is a type of synthetic floor system based on resin. It is mostly used to cover the concrete substrate to protect and decorate it. The floor is available in different colors, styles, effects, and many other various decorative options. Different categories are available to apply to different types of flooring systems. However, Epoxy is a good option to create a perfect finish to the floors on the garage, basement, and other corners at home and business places. Often people want to try it on black mastic. Covering black mastic with Epoxy material evokes safety concerns. How far it is safe to use Epoxy over black mastic? As we said, if you apply it on black mastic after you seal the mastic with a perfect sealer, it is safe. So, to use it safely, opt for a durable, high-quality sealer for the floor. If you want to know how to cover black mastic, we are here to help. Perfect Primer guides you on how to remove floor glue, how to apply tar on basement floor, and other factors.
Why Can’t Epoxy Be Used to Seal Black Mastic?
Epoxy Flooring is a great way to finish a floor, but it is not adequate for sealing black mastic safely. For one, epoxy must be applied to a smooth and well-prepared floor. Cutback glues and black mastic do not provide an ideal surface for the epoxy to bond to. That’s problem number one. Problem number two is that the black mastic is apt to bleed through the epoxy. So, not only is the epoxy not effective to cover the asbestos black mastic, it will not seal in the potentially harmful asbestos that may be contained in that black mastic.
Is It Better to Remove the Black Mastic?
These days given the effective asbestos sealers available, many contractors, remodelers, and do-it-yourselfers prefer to seal asbestos black mastic with a safe product designed for this purpose. That’s because removing black mastic is a hazardous and messy job. First, the asbestos black mastic must be kept continuously wet to reduce the risk that particles of asbestos will become airborne. There is a necessity to wear complete protective gear including face masks and rubber boots for this type of job. Often, the sealing asbestos black mastic cannot be chiseled up without the use of a chemical solvent. High-quality Blue Bear bean-e-doo and other similar products work as a good mastic remover for concrete and many other materials. Rather than disturb the delicate black mastic, it makes more sense to safely seal asbestos black mastic it and be done with it.
Is PerfectPrimer the Best Product to Coat and Seal Asbestos Black Mastic?
PerfectPrimer is an ideal black mastic sealer that is preferred by contractors, construction workers, and remodelers today. Perfect Primer developed its product to safely seal and encapsulate asbestos black mastic. Once coated with PerfectPrimer, the asbestos black mastic is no longer a threat. It will not bleed through PerfectPrimer or cause any further problems.
It only takes a single coat of PerfectPrimer to safely seal asbestos black mastic too. Once this coat has dried, applying Epoxy over black mastic becomes easy. Once this coat has dried, workers can then apply the epoxy which can bond to PerfectPrimer flawlessly. If you prefer a different covering, you can paint over PerfectPrimer or even lay tile, vinyl, wood, carpeting or another type of flooring material.
Does PerfectPrimer Have to Be Applied by a Professional?
PerfectPrimer is a favorite product of professionals who frequently encounter black mastic on the job, but anyone can use this highly effective sealer. PerfectPrimer contains no toxic ingredients, so it’s perfectly safe to use. A do-it-yourselfer or home owner can apply PerfectPrimer. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also a breeze to clean up when you use this sealer. Simply use water.
