Nova Build recommends following all application instructions to ensure satisfactory results. The product should be between 75–80°F before use. The product container can be placed in warm water until it reaches the proper temperature. The ambient temperature should be between 75–80°F during the application and curing process. It should also be free of dust and other airborne contaminants. Before starting a project, make sure you have enough Counter NC2420 to complete it. A shortage of material may result in undesirable outcomes.
SEALING LAYER:
It's best to determine if your surface needs a sealer before starting your project. Sealers are important because porous or rough surfaces can develop air bubbles. Sealing the surface will help prevent air bubbles from adhering to it. Counter NC2420 can be used as a sealer. Porous or unsealed wood, such as tabletops, bars, hardwood, barn wood, knotty wood, or other types of wood, should be sealed before applying the pour. Well-seasoned or dried wood, such as barn wood or kiln-dried wood, may require multiple sealers. When pouring over aluminum, copper, stainless steel, plastic laminates, or other non-porous surfaces, a sealer is not necessary. Make sure these surfaces are clean and free of contaminants such as oil or grease. Allow any stain, varnish, or other coatings to dry completely before applying the sealer. Do not apply over oil-based finishes. Delicate objects, such as photographs, can be damaged by epoxy resin and should be sealed with an acrylic or polyurethane coating before being embedded with epoxy resin. If a sealing layer is needed, mix only a small amount of material, as it will cover a much larger area. Use a brush to spread a thin layer over the surface. Allow the sealing layer to dry for a minimum of 4–6 hours before applying the pouring layer.
BORDERS:
The pouring layer can be allowed to drip over the edges. Vertical edges won't be as thick as horizontal surfaces, so use a brush to ensure the coating is applied evenly to the edge. During the leveling and curing process, beads will form under the edge. Excessive beads can be removed before final curing using a flat putty knife. Hardened beads can be removed by sanding once the coating is fully cured.
AIR BUBBLE REMOVAL:
Allow the pour layer to level for 15 minutes after application before you begin removing air bubbles. Air bubbles are created by the mixing of the product, the application process, and surface tension, so it's completely normal to see them, but it's important to remove them. The best tools for removing air bubbles are a handheld propane torch or a heat gun. Hold the torch or heat gun about 6–10 inches from the coating and move it quickly across the surface. You'll see the air bubbles pop immediately. Continue this method every 10–15 minutes until all the bubbles are gone, which can take up to an hour. Avoid holding the torch too close to the coating and don't hold it in one area for too long, as you may burn yourself.
POUR LAYER:
To avoid pooling and an uneven layer of material, ensure the surface to be coated is as level as possible. The pouring layer should be applied at a thickness of 1/8" or less. If a thickness greater than 1/8" is desired, multiple coats will be necessary. Allow the pouring layer to cure for 4 to 10 hours before applying a second pouring layer. Apply the pouring layer starting at one end and pour the resin across the entire surface. Pour the mixed resin evenly onto the surface using a zigzag pattern. After pouring all the material, do not attempt to scrape any excess material from the container. The material will begin to flow and level itself. If there are areas where more material has been poured, you can move it using a notched plastic trowel, putty knife, or foam brush.
ADDITIONAL LAYERS:
Allow the pouring coat to cure for 4 to 10 hours before applying a second pouring coat. If curing for more than 10 hours, lightly sand the surface with 220–300 grit sandpaper to ensure proper adhesion between coats. Clean the sanded surface with a tack cloth or a solvent, such as acetone or denatured alcohol, to remove any trapped sanding residue. Follow the pouring coat application instructions for each additional coat applied.
CURED:
After applying the final coat, the coating must be properly cured in a controlled, clean, dust-free environment at 75–80°F for 12–14 hours. Allow the coating to cure for a minimum of 72 hours before full use. Waiting 72 hours will allow the coating to reach adequate hardness and scratch resistance.
Touch-Free: 12 – 14 hours
Complete Curing: 72 hours
