Application guides

by Fakolith Chemical Systems

Painting floors and pavements in the food industry and health sectors with certified epoxy foodgrade paint for direct and indirect contact with food and beverages

Description of the problem

The application of Fakolith foodgrade epoxy paints suitable for direct and indirect contact with food and hygienic environments on floors and pavements is increasingly in demand by industry in general, certification bodies, health inspection, etc. Epoxy paints, even with their limitations and advantages over polyurethanes, tend to be the most common type of paint for protecting and finishing floors, floors and multilayer floors. Thanks to our heavy duty FoodGrade epoxy paints such as FK-100 FoodGrade (bio-hybrid 100% solids epoxy, EU and FDA certified), which has become the most widely used due to its extensive certifications. Alternatively, you can also opt for the 2-component polyurethane FAKOPUR FoodGrade, especially for exterior applications. All Fakolith FoodGrade coatings are treated with BioFilmStop antimicrobial technology, which helps to inhibit nesting and cross-contamination by pathogenic bacteria, biofilm and viruses, significantly increasing the hygiene and asepsis of painted surfaces.

IMPORTANT: If you are not familiar with high performance, high solids epoxies, before starting a job we recommend that in addition to the technical data sheets of the products involved, you consult our Application guide, problems and solutions for high solids epoxy paints". Especially before painting large surfaces, it is highly recommended to carry out a preliminary sampling with the chosen system on a surface of between 15-30 m². In this way, you can check for hidden defects, undetected incompatibilities, good surface consistency, good adhesion, and that the surrounding conditions are as required and expected. If this is not the case, the necessary corrective measures can be taken in time.

Summary of the most common basic solution and procedure

The ideal pre-treatment to guarantee maximum adhesion on a concrete pavement that is not new, is to carry out adequate shot blasting and vacuuming to achieve a solid, clean substrate with an adequate planimetry and roughness (not polished, the rougher the rougher the better the adhesion, and vice versa), and above all free of dust and dirt in the pores, or with remains of old badly adhered paints that make adequate adhesion impossible. 

1. SURFACE CLEANING:   

· Option A - FAKOLITH FK-12: If the subfloor has been shot-blasted and vacuumed or is already free of previous paint, it is recommended to apply the cleaner with subsequent rinsing with water, in order to leave the pores of the floor clean and free of dust, moisture damage, saltpetre, microorganisms, etc. After drying, the base is ready for the next treatment. 

· Option B - CLEANOLITH Forte: (Substitutye to previous FK-111): If, on the other hand, there are layers of previous paints and you have opted for repainting, we recommend sanding the existing paint to roughen it and applying the ecological cleaner for grease, pollution, industrial dirt, etc., with subsequent rinsing with water. Allow to dry completely before painting.

2. SURFACE PAINTING:   

Final painting between 2 to 4 coats with Fakolith FoodGrade food epoxy or polyurethane paint, whichever is more convenient in each case.  At least for the first coat and depending on the application, environmental and environmental conditions, we recommend diluting it up to 10% with its solvent, to provide better wetting, leveling and extend the pot-life. If a non-skid finish is required, FAKOLITH SLIP STOP should be added in the last 2 coats. See application details in its Technical Data Sheet.

· Option A - FAKOLITH FK-100 FOODGRADE: There is no epoxy paint in its category with more food and physical-chemical resistance certifications, so it has become a multi-purpose standard that is also successfully applied on floors. In addition, as a partially bio-based epoxy paint, it is exempt from being considered dangerous goods for transport by road, sea or air, which makes it particularly easy to export. 

· Option B - FAKOPUR FOODGRADE: 2-component polyurethane paint, especially recommended in exterior situations or exposed to U.V. light.

Application process

1.- Option A - FK-12

PRODUCT SUMMARY: Concentrated water-based detergent cleaner, free of chlorine and formaldehyde, biodegradable and compatible with moisture. Wide range of applications and sectors, for use both indoors and outdoors, on horizontal and vertical surfaces.

For cleaning moisture damage on surfaces of various materials; saltpetre blooms, lime blooms, surface damage caused by the action of microorganisms such as mould, moss, bacteria and biofilm matrix, as well as medium-grade pollution. Mainly used in industry in general, food industry, health sector, establishments in general, restoration of facades and heritage, civil works.

It presents a notorious descaling power of penetration, leaving the pore of the base, clean, open and receptive for later treatments; consolidators, protectors, waterproofing impregnations, primers, paints and coatings, anti-graffiti protections, etc. Its tensoactive components facilitate the neutralization of the base, after rinsing with water. With Declaration of Conformity.

MODE OF APPLICATION: Application from concentrated to dissolved 1:4 in water as a general rule. Adapt the dissolution according to the needs and conditions of each surface. The higher the concentration, the faster the action, and the higher the capacity to clean the damage. Especially to eliminate lime and microorganisms in wood will be applied without dilution.

Once the dissolution is done, apply preferably from the upper area, with brush, sponge, mop, spray, as appropriate in each case:

- Insist where the reaction is triggered and rub the affected area with brushes.
- Rinse with water before the product and the dissolved dirt dry.
- Allow to dry before proceeding with other treatments.

CONSUMPTION - PERFORMANCE: It is very variable, depending on the solution used, type and absorption of the surface, method of application, type and degree of dirt or affection, so its average performance can vary between 4 m² and 15 m² per litre of concentrate.

1.- Option B - CLEANOLITH Forte

Cleanolith Forte is a concentrated detergent cleaner with Ecolabel certification, ecological and biodegradable, ideal for deep cleaning of hard surfaces resistant to alkaline solutions. Its innovative formula removes grease, pollution, soot, industrial dirt, moisture and mould damage, fire damage, etc., offering high performance and efficiency.

Main advantages of Cleanolith Forte

  • Ecolabel: Certified with European environmental criteria (Registration No. ES-CAT/020/035).
  • Biodegradable and environmentally friendly: Free of chlorine, phosphorus, solvents and formaldehydes.
  • High cleaning power: Effectively removes grease, soot, dirt, fire damage, moisture and mould damage, biofilm matrix.... from multiple surfaces.
  • Suitable for industry and demanding sectors: Use in the food industry, healthcare, public buildings, construction and building refurbishment, and more.
  • Low VOC content: Does not contain PBT, vPvB or endocrine disrupting substances.

Recommended uses: Ideal for cleaning walls, façades, floors, ceilings, machinery, trains, car parks, workshops, airports, industrial kitchens, hotels and restaurants, hospitals. Compatible with surfaces such as stone, ceramic, stoneware, concrete, noble metals, plastics and alkali-resistant paints.

Instructions for use: Apply with a brush, spray or sponge. Scrub and leave to act for 10-30 minutes and rinse with water.

  • For light soiling Ecolabel: Dilute 1:10 in water.        Approximate yield: 50 m²/l.
  • For heavy soiling Ecolabel: Dilute 1:8 in water.        Approximate yield: 40 m²/l.
  • For very heavy and localised soiling: Dilute 1:3 in water.  Approximate yield: 8 m²/l.
  • For extreme and occasional dirt: Can be applied undiluted.   Approximate yield: 2 m²/l. 

Why choose Cleanolith Forte?  Its combination of cleaning efficiency, safety and respect for the environment makes it the ideal choice for professional and sustainable cleaning.

2.- Option A - FK-100 FoodGrade

PRODUCT SUMMARY: FK-100 FoodGrade is a 2-component heavy-duty food contact epoxy coating, 100% solids and partially bio-based, , and with double certification for direct contact with food, the European EU 10/2011 and the American FDA 21 CFR 175.300. High performance and high thickness coating, low Voc, low odor bio-based, gloss finish, with CE marking tests, and tested excellent anticorrosive and physicochemical resistance in its category. Particularly suitable for the protection, renovation, and painting of surfaces in direct, occasional or indirect contact with food, beverages, water for food processing and drinking water.

FIELDS OF USE: Following the technical indications for each system, FK-100 FoodGrade can be applied to the interiors of silos and tanks with a capacity of 1,000 litres or more, equivalent industrial surfaces with a lower risk/contact, connecting pipes, walls, ceilings, skirting boards, floors, metal structures, machinery and equipment, large aquariums and fish farms, cold and freezing rooms, food warehouses, panels, food transport, etc., always indoors. Especially in the food industry and healthcare sectors, hospitals and clinics, and also in industry, civil works and public and private buildings in general. Compatible with most mineral surfaces, concrete, sandblasted metals SA 2,5 Rz>50, metals properly primed, lacquered panels and on other paints and / or compatible primers well bonded and other surfaces resistant to cut-cross test Class 0-1 UNE-DIN EN ISO 2409:2007 and traction EN ISO 4624:2016 Rigid Systems: ≥1,0 (0,7) b N/mm2. (Without traffic loads) and: ≥2,0 (1,5) b N/mm2 (With traffic loads).

Product treated (BPR Art 3 and 58) with BioFilmStop FG antimicrobial technology, specific FoodGrade version, highly effectiveness tested against bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms such as coronavirus, and always according to EU 10/2011 and FDA 21 CFR 175.300 regulations. ISO 22196 and ISO 21702 effectiveness test (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtillis, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, Legionella pnemophila, Coronavirus Feline). The paints and coatings of the Fakolith FoodGrade range contribute to the positive compliance with CE 852/2004, are manufactured under HACCP and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) according to CE 2023/2006 and/or FDA 21 CFR 174.5, improving the hygiene, food and health safety of surfaces and environments.


STANDARD COLORS: Pearl White RAL 1013, Oxide Red RAL 3009 and Grey RAL 7004, Blue RAL 5012, Green RAL 6002 and Transparent Amber colorless. Please check availability, price and minimum required quantity for other colors from our FoodGrade chart or other RAL colors, except white which is not available in this product.

APPLICABLE with brush, roller, Airless or AirMix preferably heated.

With Declaration of Compliance, Performance and CE marking.

PAINT AVERAGE YIELD: according to recommended coat thickness, depending on use of FK-100 FoodGrade

- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 200 µm - consumption is 265 gr/m² - a yield of 3,77 m²/kg.
- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 300 µm - consumption is 395 gr/m² - a yield of 2,53 m²/kg.
- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 350 µm - consumption is 463 gr/m² - a yield of 2,16 m²/kg.
- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 400 µm - consumption is 530 gr/m² - a yield of 1,89 m²/kg.
- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 500 µm - consumption is 660 gr/m² - a yield of 1,51 m²/kg.
- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 700 µm - consumption is 925 gr/m² - a yield of 1,08 m²/kg.

VARNISH AVERAGE YIELD: 

- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 50 µm - consumption is 51,5 gr/m² - a yield of 19,4 m²/kg.
- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 75 µm - consumption is 77,3 gr/m² - a yield of 12,9 m²/kg.
- Dry thickness = Wet thickness: 100 µm - consumption is 103gr/m² - a yield of 9,7 m²/kg.

For a correct application follow the indications in the technical sheets, application guides and safety data sheets. In case of doubt consult our technical service.

2.- Option B - FAKOPUR FoodGrade

PRODUCT SUMMARY: FAKOPUR FOODGRADE is a 2-component, solvent-based, high solids, aliphatic isocyanate acrylic polyurethane food contact paint, certified for direct, indirect and occasional contact with food, in accordance with EU Regulation 10/2011. High performance paint, resistant to outdoors, satin finish, with CE marking tests and excellent physicochemical resistance in its category.  Particularly suitable for the protection and painting of surfaces in direct and indirect contact with food, beverages, water for food processing and drinking water. 

Product treated (BPR Art 3 and 58) with BioFilmStop FG antimicrobial technology, specific version for food contact, with high effectiveness tested against bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms such as coronavirus, and always in accordance with EU 10/2011 and FDA 21 CFR 175.300 regulations. Effectiveness test ISO 22196 and ISO 21702 (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtillis, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, Legionella pnemophila, Feline Coronavirus). The paints and coatings of Fakolith's foodgrade contribute to positively comply with EC regulation 852/2004, are manufactured under HACCP and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) according to EC 2023/2006 and/or FDA 21 CFR 174.5, improving hygiene and food and sanitary safety of surfaces and environments.

FIELDS OF USE: Following the technical indications for each system, it is mainly applied in outdoor situations of direct, indirect and occasional contact, in silos and tanks, ponds, culture pools, hoppers, troughs, floors, walls, equipment and tools, food warehouses, panels, food transport, objects, aquaculture... or indoors where a polyurethane is more convenient than an epoxy due to its properties. Especially for use in the food industry and primary sectors of agriculture, livestock and fisheries. Its excellent insulating qualities and vapor barrier effect, make it work as an excellent waterproofing on concrete, as a protective finish for metals in combination with anticorrosive primers compatible. FAKOPUR FoodGrade has in general good adhesion on various consistent bases and suitable roughness, concrete, mineral bases, properly primed metals, wood, compatible primers... Compatible with most consistent surfaces: Tensile strength EN ISO 4624:2016 Rigid Systems: ≥1.0 (0.7) b N/mm2. (No traffic loads) and: ≥2,0 (1,5) b N/mm2 (With traffic loads), Surfaces with adequate roughness Rz>50, both on mineral bases, as well as properly sandblasted (SA 2,5) or primed metals, Lacquered panels and compatible previous paints and/or primers, well adhered and resistant to the ISO 2409:2007- Class 0-1 grating shear test.

SERIAL COLORS: White RAL 9003 and Grey RAL 7004, (Consult availability, price and minimum quantity for other FoodGrade colors or other RAL colors). 

APPLICABLE with brush, roller, Airless or Air-Mix preferably heated.

AVERAGE YIELD: according to recommended film thickness depending on the use of FAKOPUR FoodGrade.

-For a dry film thickness of 50 µm - 100 ml/m² are consumed - yielding 10 m²/l.
-For a thickness of 100 µm dry - 200 ml/m² are consumed - yielding 5 m²/l.
-For a dry thickness of 150 µm - 300 ml/m² are consumed - yielding 3.3 m²/l.

For a correct application follow the indications in the technical data sheets, application guides and safety data sheets. In case of doubt consult our technical service.

IMPORTANT NOTE: According to the latest update of Regulation (CE) n.o 1907/2006, specific mandatory training is required for a safe use and handling of this product. For further information, consult TDS on its 3rd page.

Back to list

Images

Flooring FoodGrade paint



Surface preparation



First coat



Air remover roller



Smooth finish



Anti-sliping finish



Wide foodgrade color card



Most used colors


Fakolith Chemical Systems
Fakolith Chemical Systems
Fakolith Chemical Systems