Surface Preparation: Surface must be uniformly honed with no shiny areas to at least a 200 grit texture. Wipe off surface and all sanding residue with 50:50 mix of acetone and water using a clean rag and ensuring there is no residue on the rag after wiping. Ceramic modified MgO cement blends require a special primer to overcome adhesion issues.  If using air sprayers always use an in-line filtration system to keep water, dirt and oil out of your shop air lines.

Application: EAP is ideally sprayed but if you have the skill it can be rolled or brushed.  An HVLP sprayer – High Volume Low Pressure spray gun is recommended. Tip size varies depending on if or how much you dilute the EAP. Most applicators choose tip sizes between 1.4mm and 1.8mm. Starting from the outside edge of the counter top, make even, overlapping passes at a 90 degree angle to the surface. Distance, air pressure and feed rate will be determined by your exact equipment, environment and personal preference. The appearance should be glossy smooth and wet, not "grainy or show any orange peel."

EAP will dry as hard as epoxy in 4 – 6 hours, but the longer it dries the more stain resistant it becomes.  EAP will continue to harden for 7 days, so avoid food acid exposure for 7 days. It is safe for delivery or additional finishing in 24 hours. 

Finishes:  Gloss or Matte:  EAP Matte is well received as a natural default look for concrete counter tops and stone surfaces.  Gloss is high-sheen but can be honed after it is dry to look like Matte.  If you wish to have the ability to create gloss or matte finishes with one product then understanding how to hone is important.  If you hone improperly you may sand through the EAP coating and remove the layer entirely.  The Pumice Powder method is simple and inexpensive and yields a beautiful natural finish almost undetectable if properly executed. As with any air dry product, during the initial application and dry time air borne dust particles will minutely gather on the surface of the coating.  Removing these particles requires a light sanding using the pumice powder method. To remove minute dust particles from a gloss finish use a 3000 grit wet abrasive pad and uniformly shine the finish.   We recommend using 3M's Trizact brand available at most local automotive paint supply stores. To further polish the finish a high-end lamb's wool pad (3M 05719) and interface attachment is recommended with a 3M 060606 Polishing Compound. Proper compounding is achieved at low rpms not to exceed 1000 rpm and keeping the compound wet as you go.