In Boise, Idaho Padco is not a major brand, actually it is non-existent for the most part. None of the major retailers store or even sell their product. To get my hands on this product I had to go to the internet to order it. It took about 7 days to receive my 12 Padco Nano Flock Applicator. I has Mark from Arboritec on hand to test it out with me. A-Max Hardwood was getting certified in UV application for Arboritec products. Mark, in fact, had never tried the Padco Nano Flock and was just as excited as us to try this applicator.
About the Nano Flock Applicator
The Nano Flock is supposed to be better for UV application in reducing lines or streaking that is common in UV application. Padco was able to do this by making the applicator more like a suede material, it is almost impossible to feel the bristles on this applicator. For the UV application while using the Nano Flock A-Max decided that the light t-bar applicator would be best to get the highest mil thickness on the floor.
How to use the Applicator with UV Finish
Instructions do not come with this applicator, so having experienced help on hand would be ideal, but we figured out how to use this applicator perfectly after the first job. The first job was a maple flooring which is by far the easiest of hardwoods to see streaking or lines. Our process is as follows:
- be slow, apply evenly
- pour a 2″ line down the floor, no bigger
- ring out the applicator at every turn
- feather as normally you would
We found out after the first job that you do not want a super thick line on the floor. Since the applicator is a suede type applicator it holds virtually no coating compared to the normal applicator. By not having a ton of coating on the floor it is easier to move the coating around while not flinging it at every turn or feather opportunity. Another good thing about less coating on the floor is that you can ring out applicator easier since you have less of the product you are applying on the applicator. You must have the applicator ring’d our prior to a feathering opportunity, if you do no you will leave drops in the middle of the floor. As you know drops in the middle of the floor are a pain.
Why The Nano Flock Applicator for UV Finish
The applicator as mentioned above is a very fine, fine applicator nap. The bristles or whatever it is made out of leaves virtually no lines in the floor. Since UV is a bit different chemistry and resins than a traditional water based A-Max Hardwood has found coating to be a bit more tedious. By having the proper tools for Ultra-violet coating makes it much, much easier to coat floors.
A-Max Hardwood would suggest if you are having issues with lines to try the Nano Flock.
