CEM SPAR RC-700 is a two-component polyaspartic aliphatic polyurea coating that creates a clear, medium-to-high-gloss finish on concrete floors. Its 70% solids formula combines fast drying with resistance to abrasion, impact, wear, chemical splashes and spills, and hot-tire pickup. UV stability also allows RC-700 to be used in areas exposed to sunlight. Designed for professional applications, it is a practical choice for concrete floors that require a durable finish with a faster return to use.
What Is CEM SPAR RC-700?
CEM SPAR RC-700 is a two-component polyaspartic aliphatic polyurea coating designed for professional concrete floor applications. The system uses separate Part A and Part B components, mixed together before application at the specified ratio. With 70% solids by weight, RC-700 cures to a clear, medium-to-high-gloss finish over properly prepared concrete. The polyaspartic formulation combines a relatively short curing cycle with the characteristics required for demanding floor coating applications. RC-700 can be used as a clear finish or tinted with CEM Color Pack when a solid-color coating is desired. It is intended for professional use only and should be applied according to the current Technical Data Sheet.
Key Features of CEM SPAR RC-700
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70% Solids: Contains 70% ±1% solids by weight.
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Fast Curing: Tack-free in approximately 2–3 hours, with foot traffic in 3–4 hours under typical TDS test conditions.
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UV Stability: Offers UV stability for areas exposed to sunlight.
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Abrasion, Impact & Wear Resistance: Built to handle abrasion, impact, and everyday floor wear.
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Chemical Resistance: Resists chemical splashes and spills.
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Hot-Tire Pickup Resistance: Resists hot-tire pickup on garage and automotive floors.
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Clear Gloss Finish: Dries to a clear, medium-to-high-gloss appearance.
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Tintable: Can be tinted with CEM Color Pack for a solid-color finish.
Where Can CEM SPAR RC-700 Be Used?
CEM SPAR RC-700 is recommended for garages, auto service centers, laboratories, cafeterias, and other interior concrete floors that need a fast-curing, high-performance coating.
Garages
RC-700 can be applied to properly prepared concrete garage floors. It resists abrasion and wear, chemical splashes and spills, and hot-tire pickup.
Auto Service Centers
RC-700 is also recommended for concrete floors in auto service centers, where impact, wear, chemical exposure, and vehicle traffic are common. Its quick dry time can shorten the wait before the floor returns to use.
Laboratories & Cafeterias
The manufacturer lists laboratories and cafeterias among the recommended applications for RC-700. After curing, the coating leaves a clear, medium-to-high-gloss finish over the prepared concrete.
Other Interior Concrete Floors
RC-700 can also be used on other interior concrete floors that call for fast curing and high coating performance. Concrete must be structurally sound, clean, dry, and properly prepared before application.
CEM SPAR RC-700 Specifications
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Specification |
Technical Data |
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Product Type |
Polyaspartic aliphatic polyurea |
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Components |
Two component |
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Solids |
70% ±1% by weight |
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Mix Ratio |
1:1 — Part A to Part B |
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Pot Life |
20–30 minutes |
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Tack Free |
2–3 hours |
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Foot Traffic |
3–4 hours |
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Heavy Traffic |
24 hours |
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Recoat Window |
2–18 hours |
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Application Temperature |
50°F–80°F |
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VOC |
Less than 400 g/L, mixed Part A + Part B |
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Dry Appearance |
Clear, medium/high gloss |
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Packaging |
2-Gallon Kit: 1 Gallon Part A + 1 Gallon Part B |
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Shelf Life |
Up to 1 year from manufacture date, unopened, stored at room temperature |
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Clean-Up |
Use xylene |
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Product Removal |
Commercial paint stripper, diamond grinding, or sandblasting |
Laboratory data was recorded at approximately 70–72°F and 50% relative humidity. Conditions outside this range may affect these values. Refer to the current CEM SPAR RC-700 Technical Data Sheet before use.
How Do You Check Concrete for Moisture Before Applying RC-700?
Moisture vapor transmission can cause bubbling or coating failure. The manufacturer describes this basic moisture check:
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Secure a 4 × 4-foot plastic sheet to the concrete, sealing all edges with tape.
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Leave it in place for 24 hours.
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Check beneath the sheet for moisture.
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If moisture is present, perform calcium chloride and relative humidity probe testing to assess vapor emissions before applying the coating.
A dry result is a preliminary indication, not confirmation that the floor is ready to coat. The concrete must also meet RC-700’s curing, surface preparation, dryness, and application requirements. Follow the current Technical Data Sheet and confirm acceptable moisture-test results with the manufacturer.
How Do You Prepare Concrete for CEM SPAR RC-700?
Concrete must be structurally sound, clean, and dry before applying CEM SPAR RC-700. New concrete requires at least 28 days to cure. Prepare the surface by shot blasting or diamond grinding; for diamond grinding, use 30-grit or coarser tooling to reach a CSP-2 to CSP-3 profile. Vacuum the floor thoroughly after grinding or blasting.
If an existing coating is fully bonded but outside the recoat window, sand it with 60–120 grit before applying another coat. Concrete should also be checked for moisture before application. See the current CEM SPAR RC-700 Technical Data Sheet for moisture testing and full preparation instructions.
How Do You Mix CEM SPAR RC-700?
Mix CEM SPAR RC-700 at a 1:1 ratio of Part A to Part B. If mixing less than a full kit, mix each component separately before measuring equal amounts. Combine 1 part Part A with 1 part Part B in a clean container and drill mix for 2–3 minutes.
Avoid creating a vortex while mixing, as this can introduce excess air and moisture into the material. Mix only what can be applied within the 20–30 minute pot life. Do not thin RC-700.
How Do You Apply CEM SPAR RC-700?
Apply CEM SPAR RC-700 with a brush and/or 3/8-inch nap shedless roller, working in approximately 4' × 4' sections and maintaining a wet edge. Back-roll immediately after application and avoid puddling or excess material in joints.
For chip or media broadcast systems, pour RC-700 over the broadcast surface, spread it with a flat flexible squeegee, then back-roll with a 3/8-inch nap shed-free roller.
How Much CEM SPAR RC-700 Do You Need?
One 2-gallon kit includes 1 gallon of Part A and 1 gallon of Part B. The manufacturer publishes these coverage rates:
| Application | Published Coverage |
|---|---|
| First coat directly on concrete | 200–300 sq. ft. per gallon |
| Second coat over an existing coating | 250–350 sq. ft. per gallon |
| Over media broadcast systems | 100–175 sq. ft. per gallon |
Actual coverage varies with surface porosity, texture, broadcast media, and application method. Additional coats require additional material.
Before calculating how many kits to order, confirm with the manufacturer that these rates apply to mixed Part A + Part B and establish the required number of coats for your project.
How Long Does CEM SPAR RC-700 Take to Dry?
CEM SPAR RC-700 is typically tack-free in 2–3 hours and ready for foot traffic in approximately 3–4 hours.
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Tack-free: 2–3 hours
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Foot traffic: 3–4 hours
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Heavy traffic: 24 hours
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Recoat window: 2–18 hours
These times were measured at approximately 70–72°F and 50% relative humidity. Higher temperatures and humidity can shorten cure times, while cooler temperatures and lower humidity can extend them.
Can CEM SPAR RC-700 Be Tinted?
Yes. CEM SPAR RC-700 can be tinted with CEM Coatings Systems’ CEM Color Pack for a solid-color finish. Add the CEM Color Pack to Part A and drill mix for 2–3 minutes before combining Parts A and B. The TDS suggests 9–16 oz per gallon for an opaque finish. Test the color first, as more than one coat may be needed for opacity.
Slip Resistance
CEM SPAR RC-700 can be slippery when wet. For floors exposed to wet, oily, or greasy conditions, the manufacturer recommends a slip-resistant aggregate such as Surf-Grip.
Select the traction treatment for the floor’s intended use and follow the manufacturer’s application instructions. Adding an aggregate does not, by itself, establish ADA compliance. The finished surface must meet the applicable accessibility and safety requirements.
What Products Are Used With CEM SPAR RC-700?
RC-700 can be paired with CEM Color Pack for color and Surf-Grip when added slip resistance is needed.
CEM Color Pack
CEM Color Pack is used to create a solid-color RC-700 coating. It is mixed into Part A before Parts A and B are combined.
Surf-Grip
A slip-resistant additive recommended by the manufacturer for RC-700 floors exposed to wet, oily, or greasy conditions. Follow the specified dosage and application instructions.
Precautions & Limitations
- Allow the product to warm to at least 50°F before application, even though it will not freeze in storage.
- Indoor ventilation: Provide proper ventilation during application and for hours afterward to remove solvent fumes. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
- HVAC protection: Block HVAC ducts before application to prevent solvent fumes from spreading through the building.
- Apply as one or two medium-light coats. Do not apply as a single heavy coat.
- RC-700 may darken some new and existing concrete slabs. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Do not thin this product. Improper thinning can cause the coating to delaminate.
- Solvent vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the ground toward distant ignition sources, including pilot lights, sparks, and static discharge. Keep the area clear of ignition sources during and after application.
Always refer to the current Technical Data Sheet.
CEM SPAR RC-700 Technical & Safety Documents
CEM SPAR RC-700 Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Includes surface preparation, mixing, application, coverage rates, cure and recoat times, limitations, and technical specifications.
View Technical Data Sheet (TDS) →
CEM SPAR RC-700 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Includes handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid, storage, and safety information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in one RC-700 kit?
One 2-gallon kit includes 1 gallon of Part A and 1 gallon of Part B. Each quantity ordered is one complete kit.
Is RC-700 clear or tinted?
RC-700 cures clear. For a solid-color finish, the manufacturer specifies CEM Color Pack, added to Part A before combining the components.
Can I apply RC-700 over an existing coating?
The existing coating must be fully bonded and compatible. Follow the preparation instructions, including sanding when outside the recoat window. Confirm compatibility if the existing product is unknown.
What if I miss the recoat window?
Additional preparation is required before recoating. Follow the TDS instructions for your surface; smooth coatings and textured broadcast systems require different preparation methods.
Do wet areas need a traction additive?
RC-700 can be slippery when wet. The manufacturer recommends a slip-resistant aggregate for floors exposed to wet, oily, or greasy conditions.