PRODUCT WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
1. Our Commitment
Our products include concrete paints, water-based acrylic coatings, epoxy floor coatings, polyurethane coatings, concrete sealers, clear coatings and associated products.
We stand behind every product we supply. Our products are manufactured to meet their published specifications and, when correctly selected, applied and maintained, are designed to deliver reliable, long-lasting performance.
Like all coating systems, the final result also depends on factors outside the product itself. These include substrate condition, surface preparation, moisture content, product selection, application methods, environmental conditions, curing conditions, intended use and ongoing maintenance.
For this reason, specific results, appearance, service life, adhesion levels or performance outcomes are confirmed in writing where required, and always subject to applicable law.
2. Surface Conditions and Preparation
Good results start with a sound, properly prepared surface. The purchaser, applicator, contractor and/or end user is responsible for making sure the substrate is suitable for the intended coating and has been properly assessed and prepared before application.
Concrete and other substrates vary significantly in composition, porosity, strength, age, moisture content, surface profile and condition. These variations can affect coating adhesion, appearance, curing, durability and overall performance.
Our product warranty covers the product itself. It does not extend to coating failure or unsatisfactory results caused by unsuitable substrate conditions or inadequate preparation, except where the issue is attributable to a matter for which we are legally responsible. Examples include:
- Inadequate cleaning, grinding, profiling, etching, priming or other required preparation.
- Weak, friable, deteriorating, cracked or otherwise unsuitable concrete.
- Oil, grease, dirt, dust, chemicals, salts, curing compounds, sealers or other surface contaminants.
- Existing coatings or treatments that are incompatible with the product being applied.
- Excessive substrate porosity or variations in surface absorption.
- Rising damp, moisture vapour, hydrostatic pressure or moisture trapped within or beneath the substrate.
- Structural movement, cracking, settlement or deterioration of the underlying surface.
- Failure to remove unsuitable previous coatings or contaminants where required.
The purchaser and/or applicator is responsible for determining whether the surface is suitable for coating and for carrying out all preparation required by the relevant product instructions.
3. Product Selection and Suitability
We are happy to help customers choose the right system for the job. The purchaser and/or applicator remains responsible for confirming the selected product suits the intended application, substrate and service conditions.
This includes considering the type and condition of the substrate, expected foot or vehicle traffic, abrasion, chemical exposure, water exposure, UV exposure, weather conditions and other relevant requirements.
Different coating systems have different performance characteristics and application requirements. A product suited to one surface or application may not suit another.
Product information, recommendations and technical advice we provide are based on the information available at the time. Unless agreed otherwise in writing, this advice is not an independent assessment of actual site conditions.
Where suitability or compatibility is uncertain, we recommend a test application on a representative area before proceeding with the full application.
4. Application and Installation
Our products perform as designed when stored, handled, mixed, applied and cured in accordance with the product label, technical data sheet, safety data sheet and other relevant instructions.
The purchaser and/or applicator is responsible for following the specified requirements for:
- Surface preparation and substrate moisture limits.
- Mixing ratios, induction times and pot life, where applicable.
- Application equipment and techniques.
- Coverage rates, film thickness and number of coats.
- Primer selection and compatibility between coating systems.
- Drying times, recoat intervals and curing periods.
- Temperature, humidity, ventilation and other application conditions.
- Protection of the coating during drying and curing.
- Any restrictions on traffic, chemicals, water exposure or use after application.
Our warranty does not extend to defects caused by incorrect application, failure to follow product instructions, improper mixing, incompatible products, insufficient curing, excessive coating thickness, inadequate coverage or other application errors, except where the issue is attributable to a matter for which we are legally responsible.
5. Environmental Conditions and Moisture
Site conditions before, during and after application can affect coating performance. These include temperature changes, humidity, rainfall, direct sunlight, wind, condensation, inadequate ventilation, substrate temperature and exposure to water before the coating has cured.
Moisture-related problems can cause blistering, bubbling, peeling, whitening, delamination, adhesion failure, discolouration or other defects.
Unless the product is specifically designed and approved for those conditions, coatings should not be applied to substrates that exceed the product’s permitted moisture limits.
Failures caused by moisture ingress, rising damp, hydrostatic pressure, water penetration, condensation or other moisture conditions outside our reasonable control are not covered, except where the issue is attributable to a matter for which we are legally responsible.
6. Product-Specific Performance Considerations
Each coating type has its own strengths and requirements.
- Water-Based Acrylic Paints – Performance may be affected by substrate porosity, surface preparation, moisture, application thickness, weather exposure, traffic levels and curing conditions.
- Epoxy Floor Coatings – Performance may be affected by substrate moisture, concrete preparation, contamination, mixing ratios, pot life, application thickness, curing conditions and compatibility with existing coatings.
- Polyurethane Coatings – Performance may be affected by substrate preparation, compatibility with underlying coatings, application conditions, moisture exposure, curing and environmental conditions, including UV exposure where relevant to the formulation.
- Concrete Sealers and Clear Coatings – Performance and appearance may be affected by substrate absorption, surface moisture, application rate, compatibility with previous treatments, surface contamination and the condition of the underlying concrete.
The specific requirements of each product are set out in its product documentation. This section does not replace those instructions.
7. Colour Variations and Appearance
Colour and final appearance can vary between batches and may also be affected by the raw materials used in manufacture, product formulation, substrate colour and condition, surface porosity and absorption, preparation methods, application technique, coverage rate, film thickness, lighting and environmental conditions. For concrete coatings, paints, sealers and clear coatings, the finished colour may look different depending on the underlying concrete and its natural variations. Differences in texture, patchiness, repairs, previous coatings
and the way the surface absorbs the product can affect the final appearance. Lighting, viewing angle and whether a surface is wet or dry can also change how a colour is perceived.
Colour charts, printed samples, brochures, website images and display samples are provided as a guide only. They are not guaranteed to be an exact representation of the finished coated surface. Minor colour variation, shading, mottling or differences in appearance may occur and do not necessarily indicate a product defect.
Where colour consistency is important, customers should arrange a test application on the actual substrate and assess it once fully dry or cured, under the expected lighting conditions, before proceeding with the full application. Where possible, sufficient product for the job should be purchased from the same batch. If multiple batches are required, they should be checked and, where appropriate, blended together in accordance with the product instructions before use.
We recommend that customers confirm colour selection and accept the appearance of a representative test area before full application. Australian Slate Crete Supplies cannot guarantee an exact colour match between different batches, substrates or application conditions, except where expressly agreed in writing or where required by applicable law.
8. Use, Maintenance, Wear and Tear
With correct use and maintenance, our coatings are built to last. The purchaser and/or end user is responsible for using and maintaining the coated surface in line with its intended application and the relevant product instructions.
Service life may be affected by heavy traffic, vehicle movements, abrasion, impact, chemical spills, cleaning methods, standing water, UV exposure, temperature changes, inadequate maintenance and general wear and tear.
Freedom from wear, scratching, staining, discolouration or deterioration for a set period is covered only where stated in a written warranty.
Damage from misuse, abnormal wear, inappropriate cleaning, inadequate maintenance or use outside the product’s intended purpose is not covered, except where the issue is attributable to a matter for which we are legally responsible.
9. Circumstances Beyond Our Reasonable Control
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not responsible for coating failure, damage or unsatisfactory results arising from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, such as:
- Unsuitable or defective substrates.
- Inadequate preparation or incorrect application by a purchaser, contractor, applicator or other third party.
- Structural movement, substrate deterioration or pre-existing defects.
- Moisture ingress or hydrostatic pressure from the substrate or surrounding structure.
- Adverse environmental or site conditions.
- Incompatible products, coatings, treatments or materials selected or applied by others.
- Improper storage, handling, mixing or use by others.
- Damage caused by third parties after application.
- Failure to follow product instructions or maintenance requirements.
- Nothing in this section excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
10. Limitation of Liability and Associated Costs
- Where a product defect is proven, we will provide the remedies available under applicable law and any valid written warranty, subject to any applicable statutory rights.
- Where legally permissible, we exclude liability for indirect or consequential loss arising from circumstances for which we are not legally responsible. This may include labour, contractor fees, equipment hire, surface preparation, grinding, removal of existing coatings, disposal, reapplication, business interruption, loss of use and other associated costs.
- Nothing in this document excludes, restricts or modifies any liability, guarantee, right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified, and any limitation applies only to the extent permitted by law.
11. Reporting a Suspected Product Defect
- If you suspect a product defect or performance issue, please contact us as soon as practicable. We take every report seriously and will work with you to investigate.
- To help us assess the issue quickly, we may ask for:
- Proof of purchase and product batch details.
- Photographs or videos of the affected area.
- Details of the substrate and its condition.
- Surface preparation and application methods.
- Environmental and moisture conditions.
- Mixing ratios, coverage rates and curing times, where relevant.
- Details of any other products used in the coating system.
- Where practicable, the affected area should be preserved and we should be given the opportunity to inspect it before remedial work begins, unless urgent action is needed to protect people or property or prevent further damage. Customers will never be required to delay action needed to comply with the law or protect health and safety.
12. Express Warranties
Any written warranty we provide applies in accordance with its stated terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations, to the extent permitted by law.
General product descriptions, coverage estimates, expected service life or application recommendations are not a separate warranty unless stated in writing.
Nothing in this section excludes any consumer guarantee or legal obligation that applies regardless of whether a written warranty has been provided.
13. Australian Consumer Law and Statutory Rights
Our products come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law where those guarantees apply. Nothing in this document is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any consumer guarantee, statutory right or remedy where that is prohibited.
Customers may be entitled to a replacement, repair, refund, compensation or other remedy depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
This document should be read together with the relevant product label, technical data sheet, safety data sheet, any written warranty and other relevant supply terms.
By purchasing or using our products, customers acknowledge the importance of choosing a suitable coating system, assessing the substrate, following product instructions, and ensuring proper preparation, application, curing and maintenance, subject always to their rights under applicable law.