Bare concrete floors are vulnerable to a variety of threats such as debris, chemicals, stains and water. Fortunately, epoxy floor coatings are an excellent way to protect these floors.
Choosing the right concrete floor coating is crucial to its success. Often, improper installation leads to adhesion failure. Moisture in the slab is a major factor that must be tested and mitigated before the epoxy can bond properly with the concrete slab.
Easy to Clean
Epoxy floors are highly durable and extremely easy to clean. Spills can usually be wiped up with a paper towel, soft cloth or clean rag and often a shot of Windex if the spill has left a film. Tougher stains like rust can be cleaned with a soft deck brush or kitchen scrubbing sponge and some warm water to scrub the area. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools or steel wool and stay away from cleaners that contain acid or citrus, including vinegar as these compounds can break down the epoxy coating.
The best way to keep your epoxy floor looking great is to regularly sweep the surface and mop it with a soft microfiber mop. This keeps dirt, debris and dust from being ground into the epoxy as you walk or drive on it. It also helps to keep abrasive particles from scratching or chipping the surface.
Before attempting to install an epoxy floor, make sure the concrete substrate has been properly prepped and is dry. The concrete must be free of any oil, grease and other chemicals that can cause problems with adhesion. A good test for moisture is to pour a small amount of water onto the floor. If the water beads up instead of soaking in, the floor is already sealed and won’t accept an epoxy coating.
If the concrete has been sealed, it may need to be etched before applying the epoxy coating. A common acid wash is muriatic acid, but a safer alternative is DRYLOK etch which is still effective but is only activated when it comes into contact with water.
Easy to Maintain
Epoxy flooring is easy to keep clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and using a dust mop is enough to keep your floor looking great. If there are any stains or dirt spots that need to be addressed, use a mild soap like dishwashing liquid with warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, acid and citrus cleaners as these can cause your epoxy to lose its shine.
Before you apply the epoxy coating, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare the concrete. Make sure there are no cracks or potholes. You also need to test the surface by pouring a little water onto the concrete. If it beads up and does not soak in, the floor may have been sealed.
The final preparation step is to acid etch the concrete. This increases the surface roughness to allow a strong bond to the epoxy. This is done by following the supplied directions and using the proper personal protection equipment, such as a respirator.
After the acid etch is applied, it is time to start applying the epoxy mixture. It is important to follow the specific instructions for your chosen product, and work in sections. After the first coat is applied, it is possible to add color flakes for aesthetics and to help increase the slip resistance of the floor. If you want your floor to be more resistant to chemical spills, consider adding silica sand in the final coat.
Easy to Apply
Epoxy floor coatings can be very easy to apply and maintain. Once the proper preparation steps are completed (such as cleaning the concrete, acid etching if required and removing all oils, greases and solvents) the actual application is a snap.
Before applying the epoxy, it is important to read all product instructions, technical data sheets and safety documents and follow them exactly. The epoxy is supplied in two parts – resin and hardener – and they must be mixed properly in the correct ratio to create an effective seal and finish.
Once the epoxy has been mixed, it is applied to your garage floor using a roller or squeegee. Depending on the square footage of your project, this could take multiple people. It is recommended to work in 10×10 sections so that the coating can dry quickly and completely between applications.
Once the epoxy is applied, it is a simple process to add color flakes, if desired. The flakes are easily broadcast into the wet epoxy by grabbing handfuls of them and throwing them as you would chicken feed. Once the flakes are dispersed, it is necessary to wait again until the epoxy is fully dry before applying a top coat.
Shock Resistant
Epoxy is a tough material that can withstand heavy shocks and impact. It also has the capacity to hold a great deal of weight and can resist corrosion from chemicals, heat, water and other elements that may damage your floor. For this reason, epoxy is the perfect flooring option for a garage or laundry room.
The thick coating seals and protects concrete flooring from harsh impacts and corrosive substances, fortifying the surface while adding a gleaming finish. It is also extremely versatile, offering a showroom-quality finish that is easy to keep clean.
It is important to note that it is possible for an epoxy flooring system to be damaged if the installation process is not done correctly. Epoxy manufacturers will provide very detailed instructions on how to prep the slab and how to install an epoxy coating, so it is imperative to follow these directions exactly. Failure to do so will guarantee that the epoxy will fail.
It is also critical to test the slab for moisture. If there is any type of humidity present, it will cause the epoxy to fail as well. Moisture that is contaminated with grease, oil or paint must be removed from the concrete prior to installing an epoxy coating.
Water Resistant
Epoxy coatings are a great way to protect concrete floors from water damage. This means that if your basement or garage floods, you won’t have to worry about the floor being destroyed. It also makes the floor easy to clean because you can use a broom or mop with standard cleaning products — no need for special chemicals.
Epoxies are incredibly durable and resistant to heat, impact and chemical products. These properties make them ideal for commercial and industrial applications, especially those that may be subjected to heavy loads such as warehouses or logistic centers. In addition, epoxy is a popular choice for garages because it’s highly shock resistant and can withstand the impact of cars parked on the floor.
The tenacity of epoxy lies in its polyamine hardener, which is what gives the material its tensile strength. This strong and rigid flooring option is able to withstand a lot of weight, and it can be customized with coloured microchips or metallic pigment additives to achieve a specific aesthetic.
If you choose to apply an epoxy coating, it’s important to ensure that the temperature is suitable and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Failure to do so can cause the product to bubble and peel, which could lead to a costly project. If you don’t believe that the conditions are suitable, it’s best to walk away from the job – it will be a waste of time and money for everyone involved.
Chemical Resistant
If you’re looking for a flooring option that is durable, easy to clean and looks great in any workspace, epoxy is the right choice. With the ability to add color additives, you can customize your floor coating for a more personalized look. From eye-catching swirled metallic options to branding colors, there are many ways you can make your epoxy floors stand out.
Epoxy is also shock resistant, meaning that it can withstand jarring crashes and heavy items dropping on the floor. This can be beneficial for garages that store cars, as the jarring impact of these vehicles will not chip or break your concrete floor like it would if it wasn’t coated with epoxy.
The smooth surface of epoxy can easily be wiped down with a mop or broom, which makes cleaning it simple and quick. The coating is also resistant to germs, bacteria and grime, which helps keep your space sanitary. In addition, most epoxy choices have a reflective sheen, which can help increase visibility in large rooms or garage spaces.
Epoxy is made up of two distinct elements: an epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener. When these are mixed together, they create a chemical reaction that results in the epoxy curing. This process is what gives the floor its strength and durability. However, it is important to note that if the temperatures aren’t suitable, the epoxy can bubble or peel.
Epoxy Coating Industry 