Epoxy floor coatings have become more popular over the years due to the benefits they offer. Unlike floor paint, epoxy is tough and clings to surfaces tenaciously.
Moisture on concrete floors is the biggest culprit of peeling epoxy. This can be caused by high humidity and changes in temperature.
Easy to Clean
Epoxy floor coatings are very easy to clean. Any spills or dirt can be removed immediately with a shop vacuum and mop. For more difficult or stubborn dirt, a simple soap and water solution will do the trick. Never use abrasive cleaners such as Comet or steel wool, which can scratch the epoxy surface and cause damage. Scrubbing frequency depends on the type of soilage that normally plagues the floor, but high-traffic areas should be scrubbed daily and heavy-duty chemicals such as engine oil should be cleaned immediately upon spillage.
For the best results, a non-toxic soap like Simple Green works well to cut through any remaining residue. This can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores. In addition, a deck brush or kitchen scrubbing sponge can be used to scrub the floor. It is important not to scrub too hard because this can degloss the epoxy and etch the concrete beneath.
It is also recommended to use walk-off mats at the entrances of the warehouse, garage or commercial facility to catch any dirt, sand and moisture from entering the facility and avoid causing scratches on the epoxy. Another way to minimize scratching is to place plywood under any equipment or tools that will be walked on, especially those that can cause excessive pressure, such as a welder, forklift, motor vehicle or pallets.
The floor should be swept and vacuumed regularly, particularly in industrial environments where there is a lot of dust. Dust that is allowed to build up will embed in the epoxy and can create scratches as it is moved around, or even when vehicles, machinery or tools are driven over it. If any large gouges or scratches occur, they should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and deterioration of the epoxy coating.
It is also important to ensure that the floor is etched prior to the application of any new coating, because this will open the pores in the concrete and guarantee a strong bond with the epoxy surface. Muriatic acid is traditionally used to etch concrete, but there is a safer alternative called DRYLOK Etch that will work equally as well and can be purchased at many hardware and paint stores.
Easy to Maintain
Epoxy floor coatings are easy to maintain and repair, as long as you take precautions and follow the instructions for care. It is essential to clean spills immediately, especially abrasive liquids like paint or oily chemicals. Wipe them up with paper towels or shop rags before the chemicals have the opportunity to penetrate the surface and cause damage. It is also a good idea to place mats at entrances to limit the transfer of dust, dirt or other debris to the epoxy. And if you are using your garage or industrial flooring for work, it is a good idea to use plywood or mats underneath heavy equipment and welding jacks to reduce the risk of gouges and scratches.
Regular cleanings with a dust mop or broom are a great way to keep your floor looking its best. You should also hose the floor down periodically to wash off any residue and squeegee it dry to eliminate streaking. If you want to add an extra shine, a wax coat will do the trick. Avoid cleaners with citrus, acidic, or vinegar solutions as they can strip the epoxy of its glossy finish.
Scratches on your epoxy floor can occur if you drop items, drag heavy machinery or equipment across it, or use abrasive pads and brushes to clean. Scratches and gouges that are not repaired as soon as they happen can allow moisture under the epoxy surface and lead to peeling.
To remove any stains from your floor, you can start with mild solutions and move on to more powerful abrasive cleaners as necessary. You should always wear rubber gloves and eye protection when working with chemical cleaners. If you are unsure how to treat a specific stain, contact an epoxy floor expert. They can advise you on the right process and materials to successfully treat the stains. Small cracks and chips in the floor can be filled with mortar to make the epoxy look new again. For more extensive damage, you should hire a professional to grind down the area and apply new epoxy.
Durable
Epoxy floor coatings are durable and long-lasting. They can resist abrasions, chemical spills, chipping, and impact damage. They also offer a shiny, attractive finish that can be customized to match your business’s style and decor. In addition, epoxy coatings are a great choice for industrial environments that are subject to heavy traffic and machinery.
They are also easy to clean and can be used as a base coat for other types of flooring. However, it’s important to choose a contractor who is knowledgeable about the application process. One way to avoid mistakes is to watch videos of how the coating is applied. But beware of videos that tell you to throw the color flakes in the air! This will create blotches and lumps. It’s best to spread the flakes evenly over the surface to avoid this problem.
It’s also a good idea to ask a professional about the types of additives available for your epoxy flooring. You can add aggregate sand blends to your epoxy coating for extra strength and anti-slip texture. This will help prevent your employees from slipping on the floors. You can also purchase antistatic flooring materials that are compliant with ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) standards and designed to transfer static electricity from people to defined earthing points.
Another benefit of floor epoxy is that it can be custom-colored and textured to meet your specific design needs. You can even choose different metallic pigments to create a unique visual effect on your flooring. These types of floors are usually more expensive than standard epoxy coatings, but they are a good choice for high-end commercial and retail spaces.
When choosing an epoxy floor coating, it’s important to consider your budget and the amount of traffic that will be on the floor. In most cases, it’s best to spend more money on a higher-quality product than less expensive options. This will ensure that your epoxy flooring lasts longer and looks better than cheaper options. Typically, an epoxy floor can last for decades with regular maintenance. This can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Affordable
Epoxy floor coatings are a great choice for flooring in many different types of environments and industries. They come in a wide range of colors and styles, and can be customized to fit your particular needs. They also offer an affordable alternative to more expensive materials like tile and carpet. However, the price of epoxy flooring depends on a few factors. First, you will need to choose the right type of epoxy for your needs. In addition, you will need to consider how much work and material is needed to complete the project.
One mistake that many people make is going to the big box store or buying a cheap epoxy kit online thinking they are getting a high-quality product. This is a huge mistake and will end up costing you more money in the long run. Cheaper kits are often made with lower quality ingredients and take much longer to dry than a professional grade system. This can lead to blotches and lumps in the finished product that are not acceptable.
Another thing to consider is the installation cost. Having the floor installed correctly will ensure that it is durable and long-lasting. The wrong installation can result in the floor deteriorating or even failing very quickly. This can be expensive, especially if you have to remove the entire floor and redo it later on down the road.
The durability and affordability of epoxy flooring make it an excellent choice for many applications. It is also resistant to shock, heat and chemicals, making it perfect for garages where cars can emit a variety of dangerous substances. The chemical-resistant surface makes cleaning up oil, antifreeze, brake fluid and gasoline much easier. Epoxy can withstand the impact of heavy machinery and equipment, and it resists scratching as well. It is highly reflective as well, increasing the amount of light in a garage or room.
Another feature of epoxy that can save you time is the fact that it does not stain. This is a great benefit for anyone who has a garage or workshop where the floors are constantly being covered in oil, antifreeze, brake fluid and other chemicals that can stain and discolor ordinary flooring. Adding slip-resistant aggregate to the epoxy can provide an extra level of safety for you and your family when using your shop or garage.
Epoxy Coating Industry 