Epoxy has long been a popular choice for protecting concrete surfaces. However, epoxy requires the right temperatures to apply and cure. This makes it difficult in regions with a lot of sunshine. A newer choice, polyurea, is less temperamental and resists changes in temperature.
Before applying an epoxy coating, contractors must scrupulously follow the product instructions for mixing ratios. Otherwise, bubbles may form in the epoxy paint. These bubbles can cause surface sag and other problems.
Easy to Clean
When you invest in a new floor coating, you want it to last and look great. Epoxy flooring does both of these things. It’s easy to clean and maintain.
Epoxy is a resin-based paint that contains two components that are combined before application. It’s available in water-based and 100% solids aliphatic epoxy formulas. Water based epoxy is less expensive, but it evaporates faster than the high-end 100% solids epoxy.
Both types of epoxy are durable. They’re also stain-resistant, including against car chemicals, oil and even rust. However, any spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. Otherwise, they’ll create unsightly stains that are difficult to remove.
A mild solution of ammonia or a concrete degreaser such as Simple Green will lift most oil and tire marks from an epoxy floor. Avoid cleaners that contain citrus or vinegar as these will dull the epoxy’s glossy finish.
Regularly washing your floors with warm water should keep them looking shiny and fresh. You should also use mats at workstations, under heavy equipment and at entrance doors to help collect dirt and sand, which can damage your floors over time. If your floor is subject to wet sanding or welding operations, place a sheet of plywood over it to protect the epoxy coating. It’s also important to place a soft pad under motorcycle or bicycle kickstands. This will help prevent gouges and scratches to the floor coating.
Long-Lasting
When applied properly, epoxy can last for a long time without chipping or peeling. It’s also resistant to abrasions, chemicals and other factors that may damage concrete surfaces. This makes it a popular choice for commercial and residential garages, basements, showrooms and more.
The durability of epoxy is one of its greatest strengths. It can withstand the pressure of heavy vehicles and machinery, and will remain strong for a long time even in harsh environments like industrial kitchens. In addition, epoxy is a good choice for insulating and soundproofing concrete floors.
Epoxy is an effective way to make a floor look new again without having to invest in expensive renovations. It is available in a variety of colors and sheens, and can be enhanced with decorative chips for an additional visual element. Some manufacturers even offer a glossier finish that resists stains and moisture.
Before applying an epoxy coating, it’s important to test the slab for moisture content. If the concrete is not completely dry, it may encapsulate moisture vapor within the epoxy coating, which can lead to bubbles and other problems. It’s also best to avoid acid etching, as this can weaken the epoxy coating.
Durable
When properly applied, an epoxy coating creates a hard surface that is extremely durable. It resists damage from chemicals, water, oils, gasoline and even tire marks. It is also resistant to impact and abrasion. As a result, epoxy concrete coatings are ideal for high-traffic areas like garages and workshops.
To ensure that your epoxy concrete coating is as durable as possible, it’s important to select the right product for your needs. You should avoid generic, water-based epoxy paints sold at big box stores and choose a 100% solid resin-based formula. These high-end products are available from concrete coating manufacturers that specialize in this type of material.
It’s also important to prepare the surface correctly before applying an epoxy coating. This includes thoroughly cleaning and roughing it up using a sander, hand grinder or floor grinder. The surface must be free of dirt, dust, mildew and other contaminants that could interfere with the bonding process. You should test the surface by pouring a small amount of water onto it. If it beads up instead of soaking in, it’s likely that the concrete has been sealed previously and is not suitable for an epoxy coating.
It’s also crucial to understand that epoxy is not a substitute for concrete repair and patching. While it can provide some protection from abrasion and impacts, it does not fully repair cracks in the concrete or prevent future damage.
Resistant to Chemicals
Chemical resistant epoxy floor coatings are the ideal flooring for areas or spaces where chemicals will be present. Harsh chemicals like acid and petroleum products can cause permanent damage to concrete or steel if they are allowed to soak through the surface. With a chemical-resistant coating, the floor is protected and can be easily cleaned up if there are any spills.
When choosing a chemical-resistant epoxy, it is important to consider the duration of exposure and the specific chemicals that will be used in the area. Panther Protective offers a line of highly-durable chemically resistant products including ChemKote 700, which is the best two component, 100% solids, novalac epoxy on the market. This clear formula can be used alone, as a binder in a slurry/broadcast system or combined with epoxy color additives for a wide range of color options.
To ensure a good bond between the new epoxy coating and the concrete, the surface must be cleaned thoroughly before applying it. This can be done by power washing or using an acid wash such as muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is extremely dangerous to use and should only be used by trained professionals. A safer alternative is DRYLOK, which is non-toxic and can be used to roughen up the concrete for a better bonding surface. The surface should be free of any mildew, wax, dirt or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of the epoxy.
Versatile
Epoxy coatings are very versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications. They can even be customized to your specific needs by adding different chemicals, tints or other ingredients.
An epoxy mixture consists of two parts: resin and hardener. When these two components are combined, they chemically react to form a single substance that is much stronger and more durable than either of the individual parts. This process is known as an exothermic reaction and produces heat, which must be controlled during the curing process to ensure that the epoxy will develop the desired properties.
These epoxy compounds can withstand the heavy foot traffic, vehicle tires, pallet jack wheels and falling equipment that can damage concrete flooring. They also resist grease, paint spills and other caustic chemicals that would otherwise discolor or stain concrete floors. They are easy to clean and can be customized with decorative chips or stains to add color or texture.
Epoxy floor coatings are available in both solvent based and water based formulas. Solvent based epoxy is typically flammable during application and produces fumes, making it difficult to use indoors. Water based epoxy, on the other hand, is non-flammable and doesn’t produce any fumes during application. It can be applied in a wide range of temperatures, but it takes longer to set than solvent based epoxy. Polyurea and polyaspartic epoxy are long-lasting, water based, low-odor, and can be applied in cooler temperatures.
Affordable
One of the reasons people choose epoxy for concrete floors is that it’s more affordable than tile or vinyl flooring. It also provides superior durability. Additionally, it hides flaws in the flooring that may be present.
Despite this, epoxy is not without disadvantages. Epoxy can show signs of wear within a few years for areas that see heavy traffic and impact. It also has a tendency to yellow under UV light. Lastly, it does not withstand extreme heat which is an issue for garage floors or outdoor spaces.
To mitigate these issues, a silica sand additive can be mixed into the epoxy to improve grip and reduce slipperiness. Additionally, an aluminum oxide additive can be added to increase resistance to oil and chemicals. These additives can also be used to cover up cracks or damage in the concrete.
Another issue with epoxy is the amount of time it takes to cure properly. The process can take up to three days and the area cannot be walked on during this time. By contrast, polyurea coatings are fully cured in 24 hours and can be walked on immediately.
It’s important to note that both epoxy and polyurea require special prep work before application. This can involve sanding or acid etching. This process can be dangerous and costly to do incorrectly, so it’s best to leave this job to a professional. Using an experienced contractor can ensure the proper preparation is done and that you get the maximum life out of your floor.
Epoxy Coating Industry 