Epoxy coatings offer the look of concrete with added durability. They resist harsh chemicals and other damaging elements without sacrificing appearances.
Successful epoxy installation relies on careful and thorough prep. Many customers have purchased a big box store or bargain type epoxy kit online and have experienced premature failure.
Durability
Concrete is undoubtedly a durable material, but it is not invulnerable. Bare concrete is susceptible to moisture, bacteria, fungus and dirt that can damage it and cause cracks over time. This is why it’s important to seal and protect the surface. Epoxy coatings can provide a thick, protective barrier against the elements, including heat, oil, water and chemicals. With proper care, quality epoxy can last for decades.
There are two main types of epoxy: solvent-base and water-base. Solvent-base epoxies contain 40-60% solids that penetrate the concrete surface and adhere well. They are available in a variety of colors. The volatile solvents in these products require adequate ventilation and masking during application. Water-based epoxies do not release any hazardous solvent fumes during application and dry much more quickly than solvent-base options.
The type of epoxy you choose depends on the amount of traffic you expect to have on your floor and whether it will be indoors or outdoors. For outdoor applications, you’ll want to choose a more durable, UV-resistant option that can withstand the effects of sunlight and weather. For indoor applications, you’ll need to decide if you prefer a glossy or matte finish and how skid-resistant you want your floor to be.
A good epoxy system can withstand a lot of traffic and still look great, but if you’re not careful to prepare the surface properly before application, your new floor could be peeling up or flaking within a year or two. This is why it’s so important to research the product you’re purchasing and make sure it’s backed by a reputable company.
In addition to preparing the surface thoroughly, you should also apply a primer before applying your epoxy. This will increase the adhesion of your coating and prevent peeling. Finally, it’s a good idea to add silica sand or aluminum oxide to your coating, as this will increase the durability and slip resistance of your floor. We get calls everyday from customers who bought a cheap kit online and saved a few dollars, but ended up with a poorly applied floor that didn’t last even one year before it started to chip, peel and flake off.
Adhesion
The floors of a home or commercial property receive a lot of wear and tear. They need to withstand the constant traffic of people, vehicles and equipment. Epoxy floor coatings are an excellent option for this type of flooring, as they create a durable and protective layer. There are a variety of different epoxy products on the market, from simple floor paints to metallic and pre-tinted versions. However, no matter which product you choose it is crucial that the floor coating is installed correctly. A poor installation can cause the concrete surface to begin deteriorating or even crack.
The biggest mistake that DIYers make when applying an epoxy floor is not properly preparing the concrete surface. Many stores sell epoxy kits that are designed for the homeowner to apply themselves. However, these kits often don’t come with any instructions or guidelines on how to prepare the concrete. This is a major mistake because improper preparation can prevent the epoxy from adhering to the concrete surface.
A common mistake is using acid-based cleaners to clean the concrete. This can damage the concrete, and it also prevents the epoxy from adhering. Professionals understand that the concrete must be thoroughly etched and ground before the application of an epoxy floor coating. The process includes using a concrete grinder, vacuuming and using sand or grit to give the concrete the right amount of grittiness.
Moisture in the concrete or migrating through the slab is another big issue that can prevent an epoxy floor from adhering correctly. This can be caused by improper prep or simply humidity. It is important to test the concrete before installing an epoxy coating to ensure that it is dry enough. If the coating is applied to a concrete slab with moisture in it, the epoxy will quickly start to peel or wear down.
Ultimately, the choice of which type of floor coating to install comes down to personal preference and budget. However, whether you decide on an epoxy or polyurea coating, it is important that the coating is installed properly. A poorly-installed floor will only last a short time before it starts to deteriorate or even crack.
Skid-Resistant
Epoxy is a thick, non-porous material that creates a smooth surface. This type of surface can be fine for a garage or industrial floor, but it can also be extremely slippery when wet. To combat this problem, anti-slip additives are often added to the epoxy mixture. These additives include abrasive materials such as aluminum oxide, which adds texture to the coating and provides gripping points for your feet. Some of these additives can be added to a final coat of epoxy, but others are mixed directly into the concrete to create a non-skid surface.
The biggest drawback of epoxy is its lengthy cure time. This means that your new floor cannot be used until the coating is completely dry, which may take three days or more depending on its thickness and the environment. This can be a big disadvantage if you have a large area that needs to be coated, like a warehouse or a car shop.
Another reason epoxy’s cure time is so long is that it requires proper surface preparation before it can be applied. The concrete must be free of grease, oil, solvents and any other contaminants. This process can be difficult to complete, and even more so in the summer when temperatures rise. Additionally, moisture must be kept to a minimum, or else the epoxy coating could peel up.
When a layer of epoxy is applied to the concrete, it forms a tough, durable plastic that can withstand considerable wear and tear for many years. Unlike paint, which can easily chip and stain the concrete underneath, epoxy protects the floor from damage.
If you are looking for a decorative high-performance floor for your home or business, an epoxy coating can provide the look you want. It can also be customized to your exact specifications. However, it is important to understand the problems with epoxy before you invest in this type of project.
One of the most common issues with epoxy is bubbling, which occurs when air bubbles transfer to the concrete under the coating. This can cause the epoxy to peel up from the concrete, or it can create blisters in the coating. These bubbles can form if the epoxy is not mixed correctly or excessively mixed with a high-powered mixer, or if the temperature of the concrete is not compatible with the epoxy mixture. It can also occur if excess moisture is trapped beneath the concrete, which causes it to evaporate when the epoxy dries.
Easy to Clean
While you may think that epoxy looks like concrete paint, it’s important to know that the two materials are very different. Paint is made from latex acrylic, while epoxy is a hard resin. This makes them perform very differently.
Epoxy can be used to spruce up old concrete, but it’s also one of the most effective coatings available for concrete floors. It can prevent future damage, protect the surface from heavy loads, and look sleek and modern.
When applied properly by a trained professional, epoxy is tough. It can withstand the impact of dropped tools and other heavy objects, as well as resist chemical spills. The tenacity of epoxy comes from the hardener, which helps it resist stains, scratches and other damage. It can even withstand water and heat.
Epoxy is easy to clean, too. It can be swept or vacuumed, or mopped with warm water and a mild detergent or clear ammonia solution. Its smooth surface doesn’t retain dirt as easily as bare concrete, so it will be much easier to keep it clean.
Whether you have a shop in your garage where oil and brake fluid are often spilled, or a commercial space where chemicals are stored, an epoxy coating will make cleaning your floor a breeze. The deep layering of the epoxy will ensure that any chemicals won’t seep through to the concrete beneath, so they can be cleaned quickly and safely.
This is a great way to protect your concrete flooring from damage while also making it more attractive and functional. Epoxy can add a lot of value to your property, so it’s worth considering for any area that might need some extra protection.
If you’re interested in sprucing up your concrete with an epoxy coating, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced technicians will help you choose the right color and design for your floor, and we can also recommend the best product to suit your needs. We’ve heard many horror stories from customers who went to a big box store or online and bought cheap DIY kits that ended up peeling, yellowing and failing in just a few years. Don’t let this happen to you!
Epoxy Coating Industry 