Epoxy Floor Finishes
Epoxy floor coatings are typical for commercial and industrial flooring. Epoxy coatings are generally applied over concrete floors to provide a high-performance, smooth, durable surface that can last many years and withstand heavy loads. Many industrial sites, warehouses, and commercial buildings rely on epoxy floors to maintain clean and safe conditions for workers, equipment, and inventory.
Epoxy Floor Coating Preparation
An epoxy coating requires a clean and slightly porous surface to adhere properly. The epoxy may not bond to sealed or polished concrete. The concrete also must be fully cured. Before applying epoxy floor coating, it is crucial to patch and repair all major cracks and chips in the concrete surface and to remove all grease.
Disclaimer: Ensure the surface is thoroughly cleaned and prepped before applying the epoxy coating.
If the concrete is old, test the surface for previous layers of epoxy or other products previously applied. Pour a small amount of water onto the floor to try the sealant. It should soak in, but if the water beads on the surface rather than soaking in, it likely has been sealed and may not be suitable for an epoxy coating. Before applying an epoxy coating, ensure the temperature is appropriate and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations. Unfavorable temperatures can cause the epoxy to bubble and peel.
Epoxy is a two-part liquid that you mix before application. Once the product is mixed, you have a limited time to apply the epoxy coating before it hardens. Epoxy Primer Formulas will vary across various products. It would be best if you used an epoxy primer and finisher coat. The primer is applied just like paint and can settle for several hours before the epoxy goes on. To apply the primer, cover the floor with a thin layer of water, then spread the primer with a roller pin on a pole, spreading it out in a thin layer over the entire floor. Let the primer dry, then apply a second coat. The application of the finishing layer is the same as the primer but without the water layer.
Epoxy Floor Coating Advantages
Epoxy floor coatings offer many advantages when compared to other traditional coatings applied over concrete:
- Creates a shiny high-gloss surface that can significantly increase the brightness of interior areas
- Offers a hard-wearing, durable surface able to withstand heavy and continuous traffic
- Quick and easy to install, requiring no layout, cutting additional adhesives, or special tools or equipment
- Durable and easy to clean
- Ideal for warehouses and industrial applications
- Resists oil stains and water
- Creates a seamless surface that can last many years
- Epoxy can be combined with paints and colors to mask off chips and cracks.
- It provides a chemically resistant surface ideal for manufacturing plants.
- It offers enhanced safety when the surface contains anti-slip additives.
- Use patterns to create visible driveways and identify walkable areas.
- Prevents wear and tear on existing concrete floors.
- Depending on the product, it may be compatible with self-leveling products that can be applied over new or old concrete and require little or no major maintenance.