Epoxy coatings are popular for industrial floors. It is important to understand what your specific flooring needs are before choosing an epoxy.
Epoxies are a durable surface that is long-lasting. It is also resistant to heat, chemicals and shock. Reach out to Surface Pros Epoxy Flooring for expert assistance.
The shiny surface of the epoxy reflects light, which can help increase illumination in large spaces. It is also safe to walk on because it includes traction-enhancing materials like gravel, aluminum oxide or polymer grit.
High Durability
Epoxy is one of the toughest flooring materials on the market, and it will keep your floors looking beautiful for many years. It’s able to withstand high impact, heavy loads, and harsh conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for commercial and industrial settings. This flooring material is also extremely durable against stains, chemical damage, and sharp objects. Its longevity and durability are unmatched in comparison to other types of flooring, including tile and vinyl.
Epoxies are resistant to scratches by nature, but they can be enhanced even further with a wide variety of top coatings and abrasion-resistant finishes. Some examples of these are urethane and melamine top coats, which can increase the durability of your epoxy floors and enhance their visual appeal at the same time.
The durability of your epoxy floor depends on a number of factors, from the quality of your chosen coating to the level of maintenance that is performed on it. Floors that are regularly cleaned and free of debris tend to have longer lifespans than those that are neglected. It’s also important to avoid exposing your floor to extreme temperatures, as this can affect its resilience and durability.
Other factors that can contribute to the longevity of your epoxy floors include the use of rubber or felt pads on the legs of furniture and equipment, distributing traffic evenly in high-traffic areas, and scheduling regular maintenance tasks like resealing and repairs. These simple practices can greatly improve your flooring’s lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repair or replacement. The quality of the initial installation is also crucial, as poorly prepared or executed surfaces are prone to early failure. This is why it’s so important to seek out the services of an experienced, professional flooring contractor when installing your new epoxy floor. The right team will ensure that the underlying surface is clean, dry, and free of cracks and holes before applying the epoxy. They will also make sure that the application process is done correctly to ensure maximum durability. This will save you money in the long run as it will protect your investment and ensure a long lifespan for your epoxy floor.
Easy Maintenance
When you have a new epoxy floor in your garage, workroom or entryway you will want to keep it looking good as long as possible. And this is easy with a little care and attention. Unlike carpet, tile or vinyl flooring that can become worn and dirty looking, epoxy floor coatings are very durable and stain resistant. This is due in part to the extensive prep and curing procedures that are necessary prior to the actual application of the epoxy materials. In addition, the epoxy material itself is chemical and abrasion resistant. This makes them a great choice for high traffic areas where the surface needs to be able to withstand harsh wear and tear.
When it comes to cleaning your epoxy floor, it is important to sweep the floor frequently and use a dust mop to remove any large debris from the floor surface. This will help to keep the surface dirt and grit free, which is very important because these can scratch or damage the floor coating.
If there is a spill on your epoxy floor, you should wipe it up as soon as possible to prevent any damage or staining. For larger spills or oily stains, you can use a kitchen scrubbing sponge or deck brush and warm water to wash the area. If the stains persist, you can try using some Simple Green or ammonia solution and scrubbing lightly.
A common mistake people make is to not sweep and scrub their floors often enough, which can lead to a buildup of grit and grime over time. This can cause the epoxy to wear and dull over time, so it is important to do a thorough cleaning once a week or more as needed.
If you do notice that your epoxy is starting to wear out, it may be time to recoat the area to prevent further damage and deterioration. This will also help to maintain the beauty, durability and moisture mitigation that are all benefits of having a seamless epoxy floor in your home or business. Other signs that it is time to recoat include discoloration, chipping or peeling areas and noticeable scratches or abrasions.
Variety of Colors
Epoxy floors can be made in a wide variety of colors to match any design aesthetic and complement the colors of other design elements in a room. Lighter colors can make a room feel larger and more open, while darker tones can create a more intimate atmosphere.
The color of an epoxy floor also affects how it looks under different lighting conditions. Brighter epoxy colors can appear too bright in spaces with a lot of natural sunlight and may create a harsh glare. Darker epoxy colors, on the other hand, can help minimize glare and create a soothing ambiance.
If you want your floor to be an artistic statement piece rather than a utilitarian necessity, there are several types of epoxy flooring that can be used as a canvas for intricate works of art. For example, a flaked epoxy system uses colored flakes injected inside the epoxy to produce a multi-hued look for a floor. This style is popular in locker rooms, clinics, commercial kitchens, sports venues, and showrooms.
Another type of flooring that combines functionality with artistic expression is a metallic epoxy. This variation incorporates tiny metal particles into the epoxy mixture, which create dazzling swirls of rainbow color when reflected by the light in your space. The result is a unique and striking appearance that can be an eye-catching conversation starter.
Aside from varying color options, there are also many different textures that can be applied to an epoxy floor. These textured coatings add depth and visual interest to a floor and can be great for areas where you’ll need to navigate carts, forklifts, or other heavy equipment.
One of the most interesting and unusual options for an epoxy floor is a pattern that mimics a natural scene or landscape. These types of patterns can be effective for creating designated zones in large warehouses or manufacturing facilities, where it’s important to mark loading bays, forklift paths, and walkways.
Antistatic epoxy is also available, which helps to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components and parts by safely transferring static electricity to defined earthing points. This option is ideal for cleanrooms and specialized food processing facilities where there is a high risk of static discharge from personnel.
Easy Installation
Epoxy is a long-lasting material that can be used in a wide variety of environments. This makes it the ideal flooring choice for garages, workshops, commercial kitchens, warehouses, and more. It is durable, provides a seamless coating, and comes in a wide range of colors. Additionally, epoxy floor coating is resistant to heavy loads, sudden impact, fire, and high temperatures.
This durable flooring option is relatively easy to install, even for homeowners with minimal construction experience. Before the epoxy can be applied, it is essential to prep the area. This is a time-consuming process, but it is necessary to ensure that the epoxy adheres properly. This prepping can include mechanical surface scrabbling, grit blasting, and degreasing.
Once the surface has been cleaned, it is important to wait a minimum of 28 days for the concrete to cure. Then, it is a good idea to sweep the floor and vacuum it thoroughly. Finally, a degreaser can be used to get rid of any remaining oils or grease that may prevent the epoxy from bonding to the concrete.
After the concrete has dried, it is a good idea to apply a self-leveling primer. This is typically done with a paint roller. Once the primer has dried, it is time to mix the epoxy resin and hardener. This can be done in a bucket using the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the epoxy is mixed, it can be applied to the floor with a roller or squeegee.
If you would like your floor to be less slippery, a non-skid solution can be added to the second coat of epoxy. This is usually done by mixing the flakes into the bucket of mixed epoxy according to the product’s directions and stirring with a drill and stirring bit.
Then, the flakes can be scattered on the wet epoxy in your desired pattern. Once the flakes are in place, the final coat of epoxy can be applied. Once the second coat of epoxy is dry, it’s a good idea to mask off and paint the bottom 4 inches of your garage or basement walls with the same epoxy mix you used on the floor. This creates a smooth transition that also protects the walls from damage.