Epoxy floors are floors that have been treated with an epoxy coating. Epoxy coatings are made from a tough, two-part resin product that creates hardness and elasticity in the coating. These properties can be controlled by the proportions that are combined. There are thousands of combinations of epoxy resins and choosing the right one will depend on the existing surface to be covered.
Floors take a beating and must have the durability to always look their best. When you make the decision to add a two-part resin floor over your existing floor, you’ve made a commitment to invest in a room that will transform overnight. The flooring can be concrete, metal, tile and wood to name a few. Epoxy will stick to all surfaces, but concrete is the best.
Resin coatings provide excellent protection for high-traffic areas such as automotive service facilities, airport hangars, public facilities, warehouses, commercial kitchens, bakeries, and veterinary floors, to name a few. Instant value is added to the floor when it has been done correctly.
Microbes cannot grow on two-part resin flooring when an antimicrobial component has been added to the mix. Floors can be kept hygienically clean with approved cleaning agents. The smooth, non-porous finish doesn’t attract dust like an unfinished concrete floor does. Resists acids, gasoline, grease and solvents. When the surface is wet, it will not be slippery due to a non-slip textured finish.
The most important tip to remember is to prepare the surface properly. All traces of dirt, grease, oil and sealants must be removed. All old and peeling paint should also be removed. Holes and cracks must be filled according to the instructions. If the floor is new concrete, it needs to cure for 28 hours first. Once cleaned and filled, the surface needs to be roughened for the two-part resin to adhere. Acid etching is a technique used to achieve this.
Very attractive treatments can be added to the two-part resin coating. Marble or quartz chips can be added to the fluid to give a great first impression of the installation. The utilitarian places acquire an elegant touch that can be combined with the color of the decoration. This gives a positive reflection of the establishment. Personalization can also be done, such as adding logos on the floor.
One of the most difficult decisions to make regarding resin treatments is choosing a look among all the possibilities. It is often helpful to speak with an interior decorator who can point the client in the right direction in terms of appearance and style. You don’t need to get too immersed in all the looks, but rather decide what goes with the place as a whole.
Epoxy floors are self-leveling and take about a day to cure. The product comes with guarantees so it is reassuring to know that the product has been tried and tested. The life expectancy of epoxy floors will vary, but basically a top coat will only need to be added every few years.
