Epoxy floor coatings are commonly used for commercial and industrial flooring. Epoxy coatings are normally applied over concrete floors to provide a high-performance, smooth, and 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 apply epoxy floor coating, it is important to patch and repair all major cracks and chips in the concrete surface and to remove all grease.
If the concrete is old, test the surface for previous layers of epoxy or other products that might have been applied over the years. To test for sealant, pour a small amount of water onto the floor. It should soak in. 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, make sure that the temperature is suitable, and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations. Unfavourable 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 starts to harden.
Epoxy Primer Formulas
Depending on the product being applied, you might need to apply an epoxy primer and finisher coat. The primer is applied just like paint and is allowed to 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 finisher is applied in the same manner 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:
1- Creates a shiny high-gloss surface that can significantly increase the brightness of interior areas
2- Offers a hard-wearing durable surface able to withstand heavy and continuous traffic
3- Quick and easy to install, requiring no layout, cutting additional adhesives, or special tools or equipment
4- Durable and easy to clean
5- Ideal for warehouses and industrial applications
6- Resists oil stains and water
7- Creates a seamless surface that can last many years
8- Can be combined with paints and colours to mask off chips and cracks
9- Provides a chemically resistant surface ideal for manufacturing plants
10- Offers enhanced safety when the surface contains anti-slip additives
11- Can be applied in different patterns to create visible driveways and/or identify walkable areas
12 Prevents wear and tear on existing concrete floors
13- May be compatible with self-levelling products that can be applied over new or old concrete, depending on the product
14- Requires little or no major maintenance
