All About Epoxy Floor Coatings

Epoxy coatings were originally developed for use on surfaces which see heavy duty use, using less heat to apply than the heat-cured powder coatings which were popular on metal items to protect them. Epoxy coatings are mixed in their designated ratio, usually of one part to four, and then dry exceptionally quickly – diminishing the impact their installation will have on regular daily life and use of the space. The ability to clean them quickly also makes them popular in factories and at home, where their low flammability is also a very desirable quality. In domestic settings, epoxy resin flooring coverings are often used because they can create attractive colored floors mimicking marble and other natural finishes. Applying epoxy floor coatings requires the expertise and skills of a deck specialist from West Coast Decking & Waterproofing.

When applying resin floor coatings, it is first of all important to find out whether the floor is already coated as epoxies will react to each other and create undesirable effects. The floor must be stripped of these, and thoroughly cleaned of any grease or oil residue using an industrial cleaner. Any rubber residue, whether from tyres or furniture, will also need to be sanded away. When this is complete and the floor is totally prepared, the first step of epoxy coating is to using muriatic acid to ‘etch’ the floor. First, wet the whole surface with a garden hose, then using a mixture of four parts water to one part acid, scrub the floor with a stiff bristled broom until foamy and white. The whole floor needs scrubbing and then rinsing.Once it has completely dried out, usually in one week to ten days, the floor will be ready to coat in epoxy. Epoxy for the floor is usually made up of three components: the resin itself, the catalyst and the pigments. Some companies also have a texturizing material, which they use when the epoxy is drying to create a less slippery finish. When calculating how much epoxy will be needed, it is crucial to overestimate. The flooring must be completed in one application, so running out would be a disaster. In general terms, for the typical 5-6mm application thickness, one gallon of the made up solution should cover a small garage of 200 square feet floor space.