Best Applications and Advantages of Epoxy Flooring

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 must be mechanically prepared with either a shot blaster or diamond grinder. It is important to patch and repair all major cracks and chips in the concrete surface.

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 and the condition of the concrete you might need to apply an epoxy primer. The primer is applied by roller and is allowed to settle for several hours before the epoxy goes on.

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
Can be combined with paints and colours to mask off chips and cracks
Provides a chemically resistant surface ideal for manufacturing plants
Offers enhanced safety when the surface contains anti-slip additives
Can be applied in different patterns to create visible driveways and/or identify walkable areas
Prevents wear and tear on existing concrete floors
May be compatible with self-levelling products that can be applied over new or old concrete, depending on the product
Requires little or no major maintenance