What is epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a type of flooring that combines polymer resins and hardeners to create a chemical bond with concrete.
It offers many benefits, such as being more durable than floor paint, making an easy-to-clean surface that resists stains from spills, being versatile enough for both residential and commercial projects, creating vibrant designs that can be customized in many ways and installed quickly with little downtime. Additionally, epoxy resin flooring is highly resistant to high levels of wear and tear making it one of the longest lasting options available today.
What are the benefits of using epoxy flooring?
1. Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
Epoxy flooring is extremely durable and scratch-resistant due to its unique combination of ingredients. The epoxy resin used in these systems is highly resistant to chemicals, heavy equipment, and continuous traffic. It also has high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand significant force without breaking or cracking. Additionally, the flooring is coated with an ultra-hard layer of micro-abrasive particles that provide added protection against scratches and wear over time. Finally, epoxy flooring can be customized with different colors and metallic sheen finishes for a unique look that stands out in any setting.
2. Comes in many different colors and patterns
Victory Cleaning Systems offers a wide array of standard colors to inspire industrial and commercial spaces. These include cool, clean blues and grays, warm earthy tones, and bold reds. We also offer a variety of finishes – textured or smooth, matte or glossy – as well as exclusive color palettes, tailored blends, and customized logos.
3. Low maintenance and easy to clean
The benefits of low maintenance and easy to clean epoxy flooring include:
– Long lasting durability, with bulletproof durability and excellent wear/chemical resistance.
– Easy cleaning – no need for harsh chemicals or scrubbing as the floors are water resistant.
– Low odor/low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for improved indoor air quality.
– Decorative options with various finishes available, including metallic sheen and custom colors.
– Low maintenance – no need for frequent waxing or buffing like with some other types of flooring systems.
4. Easy to install
- Prepare the surface: Clean, level and smooth the surface of the area where you plan to install the epoxy flooring. Make sure there are no loose materials or debris that could get trapped under the coating.
- Mix up the epoxy: Follow the instructions provided by Victory Cleaning Systems to mix up equal parts of resin and hardener in a disposable bucket or container (depending on brand). Use a paint roller with a long handle for easier application of mixture over larger areas.
- Apply epoxy coatings: Using your paint roller dipped in mixture, apply even coats over the entire floor area being careful not to miss any spots as this can lead to uneven drying/curing later on down the line if not corrected immediately post installation process . It is recommended that you wear protective gloves while doing so as some brands may have harsh chemicals which can cause skin irritation if exposed for prolonged periods of time during the application process .
4 . Drying & curing period : Once all coatings have been applied it is important that you wait for them to dry completely before walking on them as wet surfaces can become slippery due to plasticizer migration from polyester resin used in most brands these days which causes floors/surfaces
5. Provides chemical and stain resistance
Epoxy flooring provides chemical and stain resistance due to its thick, durable coating. The high-strength resin used in epoxy flooring is resistant to most chemicals and can withstand harsh environments without losing its strength or appearance. Additionally, the slip-resistant properties of epoxy flooring prevent it from becoming slippery when exposed to liquids or solvents. Finally, the variety of finishes available allow you to choose the best option for your specific needs and environment.
6. Safe for pets and children
Epoxy flooring is safe for pets and children because it is made from durable materials that are resistant to scratches, wear and tear, moisture, and other environmental factors. It also contains no harmful chemicals that could be dangerous to pets or children. Furthermore, epoxy flooring comes in a variety of colors and designs that can add character to any setting while still providing safety for those who use it.
7. Offers soundproofing qualities
Using epoxy flooring for soundproofing purposes can help block out unwanted sounds and prevent them from entering a room. Epoxy flooring is made with high-quality materials that are resistant to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for areas where soundproofing is needed, such as garages or warehouses. Additionally, some types of epoxy flooring have decorative features that can hide any imperfections in the floors while still providing noise reduction benefits.
8. Heats and cools efficiently
Epoxy flooring is designed to heat and cool efficiently thanks to its unique composition. It contains a moisture vapor reducer (MVR) that prevents moisture from building up in the flooring material, reducing the risk of mold and other harmful bacteria growth. Additionally, it has an epoxy resin that acts as a sealant, preventing any water from penetrating through the surface of the flooring material. This ensures quick operation start up time, reduced costs due to less maintenance required and reduced downtime due to fewer repairs needed. Finally, this single coat application reduces waste by minimizing excess materials used in production processes.
9. Energy-Efficient
Using epoxy flooring helps to save energy because it is made from a resin that is derived from renewable resources, such as soybean oil and wood chips.
By using epoxy flooring instead of traditional paints and coatings, homeowners can reduce their energy consumption by up to 50%. This is because the resin used in epoxy flooring has a high thermal resistance which reduces heat transfer between surfaces, leading to lower cooling costs in the summer and lower heating costs in the winter.
10. Lifetime Warranty
The lifetime warranty for epoxy flooring is a guarantee that the manufacturer offers to cover any defects in the product for as long as the homeowner has it installed.
This warranty covers any issues with the durability, appearance, and functionality of the coating. It also provides protection from normal wear and tear, such as scratches or cracks caused by heavy furniture or pets walking on it. The manufacturer will repair or replace any parts that are found to be defective within this time period, free of charge.
How does epoxy flooring differ from concrete?
Epoxy flooring offers many advantages when compared to traditional coatings applied over concrete. It 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, is quick and easy to install without any layout or cutting additional adhesives needed, is durable and easy to clean, resists oil stains and water, allows for a seamless surface that can last many years if properly maintained, can be combined with paints or colors for decorative purposes or masking off chips in concrete floors, provides enhanced safety when anti-slip additives are added into the mixture of polymer resins and hardeners used in application process of epoxy floor coating system.
Concrete on the other hand offers little or no major maintenance requirement but does not provide as attractive features as epoxy flooring does such as improved brightness levels due to its lack of glossy finish nor does it offer any decorative options like colors etc..
How to install an epoxy garage floor coating?
Step #1: Figure out the size of your epoxy floor project
- Calculate the size of your project and determine how much flooring epoxy you’ll need. Use a calculator to determine the amount needed based on square footage.
- Get your baseboards ready by cutting back paint and scoring or lightly tearing them if necessary, using a razor blade or hammer/crowbar if needed.
- Prepare the concrete for installation by grinding it down, cleaning any debris from cracks in the surface, and filling in any holes or gaps with patching material if necessary (such as cement).
- Mix together 2 parts flooring epoxy with 1 part hardener according to instructions on package instructions before applying it to floors surface area with roller or brush as directed by manufacturer’s instructions..
Step #2: Clean and prime the floor
Step #3: Choose your preferred epoxy product and mix
- Prepare the concrete slab: Clean, grind or acid etch the surface and vacuum up any dust.
- Apply primer coat: Apply a primer coat to improve the epoxy/concrete bond.
- Mix the two-component epoxy resin: Mix together two components of epoxy resin, adding desired decorative flakes, aggregate or metallic pigments as desired for aesthetics purposes.
- Roll out evenly onto slab: Use a special roller that won’t shed its fabric nap to roll out the material evenly onto your concrete slab flooring surface area..
5 .Apply seal coat : Apply a seal coat to provide resistance to water , chemicals , oil , grease , acids & solvents .
Step #4: Apply your second epoxy floor coating
- Ensure there is a chemical bond between the layers of epoxy by sanding lightly with 220 grit sandpaper and wiping away any dust with acetone or denatured alcohol.
- Apply your hardener (Part B) to the epoxy that has been sitting, mixing it with a yardstick for 10 minutes and scraping the sides and bottom of the container.
- Use a magic trowel or roller to apply the floor coating evenly over entire surface area of floor being coated using accent colors if desired for aesthetic purposes; apply epoxy primer if necessary before applying second layer of epoxy floor coating using same method as when applying first layer of epoxy floor coating; allow primer layer to dry before applying second coat if necessary; finish off by applying finisher layer on top in same manner as previous two layers but without water layer underneath it beforehand.
Step #5: Set a pre-mixed concrete floor primer
- Cover the floor with a thin layer of water and then spread the primer with a roller pin on a pole in a thin layer over the entire floor.
- Allow the primer to dry and then apply a second coat if needed.
- When applying finish coat, do not use water layer and apply in same manner as primer but without water layer instead
- Tape your shop vac hose to your grinder before starting cleaning cracks out will help suck up all of the dust from floor area being worked on
5 Use a grinder with a 4” diamond cutting blade to control joints & clean out cracks in the floor area being worked on !!!WARNING!!! If using this tool wear safety goggles/gloves at all times while operating it !!!WARNING
Step #6: Apply your first epoxy floor coating
Step #7: Cure the epoxy floor
- Heat the epoxy flooring with a propane torch to ensure an even surface free of bubbles. Let it cure for 72 hours at 70 degrees or room temperature.
- If you apply the second coat of epoxy within 24 hours, there is no need for special bonding techniques; however, if you wait more than 24 hours, sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper and wipe away dust with acetone or denatured alcohol before applying hardener (Part B).
- Use a yardstick to mix hardener (Part B) for 10 minutes, making sure to scrape sides and bottom before applying it using a magic trowel and roller along with any accent colors you may want to add into the base floor color mix
Step #8: Follow proper prep and installation steps for each paint manufacturer’s instructions
- Clean and prep the floor by removing any dirt or debris, filling cracks, and taping off any areas that you do not want to be painted.
- Use a grinder with a diamond cutting blade to control joints and clean out cracks in the floor.
- Use an angle grinder with a dust shroud and cup wheel to smooth out the surface of the floor, then sweep up all of the dust created by this process and vacuum it away for cleaner results later on in installation process
- Score baseboards with a razor blade before peeling them back from their position along walls; make sure they are level with surrounding surfaces when doing so
- Apply an epoxy primer coat using water as a thinning agent then let dry before applying another layer if needed (this step is essential for proper adhesion).
Step #9: Inspect the finished surface for any issues before moving forward
When inspecting an epoxy garage floor coating, you should look out for the following issues:
– The surface should be thoroughly prepared and clean before applying the epoxy coating.
– If the concrete is old, test 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 there is no sealant present.
– Make sure that temperatures are suitable when applying an epoxy coating and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations. Unfavorable temperatures can cause bubbling and peeling of the coating.
– Make sure to mix your product within a limited time frame after mixing it as once it starts to harden, it becomes difficult to apply smoothly on surfaces like concrete floors or walls
FAQs
What is epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a type of floor coating that combines polymer resins and hardeners to create a chemical bond with concrete.
It offers many benefits, such as being more durable than floor paint, easy to clean, versatile for both residential and commercial projects, creating vibrant designs that can be customized in many ways, and installing quickly with little downtime. Epoxy resin flooring is highly durable and sustainable making it the longest-lasting option available today.
Is epoxy flooring better than concrete?
Epoxy flooring is a great option for those looking for tough and attractive flooring. It combines polymer resins and hardeners which create a chemical bond with the concrete, providing added durability. Epoxy flooring also offers many colors and decorative options to choose from.
Concrete is still a popular choice when it comes to flooring as it is inexpensive, easy to maintain, and has a variety of finishes available. However, concrete may not be as durable or long lasting as epoxy coating when it comes to heavy wear-and-tear such as frequent foot traffic or furniture moving around on the floors.
What is the best way to epoxy a garage floor?
- Clean and prepare the surface by removing any dirt, grease, or paint from the floor.
- Mix up the epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it using a paint brush or roller if necessary.
- Allow the coating to dry completely before using your garage again (usually 24 hours).
- Maintain your newly coated garage floor by regularly applying a coat of wax every few months to protect it from wear and tear caused by everyday use.
Is epoxy flooring durable?
Yes, epoxy flooring is durable and long-lasting. Our commercial epoxy flooring solutions are designed to provide exceptional resilience to tough conditions such as thermal shock and cycling. Our products are made with high-quality materials that ensure they will stand the test of time. Additionally, our floors can be customized to suit the needs of your facility and offer attractive aesthetics that will enhance any space. Finally, Victory Cleaning Systems provides easy maintenance services so you can keep your floors looking great for years to come.
What is the best epoxy to use for a garage floor?
When choosing an epoxy for your garage floor, it is important to consider the durability and performance of the product. We are ready to give you the best advice on what to choose for a durable floor.
How do you install epoxy flooring?
- 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 before applying another coat.
- Mix enough epoxy with metallics to apply a thin prime coat to the whole project area for stronger chemical bonding. Use an epoxy glide roller to spread it over the rest of the floor once mixed thoroughly with metallics incorporated into it overnight.
- Let this coat dry for 18–24 hours before applying another layer or two depending on how thick you want your finished product to be (two layers usually provides sufficient thickness).
What is the difference between epoxy and concrete flooring?
Epoxy and concrete flooring both provide a durable and attractive solution for floors. Both types of flooring consist of polymer resins and hardeners that form a chemical bond with the concrete, resulting in increased durability.
The main difference between epoxy and concrete flooring is that epoxy coatings offer more versatility in terms of color options and decorative designs than conventional concrete floors do. Additionally, epoxy coatings are more resistant to water damage than conventional concrete floors are.
What is the difference between a one-coat and two-coat epoxy flooring system?
A one-coat epoxy flooring system typically consists of a single layer of epoxy that is applied to a floor. A two-coat system involves applying two layers of epoxy, with the second layer acting as a sealant for the first layer.
The main difference between one-coat and two-coat systems is the depth of the epoxy. A one-coat system has a minimum thickness of two millimeters while a two-coat system requires an additional coat that seals in the first layer for even longer lasting results. Additionally, it is important to wait 48 hours after applying your epoxy before sealing it with an additional top coat in order to ensure maximum durability and protection from wear and tear over time.
What is the best color epoxy for a garage floor?
When choosing an epoxy garage floor coating, there are many options to consider. We can provide you with a one-of-a-kind floor with your choice of colors, patterns and designs to suit your preferences.
For a garage floor application in Kansas City, MO, we recommend choosing a durable industrial strength coating that can handle moisture and road salt as well as hot tires and gas/oil spills without showing wear or tear over time. An epoxy coating will also boost the value of your home when it is applied correctly.
