Epoxy floor - A coating worth knowing about

In recent years there has been an upward trend in the world of renovation and decoration towards the coating of floors with epoxy resin. This proliferation stems from the large number of benefits it brings to professionals in the sector, making this product, along with microcement, one of the most demanded decorative coatings in recent times.

A phenomenon that surprises no one since the results speak for themselves. This material guarantees quality in all its versions, by granting us finishes of distinguished aesthetics, of great resistance and in record time.

Its versatility has promoted the use of epoxy resin floors in different environments, both outdoors and indoors, giving rise to results worthy of the highest decoration. Its wide variety of finishes as well as colours, makes this a unique material capable of providing each decorative project with a singular and exclusive finish.

Surprising, isn't it? Well, this is just the beginning, read on to discover more about one of the most exciting materials in decoration.

Epoxy floor, what is it?

We present one of the decorative materials of the moment, the epoxy resin, a self-leveling coating that is composed of a thermosetting polymer which undergoes a hardening process when combined with a catalyst. The material of which this product is made, gives it great chemical and mechanical resistance, as well as a beautiful shine and great durability.

Due to its reduced thickness, it provides soft and smooth results, being placed as a thin layer directly on the existing substrate. A coating easy to apply, but it is recommended that it is carried out by a professional, who knows the product in detail and knows how to bring out all its benefits.

Among its countless benefits, its impressive versatility stands out. It is a material applicable on a large number of materials such as: marble, tiles, concrete, aluminum, terrazzo... And that gives us an infinity of decorative finishes. This is due to its high customization, which allows us to shape it with any type of desired design.

Characteristics to be taken into account for epoxy floor

The popularity of a material does not come to him at random, if it has been recognized as one of the most useful coatings is because it deserves it. However, this does not mean that its use does not have certain disadvantages. Below we will show you both its most relevant advantages, as well as certain not so fortunate aspects that you should know:

Does not require construction work

One of its most valued properties. Its application is made directly on the existing material thanks to its great adhesion, this fact allows to work without generating any type of debris since it is not necessary to remove the old support.

Joint-free surfaces

The epoxy resin stands out for its aesthetics, providing infinite joint-free surfaces. This property gives it superior aesthetics, as well as greater hygiene, as it avoids the accumulation of dust in the surface grooves.

It stands out for its high resistance

A product that represents a great resistance in all its senses. Surfaces will have better qualities against humidity, abrasion and corrosion, as well as against wear and tear due to traffic and high temperatures.

It guarantees a fast drying

When we carry out a decorative reform we want to obtain the results as quickly as possible and achieving a high quality. Unlike the vast majority of coatings, epoxy resin floors stand out from the rest because of their impressive drying speed, approximately 8 hours, which allows us to walk on it in just 24 hours.

Avoid humidity at all costs

Previously it is necessary to carry out a correct tuning to ensure the elimination of any damage such as dust, dirt or humidity. This step is essential, because if it is not done perfectly and the installation is carried with excessive moisture, this can lead to difficulties in the union of the old support with the epoxy resin floor, generating a weaker finish.

Choose the right primer to avoid problems

Epoxy resin is a material that is initially liquid and then becomes solid, which is why a suitable primer must be applied to the substrate. If the primer is not applied or it is not the right one, it would result in a bad adhesion of the material to the surface.

Defective mixture? Uneven result

A step that must be carried out rigorously, since if it is carried out lightly it will result in a poor curing of the floor, generating a sticky or bubbly surface. The professional must be strictly guided by the technical data sheet of the product and respect the mixing proportions and the mixing time.

Outdoor yellowing

One of the main disadvantages of using epoxy floor outdoors is that it is a material that is highly sensitive to UV rays, which leads to yellowing of the product if it has not been previously treated. It should receive at least one, or even two, polyurethane sealer coats after the application of an epoxy primer coat.

What types of epoxy floor are there?

There are different variations of epoxy resin that offer a wide variety of finishes. It is often mistaken to call all these variants as epoxy resin floors, however, not to be confused, as some of them are completely different products, but that are based on or combined with the resin. Without further ado, we will show you these materials and their characteristics:

Multilayer epoxy floor system

epoxy floor characterized by having a thickness of an average of between 2 and 5 mm thick, which gives it excellent mechanical strength. It is one of the most recognized installation systems since it offers the applicator the opportunity to work with different thicknesses and finishes, which vary according to the amount of resin and silica aggregate used.

This pavement is made up of several layers of resin and aggregate projections and is known to have a rough appearance, which will vary depending on the granulometry, the final sanding and the amount of sealer coat. A product that can be carried out in both single and multicolour.

Self-leveling epoxy floor system

We present the most popular type of epoxy floor. Its function is mainly as flooring for industrial areas due to its excellent mechanical and chemical resistance. This single-colour resin guarantees soft, smooth and shiny finishes, with two different thicknesses of 1 and 2 mm.

The coatings with 2 mm thickness, are dedicated to surfaces that represent some kind of irregularity or where greater durability is sought.

Epoxy microcement system

If we are talking about quality, we could not miss the microcement as one of the best options for floor covering.

Microcement has certain similarities with epoxy resin, however, they are two very different materials. Experts recognize it as one of the best coatings of the moment, as it provides smooth finishes without joints and with unsurpassed performance.

It is a material with great resistance to humidity, almost impermeable, that guarantees safe, non-slip surfaces, of great durability due to its strong nature, applicable on all types of surfaces and with a great variety of finishes.

With Concrete Pox, our line of epoxy microcement, you will find a product that combines all the advantages of epoxy resin with those of microcement. A coating with which success is guaranteed.

3D glass effect epoxy floor

A type of epoxy resin floor that involves diluting the transparent epoxy self-leveling in a vinyl, obtaining a finish similar to the effect of a crystal in which a fixed image is enclosed within the pavement and protected by the epoxy crystal.

The different uses of epoxy floor

As previously mentioned, epoxy floor can be used in almost any environment or surface. The advantages of epoxy floor make it the ideal material to achieve high quality results. Even so, there are certain cases in which this material is most frequently used, based on the functions it provides, and we are going to show them below:

1. 1. Food industry, laboratories, factories and warehouses: in these areas epoxy resin floors are widespread due to its amazing chemical and mechanical resistances. It guarantees a pavement in good condition that resists to different chemical spills and to the weight and force of the machinery.
2. 2. Hospitals, kitchens, laboratories and food companies: environments where hygiene is essential and that, through the use of epoxy floor can obtain it, since it fully complies with the sanitary requirements.
3. 3. Offices, workshops, dealerships, premises and homes: its attractive aesthetics invite you to want to apply this coating in your rooms. The coating of surfaces with epoxy resin guarantees a clean appearance with a high decorative component.

Why use epoxy floor on wood?

One of the most impressive and attractive decorative finishes that epoxy resin offers us is when we apply it on wood, either for decoration or repair. This original procedure allows us to obtain unique results of great quality. Next, we will show you some of the properties that epoxy resin gives us when applied on wooden floors:

1. 1. It provides greater resistance to the wood by protecting and waterproofing it against factors such as woodworm and excessive humidity.
2. 2. It allows us to create different variations by laminating, varnishing and encapsulating.
3. 3. The appearance is also enhanced by giving surfaces an impressive glass effect with more shine.

Recommended epoxy resin

Most epoxy resins will be very useful for varnishing and will guarantee excellent results. However, in the case of encapsulation, it is recommended to use a resin with a low viscosity in order to obtain a clean and totally transparent result.

How to apply an epoxy floor? Steps to follow

The application of an epoxy resin floor must be carried out by a professional, who knows in detail the product he is working with and knows how to act according to the environment and the different variables that may occur in the procedure.

We will show how the installation process is in general terms, in order to provide more information about the product, as well as the requirements that must be met in any case.

Preparation of the substrate

The floor on which it is to be applied must be in perfect condition for the application. This must be in good condition, free of cracks and other imperfections, free of dirt such as dust or grease and free of moisture. It is vital that it does not show any of these factors in order to guarantee maximum effectiveness.

Subsequently, a pass should be made with 400 grit sandpaper in order to tarnish it, and clean it delicately with some type of degreasing agent.

Mixing components

We make sure that the container where the mixture is going to be made is clean, we pour the resin and the hardener and mix until we obtain a homogeneous result. Continue mixing for 5 minutes making sure that everything is well incorporated.

Finally, let it rest for 10 minutes at a temperature of about 20 degrees. We will be able to use the mixture up to a limit of 45 minutes since after that time it will harden.

Application

We are ready to pour 1/4 of the mixture by the farthest part of the passenger compartment and spread the resin with a roller so as to ensure a uniform finish without bubbles.

Allow to dry

The coating will be dry in about 36 hours and you should wait about 7 days to ensure that the resin hardens and is in full condition.

Epoxy floor price: everything you need to know

As is usually the case with the vast majority of coatings, the price is not fixed, this will be affected depending on different variables, such as the epoxy resin system that has been chosen for the floor. Below we will explain in a clearer and more schematic way the different factors that can directly influence the budget of an epoxy resin floor installation:

Condition of the surface: the more damaged, the more expensive

If the substrate on which the installation is to be carried out has irregularities or is damaged, it will have to be repaired, which will mean a higher cost for the installation. Cracks, unevenness, old material in bad conditions? There are different factors that must be taken into account and that will increase the final price.

The dimensions of the installation, relevant factor

It may seem obvious, but it will not be the same to cover a small office than a department store. The more square meters, the higher the cost will be, since a larger quantity of product will have to be used.

The tools used count

The utensils and tools to be used in the process will also increase the price.

Opting for a quality product, higher cost

Quality has to be paid for and if you decide to go for a product that guarantees more reliable results, the price will be affected upwards.

The rate varies according to the applicator

Ultimately it is the applicator who decides the rate he will charge for the installation. Each professional handles prices and although it is one of the factors that is less taken into account, it is usually one of the most significant on the final cost.

Guidelines to follow in the maintenance of epoxy floor

Its ease of cleaning and maintenance makes it a very grateful material. With minimal effort, epoxy resin floors will look clean and shiny, provided that a series of guidelines are taken into account:

Avoid the use of abrasive products

The use of abrasive detergents, solvents or similar products would directly affect the condition of the floor. Its cleaning is simpler than all that, simply by using neutral soap, an effective maintenance that does not damage or discolour the surface is achieved.

One aspect to take into account is the drying process. The pavement should be rinsed with abundant water and then dried with a vacuum cleaner, since if it is left to dry in the open air, whitish marks will be generated on the material.

Heavy machinery should not be used

Cleaning should be light, as excessive pressure can damage the substrate. One of the best options is the use of vacuum cleaners or scrubbers for industrial environments, guaranteeing good final results.

If cleaning is to be carried out in the home, the use of the classic hand mop is sufficient.

Polishing process

Temporarily, an industrial acrylic wax will need to be applied in order to preserve the shine of the material, as well as to protect it from scratches and stains.