What is Epoxy? Learn the Different Types of Epoxy Floors

Epoxy is a resin that forms a hard, smooth, clear coating. It can be used as a base coat for other types of paints and as a stand-alone finish. Epoxy flooring is popular in commercial buildings because it has excellent chemical resistance. It also resists scratches and most stains.

Epoxy paint is one of the most durable finishes around today. In fact, epoxy paint for floors lasts as long as its counterpart: polyurethane varnish. Because epoxies are so tough, they have been adapted from industrial use to residential applications where durability matters most – such as with garage floors or basement flooring.

100% solids epoxy is a two-component finish that consists of a 100 percent solid, solvent-free resin and a liquid hardener. These types of epoxy offer the most protection from harsh chemicals and abrasions. Because it contains no solvents, there is no evaporation or thinning to worry about as long as the container remains sealed. It also offers excellent chemical resistance because no air can penetrate through the coating.

100% Solids epoxy is designed for use on existing concrete floors and can be applied directly to the finish of an old garage floor. The two components need to be thoroughly mixed together and then applied before they dry. It normally takes about 8-10 hours to completely dry.

One of the biggest benefits of epoxy flooring is its durability. It can withstand heavy traffic and is resistant to scratches, stains, and fading. In addition, epoxy flooring is easy to clean and maintain. A simple sweep or mop will keep it looking new for years to come.

Epoxy flooring also offers a number of safety benefits. The non-skid surface helps prevent slips and falls, and the chemical-resistant formula protects against spills and leaks. Epoxy flooring is ideal for homes with children or pets, as it is virtually impervious to stains and damage.

These blends of epoxies consist primarily of solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or naphtha, along with resins that are 100 percent solid. They offer greater abrasion resistance than paint but less protection from chemicals than 100 percent solid epoxy paints.

Water blended epoxy requires surface preparation and primer before application and must be brushed or rolled onto the concrete floor. It is recommended that a sealer be applied over the epoxy to provide greater durability and chemical resistance.

Water Blended Epoxy is designed for use on concrete floors that have been previously coated with a 100% solids epoxy floor. It can also be used as a stand-alone finish on new construction of unfinished concrete floors. The resins must first be mixed with MEK or naphtha solvent and then applied; re-coating will require sanding of the previous coat before applying another layer of water blended epoxy. Two coats of this type of resin are generally needed to achieve maximum protection from chemicals and abrasion.

Self-leveling epoxy is a two-component finish that is 100 percent solids and solvent-free. It is unique because it does not require surface preparation or primer before application; the epoxy will level itself out. This type of epoxy is perfect for covering up unsightly concrete floors or repairing areas that have been damaged.

Self-leveling epoxy dries quickly and can be walked on within a few hours. It can also be used on top of other coatings, including 100% solids epoxies, without the need for sanding. However, it is not recommended for use in areas that are likely to come into contact with harsh chemicals.

This type of epoxy contains quartz sand that is added for extra protection against scratches and wear. Quartz-filled epoxy can be used on all types of concrete floors and offers excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and staining. It dries quickly and can be walked on within a few hours. Like self-leveling epoxy, it does not require surface preparation or primer before application.

One disadvantage of quartz-filled epoxy is that it may show brush strokes or roller marks if not applied properly. For this reason, it is important to mix the two components well together before application.

These types of epoxy contain metallic flakes that add color and reflectivity. Metallic epoxies are usually water-based, which is a benefit in terms of chemical resistance. However, because they dry quickly, only one coat can be applied every two hours. This makes multi-coat applications very time-consuming.

The application requires surface preparation and primer before application and must be brushed or rolled onto the concrete floor. It is recommended that a sealer be applied over the epoxy to provide greater durability and chemical resistance. Metallic epoxy is also more expensive when compared with standard epoxy finishes.

While metallic and flake epoxy both feature color and reflectivity, flake epoxies contain actual decorative flakes rather than just metallic particles. They also produce a higher gloss finish than metallic epoxy but less shine than high-gloss paint.

Flake epoxies can be brushed or rolled onto the floor and generally dry within 5 hours. However, they may need to be recoated after 8 hours if multiple coats are desired. Surface preparation is not needed prior to application; it is only necessary to clean the floor of any dirt and/or oil before applying the first coat of this type of resin.

The amount of epoxy coating that is applied to a concrete floor will determine the level of protection it offers: the thicker the coat, the more durable the finish. However, applying too much epoxy can lead to problems with curing and adhesion. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for coating thickness.

100% solids epoxy and water blended epoxy can both be applied with a brush or roller. When using these products, it is important to work in small sections and not to over-apply the resin. If you are using an airless sprayer, be sure to use the correct tip size and pressure settings for spraying epoxy.

A properly applied epoxy floor finish can provide years of protection for your concrete floor. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and application in order to achieve the best results. With the proper care, your epoxy-coated floor will look great and be resistant to most types of wear and tear.

For more information on epoxy floor coatings, please visit our website or contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about this durable and long-lasting finish. Our team of experts is here to help you choose the best product for your needs and give you all the information you need to get started.