What Is Epoxy?

Simply put, epoxy is an organic compound made up of various elements, though this term is technically broad. The term epoxy can refer to the compounds used to create the floor coatings or can refer to the epoxy resins that form after the curing process is complete. Epoxy is really a functional group of natural chemicals that work together to create the highly durable material we are familiar with. It’s important to note that epoxy is different from standard paint used for coatings because the two have different chemical makeups.

What Is An Epoxy Floor Coating?

Epoxy is a versatile flooring system that provides a seamless finish, making it a great choice for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. These coatings consist of a two-part system, epoxy resins and a hardener, that cure together to form the stiff, almost plastic-like material on your floor. Epoxy coatings will adhere to your pre-existing flooring material, as long as it is at least 2 millimeters thick, better than most other coating materials. There are countless different variations and styles of epoxy coatings available, each offering a unique set of advantages and drawbacks. You can read more below about the different types of epoxy coatings available and where they are typically installed.

Are There Different Types Of Epoxy Coatings?

There are countless types of epoxy coatings available, each offering a unique set of pros and cons. It can be difficult to determine which epoxy coating is right for your home without the help of a professional, though it will depend on your specific flooring needs and preferences. Below is a list of the most common types of epoxy floor coatings in San Francisco and information about each variation.

One Part Epoxy Coatings

One-part epoxy coatings are common in DIY epoxy kits and at-home packages, though these are recommended for use. These coatings are different from the standard epoxy resin blends because they do not consist of a hardener and regular curing process. While they can provide some protection to your pre-existing flooring material, they are not as resistant or long-lasting as the two-part epoxy systems. The benefits of choosing a one-part epoxy are the low-cost for materials and there is no need to prep the surface prior to installation.

Self-Leveling Epoxy Floors

This type of epoxy is an excellent solution for pre-existing concrete floors that are cracked, damaged, or suffering from an uneven surface. As long as your current floor is structurally intact and does not have any severe damages, self-leveling epoxy is a great way to refresh the floor and create an incredibly smooth surface. It’s common to see this type of epoxy in both residential and commercial settings like basements, garages, warehouses, and more.

Epoxy Mortar Floors

Epoxy mortar floors are one of the strongest and most durable coatings available, making them a great choice for home and business owners. This form of epoxy is made up of 100% solids and quartz that help to provide incredible resistance from moisture, chemicals, heat, and countless other damaging factors. You can expect to see epoxy mortar floors in warehouses, kitchens, restaurants, and hospitals.

Anti-Static Epoxy Floors

This type of epoxy coating is unique because they work to discharge any extra electro-static charge from the area. While this may seem strange, this can be extremely useful in environments with flammable materials or sensitive content. It’s common to see anti-static epoxy coatings in highly regulated areas like pharmaceutical areas, chemical plants, and hospitals.

Metallic Epoxy Floors

This type of epoxy floor coating is very popular with both home and business owners due to the visually stunning appearance on the surface of these floors. Metallic epoxy is unique and provides a one-of-a-kind artwork on the floor that can mimic natural elements like water, clouds, or even lava. These metallic coatings are popular in hotels, showrooms, sports venues, locker rooms, and more.

Epoxy Flake Floors

Another popular epoxy coating due to the beautiful, artistic finish, epoxy flake is typically a standard form of two-part epoxy that is covered with decorative flakes before curing. The flakes are not only visually stunning but can also provide extra grip and slip protection for your home or business. Epoxy flake is common in residential areas like basements and garages, along with commercial settings like schools, hospitals, restaurants, and gyms.

Find A Reputable Company

Choosing a reputable company is extremely important when considering new epoxy floors, as the installation steps are crucial to the look of the final product. If the steps are not executed properly, it can lead to an uneven finish, bubbles, or separating at the corners. For home and business owners in the San Francisco area, it’s recommended to contact Epoxy Flooring San Francisco for assistance with materials and installation.