APPLICATIONS AND ADVANTAGES OF EPOXY

FLOORING

INTRODUCTION :

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. Epoxy may not bond to sealed or polished concrete. The concrete also must
be fully cured. Before apply epoxy floor coating, it is important to patch and repair all
major cracks and chips in the concrete surface and to remove all grease.

If the concrete is old, test the surface 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 the water beads on the surface
rather than soaking in, it likely has been sealed and may not be suitable for an epoxy
coating.

Before applying an epoxy coating, make sure that the temperature is suitable,
and follow all manufacturer's recommendations. Unfavorable 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, you might need to apply an epoxy
primer and finisher coat. The primer is applied just like paint and is allowed to settle for
several hours before the epoxy goes on. To apply the primer, 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, then apply a second coat. The finisher
is applied in the same manner as the primer but without the water layer.

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 colors 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-leveling products that can be applied over new or old
concrete, depending on the product
 Requires little or no major maintenance