Epoxy involves the application of two liquid components– a polyepoxide resin and a curative – that chemically bond together. When mixed and applied properly, the resulting chemical reaction creates a very hard surface and very strong bond.
COLOR
Epoxy floor coatings come in virtually any color, and the aesthetic appeal doesn’t end there. From safety floor striping to company logos, colors can be applied in any pattern. As long as they are not overexposed to UV light, the colors stay vibrant for the lifespan of the coating.
TEXTURE
Textures like metallic make floors shimmer with satiny confetti-like flakes, and quartz creates a textured surface that’s also slip resistant.
In addition to style, the rough texture of quartz makes the floor slip-resistant, which is why quartz floors are perfect for:
Epoxy floors are not only good-looking and long-lasting, but they’re also a safe and hygienic flooring option.
SANITATION
Epoxy’s impermeability to liquids makes it impossible for mold and bacteria to grow in the porous concrete below the epoxy coating. Additionally, some epoxy coatings have additives that make it unreceptive to bacterial growth that are common to veterinary clinics and hospitals.
SAFETY
Slip-Resistance. For safety, other aggregates can be added epoxy that make the floor slip-resistant, which is ideal in any setting, but especially in manufacturing facilities and warehouses.
ESD. Where electronic equipment exists – such as in an electronic manufacturing facility – so does electrostatic. Electrostatic dissipative epoxies (ESD) prevent and reduce the effect of static discharges, thereby also protecting equipment and workers.
Floor Striping. Particularly helpful in warehouses with forklifts or other moving machinery, floor striping is a popular safety feature for epoxy flooring. In a warehouse where employees are sharing the floor with drivers of heavy machinery, striping keeps everyone in their own lane and helps traffic to flow more efficiently. Floor striping can also aid in organization. Sections of the warehouse floor can be labeled to identify where various tools, supplies and equipment belong.
Is epoxy right for your industry? Below is a list of environments where epoxy floor coatings are an exceptional choice.
As versatile as epoxy is, it’s not necessarily made for every environment. High-traffic areas such as commercial parking garages are not ideal for epoxy, UV light can sometimes be harmful to epoxy in an outdoor setting. However, some epoxy coatings are more resistant than others, so you should consult an expert before you choose your flooring.
Epoxy is not the cheapest flooring option when compared to concrete polishing or even a lower-grade sealer. Part of the reason for the cost of industrial flooring is due to the installation process. If epoxy is not applied under the right conditions, it may form unsightly bubbles, blisters, or perhaps even fail to adhere to the floor. Less-than-ideal temperatures or a host of other factors can contribute to installation complications.
The most important consideration prior to installation is the proper cleaning and preparation of the floor. If a floor is not properly prepared, an epoxy floor coating will not last.
Unless you are doing a small at-home project where imperfections don’t matter, you should hire a professional installer who will do the job right. We’ve often repaired and replaced floors that were sealed improperly. Don’t make the mistake of paying full price for a job half done.
The Epoxy Guy has been coating floors across California for 6+ years. We never try to sell our customers on a flooring type that’s not perfect for their needs. If epoxy isn’t right for you, we’ll recommend a floor coating that is.
Contact us today to discuss your flooring options. Give us a call at +1 (415) 671 5424 or fill out the form below for a free consultation.