How to Choose the Best Epoxy Floor Coating
A true epoxy is always a two-part product
that is used by mixing a resin and hardener/activator. Epoxies do not
“dry” in the same way that paints dry—through simple evaporation of
water or oil-based solvent. Instead, they cure and harden through a chemical
reaction between the two components.
Two-Part Epoxy Floor Coating With 100
Percent Solids
Two-part epoxy floor coatings are described
as “100 percent solids” because they do not contain any traditional
solvents. Two-part epoxy coatings offer the very best surface for concrete, a
thick, hard, and attractive finish. These epoxy kits are often used with
decorative chips that are sprinkled over the surface while it is hardening to
provide a texture and attractive finish. The surface will be fully hard fairly
quickly, within about 24 hours of application.
True 100-percent-solids epoxy is also the
most expensive option, and it is a bit more demanding to install when compared
to other types of coatings. These products emit intense fumes when applied,
requiring thorough ventilation. But installing 100 percent epoxy floor coating
can be done by DIYers. You can buy a kit for a one-car garage for $250 to $300,
which includes application tools. EpoxyMaster, which is available from Costco
or online retailers, maybe the easiest product to find.
Two-Part Water-Based Epoxy Floor Coating
Quikrete, and Rust-Oleum (EpoxyShield)
offer popular DIY two-part epoxy floor coatings that are readily available at
many home improvement, paint, and hardware stores. These are hybrid products
that have the components of genuine epoxy (resin plus hardener/activator), but
they also include water as a solvent. You can identify these products because
they consist of two parts that are mixed together, but are cleaned up (when
wet) with soap and water. They may also be advertised as “low VOC” or
“low odor,” a striking difference to true epoxies, where thorough
ventilation is critical.
One-Part Floor Coating
A true epoxy floor coating is always a
two-part product containing resins plus hardener/activator. Just before
application, the resin is mixed with the hardener. A floor coating product that
is called “epoxy” but which is sold premixed in a single container is
not true epoxy, but rather should be viewed as a form of paint. While the
formulation may offer better performance on a floor than standard paint, these
are not true epoxy products.
How Do I Know Which Type of Epoxy Flooring
Is Best For My Floor?
This is a question many customers ask us
along with why is your epoxy better and what does it cost. The following
information will answer those questions and help you make the right purchase
for your particular floor application. There are different types of flooring
you can use in addition to an epoxy coating such as Interlocking Tiles or
Rubber Garage Floor Mats. There’s a good discussion here Epoxy vs Tile vs Mats
about the pros and cons of each of these different products you can use.
But if you’ve set your heart on a super
high gloss epoxy floor coating then stay on this page and we’ll tell you
everything you need to know. From being one of the largest epoxy installers in
the Tri State area we’ve learned over the years exactly what works and what
doesn’t. There’s so many choices today it can be down right confusing and
frustrating not to mention easy to make a mistake. The problem is that a lot of
the products you’ll see don’t live up to their marketing in real life. They’ll
state they are heavy duty, commercial or industrial grade floor coatings and
will last a lifetime when they’re no such thing nor capable of any such thing.
Know the facts before you buy! If you think you can get a floor that looks like
the beautiful red floor above by just going down to your local store or
ordering some epoxy online without knowing what you’re buying, you couldn’t be
more wrong!
Picking the right epoxy floor coating is a
four step process with certain questions you have to answer:
The cost of applying a high quality multi
layer epoxy floor coating system as compared to off the shelf water based or
hybrid one coat type epoxies can be relatively much more expensive.
So do you need a quality epoxy coating or
is a cheap epoxy paint good enough for your floor?
What type of look and finish do you want.
Solid color, clear finish or colored flake finish?
What level of durability do you want and or
need. Is your floor an industrial application or residential application or
somewhere in between? And how do you know an epoxy is really industrial or
commercial grade? Many epoxies call themselves industrial or commercial grade
until they’re on your floor and you wear right through them. At that point the
damage is done, this page will hopefully help you avoid being in that
situation.
What condition is your concrete floor in?
Is it new, is it old, is it pitted, is it oil stained, does it have a moisture
issue? Your floor may need special attention to avoid a failure down the road.
These are some of the questions we will
answer in the discussion below. Not addressing these questions prior to your
purchase is a more likely than not going to lead to disappointing results.
The first thing you need to determine is
what kind of finish you want/need and what your budget is. Whether your coating
an industrial floor or just your garage floor or something in between. If your
budget won’t allow you to use an epoxy coating system that is equal to or
greater than the traffic loads you will run on the floor, then our best advice
is don’t epoxy paint your floor. You’re better off going to your local home
improvement store and purchasing a sealer and simply sealing the slab to
protect against corrosion and to make it easier to clean.
The cost of a multi layered high strength
epoxy floor coating you do yourself will average about
$1.00 – $1.75 per square foot depending on
size and type of floor and the type of epoxy system used. Compared to an
average price of $4.00 – $8.00 per sf to have a company come in and do it for
you. By the way all costs for epoxy flooring should be based on a per square
foot basis. Anybody quoting you prices based on any other parameter is just
selling you marketing hype.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN EPOXY FLOORING CONTRACTOR
GUIDE
Finding the Best Epoxy Flooring Contractor
Our Epoxy Flooring Contractor Guide is
essential when you’re looking to hire the best contractor for your epoxy floor
coating project. An important investment as such requires up-front research.
The growing trend of decorative floor coatings has given rise to the number of
flooring contractors that perform this intricate service. However, many new
companies do not have the education and experience that comes from longevity in
the business. After 30 years in the concrete flooring industry, Creative
Maintenance Solutions has a consistent, proven record of success. We want to
pass our knowledge on to you to help you make an informed selection. Let us
walk you through our “How to Choose Right Epoxy Flooring Contractor
Guide.”
What Makes a Reputable Contractor?
Before we delve into our checklist, we want
you to understand the characteristics of a reputable epoxy flooring contractor.
Trustworthy concrete flooring professionals walk you through the entire
process. They explain the difference in materials, including the chemical
makeup and reaction, quality, and cost of each option. They describe the
detailed application process from surface preparation to curing time. Efficient
epoxy experts educate you about after-care and long-term concrete flooring
maintenance.
Are you licensed and insured?
Whether you are considering a
sole-proprietor or an entire firm, your contractor must have insurance. A
general liability policy protects you and them, covering property damage,
accidents, disasters, and bodily injury. Inquire about additional coverage such
as installation and equipment policies. Request proof of insurance. Once you
have this, if you still have questions or concerns, reach out to the insurance
company or agent. Solicit information regarding claim limits, policy
expiration, and how to file a claim.
How much professional experience do you
have?
The internet and reality do-it-yourself
shows make flooring projects look less complicated than they are. When you’re
investing in new flooring, it is best to hire a qualified professional. Epoxy
floor coatings involve a complex combination of chemicals, environmental
factors, and problems that occur. It is an exact science. The more knowledge
acquired by flooring installers, the smoother your project will go. Time spent
on a project, troubleshooting, and quality of service by a competent contractor
surpasses that of inexperienced workers.
What do your references and reviews say?
Online reviews and ratings give consumers a
unique view of businesses. We have access to complaints, concerns, and
compliments that were once only heard by the establishment. Keep in mind that
not all reviews are positive. Also, not all reviews are complimentary. Weigh
the positive and negative and watch to see how the company reacted
Tips for Choosing the Right Epoxy Floor for
Your Project
Deciding to install an epoxy floor in your
home or business is a big investment. You want to be sure you choose the right
finish and color, helping to give you a great-looking space that’s also easy to
maintain.
Think of Your Needs
If you’re putting a new epoxy flooring
finish in your sleek office building, for example, choosing a big, bold color
with a shiny metallic finish might not give off the impression you’re going
for.
Choose Your Finish
At Armor Tough Coatings, we offer two types
of epoxy floor finishes: Metallic and standard, or matte.
Choosing a Color
Color can make or break the look of your
finished epoxy floor. If you choose the wrong color for your room, like
choosing the wrong carpeting, it could impact the look and feel of the space. However,
the right epoxy floor in the right color can elevate a space to give it a
sleek, modern feel.
Epoxy floors are available in a variety of
colors and many installers can custom-mix colors to give you exactly the look
you want. When choosing the color of your floor, first decide whether you want
something bright and bold or a more neutral color.
How do you choose the best epoxy floor
coating?
The cost of applying a high quality multi
layer epoxy floor coating system as compared to off the shelf water based or
hybrid one coat type epoxies can be relatively much more do you need a quality
epoxy coating or is a cheap epoxy paint good enough for your floor?
What type of look and finish do you want.
Solid color, clear finish or colored flake finish?
What level of durability do you want and or
need. Is your floor an industrial application or residential application or
somewhere in between? And how do you know an epoxy is really industrial or
commercial grade? Many epoxies call themselves industrial or commercial grade
until they’re on your floor and you wear right through them. At that point the
damage is done, this page will hopefully help you avoid being in that
situation.
What condition is your concrete floor in?
Is it new, is it old, is it pitted, is it oil stained, does it have a moisture
issue? Your floor may need special attention to avoid a failure down the road.