Epoxy Flooring
How To Prepare A Floor Before Applying Epoxy?
Epoxy floor coatings have become the go-to choice for industrial or garage flooring. Generally considered superior to epoxy paint, homeowners everywhere are drawn to its durability and robust nature. An epoxy garage floor is versatile in its design and aesthetic options, and the relative lack of maintenance is also a massive benefit for many. It is also relatively straightforward to apply epoxy flooring to an existing concrete surface, with the steps needed manageable for the average DIYer if they cannot afford professional installers. Nevertheless, the concrete base must be primed and prepared for the installation, as skimping on this step can lead to significant issues down the road. Here we look at the key steps you will need to take to ensure your concrete flooring is ready for any epoxy applications. The cleaning process It might seem strange that what will ultimately be covered by an epoxy coating needs to be thoroughly cleaned beforehand. Still, any sign of dust, debris, and other during an epoxy installation can cause issues later. Fortunately, there are no great secrets to uncover at this stage. A careful sweep and vacuum are all that’s needed to ensure that as much dust and dirt is gone before moving on to the more involved processes. The removal of grease and oil stains is critical, which can be done by using a degreaser and a stiff bristle brush. It is also essential to be free from residual evidence of previous coatings, as this can affect the binding process when applying new epoxy flooring. You can remove any prominent areas of the last coating with a scraper. Mechanical preparation such as grinding or shot blasting may be required depending on the product or application type. Grinding is the preferred method to prepare a concrete floor. Suppose there is a clear indication of a previous coating throughout your surface. It might be advisable to sand down the entire area at this stage until no apparent signs of an earlier coating remain. If the existing coating is sound, it can be scratched using sanding machines and if it's flaking, it will have to be removed completely. Once all this has been done, you should carry out a secondary wipe-down and vacuum to leave the area free of debris. As a final step, mainly if your space saw heavy vehicle use, it might be worth going over the surface with denatured alcohol to ensure that any lingering grease spots and scuff marks are gone completely. Ensure your surface is completely dry Before installing epoxy coating, you must ensure that moisture and vapour do not linger within the substrate as part of the floor preparation process. If you live in a naturally wet or snowy area or your concrete slab is older, this stage is vital, as it is often cited that excess moisture is the leading cause of coating failures on concrete. There are a couple of observable signs that you should look out for at this stage. If there is evidence of discolouration or bubbling upon the surface of the concrete, excess moisture may be present. If there are signs of white residue on the surface, this could indicate salt left behind through evaporation, further indicating the presence of moisture. If you are concerned that excess moisture could be present, consider carrying out a simple moisture test to determine the extent of the problem. Tape a sheet of plastic to the floor and leave it be for 24 hours. If there is moisture under the plastic at the end of this time, your next step is to apply a sealer layer. This will block any deep-rooted moisture in the concrete from affecting the epoxy bonding process. If it is clear that moisture is a bigger problem, you might need to consider some form of dehumidifying or moisture barrier coating to help take care of the problem. Make sure that you keep your floor dry throughout the floor prep process. Additional prep techniques As part of the floor preparation process, you may wish to choose from three further options that will help maximise the effectiveness of the bonding process and the strength of the epoxy coating. 1. Acid etching Acid etching is the process of applying an acid-based solution to your concrete surface to widen the pores within the concrete. With wider pores in place, the epoxy coating will be more effective at binding with the concrete during the curing process, creating a much stronger and more durable layer. The benefit of this technique is that it is easily accessible to most people. However, several acid-based products are at risk of emitting harmful fumes. All that is required is a solution and a stiff bristle broom to apply the solution evenly. Excess acid must also be disposed of promptly and efficiently to remove any subsequent dangers. 2. Diamond grinding Diamond grinding involves removing the uppermost layer of your concrete slab in preparation for applying an epoxy coating. As the name suggests, the rotavating blades are tipped with diamond and are designed for grinding and smoothing your floor's surface. This technique can be used to remove imperfections on your surface. Although it will involve machinery that may need to be hired, the process is highly versatile and can fit individual needs. Most are height-adjustable and can take away as much or as little of the surface as required. 3. Shot blasting Shot blasting involves the high-pressure contact of small pelts upon the concrete surface. It is designed to disrupt the topmost layer of the concrete to widen pores and create an uneven surface ideal for an epoxy coating to bind effectively with the concrete. It serves a similar purpose to acid etching. The machine is designed to capture everything that's left in its wake. A huge benefit to this technique is that there will be little residue left over. However, the method and machinery are more geared toward larger-scale projects and might not suit residential garages. It also requires a degree of professional skill to ensure maximum effectiveness. The floor preparation phase is a deceptively in-depth process, and it is necessary to get it right. Once the epoxy coating installation has begun, it is challenging to go back and fix issues that might arise during the process that could otherwise have been dealt with earlier. It’s important to take right steps with your prep, and you’re well on your way to a perfect epoxy flooring installation. Contact us today to find the ideal epoxy coating solution for you.
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The Definitive Guide to Epoxy Flooring
Are you redecorating or renovating? There are so many flooring solutions from which to choose. Epoxy resin flooring is an increasingly popular floor finish in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. But what are epoxy floors? Our guide will cover the following: The benefits of epoxy flooring. Tips for choosing your type of epoxy floor. How to prepare your home for epoxy flooring application. What is epoxy flooring? Image credit: American Concrete Polishing And Coating Firstly, let's look at what epoxy resin floor surfaces are. The epoxy resin consists of resin and hardener; an epoxy flooring system enhances and protects surfaces. It is typically used on a concrete surface. Therefore, you'll find it on a garage, patio, and basement floor. You'll also find commercial epoxy flooring in industrial areas. The advantage of epoxy flooring is that it’s incredibly adhesive. Accordingly, it’s easy to apply and far more hard-wearing than regular floor paint. You can also use epoxy on cork and marble flooring for a protective finish. What you need to know about epoxy flooring How much does epoxy flooring cost? So, how much does an epoxy floor cost in Australia? The price depends on the following. The condition of your existing floor. How ample the space is. Your epoxy flooring options. Decorative finishes may cost more. Your flooring contractor should supply a quote based on your flooring needs. Generally, you might expect to pay between $30-35 per square metre to which you apply epoxy. The flooring cost would increase depending on the type of finish you desire. The difference between epoxy floor finishes and other types of floors in the same price range is their durability. For example, you could purchase vinyl flooring for the same price or less. However, it doesn't have the same level of protection. Image credit: Kenna Real Estate Does an epoxy floor increase home value? If you're eager to increase your home value, choosing epoxy is an excellent way to improve. Firstly, its strength and durability ensure that it's long-lasting. Secondly, epoxy flooring projects add beauty with a decorative coating without forking out too much money. For example, consider flake flooring or a metallic epoxy finish to get a unique floor to improve your house's value. What are the advantages and disadvantages of epoxy flooring? Here are some of the pros of epoxy floors: Durable floors: The adhesive properties ensure a long-lasting floor coating system that won't chip. Easy to clean: Epoxy is resistant to chemicals, oil, bleach, cleansers, germs and bacteria. Décor look: Whether you opt for epoxy flake floors, a metallic epoxy floor or polished concrete flooring, epoxy looks bright and professional. Application: You can get self-levelling epoxy flooring, ensuring a clean, smooth surface. Here are some of the cons of epoxy floors: Although not true of all epoxy floors, some floor covering types can get very slippery when wet. Epoxy resin floors contain hardeners that release nasty fumes after laying, and this might be off-putting in commercial flooring — mainly if you apply it in a commercial kitchen. How long do epoxy floors last? If you're looking for robust and resistant floors, epoxy floors are durable and easy to maintain. When installed properly, it's highly resistant to general wear and tear. A typical residential epoxy floor could last for up to 30 years or more. However, an industrial epoxy floor is unlikely to last as long simply due to more constant traffic. Commercial epoxy floor coating might need replacing or renovating sooner with more heavy-duty use. How long before you can walk on an epoxy floor? Generally speaking, you can walk around 24 hours after applying the epoxy coating. If you do the flooring job in particularly cold or humid weather, it's sensible to wait longer. Moreover, you should leave 48-72 hours before using the new epoxy coating system for heavy equipment or vehicles. How thick is epoxy flooring? Most epoxy flooring systems comprise 2-3 layers: an epoxy primer, basecoat, and topcoat. It's about 2-3mm on the concrete slab below. To increase the thickness of each epoxy coat, add a filler, such as quartz sand: the thicker your epoxy floor coating, the more durable it is. How to clean an epoxy floor? Image credit: Resin Expert The epoxy flooring material is easy to maintain. It requires very little care. However, to ensure its longevity and keep its shine, regular cleaning doesn't hurt. Try to keep the floor dirt-free. Small bits of debris can further general wear and tear. Avoid using hard soaps. These can damage your floor over time. Use soft brushes. A stiff bristle brush is too abrasive and likely to scratch your new epoxy floor system. Will epoxy floors crack? Epoxy flooring material is very substantial. However, as a result, it is also very rigid and inflexible. It is prone to cracks if the foundation beneath shifts. Therefore, proper preparation and application are crucial. To fix any damage in your epoxy garage floor coating, you need to apply another coat. With a professional overseeing the installation process, you can certainly minimise the risk of cracks. Image credit: Medium Can epoxy be painted over? To paint your epoxy floor, you need special epoxy paint. Ordinary floor paint typically isn't strong enough to cope. Firstly, choose a compatible clean paint. Secondly, you need to roughen the floor with sandpaper so that the paint has something to stick to. Make sure you do a patch test to ensure that you'll like the outcome. Use a paint roller to finish the job. Then, clean the base of any debris. Image credit: Everything About Concrete How to prep a garage floor for epoxy? If you don't hire floor installers to do the job for you, it's manageable to lay down your garage flooring yourself without extensive experience. Find epoxy kits online. Follow our steps to create smooth garage epoxy floors. Firstly, you need to prepare and clean the garage floor before applying the epoxy. Ensuring the epoxy property adheres to the concrete flooring needs a slightly rough texture. Fill in any gaps and cracks with grout. Sweep and clean the floor. You don't want any debris or dirt trapped in the garage epoxy floors when you finish the process. Prime the floor with one or two coats. To find a suitable product, search for epoxy flooring in Sydney. Apply your epoxy industrial flooring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Next, wait 16-24 hours before moving on to the next step. After applying your final coat, you can add decorations or an anti-slip coating. Your epoxy floor should look smooth and professional with proper care and following each step. Are you looking for quality epoxy products? Epoxy Warehouse is a leading Australian supplier of Epoxy and Polyurethane products widely used by trade professionals and DIY users daily. Our products are used in industrial, commercial and residential projects to repair, beautify and protect concrete surfaces. Our products are competitively priced to allow you to shop with confidence, knowing you will get the best products at trade prices. Whether you are completing a DIY for your home or a trade person working on a client’s floor, we will supply you with the required floor coating materials for your project needs. From the conception of a project to its completion, our experienced experts are available to answer all your questions. We ship Australia-wide with depot pick-up options available in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide, Darwin, and Perth. Get in touch with Epoxy Warehouse today.
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Commercial Kitchen Floors
Epoxy flooring is a popular option for commercial kitchen floors. The seamless finish they provide leaves no room for bacteria to grow and is easy to keep clean and maintain. To be able to receive the green light from the local authorities and operate safely, all floors in food prep areas must have their floors sealed and all wall-to-floor junctions must have coving to prevent build-up of contaminants. You can either use aluminium coving or epoxy coving can be done. As most commercial kitchens are washed regularly, it’s a good idea to invest in installing a few extra drainage points in the area and creating falls to drainage points using epoxy screed. Epoxy screeds are extremely durable and will be compatible with most epoxy top coats. The following products will be suitable to be used in Food preparation areas: Ultrakote Epoxy Coving & Patching Mortar Aluminium Coving It’s important to know what proper standard and high-quality materials to use for your commercial kitchen. Not only to meet standards but also to ensure safety and longevity. For reliable epoxy suppliers in Sydney, trust Epoxy Warehouse. We are a one-stop shop for all your epoxy floor coating project requirements. Browse our products today!
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What is Epoxy Flooring and Its Benefits
The flooring of any space has an important role to play. It doesn't just create an aesthetic it also offers safety features and facilitates daily tasks. Whether you are dealing with residential flooring or a commercial and industrial setting, you need to invest in floor coatings that will withstand the space's normal activities. Epoxy coatings are particularly popular because they are easy to clean, and they stand up to heavy wear and tear for long-term application.What is Epoxy Flooring?Firstly, it is worth pointing out that epoxy is much more versatile than you have been led to believe. While it has long been popular in industrial settings or working environments, it is also a suitable solution for residential properties. Whether you need an anti-slip floor solution in the bathroom or you have a concrete floor in your kitchen that needs an upgrade. So, the image you have of a single option repeated across a series of sterile or professional environments is false.Epoxy flooring is a floor coating that is applied once a concrete surface has been prepared. Whether you diamond grind or shot blast your surface, the flooring needs to be smoothed and prepared for the epoxy coatings. This preparation ensures that the coating is absorbed and adheres to the surface properly. A two-part solution, once the hardening chemical and resin are combined it creates a chemical reaction to effectively transform the floor coating into hard plastic once it cures. Before choosing epoxy, learn which type of epoxy is right for the types of flooring you are covering.Epoxy Floor Coating BenefitsEpoxy floor coating comes with a lot of benefits from it is cost-effectiveness and chemically resistant properties to its durability and maintainability. If you are thinking about an epoxy floor coating, check out the benefits below. Durability One of the biggest benefits of applying the epoxy coating to flooring is it is highly durable. It can stand up to heavy foot traffic, equipment, and vehicles. It's far tougher than even the most conventional flooring solutions. Why is epoxy better than simple concrete? It hardens to prevent cracks, chips, and stains. When you drop a tool, you can rest assured your floor is safe. Maintainable The maintenance of epoxy coating is simple. Thanks to its glossy, resin finish it is easy to mop and wipe down after spills. You don't need to worry about staining or blotches. It also prevents bacteria and mould growth because it is a hygienic solution that slips into every nook and cranny. Aesthetically Pleasing Many people fall into the trap of envisioning a very industrial looking floor coating when they hear epoxy mentioned. There are a vast array of colours and finishes to choose from. You can opt for flaked epoxy, polished, or metallic. If you are coating residential or commercial flooring polished concrete oozes style and sophistication. And a flaked epoxy is ideal for wet areas in need of extra anti-slip grip. Cost-Effective As popular as vinyl and hardwood are, neither can beat epoxy coating when it comes to pricing. Epoxy flooring systems are one of the most cost-effective flooring solutions available. It is an affordable solution to start with, but it is a long-term investment as well. If installed correctly, an epoxy flooring system can last up to ten years. Part of its cost-effectiveness is down to the fact that it is easy to maintain. You don't need to worry about heavy cleaning equipment or product because epoxy is stain-resistant. It is a clean as you go flooring system. Slip-Resistant Finally, epoxy flooring is an excellent health and safety approved flooring solution. Since it is impregnable to moisture, there is less risk of slips, trips, and falls. Opting for epoxy with a slip-resistant additive makes it safe for use at home, in the office, garage, warehouses, and shop floors. It will keep your family, employees, and customers safe. That is why it has become such a stalwart across industries and in professional spaces. It is a flooring solution you can rely upon without much fuss.There are a variety of epoxy coating options, so be sure to research which option might be right for the type of flooring you have and the needs of your space. If you want to learn more about epoxy flooring installations, consult the professionals for expert advice. Epoxy Warehouse has stores all over Australia and is a stockist of the major epoxy brands. You can shop online or visit us in-store. Whether you need residential solutions for your driveway, garage floor, walkways or living spaces or commercial cover for showrooms, schools, storage facilities, retailers, or office buildings. We can also service industrial clients, whether you have a food processing plant, a factory or a warehouse.
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How To Apply Anti-Slip Epoxy Flooring
A slippery floor could be a health and safety disaster, whether you have kids racing around the house or workers operating in a garage. If you opt for an epoxy floor coating system, you need to consider anti-slip additives. Epoxy floor paint is an excellent solution and an anti-slip additive will make your charming new floor a safe one. You can shop multiple colours and shades, and make it the perfect match for any room. Applying a non-slip coating won't just reduce the risk of accidents, it will always keep the floor looking newer for longer. Before Applying Anti-Slip Epoxy Flooring If you plan to apply epoxy flooring, whether it's the garage floor, an industrial kitchen or a warehouse, there are a few factors to address first: Check the floor for moisture. You can do this by covering the area with plastic and leaving it overnight. If you find moisture marks on the corners of the plastic later, you know the epoxy will not work. If there are no marks, you can proceed. If you see beading, it's a sure sign of concrete sealer which means you can't use epoxy. Prepare the floor. There are two considerations here. Acid etching on new concrete: Use a degreaser to remove any oil Mix 1 part hydrochloric acid with 10 parts of water and brush this onto the floor Wash the surface with clean water and allow to dry completely Fill any cracks using epoxy fillers and allow to cure Sand over the filler to make sure no residue is left behind. An 80-120 grit sand paper should suffice Vacuum the floor to ensure no dust remains - vacuuming is the most effective way to ensure you get all debris Existing concrete with coating on it Degrease the heavily affected oily area Diamond grind the floor to remove the existing coating and top layer of concrete Vacuum dust and fill any imperfections using epoxy fillers Sand over the filler, as above Vacuum the floor When floor is completely dry, apply epoxy primer Applying Epoxy Floor Coatings Once the steps above are complete, you can move on to applying your anti-slip epoxy coating. You can use a primer or move onto the slip resistance epoxy. Follow the instructions on your chosen resistant surface epoxy and wear the correct safety gear as you mix your epoxy. Follow these steps: Step One: Mix the epoxy flooring product as per manufacturer’s instructions. Remember: On 25-degree days epoxies have 20 minutes of pot life, so only mix as much as you can apply within 20 minutes Step Two: Cut the corners using a good quality brush. Step Three: Dip your industrial cover roller into the tray and start rolling. Make sure you apply an even coat of primer to your floor. Wait for it to cure (usually a few days). Step Four: Once your epoxy has cured, return and sand down any high points. Also, fill any cracks with epoxy fillers. Step Five: Vacuum the surface Step Six: Mix Part A and B together. Step Seven: Add anti-slip media (such as clean silica sand, aluminium oxide or floating anti-slip media) to your mix or broadcast it over wet film. Step Eight: Using a good quality brush, start cutting and then apply an even coat of epoxy to the floor using industrial grade roller covers. Step Nine: While it’s still wet, use epoxy flooring spikes and walk on the film, then back roll the epoxy to achieve a uniform finish.
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