Choosing the Best Concrete Epoxy Floor Coating

When should you use an Epoxy Floor Coating?
Time: 01:30
Learn more about the most popular applications.

There are many different types of coatings that can be applied to concrete floors. When selecting the best option for your project, epoxies will likely be a front runner.

WHAT IS AN EPOXY CONCRETE COATING?

Epoxy concrete floor coatings are a great option if you are looking for tough and attractive flooring. They combine polymer resins and hardeners that result in a chemical bond with the concrete. Plus, there are many colors and decorative options to choose from.

Find epoxy floor contractors near me that install coatings.

The benefits of using an epoxy coating are:

• Provides a more durable surface than floor paint that stands up to heavy traffic
• Makes an easy-to-clean floor that resists stains from spills
• Is versatile enough to be used for both residential and commercial projects
• Creates vibrant and unique designs that can be customized in many ways
• Can be installed quickly, with little downtime

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EPOXY A FLOOR?

Epoxy coatings can be done for $3 - $7 per square foot. This makes it an affordable option for both small and large projects. As the surface area of your space increases, the design becomes more intricate, and multiple colors are added, the cost of your flooring may increase.

Epoxy Dura-Kote Metallics Systems 20 available colors

Roll on Rock Garage Coating $491.81

100% Pigmented Epoxy Low VOC - Stock Colors – Fast Cure

Maxx Flow 250 HP Epoxy Slower setting formula allows for more work time

Electric Metal Epoxy 100% solids amine epoxy system

DIY Epoxy Coating Kits Available in 500 or 1000 sq. ft.

IS THIS AN EASY DO IT YOURSELF PROJECT?

There are many DIY epoxy kits on the market, but hiring a professional contractor will result in your project being finished on time, on budget, and with the desired look.

Should you decide to take on laying an epoxy coating, here is an overview of the steps:

1. Prepare the concrete slab
   Clean, grind or acid etch the surface and vacuum up dust
2. Apply primer coat
   Improves the epoxy/concrete bond
3. Mix the two-component epoxy resin
   Add desired decorative flakes, aggregate or metallic pigments
4. Roll the material out evenly onto the slab
   Use a special roller that won’t shed its fabric nap
5. Apply a seal coat
   Provides resistance to water, chemicals, oil, grease, acids, and solvents

DESIGN IDEAS FOR AN EPOXY CONCRETE FLOOR

Epoxy floor coatings have been used for years in garages, basements and industrial buildings. But they are starting to make their way into other rooms of the home, as well as businesses like restaurants and salons. You’ll be amazed at the decorative effects that can be achieved with a concrete epoxy floor.

A metallic epoxy coating with a silvery finish. Concrete Inspirations in Calgary, AB

Metallic epoxy coatings

This type of epoxy-based system allows you to "guild" your concrete to replicate the look of copper, silver, aged bronze, nickel, and other shimmery patinas. Some of these coatings contain real metallic powders, while others use special reflective pigments. They are especially popular for floors in retail, office, and restaurant settings, where a modern, high gloss look is desired. See Adding Dazzle with Metallic Coatings.

Epoxy garage floor coatings provide a wear-resistant decorative surface that resists chemicals, oil and grease stains, and tire marks. Yezco Concrete Polishing in Phoenix, AZ.

Garage floor coatings

There are also special epoxy floor coating systems for garage floors, to give them a wear- and chemical-resistant surface, even when exposed to hot tires. They come in a wide variety of color options, and can be accented with decorative quartz or multicolored chips to provide a look similar to granite or terrazzo. See Garage Floor Coatings.

The color and design versatility of epoxy terrazzo makes it a popular choice for decorative flooring installations. Credit: National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association

Epoxy terrazzo

This mosaic-like floor topping goes on at only ¼ to 3/8 inches thick and is excellent for multi-colored patterns because of the epoxy resin matrix. It can be pigmented, like paint, in a broad range of colors or seeded with chips of marble or granite, recycled glass, mother of pearl, and other aggregates. Virtually indestructible, epoxy terrazzo is ideal for high-traffic retail, commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities, where design versatility and minimal maintenance are crucial. See Epoxy Terrazzo Floor Toppings.

HOW LONG DO CONCRETE EPOXY FLOORS LAST?

Depending on floor traffic, residential coatings can last 30 years, while in industrial settings it could last 2-3 years. When applying your epoxy coating it is important to make sure that you seal the final product, as this helps protect your design for an even longer life.

In order to seal your epoxy floor here are the steps:

1. Wait about 48 hours – make sure your floor has thoroughly cured before applying the topcoat
2. Select sealant and any additives – choose the best sealant for your floor, and any appropriate additives such as non-slip or UV protection
3. Measure and mix sealant and additives – follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results
4. Apply sealant to the floor – apply coating in a thin coat, wait for it to dry, and apply a second coat

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