If you’ve ever considered refinishing your garage floor or workroom floor with an epoxy coating, you’ve probably noticed the wide variety of different types on offer and heard a lot of conflicting information about which is best. Here we’ll dispel some common myths and set out what you need to know before choosing the right system for you. First up, let’s look at some basic facts about epoxy coatings.
What is an Epoxy Coating?
Epoxy coatings are two-part polymer compounds comprising a resin and a hardener. They provide a protective layer on floors and other surfaces, which is tough and resistant to scratches and abrasion. Epoxy coatings may be used on older surfaces or where there’s little or no concrete substrate remaining.
These durable surfaces are popular in garages, warehouses, workshops and increasingly in domestic areas such as basements. Depending on the desired effect, they may be rolled, brushed, or sprayed on to achieve a smooth finish.
What Are The Different Types Of Epoxy Floor Coating?
Epoxy coatings vary considerably in terms of their chemical structure and composition. This determines the durability and environmental impact factors while also influencing cost and ease of application.
There are three main types: water-based epoxies, solvent-based epoxies, and two-part polyurethanes:
1: Water-Based Epoxy Coatings
These are generally among the least expensive epoxy coatings but are also less durable than other systems. They tend to contain harsh chemicals such as isocyanates, so special care should be taken during application.
Water-based epoxies are best suited to smaller areas where maximum durability isn’t required. They may also be used in combination with quartz or ceramic particles to create a decorative finish, which can then be top-coated for added protection.
2: Solvent-Based Epoxy Coatings
Solvent-based epoxies offer greater resistance to abrasion and chemical attack, although they come at a higher cost due to their use of more advanced hardeners.
These coatings are typically tougher than water-based variants, making them suitable for larger areas that require a glossier, more durable finish. They’re also easier to apply as they don’t need time to dry between coats and won’t shrink as they cure.
3: Two-Part Polyurethane Coatings
This is the most expensive option, but it’s also the most durable type of epoxy coating, so it offers good value for money overall. As well as being costly to buy in ready-to-apply form, these coatings are toxic when mixed, so specialist contractors are required for application. This ensures that adequate ventilation is provided during installation along with full protective clothing, etc.
Two-part polyurethane epoxy coatings come in many different formulas, which give unique properties to suit different types of surfaces. They’re tough, heat-resistant, and resistant to chemical attack, offering maximum protection in industrial settings where durability is key.
Learn the Types of Decorative Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings are used for more than just standard protective purposes in garages, warehouses, etc. They may also be applied in decorative patterns to enhance exterior and interior surfaces throughout homes and commercial buildings. This process involves applying two-part epoxies with quartz or ceramic particles, which can be sanded to achieve a matte finish before being top-coated for added protection.
Flake Epoxy Flooring: Manufacturers can use flakes of metal, stone, glass, etc., to create a unique look for concrete surfaces with epoxy flooring. These are ideal for creating slip-resistant exterior surfaces in areas such as basements where there’s limited natural light.
Brick Effect Epoxy Floor Coating: Used to create the appearance of brickwork or tiles on interior surfaces indoors. This is achieved by applying an artistic pattern using steel trowels before applying the epoxy coating over the top.
Tile Effect Epoxy Floor Coating: Another option for enhancing existing floors that don’t have much strength or durability left is to apply a tile effect polyurethane coating with colored quartz or ceramic chips mixed into it. This creates what looks like authentic porcelain tiles without the inconvenience of having to remove existing floors.
Metallic Epoxy Flooring: Metallic epoxy coatings give a highly reflective, silvery surface, making them ideal for exterior walkways and other areas where safety is a priority. They’re often used in commercial settings such as factories, warehouses, etc., but they can also be used to enhance the look of decor at home or in garages, etc.
The Benefits of Epoxy Floor Coatings
Aside from the obvious benefit of providing protection against damage, epoxy coatings also give surfaces a more professional look and feel. Whether you’re looking to liven up industrial work areas or add value and style to your home, there’s an epoxy coating for everyone.
Added Durability: One of the main reasons for applying an epoxy coating is to increase the durability of surfaces so they can withstand multiple impacts, chemicals, etc.
Easy Maintenance: Once epoxy floor coatings have been applied, you won’t need to spend hours scrubbing floors to remove dirt and grime every week because the protective top layer will be easy to clean.
Safety Benefits: Epoxy coatings are often used outside or in workplaces where there’s a higher risk of accidents occurring. This is due to their slip-resistant properties, which help prevent falls on slippery floors made wet by rain or dirty with oil stains. An added benefit is that it makes them easier to clean after an accident has occurred, as well
Enhanced Look & Feel: A final benefit of epoxy coatings is that they can be used to enhance the look and feel of both interior and exterior surfaces. Whether you’re looking for a modern aesthetic or an authentic-looking brickwork pattern, there’s a coating that can achieve your desired look.
Epoxy Coatings are More Than Industrial Flooring Solutions
Even in industrial settings, epoxy coatings have more potential than just being used for flooring. They can also be applied to walls, ceilings, metal surfaces, etc., so it’s important to consider all applications when choosing the right type of coating. This is best done with expert advice from a company with plenty of experience in using and applying these advanced materials.
They may also perform other functions such as providing both heat insulation and soundproofing, which is particularly helpful in noisy workplaces or on noisy roadways where this type of specialized noise reduction system would come in handy.
Epoxy coatings provide good value for money because they last longer than most other types of flooring material. They’re highly durable, easy to clean and maintain and give an attractive finish that enhances the look of any type of work environment.
Contact Epoxy Flooring Austin for more information on decorative epoxy coatings and receive a free consultation on services!