Welcome to another Best Floor Coating blog. Today we want to share with you this guide so you can learn how to apply epoxy flooring. Once you follow our tips you will be ready to apply this type of coating on any concrete floor. We invite you to read this article until the end, we want to guide you.
First, epoxy is a strong and very durable type of coating that can endure a lifetime. Therefore, when epoxy floor coating is applied to concrete, it can resist oil, grease, and other chemicals. These substances could easily damage regular paint but no epoxy coating.
Furthermore, this coating type is very easy to clean and it comes in an assortment of colors. So, you can keep your garage floor paint looking clean, shiny, and neat.
5 Steps to Follow If You Want to Learn How to Apply Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy paint has been used for many years in places where resistance, durability, and high protection are required. Among the main qualities of this paint, resistance stands out, making it suitable for various industrial, commercial, sports spaces, and domestic environments. We created this post because we think it is important for you to learn how to apply this coating.
Let’s not waste any more time. These are the basic steps to follow in how to apply epoxy flooring:
- Prepare the concrete surface
- Clean and sweep your floor by using a vacuum cleaner
- Applying primer makes your floor stronger and more solid
- Fill holes and cracks in the surface by using epoxy grout
- Apply and mix the epoxy flooring paint
Epoxy coating is one of the most resistant and durable coatings that you can apply on a floor. But if you want it to be durable you must apply it correctly. Now that we mention the steps you must follow, it’s time for us to explain them one by one.
Prepare the Concrete Surface
First, you have to prepare the surface to guarantee the proper adhesion between the epoxy product and the surface. Whether you use methods like sanding or diamond-grinding, make sure your floor isn’t covered with any substances. Therefore, if your surfaces are covered in oil or grease, chemical cleaning might be required.
Use a degreaser to remove oil and grease stains. Clean the entire floor with an industrial degreaser or solvent-based cleaner. Once the floor dries, you should spot all the remaining oil or grease stains. Clean these areas with a concrete degreaser and sturdy brush. Then, rinse the entire floor with clean water.
Clean and Sweep Your Floor by Using Vacuum Cleaner
Indeed, it is good to remember that you can not apply the primer if the floor is not clean. So, clean and sweep your floor by using a vacuum cleaner that eliminates any debris, dirt, or dust particles. If not, the adhesion of the epoxy floor coating will be weakened by the dust or debris particles between the coat and adhesive.
The residues can cause bubbles and imperfections on the epoxy resin coating, so you must vacuum them. If rubber residue remains after local cleaning and mopping the floor, you should use sandpaper to remove it. You can use a hand sander or a floor sander.
Applying Primer Makes Your Floor Stronger and More Solid
Also, buy an epoxy primer to apply it on your surface. Using primer guarantees you that you’ll make your floor stronger and more solid, allowing the proper adhesion to the surface.
Moreover, the primer will seal the surface to accomplish the perfect finish. The primer gets rid of gasses or bubbles that get stuck in the surface. Also, it ensures that the overall areas of your floor are ventilated in the right way.
These primers can smooth out minor floor imperfections and give epoxy resin a better base to adhere to. It is essential to use a primer on floors that are very porous, flaky, calcareous, or rough. You will need approximately ¼ gallon (950 ml) of primer for every 4.6 or 6.5 square meters (50 or 70 square feet) of flooring.
Fill Holes and Cracks in the Surface by Using Epoxy Grout
Adding up, you are required to fill any holes or cracks in the surface utilizing epoxy grout. As follows, make sure to fill in any thin or thick cracks to guarantee the complete coverage of the surface. Avoid leaving any minimum cracks unattended to accomplish the perfect epoxy floor coating.
Once the floor is completely dry, you should examine it for cracks. Any crack with more than ¼ inch (6 mm), in addition to any holes or chipped areas, should be repaired with epoxy grout.
Apply the product on the crack. Then use a spatula to scrape it down to level and smooth the surface. Follow our guide until the end and learn how to apply epoxy flooring.
Apply and MIX the Epoxy Flooring Paint
Finally, apply the first coat of epoxy flooring paint and make use of an electric mixer to mix it for more than 2 minutes. After that, apply the epoxy coating with a roller. Then, coat again right after 24 hours and let it dry, Lastly, apply the final coat using the same procedure.
Apply the coating giving long, even strokes. Be sure to apply it in one direction only to avoid splice lines. Epoxy should be applied when ambient and surface temperatures are between 50 ° and 90 ° F.
Because concrete varies in texture and porosity, two coats may be required to achieve a uniform color appearance.
If you need more information about epoxy floor coating or require assistance, contact Best Floor Coating now! Our experts are trained and certified to leave your surfaces with an impeccable finish. We work diligently and passionately to ensure your floors last for years to come. Working with our professionals is to guarantee high-quality floor finishes.