Whether you’re preparing the concrete surface for flooring or preparing for a commercial project, you’ll want to consider installing epoxy flooring. This type of flooring is a great choice for many reasons, but you should consider the pros and cons before deciding on the right kind for your space. Wet epoxy produces an unpleasant smell during application. You can minimize this smell by wearing safety goggles and safety masks, but the fumes from the epoxy are still hazardous and can cause health problems.
Installing epoxy flooring on concrete
Before installing epoxy flooring on concrete, it is important to prepare the area properly. You should remove any old flooring to expose the concrete underneath. You should also fill any cracks with new material to ensure that the epoxy will bond better with the surface. This process can take up to 30 days. Make sure that the room is dry and warm during this time.
Before applying the epoxy coating to concrete, you should thoroughly inspect the surface and repair any defects. Fill any cracks and expansion joints that may be present. If the surface is uneven, you can use a grinder or sander to level it. Alternatively, you can use a pole-mounted sandpaper. If the surface is chipped or has poorly aligned joints, you should repair these problems before applying the epoxy.
Preparing the concrete surface
Proper surface preparation is essential for a successful epoxy flooring installation. In fact, the preparation process accounts for about 40 to 50 percent of the man hours required for your project. Improper preparation can result in large post-project issues. For this reason, it’s important to work with a qualified surface prep specialist.
The surface must be clean and porous before you apply the epoxy. Any buildup or residue on the floor will interfere with adhesion. Make sure to remove any oil spots, dirt, or grease. Vacuuming will also help get rid of any debris.
Types of epoxy flooring
Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for industrial and commercial floors. It is durable, resistant, and easy to maintain. However, not all epoxy floors are the same. Different types have different properties and installation processes. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of epoxy flooring. It is an excellent flooring solution for high traffic areas.
Metallic Epoxy Flooring: This type of epoxy flooring uses a metallic additive to create a metallic finish. This type of floor finish is highly durable and is popular for high traffic retail and commercial applications. It leaves a stunning effect when finished, and it is also easy to maintain.
Cost of epoxy flooring
The cost of epoxy flooring on concrete depends on the size of the area. A single gallon of epoxy covers about 350 to 400 square feet of concrete. Commercial applications require a larger quantity of epoxy, and the cost may be more than a residential installation. A good tip is to get a free quote.
A typical epoxy flooring project costs between $3 and $12 per square foot. However, solid epoxy can cost as much as three times as much as water-based epoxy. However, it has the advantage of requiring less maintenance and lasting longer. The total price of your epoxy flooring project depends on the square footage of the floor and how many coats are needed.
Epoxy Floor Coatings 