Are you looking for a durable and non-toxic flooring material that can last for years to come? If so, epoxy flooring on concrete could be the right choice for your business. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Avoid cloudy discoloration
When installing epoxy flooring on concrete, it’s important to protect the coating from moisture. Moisture can damage the epoxy, leaving it looking cloudy. Fortunately, there are a few tips for protecting your floor from this problem.
The first tip is to clean the surface before you start to apply the epoxy. This will help to prevent peeling. It will also make sure that your flooring is prepared properly for the coating to adhere to.
Another good tip is to avoid the use of soap-based cleaners. These types of cleaners leave a cloudy film on the surface that can cause your epoxy to discolor.
The best way to get rid of this is to use a combination of ammonia and water. This mixture is specially made for cleaning epoxy floors.
If you do notice that your floor is peeling or has yellowing, you can repair the area with a clear coat of urethane. This product is resistant to fading and is also UV-resistant.
If the cloudy film on the surface of your epoxy remains, you can reduce its gloss by applying a vinegar solution. If you want a more consistent sheen, you can use a waterborne base coat instead.
The next thing you should do is to avoid excessive sunlight on your floor. Especially if you live in an area where sunlight comes through windows. The longer the exposure, the more damage you will incur.
Add slip-resistant aggregate
Adding slip-resistant aggregate to epoxy flooring is not only a great way to improve the aesthetic appeal of a floor, but it is also a useful addition to the durability and safety of a floor. However, the amount of slip resistance that is achieved is dependent on the type of aggregate used and the overall surface of the floor.
Aggregates come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some are more aggressive than others, depending on the application. For instance, a large amount of angular, coarse aggregate will create more slip resistance than a small amount of smooth, flat aggregate.
A professional epoxy flooring installation can incorporate any type of anti-skid aggregate into the final coat. This allows you to have a custom anti-skid type that will suit your needs.
Choosing the right aggregate for a particular job can be a little tricky. It is best to ask questions before selecting an aggregate.
A professional can discuss the various options for added traction. A non-slip additive can be sprinkled on the base coat of the coating before the final top coat. This will help to ensure that spills don’t cause a slip fall.
Another option is to broadcast the aggregate onto the floor. This process is fairly simple and can be beneficial on pool decks and garage floors.
Calculate the cost
If you are considering having epoxy floors installed in your home, there are a few things to consider first. For instance, the cost of installing epoxy can be a little expensive, so you want to do your research.
The price of epoxy flooring can range from $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on the materials, labor, and number of coats. It can also depend on the area of the room that is being coated. For example, a small bedroom with a 10-foot long floor is a much smaller space than a family room.
One of the easiest ways to determine the cost of epoxy flooring is to use an epoxy flooring calculator. A good calculator will take into account your inputs and provide you with a rough estimate of what the project will cost.
Another good way to calculate the cost of epoxy flooring is to call three local experts and get an estimation. Some people opt to go the DIY route and save money. However, this can be a recipe for disaster. It is much easier to get a better result from a professional.
Another way to calculate the cost of epoxy is to compare the costs of water-based and solvent-based epoxies. The water-based version is less expensive, but is not as durable. Similarly, the solvent-based option is more expensive, but is a better choice for heavy traffic areas.
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