If you have never heard of epoxy, then this article will help. Even if you already know about epoxy floor coatings, this article will hopefully add some insight. The professionals at Artistic Concrete Designs have years of experience installing, maintaining, and replacing epoxy floor coating and we are delighted to help you choose the best epoxy floor coating for your premises. Without further delay, let’s get started. If you have any specific questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with a qualified technician, then call Artistic Concrete Designs. We are always happy to help.
What Is Epoxy?
An epoxy coating is a chemical compound which consists of two primary elements: epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener. When these are mixed, the cured result is a durable and resilient product. Depending on the thickness of the coating, epoxy coating professionally installed by the experts at Artistic Concrete Designs can withstand up to 20,000 PSI. It also offers water, chemical, and abrasion resistance. They are versatile. Epoxy coating can be applied on concrete floors in industrial as well as residential settings. We have experience installing it on pool decks, hospital floors, basements, automobile galleries, and more.
ONE-PART EPOXY
One-part epoxy is often marketed as an epoxy floor coating, but we consider it more of a paint than epoxy because true epoxy coating consists of two elements: the epoxy resin and the hardener or catalyst. The mix of these components is what forms the durable product. Still, one-part epoxy is similar to epoxy coating in that it offers better protection for concrete than standard paint.
One-part epoxy comes in a single container and does not need to be mixed before it is applied. This option is quick drying, taking about one hour and can be easily cleaned with water and soap. It does have to be reapplied once every couple of years, though.
TWO-PART WATER-BASED EPOXY
Two-part water-based epoxy coatings are water based. In addition to the resin and hardener, two-part water-based epoxy includes water and a solvent as well. This option generally takes a couple of days to dry completely. This long duration is due to the water in the mixture; the curing process relies on evaporation for maximum hardness.
The benefit of two-part water-based epoxy, compared to the 100% solid epoxy coating which we will review next, is its low odor. It does not emit strong fumes. It is also a lot easier to work with but will not last as long as 100% solid epoxy.
TWO-PART SOLID EPOXY
This is the crème de la crème of epoxy coating. It does not contain any solvents. Two-part solid epoxy provides a thick, hard finish with maximum protection for your concrete floors. It is tough to work with but can harden quickly in as soon as within 24 hours of application. However, the room must be thoroughly ventilated because 100% pure epoxy emits intense fumes. Our professionals at Artistic Concrete Designs can also sprinkle in decorative chips to give your flooring an extra touch of pizzazz. If you have any questions about concrete or hardscaping projects please call us at (770) 580-2700 or contact us online.