When deciding on a flooring system you always want to get your facts straight.

If the concrete surface was properly prepared, the epoxy coating is properly installed and well-maintained, epoxy floors can last for up to more than 10 to 20 years.

The epoxy material is a combination of a resin and a hardener that when mix together will form a thin plastic-like material. The epoxy material will only adhere to the concrete surface when it is completely clean and without any holes or cracks.

 

Proper preparation of the concrete surface is the most important step in epoxy floor installation. All dust, dirt, debris, oil, grease and existing sealers need to be removed. All cracks and holes need to be repaired and filled. The concrete surface will then be acid etched and ground to achieve a smooth and level finish.

An epoxy coating can be applied on both existing and new concrete floors. Proper preparation of the existing concrete floor is needed prior to epoxy application.

 

The new concrete floor should be allowed to completely cure before application of the epoxy coating. The rule of thumb is to allow the concrete floor to cure for 30 days to ensure that every inch of the depth of the concrete has cured.

It depends on the size of the area where the epoxy is going to be applied. Small areas can be completed in a day or even in a half day. Larger areas such as a warehouse or a manufacturing facility may take up to 5 days or more.

 

It takes about 3 days for the epoxy coating to completely cure.  The new epoxy floor can take in light foot traffic after about 24 hours. It is however best to allow the epoxy floor to cure for 48 hours before walking on the floor. Vehicles can be allowed to be brought in after about 5 days.

Extreme cold or heat can affect epoxy coating application. It is best to apply epoxy in temperatures over 550.  Lower temperatures will slow down the adhering process and will result in longer curing time.

The decorative overlay will be as durable as concrete it is installed over. With the right cleaning and maintenance it will last for many years.

Water-based and acid-based stain can be applied on new and existing concrete. Thee condition off the concrete floor is the main consideration. The concrete floor should be properly cleaned and holes and cracks repaired to ensure the right application of concrete stain.

 

Water-based stains consist of pigments and acrylic polymers that do not undergo any chemical reaction with the concrete floor. They are available in a wide variety of colors. Acid-based stains consist of metallic salts. Acid based stains consist of metallic salts mixed with acid that chemically react with the concrete floor. They are available in earthy tones.

Stained concrete is permanent. You can however remove the sealer and apply more stain to achieve a darker color. You cannot however apply a lighter color.

The color of stained concrete is long-lasting. When applied to a properly prepared concrete surface it will not fade, peel or chip off.

 

Decorative concrete will be as slippery as ceramic tile or vinyl. A high-gloss sealer can be applied over decorate concrete floors to protect and perhaps reduce to a certain extent traction. You can also opt to add-non-slip additives to the stain.

The cost of epoxy floor installation depends on factors such as total floor area, extent of concrete floor preparation, solid or custom colors. The addition of decorative additives and embedded designs can also increase cost. The initial cost may be a bit high but the durability of epoxy floor coatings will make it cost effective in the long term.