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How To Use Epoxy Resin 

Posted on: May 25th, 2021

Epoxy resin is a synthetic material that you can use in various applications and is continually rising in popularity. You may be wondering how to use epoxy resin and what it’s used for. You can use epoxy resin for both household and industrial uses. Different epoxy or resins have different properties so you can use them in a variety of ways. From the production of epoxy flooring in your garage to the manufacturing of fashion jewelry, let’s explore the versatility of epoxy resin. 

What is Epoxy Resin? 

Epoxy resin is a material that is created by mixing two components that are matched to each other. The liquid resin is then mixed with a hardener and a chemical reaction takes place. The resin will heat up as it hardens and the material is converted from a liquid to a solid or cured state. In order for the material to cure perfectly, the mixing ratio of resin to hardener is usually 1 to 1 or even 1 to 2. You might also know epoxy resins as polyepoxides. 

How to Use Epoxy Resin 

You probably know it for its adhesive and reinforcing properties, epoxy resin can be used for a wide range of projects, some of which may surprise you.  

  • Woodworking 

    Because Epoxy has such strong adhesive properties, it’s used by carpenters to bind pieces of wood together. You can also use it to coat the surface of designer wooden tables and work as a repairing agent for wood rot or other imperfections. 

  • Preservation 

    You can use epoxy resins to protect and preserve figures such as historical structures and statues. The resin makes them able to withstand conditions brought on by harsh environmental elements, preventing rot.

  • Jewelry Making 

    If you’re like most people, you aren’t aware that epoxy can have a hand in making fashion jewelry. For this application, you would need molding materials to create a variety of shapes, along with a way to color and beautify the resin.

  • Flooring 

    Epoxy garage floor coatings are becoming all the rage. They are a beautiful yet functional addition to any home or shop. Epoxy concrete floors were typically used in industrial settings. But, they are becoming increasingly popular in residential homes as well. Epoxies on floors create high gloss surfaces, making them impenetrable to water. Not only are they cost-effective, but you also don’t have to do much to maintain them because they’re durable and easy to keep clean from liquids and stains. 
    Epoxy Flooring

  • Metal Coating 

    Things made out of metal have a tendency to rust and corrode over time when exposed to moisture. Epoxy is used as a protective coating to shield metal from the elements or other liquids. This is used primarily on kitchen utensils, and items used in the bathroom. 

  • As an insulator 

    Electrical industries use epoxy resin for insulation purposes. It’s also used to cover bare wires to prevent damage. 

How to Color Epoxy Resin 

If your epoxy resin doesn’t have any added colorants to then it usually ends up as a fairly unappealing yellow hue. Adding colored liquid or powdered colorants can create a beautiful tint to go with any project you are working on. You can use a variety of different color sources to achieve the desired look. While there are plenty of inks, paints, and tints available on the market today, you will have the best success choosing a product specifically meant for resin. These tints are made to bond with the resin and bring out bold colors.

Here are some simple steps for you to follow:

  1. You should purchase a paint that’s specifically designed for use with epoxy resin.
  2. You’ll need to mix your epoxy resin with a hardening agent before adding your paint or tint. It’s important you follow the directions from the resin manufacturer to ensure the best results. 
  3. In a very small container, make sure you test a small amount of resin with your color choice to ensure you are creating the desired hue. 
  4. Add your colorant so it makes up 2-6% of the mixture’s weight. A digital scale works well for your measuring. Avoid adding more than 6% because it may disrupt the chemical balance for the resin to cure properly. 
  5. Make sure that all your colorant is mixed thoroughly and that no bubbles remain. Your mixture should be completely smooth at this point. Now, you’ll want to determine if you are satisfied with the color. If not, make sure you restart the process and add more colorant. You might want to try a different color source entirely if you aren’t happy with your result.
  6. Once you have created the desired color, repeat this process with the rest of your epoxy resin. Be sure to use the same proportions when mixing for a larger amount. For example, if your testing mixture was .5 fluid ounces of resin and your overall amount is 3 fluid ounces, multiply the amount of colorant you add by 6 to determine the amount you should use for the remainder of resin.

Where to buy Epoxy Resin 

You can buy epoxy resin at most DIY stores or specialized dealers. But we have found that buying online seems to be the most cost-effective option these days. There are more choices available for you at less expensive prices. 

Where to buy Epoxy Resin Locally 

If you live in or near the Sacramento area, there are several local options when it comes to buying epoxy resin. Any of your big box stores will likely have it in stock. 

You can check the availability of the epoxy resin you are needing for your specific project online first or just head to the location nearest you.

How to Use Epoxy Resin Conclusion 

Epoxy resin is such a versatile substance and you can use it to create and enhance so many things. If you have questions about epoxy resin in regards to flooring, give Epoxy Floor Pros a call. We are experts at what we do and have literally installed hundreds of epoxy floors across the Sacramento area. Click here to get your free estimate. 

When you get epoxy floor coating in your home, garage, or commercial space, you want a fair price and experienced technicians. We offer both as well as extensive warranties on all our full residential and commercial services. 

Your flooring should look the way you want and we offer a variety of design options for you to choose from. And more importantly, we have numerous color and design options. From textured, to colored, to checkered, or metallic, we can create the look you have dreamed of.

What is Epoxy Flooring?

Posted on: April 28th, 2021

Epoxy flooring for your garage or shop has been increasing in popularity over the last few years. It was at one point really only used for industrial applications. But, homeowners and business-owners like yourself are recognizing the benefits of this durable, low maintenance, and stylish floor covering. 

So, what is epoxy flooring and why are so many choosing to invest in this upgrade? Let’s explore more about epoxy floors and see if we can gain more understanding about what it is and why people love it.

What is epoxy flooring? 

Epoxy floors are created when you mix resin and a hardening chemical together, then pour it over an already prepared concrete floor. This mixture creates a chemical reaction which hardens as you cure it over a few days. Once you pay the initial layer, smoothed and dried, you’ll then apply a second and third layer. This process of liquid to solid, combined with the layering, gives epoxy floors its coveted characteristics. These floors are puncture and stain resistant, durable, and very easy for you to clean. 

There are several popular applications for epoxy flooring for you to consider. You’re not just limited to using it for your garage anymore. Hospitals and doctors offices, industrial shops, and kitchens are all utilizing epoxy flooring. You could even add epoxy to your residential living rooms. The aesthetic versatility has a large range with endless design options. 

Is epoxy waterproof? 

One of the many wonderful qualities of epoxy resin is that it has the ability to form a waterproof seal that is also anticorrosive. The glossy surface of epoxy floors makes messes easier for you to clean up and much less stressful. This is one of the reasons they are so popular in garages and hospitals.

How long does it take epoxy to dry? 

You might be wondering how long it takes epoxy to dry and how long it will be before your floor is ready for use. The average cure time for epoxy is seven days. While your floor may be dry enough to walk on after only 12 hours and ready for some light use after 24, a full week is recommended for the curing process to be complete.

You should be cautious, as these time frames vary depending on the type of application and setting. Epoxy hardens much faster in heat and humidity. The colder and less humid the environment, the longer your floors may take. 

Can you sand epoxy? 

The sanding of epoxy resin is an important step on the way to getting your surface prepared for the best outcome. But, you have to be careful because there are some pretty big pitfalls if done incorrectly. Keep in mind that it’s always best for you to sand epoxy resin when wet, using waterproof sandpaper. Dry sanding can generate heat which can dissolve the epoxy resin, removing the shine from the surface. Once that shine has been dulled, it’s a lot of work to get it back. 

Where can I buy epoxy resin? 

Fortunately, epoxy resin isn’t hard to find. It can be purchased at any of the leading online stores like Wal-Mart or Amazon. Epoxy products can also be found at hardware stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot. You just need to find the store that sells the exact epoxy resin you are requiring. Not sure what kind of epoxy you need? Do a little research online or contact a professional epoxy flooring company and they can help you out. 

The most popular form of epoxy resin used for flooring is called Bisphenol A. It is an extremely versatile resin, having the consistency of liquid honey. Bisphenol F is another often used epoxy resin. It is known to be typically more expensive but is less diluted and can be used for a wider variety of applications. 

What is Epoxy Flooring?

Why choose epoxy flooring? 

If you aren’t already sold on epoxy flooring, here are a few more reasons you should consider: 

  1. Appearance- Epoxy floors can be designed to fit your own personal style. Your options are only limited to your creativity. Whether you are going for a retro checkerboard racing look, or want a metallic fleck in your finish, the sky-is-the limit. 
  2. Affordability-You can get a lot of bang for your buck with epoxy floors as they are typically much less expensive than other flooring options.
  3. Durability-The strong chemical bonds of epoxy flooring makes them able to hold up under the weight of whatever heavy-duty equipment, busy foot traffic, or spills you throw at them. They are stain and water resistant which makes them even more attractive. 

Conclusion 

If you’ve been considering having an epoxy floor installed, but still have questions or concerns, give us a call or contact us through our website for a free estimate. We have installed literally hundreds of epoxy floors in the Sacramento area and can work with you to create the perfect look for your home, business, or shop.

How to Epoxy Your Garage Floor 

Posted on: April 14th, 2021

How to Epoxy Your Garage Floor

Applying an epoxy finish to your garage or shop floor may seem totally intimidating. But, in reality, it’s a job you can totally do yourself and will save you quite a bit of money. There are so many tools available to ensure your success. It’s a great idea to check out all the different online videos and tutorials that can walk you through the process step by step. Do a little homework and you can well be on your way to the beautiful garage floor you have dreamed of. 

How to Prepare Your Garage Floor for Epoxy 

Preparation is always key to a successful project. Here are the steps to follow to properly complete your garage floor epoxy. 

1. Inspecting the floor 

Some floors have a finish that isn’t conducive to epoxy application. If the floor has been painted or had a sealant put on it, it will need to be sanded or ground down to remove the coating. If you skip this step, the epoxy won’t adhere properly.

2. Check for moisture 

Checking for moisture is another important step to take. Trapped moisture can affect the final finish. When inspecting the floor, you can see moisture through the areas of the surface that seem slightly damp. You also may see a white powder. This powder is made up of lime and mineral deposits that are left behind when the moisture evaporates. 

If this white powder is only seen during the most humid times of the year you are fine. But, if the powder is visible year-round, the constant moisture will be a problem and the epoxy won’t adhere correctly. If you live in a hot, dry climate, this won’t be an issue you need to worry about.

3. Cleaning the garage floor 

Cleaning your floor is the final step before application. Only start cleaning once you have made certain the floor is free of moisture and any other sealants. Be sure to remove any oils or residue on the floor. Patches of grease and oil won’t adhere to the epoxy so be aware of that. A good and final sweeping should be all that is required at this point.

4. Fixing flaws in the floor

The next step in the process is to fix any flaws in your floors such as gauges or dents. Avoid using any latex products for your repairs as latex shrinks over time and can leave behind evidence of the patchwork.

5. Profile the floor 

Profiling your floor is the process of allowing the pores in the concrete to be revealed to provide a surface that is easy for the epoxy to stick to. There are two different ways that are commonly used to do this: grinding and acid etching. Most professionals prefer acid etching. 

How to Apply Epoxy to Your Garage Floor 

Make sure you have all the right tools on hand before you start the application. You need to be certain you have everything on hand. This will ensure your project will move forward smoothly and won’t be halted by emergency stops. 

There are several different grades of epoxy you can choose from. We recommend the use of a commercial-grade product. This certain type of epoxy is very dense and is poured all at once, then rolled out with paint rollers until the entire surface is covered. 

Cooperating Weather 

High heat and humidity are the enemies of epoxy. Plan to start your project when the weather is amicable and cooperative. The ideal temperature to lay epoxy is between 55 and 90 degrees. The epoxy dries faster in the heat which means you will have to work faster and can make for a stressful time. 

Just as with painting, you will want to take off any areas you don’t want the epoxy going. Be sure to remember to remove the tape approximately 30 minutes after the epoxy begins to harden. If you wait longer, the tape may be extremely difficult to remove with a clean edge. 

Epoxy Prep 

Make sure the epoxy is properly mixed before you apply it. It is always a smart idea to follow the manufacturer’s directions as closely as possible. If you will be mixing several epoxy kits, be sure to combine them into one batch for a more cohesive finished look. 

To get the ideal surface look you want, you will more than likely have to apply several layers of epoxy. The first coat typically acts as a primer. From

the time you start pouring, plan on having roughly 40 minutes to get the epoxy rolled into place for a smooth finish. 

How to Apply the Epoxy 

We recommend that you apply the epoxy in a ribbon-like fashion. This will help you get a feel for how the concrete will grab the epoxy. Once the epoxy is poured and in place, you will want to work from the back corner of the garage, rolling in an outwards motion. Try to make sure your paint roller is evenly covered with epoxy to ensure the best coverage. Work fast and reapply epoxy to your roller as needed. 

Use a chip brush for cutting in the corners. This will keep the epoxy from splashing onto other areas. A chip brush is also helpful in cleaning up spills or filling in spots you may have overlooked. 

Backrolling 

After the first coat has been rolled in one direction, it is time to roll the epoxy again at a perpendicular angle. This process, known as backrolling, will ensure the color and thickness of the product go on evenly and helps prevent air pockets from forming. 

Be sure to wait 10-24 hours after applying the first coat, before you start with the second. Also, you’ll want to buff or sand the floor’s surface before laying the second coat so it will stick properly. 

Applying the top coat 

Be sure your first few layers are completely hardened and set before beginning to apply a top coat. You run the risk of leaving unwanted streaks behind if the epoxy isn’t fully dry. Once you’ve laid the top coat, give it 72 hours to cure before placing anything on it. 

How long will my epoxy garage floor last? 

The average life expectancy of an epoxy floor is 3 years. However, the more abuse it takes, the faster it will wear down and need another application. If time is taken to clean and maintain the flooring, the more life you will get out of it. 

How to clean epoxy floors 

Keeping epoxy floors clean is really quite simple. Sweep regularly to clear out any sand, small rocks, or dirt. When left behind they tend to leave scratches and dents in the glossy finish. We recommend mopping the surface regularly with only warm water. Soap has a tendency to leave a film

or residue that takes away from the shine. If tougher stains appear, you can use a gentle scrub brush. Once removed, a mix of ammonia and water can remove any lingering dirt or stains. 

How much does epoxy garage flooring cost? 

It is always important to know how much a project will cost before jumping in. For a single car garage in the Sacramento area, it will run you $750 on the lower end and $3000 on the high end. On average you can expect to pay $2 – $5 a square foot for materials and equipment. As a conservative 

estimate, a professional installer will change the price to $3 – $12 a square foot. 

A typical 2-car-garage with double the square footage will double the price as well. You can expect to pay closer to $1200 – $6000. This number can vary also depending on the type of epoxy and preferred application you choose to go with. 

Conclusion 

If you would like to learn more about epoxy garage flooring or would like to get a detailed estimate, give the experts at Epoxy Floor Pros a call. We have installed literally hundreds of epoxy floors. From textured to metallic, we offer a limitless variety of finishes to fit any personality. You can see the services we offer here. 

Top Epoxy Flooring Trends of 2021 

Posted on: April 5th, 2021

Epoxy flooring has been around for years but homeowners are just recently starting to learn about the numerous benefits they provide. The materials and installation costs are relatively low, so you won’t break the bank. They are also stained and puncture-resistant, very low maintenance, and can add loads of personality. Your home, garage, or commercial space can look just the way you want. Epoxy floors can be customized to fit any design or look you can imagine. So, let’s take a look at some of the top epoxy flooring trends of 2021. 

2021 Epoxy Flooring Trends

  • Metallic Epoxy Flooring 

One of the most popular epoxy options right now is metallic epoxy. Metallic epoxy coatings are treated with pearlescent metallic pigment, leaving a polished and gleaming look. The sky-is-the-limit with metallic epoxy and no two floors turn out the same. This is a type of 3D epoxy floor coating that creates the illusion of a metal floor with dimension and luster. You can customize your preferred color and design to add life to your floors both inside your home or shop. 

  • Floor Tile Designs 

Many homeowners love the retro design of interlocking floor tiles for their garage, shop, or even kitchen floors. Black and white tiles have always been a favorite but there is no need to stick with tradition when there are numerous tile color combinations to pick from. Red and black, navy and white, black and orange are each fun and creative combos that will add a punch of color and style to your space. 

  • Neutral Tones 

Trowel Grade Epoxy

You can never go wrong with neutral or earthy tones in your decorating. One main benefit is that these gray, tan, brown, and khaki tones are classic and will never go out of style. They are also likely to coordinate well with any color of car you own now or will own in the future. 

  • Imitation Wood or Stone 

Flooring that imitates the natural look of wood or stone is becoming increasingly popular this year. Rather than deal with real wood planks or stones making up your home’s flooring, why not go for a unique and flowing option that is less expensive in labor and materials? You can imitate the grain of a large redwood or the elegant look of marble. You have endless possibilities to explore when it comes to epoxy flooring.

Conclusion 

If you are someone who has been contemplating investing in epoxy flooring but want to know more specifics, then give the experts at Epoxy Floor Pros a call or click here to get your free estimate. We have installed hundreds of epoxy floors and are up-to-date on all the latest style options and trends. We will answer all your questions and can make your dream of epoxy flooring become a reality.

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