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