The metallic epoxy coating is gaining popularity for flooring in homes and offices to enhance aesthetic appeal. Epoxy floor coating is a mixture of resin and hardener that protects and revitalizes concrete floors in homes, offices, patios, and garages.
Epoxy coatings are rolled in various layers to create a seamless stretch that withstands moisture, grease, and chemicals. These coatings adhere firmly to concrete and do not chip or peel like standard floor paints.
There is no limit to the variety of toppings you can apply to concrete floorings; there is no limitation to design! However, for a perfect metallic epoxy floor, it is recommended to hire a team with professional skills and expertise to install and maintain epoxy floors. Let us show you how to install and maintain a metallic epoxy floor in an office.
Here are the steps to applying a metallic epoxy floor.
Get the Materials Ready
There are various tools and materials required for the installation of epoxy floors, and most professional epoxy installers know first-hand what is required to achieve the perfect floor. For DIYers, first, make a list of all the tools and materials you will need to install the type of epoxy flooring you desire. If you need help deciding what to buy, give us a call, and we will help you. Most of the time, you don't need to buy the tools when they are readily available for rent. Also, get sufficient metallic pigment to apply to the epoxy (yes, there is a perfect ratio and balance). You need as many metallic pigments as the number of colors you want for the flooring.
Grinding the Concrete Floor
Perform the surface preparation to bring a little roughness to the floor and creates a high surface energy substrate. The surface needs to be rough in order to make the epoxy stick properly. Grinding and sanding the concrete surface improves the binding of the epoxy material. Then remove the dust from the surface using a surface cleaning tool like a broom, brush, or vacuum cleaner. For information on the science of high surface energy, check out our other blog: Top 3 Epoxy Flooring Concerns You Must and Can Avoid.
Repair Cracks and Fissures
Cracks and fissures must first be repaired using a diamond disc tool, then fill either the crack or fissure with a filler. Some products for sale in the market are sold under the name of EPOXY 400A and its EPOXY400B catalyst.
Non-porous Area
Scarify the area with a manual scarifying machine equipped with an attachment for vacuuming dust to avoid the dispersion of concrete dust. Then, proceed to a total cleaning, leaving the area completely clear of dust, dirt, and grime.
Mix the Epoxy Product
Another point to consider before applying the epoxy substance is its proper combination, that is, following the manufacturer's instructions regarding the mixture of the elements. A resin usually comes together with a catalyst. Incorporate them for the necessary time to make the mixture homogeneous, using a Jiffy mod mixer. EN, for 2 to 5 gallons. Be careful when mixing that you do not add air and bubbles to the mixture.
Preparation of the Area To Receive The Epoxy
Delineate the application area by using masking tape and newspaper, protecting those areas where it is required. Remove these items only until the floor has cured 100%.
Sealing the Area to Receive the epoxy
Apply "one coat" of a sealing preparation (primer) in a ratio of 2 to 1 concerning the catalyst.
Application of the Epoxy Mixture in the Area
Pour the duly mixed epoxy substance on the surface and expand it either with a felt roller, a squeegee, or a squeegee with calipers on its ends. The use of this last tool is recommended because it will allow one to perform two tasks at one time. Expand the product and give it the required thickness depending on the type of use that will be given to the floor, that is, for industrial use (18 mm) or for light use such as offices (6 mm). These thicknesses are optional. After all, the thickness of the floor will be determined according to the floor and traffic requirements. For non-flat concrete areas, adding cab-o-sil will help thicken the epoxy to avoid running. TIP: when adding the cab-o-sil powder, use a sifter to avoid adding lumps to your epoxy.
Using a Spiked Roller for Epoxy Flooring Leveling and Smoothing
Once the epoxy product has been applied and expanded before the floor cures, it is important to roll it with a polypropylene spike roller to remove any trapped gases.
It is important to remember that when the substances of the epoxy product are integrated via mixing, in one way or another, we are adding air to the mixture.
Also, in mixing various substances, the combination of these leads to chemical reactions that lead to the generation of gases with different characteristics.
Both the air that we add to the mixture and the gases generated by the chemical reaction become trapped, and most of the time, they are not noticeable to the naked eye; only until the floor is cured do we notice these gases via the appearance of bulging areas or microbubbles in the finished floor.
How to Make the Epoxy Floor Non-skid
Once the epoxy substance has been poured, expanded, and rolled, it is time to add quartz sand according to the following grain sizes: extra fine, fine, and coarse.
It should be thrown directly into the epoxy substance that is not yet cured, randomly, but consistently and evenly. Allow the epoxy substance to cure. DO NOT roll with a nap roller or a spike roller, as this is not necessary and may damage the floor finish.
Another product that can be added is silica sand, followed by the process described above. Once you have "cured" the floor, then vacuum up any sand that has not been incorporated into the floor.
Allow the Epoxy Floor to Cure
Follow the manufacturers' product instructions on the epoxy products' labels. Give your new floor the necessary curing time to ensure a proper hardening of the epoxy material. Once the floor is cured, proceed to remove any tape and splash guards used to protect those areas where the application of the floor was not required.
How to Maintain an Epoxy floor
When it comes to maintaining and protecting epoxy floors, cleaning is the first and most important step. To clean your epoxy floor, you can sweep up or vacuum cleaner and wipe away the spills with a soft cloth. If the floor is soiled, mop it with a solution of ammonia and water. Mix half a cup of ammonia into a gallon of water and mop the floor with this solution to remove the dirt and debris completely.
Do not use acids, chemicals, or abrasive cleaning agents to clean metallic epoxy floors. They can damage the coating and shine of the flooring. The best and easiest way to clean them is to hose them down and dry them with a squeegee.
Conclusion
Metallic epoxy floors are very similar to your standard epoxy floor process with the additional mixing of pigments that bring out the fantastic colors of metallic floors. Overall, epoxy floors are very beautiful additions to a home, garage, or office setting. More often than not, professional epoxy installers understand how to prepare and lay epoxy flooring, but for DIYers, take note of the tips and tricks that will help you accomplish the job…like a pro.
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We are here to help answer your questions and offer guidance on selecting the best epoxy flooring materials and accessories. Contact us today for more information at (888) 713-3002.