What Is an Epoxy Flake Flooring System?
Epoxy flooring offers a combination of durability and ease of maintenance that can’t be beat, making it a popular choice for many types of spaces. For some, traditional epoxy doesn’t have the aesthetic appeal they’re looking for. That is where an epoxy flake flooring system comes in. These systems have all of the benefits of epoxy, combined with the beauty of a less-durable option. It’s the best of both!
An epoxy flake flooring system is a highly durable, chemical resistant, decorative floor coating system. Epoxy flake flooring systems can be used for any type of residential or commercial flooring where color customization is wanted or required , and added slip resistance is desired. These systems utilize a multiple layer approach, with a base coat, decorative flakes, and a quality top coat to protect the underlying layers. We’ll dive into what each of these layers include and the importance of each later on.
An epoxy flake flooring system is an ideal application for:
- Kitchens
- Residential garages
- Commercial/industrial facilities
- Medical offices
- Manufacturing plants
- Schools
- Locker rooms
- Laboratories
- Showrooms
4 Benefits of an Epoxy Flake Flooring System
There are several reasons to opt for an epoxy flake flooring system, even above other epoxy flooring options. A few key considerations to keep in mind include:
#1 They’re Durable
Epoxy flake flooring systems are extremely durable, rivaling the less-decorated traditional epoxy options. You don’t need to sacrifice the durability and high level of UV resistance you need in order to get the pigmentation you want. As well, it provides superior chemical, abrasion, and stain resistance. The result of its improved load bearing capabilities is - ultimately - an extended concrete floor lifespan. A longer lifespan translates to less money spent on future repairs and replacements, putting savings back into your budget.
#2 They’re Safe
The flakes provide a textured surface that increases the slip resistance and safety on the floors. They are resistant to chemicals, oils, and other substances, making them ideal for use in areas where these substances are present. Despite the fact that they look shiny and slippery, they are not. This makes them a great option for wet areas prone to spills. Epoxy flake flooring systems are wax free, which also means they are very easy to upkeep with soap and water.
#3 They’re Quiet
This type of flooring doesn’t just protect you from accidental falls, but from loud noises as well. Many of the places epoxy is laid are excessively noisy, like warehouses and commercial kitchens. The last thing these environments need is squeaking shoes and clamorous wheels. Epoxy flake flooring systems provide a seamless and flexible surface that deadens the noise of foot traffic and carts.
#4 They Look Fantastic
They look downright awesome! Selecting this flooring option allows you to create a unique and attractive look for their space. Epoxy flake flooring systems are highly customizable with hundreds of color blends and pre blended options. You can select an epoxy floor that is blue, black and white, shades of brown, or even Raging Red. There are so many epoxy colors and flake styles from which to choose, the hardest part of your ordering process is sure to be selecting only one!
Epoxy Flooring Color Pattern Options:
- Crushed granite epoxy flakes in various colors
- Black epoxy
- Metallic epoxy colors
Building an Epoxy Flake Flooring System in 3 Steps
Step #1 The Base Coat
As all epoxy flooring systems begin with, epoxy flake flooring systems start with a base coat. A quality basecoat is crucial in the process, as this first coat is going to bond with the floor and create a solid foundation for which the system builds upon.
For our Floorguard Platinum flake system we use our 100% solids epoxy HyperBOND. Our Floorguard HyperBOND is an excellent choice for your base coat as it is extremely durable, has superior bonding characteristics, is impact resistant, and can withstand up to nine pounds of hydrostatic pressure. Our HyperBOND has no solvent odors and therefore can be used in occupied areas.
Step #2 Enhancing With Paint Aggregates
Polymer flakes, vinyl color chips, or flakes are specially formulated paint aggregates used to enhance epoxy resin based flooring systems. These polymer flakes or chips are random in size and shape but mostly standardized in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch size. These flakes are usually sold in unique color blends. However, they can also be purchased in customizable color schemes. These unique color blends are utilized to help create a highly customizable, decorative floor. Once the epoxy base coat is applied, the flakes are disbursed by hand to create a “broadcast.”
The term broadcast refers to the amount of flakes that the installer puts onto the base coat to achieve the desired texture. There are different levels of broadcast, and it is important to understand which type of broadcast you prefer. The goal of a full broadcast is to throw down enough flake coverage on the floor that the epoxy base coat is entirely covered and there is nothing left for the flakes to stick to.
A full flake broadcast is dispersed evenly over the wet base coat surface and when first introduced to the epoxy will float on top of the epoxy and might make it appear to be uneven. The flake eventually settles in and spreads out evenly, sticking to their final resting place. Our Floorguard Platinum flake system utilizes a full flake broadcast system with our 1/4 inch polymer flake or our 1/8 quartz flake product. For our 1/4 inch, a full broadcast is six square feet per pound of flake. For our 1/8 inch quartz flake, which is a much finer material, a full broadcast is 50 pounds per 100 square feet. A partial or random flake broadcast is usually randomly scattered flake, which does not provide the same protection attributes as a full broadcast system and is mainly used for decorative purposes. A random broadcast will use much less flake, typically about 25-250 square feet per pound of flake.
Step #3 The Topcoat
The topcoat is the last step in the process. It is very important, as it seals and protects the flake that has bonded to the basecoat. The best topcoat available on the market today is Polyaspartic coating. Our Floorguard Aspartic85 Slow Go coating allows exceptional working time, provides superior chemical and abrasion resistance, and is UV stable. If the flooring system being installed is indoors or in another type of confined space, our Floorguard Aspartic85 Slow Go Low Odor option would be a great choice. This has all of the same great benefits and qualities as the Aspartic85 Slow Go but has nearly zero volatile organic compounds, rendering it nearly odorless. This top coating will increase the durability and lifespan of the flooring system, while adding a nice gloss shine to the textured floor.
With any additional questions regarding an epoxy flake flooring system or to order your needed epoxy, contact the team at Epoxy Floor Supply Company. We can also be reached directly by phone at 1-(239)-344-9228.