Understanding Epoxy Flooring
Choose the right epoxy system for your application.
- Water-Based Easy application, good for light traffic.
- Solvent-Based Better adhesion, moderate durability.
- 100% Solid Maximum durability, no VOCs.
- Metallic Decorative finish, unique appearance.
Design Considerations
Traffic
Consider usage intensity.
Chemical
Check resistance needs.
Moisture
Test substrate condition.
Aesthetics
Choose finish options.
Preparation Guide
- Basic Prep Clean and etch surface.
- Medium Prep Diamond grinding, patch repairs.
- Heavy Prep Major repairs, leveling.
- Testing Moisture and adhesion tests.
Application Tips
- Temperature Monitor application conditions.
- Mixing Follow ratios exactly.
- Timing Watch recoat windows.
- Protection Allow proper cure time.
Material Science
- Epoxy Properties Compressive strength: 10,000-15,000 psi. Tensile strength: 3,000-5,000 psi. Bond strength: >400 psi. Shore D hardness: 78-85. Impact resistance: 160 in·lbs.
- Chemical Composition Solids content: 98-100%. VOC content: <50 g/L. Mix ratio: 2:1-4:1. Pot life: 20-40 min. Cure time: 24-72 hrs. Full chemical cure: 5-7 days.
- Performance Metrics Abrasion resistance: CS-17, <100mg loss. Chemical resistance: pH 3-12. UV stability: amber/non-yellowing. Slip resistance: >0.6 COF. Thermal shock: -40 to +140°F.
Installation Requirements
- Surface Preparation CSP profile: 2-4. Moisture content: <4%. Tensile strength: >200 psi. pH range: 7-9. Surface temperature: 50-90°F. RH: <80%.
- Application Methods Coverage rate: 100-200 ft²/gal. Film thickness: 8-30 mils. Recoat window: 12-24 hrs. Edge termination: keyed/ramped. Joint treatment: flexible/rigid.
- Environmental Controls Ambient temperature: 60-85°F. Dew point spread: >5°F. Ventilation: 6-8 air changes/hr. Dust control: negative pressure. Light level: >50 fc.
Cost Factors
- Material Costs Primer: $0.50-1.00/ft². Base coat: $2.00-4.00/ft². Topcoat: $1.00-2.00/ft². Aggregate: $0.25-0.50/ft². Joints/coves: $8-15/lf.
- Labor Components Surface prep: 30-40%. Application: 40-50%. Details: 10-15%. Protection: 5-10%. Productivity: 500-1000 ft²/day/crew.
- Project Variables Floor condition: 1.1-1.5×. Complexity: 1.2-1.8×. Access: 1.1-1.3×. Schedule: ±20%. Regional factors: 0.8-1.4×. Volume discount: 5-15%.
Quality Control
- Testing Requirements Moisture vapor: <3 lbs/1000ft²/24hrs. Pull-off strength: >250 psi. Film thickness: ±2 mils. Holiday detection: 100V/mil. Gloss: 85-95 at 60°.
- Inspection Points Surface prep: CSP verification. Primer: wet film thickness. Base coat: coverage/bubbles. Broadcast: uniformity. Top coat: finish/texture.
- Documentation Material certs: batch numbers. Environmental logs: hourly. Test results: per 1000ft². Photos: each phase. Warranty: 1-10 years.