Epoxy flooring systems have grown popular for a wide variety of reasons. An epoxy application is durable, easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing, and simple to install. It’s cost-effective, safe, and chemical resistant, and it holds up to commercial and industrial wear and tear. Once you have installed a correct epoxy floor coating, you don’t need to worry. The biggest challenge is in the floor preparation stage. Before you tackle your flooring solutions, you need to prepare the floor to ensure the finish lasts long-term.
Early Surface Preparations
The initial step involves verifying the structural integrity of the concrete floors. A solid foundation is crucial for your epoxy floor coating to thrive. A reputable contractor will conduct tests to assess the flooring’s condition. One of the most prevalent measures is a water vapor transmission test, as excessive moisture can compromise the adhesion of the coating.
Before You Coat The Floors
Now that you’ve completed the initial surface preparations, it’s time to ensure that the surface is in optimal condition.
- Cleaning:
Prior to applying any floor finish, it’s essential to thoroughly clean your concrete surface. Start by sweeping and vacuuming to remove any dust, dirt, and debris. Additionally, address any oil stains, as these can affect the adhesion of your new flooring. - Grinding:
Unlike painting the floor, epoxy requires proper penetration to bond effectively. To achieve this, the concrete surface needs to be even. Grinding serves to reduce the concrete’s porosity, allowing the epoxy to penetrate the surface adequately. Even if your concrete floor is freshly prepared and pristine, it still requires proper surface preparation. While it may appear clean and spotless, it needs to be roughened up to expose the pores, facilitating proper epoxy bonding.
In resinous flooring, there are three options: grinding, shot blasting, or acid etching. Although each method has its merits, grinding is generally favored over acid etching.
While acid etching is a straightforward approach for DIYers, it necessitates careful adherence to instructions. However, it’s worth noting that the acid runoff poses environmental concerns, potentially damaging grass and landscapes. Acid etching is suitable for new concrete but falls short when it comes to removing common stains, glues, mastics, or caulks. Therefore, thorough cleaning is imperative before proceeding with the coating. Following etching, the floor must be meticulously cleaned to remove any residual dust film that could impede coating adhesion and lead to failure.
In contrast, grinding provides a superior surface for the floor coating to adhere to. While many DIYers opt for all-purpose grinders, it’s essential to note that they may not be suitable for every job. Proper grinding lifts the smooth top layer of concrete, exposing the porous layer beneath. This method offers greater control over the surface profile and ensures consistency. However, improper handling of grinding can result in gouge marks and uneven areas. Hiring a professional ensures a well-profiled surface.
Shot blasting is a faster alternative to grinding and yields a smooth surface. However, enlisting professionals to handle your floor finish ensures a safer and more reliable outcome. - Achieving Floor Smoothness:
Ensuring your floor is both flat and level is crucial. While these two qualities differ, they complement each other when achieved simultaneously. Though this step may incur expenses, it yields optimal results. - Surface Repair:
Should your concrete flooring exhibit gaps, cracks, or holes, there’s no cause for concern. These imperfections can be effectively patched using suitable products. Often, these patches harden to a degree equivalent to concrete, ensuring their durability. Consequently, there’s no need to fret over cracks or gaps, as the patchwork will withstand and seamlessly integrate with the epoxy coating, maintaining the flooring’s overall quality. It’s essential to select the appropriate product for your flooring type and chosen coating to ensure successful results.
Jemkon Epoxy Flooring
At Jemkon, we possess the knowledge and expertise required to meticulously prepare your floors for their new coating. From thorough surface preparation to expertly applying the coating, we ensure that your flooring is set up for long-lasting enjoyment. Contact Jemkon today to discover how we can assist you further.