Copyright (c) 2010 Nadine Davis

For many people, epoxy flooring is a bit of a mystery. They really do not understand how epoxy flooring works. For this reason, they may choose expensive flooring products that are time consuming to install. Fortunately, epoxy flooring is actually very easy to understand, and its application is simple. Additionally, epoxy flooring is affordable and can be used in a variety of applications. Epoxy flooring is an excellent flooring idea for outdoor areas and patios, offices, warehouses, garages, and walkways. Epoxy flooring can beautify any concrete floor and give new life to any room. Epoxy flooring is ideal for businesses, homes, and even schools.

What is an Epoxy?

First, it will be important to understand what epoxies are. Epoxies are polymer materials that through a chemical reaction are converted from liquids to solids. Polymers can occur naturally, but there are also many man-made polymers. Items containing polymers with which most people will be familiar include things such as: adhesives, coatings, electrical devices, packaging materials, and new high-tech ceramics. Epoxies that are polymer based have several unique characteristics. These materials are mechanically strong, highly adhesive, and excellent insulators. They are also chemically resistant to degradation, and they are heat resistant as well. Epoxy systems, such as epoxy flooring, can be formulated from a range of various, basic epoxy chemicals. Epoxies are made of two components. These components are hardeners and resins. It's when these components are combined in epoxy flooring that a flexible solid is created. This is what evenly coats and makes beautiful the seamless floors.

How is Epoxy Flooring Applied?

Next, individuals need to have knowledge of the basics of applying epoxy floor coatings to concrete flooring. The first step to applying epoxy flooring is to prep and wash the area to which the epoxy will be applied. If the concrete is bare or new, the next step will be etching the floor using an etching solution. After the floor has been etched, the epoxy paint will need to be mixed. Once this is completed, paintbrushes and rollers may be used to apply the epoxy to the floor. Colour flakes may be used to give the floor a unique feel. After the flakes have been applied, the top coat will need to be prepared. Using a roller, the top coat will need to be applied to the floor. For individuals and business owners who do not quite feel comfortable in doing the application of epoxy floors themselves, or in reality just don't have the time to do it, calling an epoxy floor specialist can be the best course of action.