When it comes to Commercial Grade floor coatings, the options are numerous. Consulting with an experienced Commercial Painter to learn what your options are and understanding the differences and benefits of each choice can aid you in making an informed decision on which coating will work best for your flooring type. Below we explore some of the different options. The focus for this post is epoxy floor coatings.
- Industrial Grade Epoxy Floor Coatings
- Polyurethane Coatings
- Hard Tile Ceramic Flooring
- Polished Concrete
- Stained Concrete
- Vinyl
- Hardwood
- Laminates
- Rubber
How to Choose the Best Floor Coating:
While there are many flooring options, our focus for today will be on industrial grade Epoxy floor coatings. When it comes to choosing new flooring systems for industrial use or outdoor surfaces, epoxy resin flooring truly stands out from other flooring options for many reasons. Epoxy flooring, also known as resinous flooring, is highly durable, customizable, sustainable, and decorative for any surface. What appeals most to epoxy flooring is its resistance to high levels of wear and tear, making it the most long-lasting flooring options. If you are considering epoxy flooring, here is an explanation of what epoxy floors are made up of, the different types of epoxy resin, and where to use specific types of epoxy flooring systems.
“What is Epoxy?”
A primary aspect to industrial grade epoxy floor coatings is that it is chemically distinct from regular floor paints. Resinous flooring consists of a two-part epoxy system – a combination of polymer resins and hardeners, much like epoxy glue. When properly mixed, the epoxy resin and hardener react to one another resulting in a chemical bond with each compound and with the floor itself. The chemical bond creates a stiff plastic material that is durable, resistant to degradation, and bonds exceptionally well to its substrate.
“What is Epoxy Flooring?”
The most straightforward definition of epoxy flooring suggests a flooring surface that comprises multiple layers of epoxy that is applied to a floor with a depth of at least two millimetres. Confusion typically arises when comparing an epoxy floor and epoxy floor coating. The difference between the two lies in the depth of the epoxy – as stated, epoxy floors are classified as an epoxy coating of at least two millimetres thick. Any epoxy floor less than two millimetres thick is commonly referred to as an epoxy floor coating.
Types of Epoxy Flooring & Where To Apply Them:
Self-Leveling Epoxy Floors: self-leveling epoxy is utilized to apply over new, old, cracked, or damaged concrete floors to create a smooth, durable, and leveled texture on the surface of the floor. Self-leveling epoxy floors not only provide a shiny, seamless look but it comes in many different colors that appeal to commercial, industrial, and residential spaces.
- Where To Use Self-Leveling Epoxy Floors: manufacturing buildings, warehouses, showrooms, commercial garages, kitchens, athletic facilities, and more.
Epoxy Mortar Floors: This flooring option classifies as the most stringent epoxy floor system available for use. This epoxy floor is made up of 100% solid epoxies and graded or quartz sand. Mortar systems are ideal for spaces that require a floor that is highly chemically-resistant and can withstand a great deal of impact. This epoxy floor can be used to repair cracks before applying another type of epoxy floor.
- Where To Use Epoxy Mortar Floors: mechanical spaces, warehouses, commercial kitchens, restaurants, garages, manufacturing plants.
Quartz-Filled Epoxy Floors: Quartz epoxy flooring is a combination of a high-performance epoxy polymer resin and stained quartz grains. This epoxy should be utilized for decorative spaces that require sanitary and slip-resistant properties.
- Where to Use Quartz-Filled Epoxy Floors: locker rooms, restrooms, schools, cafeterias, lobbies, offices, showrooms, and more.
Anti-Static Epoxy Floors (Electro-static charge (ESD) Resistant Floors): ESD can be hazardous to many work environments. To reduce any static hazards in your spaces, anti-static epoxy floors can be applied. This epoxy floor typically holds a conductive compound that accumulates static electricity that dissipates any potential discharge. An anti-static solution is a highly recommended epoxy floor for spaces that contain flammable materials.
- Where to Use Anti-Static Epoxy Floors: electronic, chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, healthcare facilities, or any spaces that use flammable gases or liquids that bring a risk of combustible dust buildup.
Epoxy Flake Floors: This type of epoxy floor contains colored flake materials that are inserted in the epoxy to create a vibrant, multi-hued look. The flakes not only offer a seamless look but also provides each surface with subtle grooves to reduce any slips and falls. Epoxy flake floors come in an infinite variety of sizes, colors, styles, and textures that is customizable for any space.
- Where To Use Epoxy Flake Floors: locker rooms, sports venues, showrooms, clinics, commercial kitchens, and more.
Epoxy flooring is a versatile chemical solution that is practical, long-lasting, highly resistant to impact, and customizable for any space. Whether you need an elegant entrance to a restaurant or need an unyielding surface to withstand industrial work – there is an epoxy floor system right for your space. If your business is in need of commercial grade flooring contact JMA Commercial Painters today!