What is epoxy floor coating?
Epoxy is a system comprised of both resins and hardeners. Once these two components are mixed together, triggering a chemical reaction, resulting in a robust and rigid plastic surface that binds well to the floor’s substrate. Epoxy floor coating is typically applied to concrete, but can be applied to other types such as VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile), wood, and tile to name a few.
An epoxy floor coating requires the application of multiple layers of epoxy. Thinner coatings cost less, but they will likely be a smoother, and thus more slippery. They will also show imperfections in the floor. The opposite is true for thicker coatings. Imperfections will be smoothed out, while the floor won’t be as slippery.
More benefits to epoxy flooring
Epoxy floors are long-lasting and extremely durable, able to take the punishment of daily heavy machinery traffic, variable temperatures, chemical abrasion, and constant cleaning and maintenance. Since epoxy floors are non-porous, contaminants like dirt and mold won’t be able to settle in. This allows maintenance crews to use normal cleaning devices and solutions to keep the epoxy floor in good shape. Despite its durability, maintenance is key to a long-lasting, durable epoxy floor.
Another big upside to epoxy flooring is its established reputation for safety. Epoxy floors aren’t slippery, and various non-slip coatings and textured finishes, like flakes and colored aggregates, can be added to make them even safer. Other aggregates that can be added to the epoxy floor include polypropylene or aluminum oxide, quartz, and silica flour.
Epoxy floors also look great. Aside from its functionality they are not adding highly aesthetic upgrades for commercial businesses. Style might not matter to a food processing plant, but a modern restaurant owner might love the look of epoxy floors. And even the grittiest industrial factories will want to look their best for investors, business partners, inspectors, and others visitors. Epoxy floors can make your business stand out.
Once an industrial or commercial customers contacts for proposed work, we conduct a comprehensive inspection of the structure’s space. Of particular interest to us are the high-traffic pedestrian areas, and any spaces or areas that accumulate grease, oil, bacteria, fungus or other contaminants (Enemy #1 for food service and pharmaceutical plants). After inspection, Lakeside Painting’s paint professionals prep the concrete floors by removing old surfaces and shot-blasting and/or diamond grinding the surface to ensure proper adhesion. This is followed up with a wide range of epoxy coatings, giving the surface a brilliant and strong finish. We can also add grit or texture to the coating in wet areas or any surfaces which accumulate oil and grease; thus ensuring employee safety.
Epoxy surface preparation and application
The number one secret to success is preparation. Spending a little extra time ensuing things are done correctly will make a world of difference.
The best methods for preparing concrete for epoxy coatings are shot-blasting and/or diamond grinding. These methods remove of latent, deteriorated concrete and contaminants from the floor surface. Getting down to sound, clean concrete, which allows the first and most important coat to penetrate deep into the concrete. Creating the bond that makes the coating stay down and last.
Most coating failures are directly linked to improper preparations. Other common failures are due to oil and/or moisture intrusion into the concrete slab. Oil intrusion is easy to recognize as it leaves visible stains. Proper cleaning and shot-blasting, along with the use of specific oil-tolerable primers, are recommended for heavily oil-contaminated areas. Moisture can be a hidden problem requiring tests to determine its presence.
Types of Epoxy Floor Coatings
- ArmorSeal
- Tnemec
- Insulating Epoxy Coatings
- Hi-build Epoxy
- Fiberglass Reinforced Epoxy
- 100% Solids Epoxy
- Water-Repellant Epoxies
- Antimicrobial Flooring
- Thermal-Shock Resistant Coatings
- Anti-slip Safety Flooring
- Chemical Resistant Coatings
What businesses can benefit from epoxy floors?
- Commercial Retail Stores
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Energy Facilities
- Hospitals
- Food Processing Plants
- Agricultural Facilities
- Restaurants
- Warehouses
- Breweries
- Auto Dealers
- Auto Repair Shops
- Garages
- Parking Structures
- Sports Stadiums & Facilities
- University Research Facilities
- Conference Centers
- Airports
- Commercial Kitchens
- Cafeterias
With hundreds of uses in thousands of applications, epoxy coatings are a common service in the field of commercial painting. JMA Painters provides epoxy coatings for a wide variety of situations. We have the product expertise that will ensure you get the right coating for your specific application, and we will make sure it is installed correctly for maximum performance.
When you need epoxy coatings installed in your commercial facility, you need a contractor with the skills, experience and management to do it efficiently and correctly. JMA Painters will work whatever hours are necessary to minimize your downtime and get your coatings installed quickly.
For excellent commercial painting services and epoxy coating installations, JMA is a company you can trust. Our thorough training, extensive experience and dedication to personalized service make us the commercial painting contractor to call in Louisiana.