Epoxy coating is a mix of two main components i.e., polymer resins and hardeners.   

When the epoxy is applied to the concrete floor, it creates a smooth and shiny surface that brightens up the space. The durable and visually stunning finish of epoxy makes it suitable for all applications such as residential and commercial.  

If you are looking for suitable floor types for your home or office, epoxy should be on the top of your list.  

It is quite impervious to most chemicals and possesses antimicrobial properties.  

Epoxy can also mimic the elegant feel of marble while maintaining the durability intact.  

Understanding Epoxy Floor Coatings 

Epoxy coat can be divided into three types such as:  

• Solvent-based 

• Water-based  
• 100% solid epoxy 

Now, you can also find pre-tinted or metallic coatings.  

The solvent-based epoxy is the oldest. It is a mix of resin with high concentration of solvent-based hardener.  

When epoxy is left to evaporate after application, mixed resin and hardener generate toxic vapours of ammonia and carbon monoxide. To protect yourself from the fumes, it is good to wear a respirator during and after the application. 

Water-Based Epoxy  

It gives a glossy finish just as the solvent-based epoxy but is soluble. So, it does not need any solvent hardener. It also does not leave any harmful fumes but creates a non-toxic, sturdy and waterproof surface.  

Solid Epoxy 

This is 100% solid epoxy which requires to be mixed with water or solvent. It is also more resistant to abrasion and chemicals. But, just because of its viscosity, you cannot apply it in thin coats. It dries really quickly so you need to work fast while using it. It is always better to hire a professional epoxy flooring service provider to handle such epoxy paint. 

Metallic Epoxy Floor 

At last, comes the metallic epoxy floor coating. It is a multi-layer coating system which contains a metallic addictive.  

The metallic pigments are spread using a brush or a roller and then those are twisted and turned to get a swirling effect.  

Pros and Cons of Epoxy Flooring 

If epoxy has its benefits, it also has some cons. 

To know if epoxy floor is right for you or not, here is a quick overview of its advantages and disadvantages. 

• Aesthetics 

The glossy finish of epoxy makes it exceptionally appealing. You can even experiment with a number of colours to complement the design of the rest of the house you are applying epoxy to.   

• Resistant 

Epoxy flooring is as difficult as it gets. It is resistant to gas, oil, bleach and other chemicals. You do not have to worry about staining them in case you spill some drops of oil in the garage. Epoxy is also resistant to bacteria and germs, making it easy to clean and maintain. It is for these reasons that you will usually find epoxy floors in hospitals and other medical areas.  

• Longevity 

When applied accurately, epoxy floor lasts decades without even cracking or peeling. Epoxy lives long, that is the reason these are also used in garages.  Epoxy is strong enough to endure heavy traffic.  

• Semi-Permanent 

Epoxy’s longevity is a blessing as well as a curse. Removing and updating the epoxy coat is labor-intensive and a costly procedure.   

Epoxy Flooring Application 

Before you decide to have the epoxy floor, make sure you are aware of its application process. Applying epoxy on a concrete floor needs thorough preparation.  

Being patient is the key while cleaning the concrete surface to ensure that the paint adheres to it well. 

Prepare Materials 

You can also go for a Do-It-Yourself epoxy flooring kit which includes a primer, epoxy and decorative flakes. Here is the list of all the products and tools that you would require to buy materials individually.  

• Two-part epoxy paint 
• Buckets 

• Cleaning or degreasing solutions 
• Rubber gloves 
• Respirator 
• Rubber boots/ spiked shoes 
• 32% muriatic acid 

• Hand grinder or scraper 
• Concrete fillers (if there are cracks) 
• Wet-dry vacuum 
• Paintbrushes 
• Stiff-bristle brush 

• Power scrubber with a brush attachment 
• Duct tape 
• 9-inch paint roller 

DIY Epoxy Flooring Application Process 

1. A hand grinder or a scraper is used to smoothen the concrete floor surfaces. Sweep or vacuum the dust away. 

2. Fill in the cracks and imperfections. Get rid of the dust.  

3. Spray water on the floor. Then, use a power scrubber and a degreasing solution for cleaning. Use a brush to scrub corners that the machine will not be able to touch. Use a wet-dry vacuum to clean. 

4. Sprinkle the acid mixture over the area and scrub it for 10 minutes with a long-handled brush. Once you are done, rinse three times to ensure the acid has vanished. 

5. Wait overnight to see the dry surface.  

6. Mix epoxy and solvent or water as per the manufacturer’s instructions.  

7. Pour epoxy solution into a second bucket to ensure that the liquids are incorporated properly.  

8. Apply duct tape directly beneath the perimeter and the door.  

9. Use a hand brush to line the borders with epoxy. 

10. Paint the rest of the area with a roller.  

11. Once your first coat gets dried up, apply a second coat. Apply anti-slip coatings or some flake epoxy chips, if required. 

12. Paint the bottom 4 inches of your wall. This will be your protective base.  

Hire an Epoxy Professional 

If scrubbing and painting is not really your kind of thing, then be wise and hire a professional epoxy flooring service provider in Melbourne. You can contact Tuff Build epoxy flooring contractors.  

6 Epoxy Flooring Ideas 

• Use in the Kitchen 

If you are worried about staining tiles with spaghetti sauce, then the epoxy floor is the solution. It is resistant to most materials; therefore, making it easy for you to clean and mop the kitchen area.  

• Go With the Basics 

You do not have to go with the decorative epoxy all the time. The least expensive grey finish is good enough for a garage.  

• Anti-Slip Bathrooms 

Cleaning a bathroom will be a breeze for you if you get epoxy floor. But make sure you use anti-slip additives for a safer surface.  

• Emulate Marble Flooring 

There is no need to pay top dollars to get an elegant and luxurious feel of the marble. Use a metallic epoxy coat for the floor in your living room, and you will be good to go. 

• Keep it Simple 

Grey epoxy coats can also work even inside the house. Pair it with exposed brick and get the modern industrial look. 

• Step on Lava 

Mix red with other colours and you will get an otherworldly lava-like finish. 

Choose Epoxy for Your House! 

While epoxy coats were traditionally used for garages and basements, new types of epoxies can now be used for other rooms as well in your homes, bathrooms and kitchen area. Instead of limiting your options to tiles, timber or other traditional materials, try something new and unique. Once the epoxy coat dries, you will impress your guests with a stunning, glass-like finish.  

To get an epoxy floor, contact Tuff Build, the best epoxy flooring service provider in Melbourne.