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 first step is to ensure the concrete floors are structurally sound. Your epoxy floor coating needs a structurally sound home. A reliable contractor will take steps to test the flooring. A water vapour transmission test is one of the most common steps as too much water will impact the adherence of the coat.
Before You Coat The Floors
Now that you handled the early surface preparations, you need to take concrete steps to ensure the surface is in tiptop condition.
- Clean
Before you add any floor finish, you should take steps to clean your concrete surface. Sweep up, grab a vacuum, and remove any dust, dirt, and debris that may be present. You should also take steps to clean any oil stains as this can impact the adherence of your new flooring.
- Diamond Grind
Unlike painting the floor, epoxy needs to penetrate so it can bond and adhere properly. Before that works, however, epoxy needs an even surface. This process reduces the concrete's porosity to allow for the epoxy to properly soak into the surface. Even if your concrete floor is newly prepared, you still need to prepare the surface correctly. Yes, it's fresh, stainless, and completely clean, but it needs to be roughened up to expose the pores to allow the epoxy to bond properly.
When it comes to resinous flooring, there are three options – diamond grinding, shot blasting, or acid etching. Everyone is different, but typically, we view diamond grinding as a more suitable solution versus acid etching.
Though acid etching is the simplest tactic for DIYers, provided you follow the instructions, the acid has to run off somewhere and it's generally down a drain. Acid etching requires the use of acid to lift the top layer of the flooring. It's more than sufficient for a DIY project or if you are dealing with new concrete. What acid etching can't do, however, is remove common stains, glues, mastics or caulks. So, if you have any of these substances on your floor, you need to clean it properly before you proceed with the coating. Once the etching is complete, you need to fully clean the floor after. The process leaves a dust film that will clog the pores and result in coating failure. If you do not dispose of the acid properly it can damage grass and landscapes.
By comparison, diamond grinding gives a much better surface for the floor's coating to stick to. Many DIYers will choose to hire an all-purpose diamond grinder, which is not suitable for every job. The grind lifts the smooth layer from the top of the concrete to expose the porous layer beneath. It is easier to control the surface profile with a diamond grinder. It also ensures consistency. If diamond grinding is not handled properly it can leave gouge marks and cause uneven areas. A professional will ensure a well-profiled surface.
Shot blasting is a much quicker process than diamond grinding and does produce a smooth surface. The safer option is to enlist professionals to handle your floor finish and everything that comes with it.
- On The Level
You will need to ensure your floor is flat and level. Those are two very different things, but you achieve them in concert with each other. It can be an expensive step in the process, but it is the best way to get great results.
- Patchwork
If your concrete flooring has gaps, cracks, and holes there is no need to worry. You can patch all of these with the right product. Often, these will set just as hard as concrete. So, there is no need to concern yourself about the cracks or gaps – the patchwork will hold, and the epoxy coating will cover them just like it does the rest of the flooring. As long as you use the right product for the type of flooring you are working with and the coating you chose, these will not impact the quality of your flooring.
Sydney Epoxy Floors Can Help
At Sydney Epoxy Floors, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to prepare your floors for their new coating. Once we prepare the floor, we can lay your coating as well to ensure you get to enjoy your new floor for as long as possible. Reach out to Sydney Epoxy Floors today to learn more about how we can help you.