Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring is a versatile flooring system that can bring a variety of benefits to home and business owners. This durable floor coating can be fully customized to suit any design needs!
If you’re considering installing an epoxy flooring system, it’s vital that you understand the different types of epoxy flooring and their uses.
In the short article below, we’ll cover these types and how they affect your space. Continue reading to learn more!
What is Epoxy Flooring?
Before we get into the epoxy types, you should understand what epoxy flooring is. Epoxy flooring is a resinous flooring system that consists of an epoxy primer and is finished with a clear epoxy topcoat. The primer is what gives your floor its colors or patterns, and the clear topcoat protects the entire floor while adding a glossy finish.
The Different Types of Epoxy Flooring
100% Solids Epoxy
100% solids epoxy is the most durable and long-lasting type of epoxy on the market. When you see professional epoxy flooring, this is the type of epoxy they’re using. 100% solids epoxy can last for 25 years or more when properly installed and maintained. These flooring systems can handle heavy foot and vehicle traffic, abrasion, chemicals, and much more without the fear of damage. A 100% solids epoxy floor is typically around two millimeters thick. This is the highest quality epoxy flooring system that you can have installed.
Water-based Epoxy
Water-based epoxy is typically used more often as a primer and sealer as it is much thinner than 100% solids, nor does it have the same durability or longevity. This is the type of epoxy that you can find in any DIY epoxy flooring kit found in Big Box stores as it’s more user-friendly than 100% solids. Water-based epoxy is closer to an epoxy paint that can seal your concrete and give it a smooth, glossy finish with some protective qualities that combat stains, abrasions, and some chemicals. However, water-based epoxy floors do not last as long as 100% solids, so it can be challenging to take advantage of these benefits before the coating wears out. The main advantage of water-based epoxy is the lower installation cost.
Solvent-based Epoxy
Solvent-based epoxy floors are made using various solvents instead of water or 100% solids. This epoxy type is similar to water-based in that it’s thinner than 100% solids and is typically only used as a sealer or primer. Solvent-based epoxies are being used less and less today, though, only because they use solvents in their mixture. These solvents are usually non-compliant with the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) regulations. Out of the three types of epoxy flooring, solvent-based is the only one that is slowly being factored out of regular use.
Finishing Up
Having an epoxy floor installed is an excellent investment for any home or business! It’s crucial that you understand the types of epoxy so that you can make the right choice for your space. If you want professional-grade epoxy flooring, 100% solids epoxy will always be the best choice. This epoxy type provides the most benefits and is the most cost-efficient long term.