Why wouldn’t I just install a
store bought epoxy product?
Store bought epoxy is completely water based. When a water
based epoxy is applied to bare concrete the concrete absorbs the
water while separating from the epoxy resin. Solvent based
epoxy primers holds onto the epoxy resin while the concrete is
absorbing the solvent liquid allowing for the resin to embed itself
onto a properly prepared surface. Adhesion is the number one
reason. The next is durability. If you do use a store
bought epoxy at least use a urethane top coat. However, only
water based urethane is offered and the durability on that material
is very poor. Can't compare the two epoxies. Do you
homework before purchasing, ask around to those who bought big box
store epoxy, then see them in a year from now. It is a lot of
work to prepare your floor, make sure you make a wise decision.
I have some small cracks and pits in my floor. What do you
do with them?
Clean the cracks out very well then fill with either AD808 or
AD819. Read data sheets for details. Both can be coated
over. If it is a hairline crack then most will be covered with a
flake flooring system.
Why does epoxy floors peel?
It is often difficult to say exactly why a
coating on a cement slab will fail (not stick, peel, blister, etc).
The store bought packages fail mainly because
the epoxy is simply water based paint. Despite what the label on
the box says, hot tire peel will almost always happen. Their
paint just goes onto the floor and dries with little no no mechanical
adhesion. Priming offers the best chance for adhesion and
reduce occurrences of air
bubbles. AD134 is a great epoxy primer. The
solvent (xylene) in AD134 helps adhere because as the epoxy is drying
the concrete is absorbing the xylene out of the epoxy pulling
the solids (resin) material down allowing the epoxy resin to embed
itself into the concrete. Water based products work the same way
except water evaporates quicker than solvents which means there is
less opportunity for the bonding process to take place. That is
true for absorption rate as well. Concrete is absorbing the
water at a faster rate, again lessening the opportunity to benefit
from the bonding process.
Poor preparation is above the number reason.
Below are reasons as well.
1) a layer of dust or dirt or the surface,
2) vapor pressure and or water flow within the
porous concrete itself before, during, or after the coating has been
applied.
3) too smooth, oily or waxy a surface (from
previous coatings or contaminants),
4) a damp surface,
5) surface salts or ions that are already
present or forming/collecting (can be from surface waters,
contaminants or from the concrete itself).
Is the epoxy floor very strong, what can damage it?
Yes, an epoxy floor is very strong and durable, but it can still
be damaged mechanically or if the substrate (concrete underneath)
were to be damaged. For example, if a heavy object like a sledge
hammer were to be dropped on it or if you were to drag a heavy table
with steel legs across it. An epoxy floor can be scratched just like
regular concrete can be scratched. An epoxy floor will be very
durable and last for years looking beautiful with reasonable care.
Why might I choose a flake color over a solid color?
A major advantage of the flake system is that it does a good job
hiding minor imperfections in the concrete. Since each flake color
pattern incorporates many colors; you can select one that will go
best with your décor and/or siding and window colors.
How do I clean my new epoxy floor?
For a light cleaning just use a broom, dust mop, or leaf blower.
Simple ammonia water applied with a mop works great for a deeper
cleaning.
You’ll want to stay away from soaps because these
leave a film, which, when wet, become very slippery.
How long does a typical installation take?
Most installations can be completed within 1 to 3 days depending
on the coating system used.
How long do I have to wait before I can walk or drive on
the surface?
Depending on the time of year and temperature, you can normally
walk on surface within 24 – 48 hours and drive on surface within 3
to 5 days.
Can this be used outdoors as well as indoors?
Yes; outdoor patios, sidewalks, breezeways, porches, and steps.
Is the floor slippery?
A flake system floor gives a texture feel to it and is normally
no more slippery than regular concrete when wet. If you have a
concern about slippage, add up to one pint of ADHWS per gallon of
urethane top coat. Also, urethane in itself has a non-skid
feel compared to epoxy, which is one benefit of top coating
with urethane.
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