What Is Epoxy Coating and What Does It Do Exactly?
Epoxy coating is made up of two liquid substances which are epoxy resin and a hardener. When applied and left to settle, it creates a durable, waterproof and sometimes glossy finish. Some common applications include being applied on walls, ceilings, floors, and used in other industrial purposes. For example, after the application of epoxy coatings on floors, it creates a quality, smooth and long-lasting surface that is durable which allows it to take heavy impacts and weights. Another benefit of applying epoxy coating on floors is to provide a safe working or home environment for occupants.
However, there are four factors to be taken into consideration before you apply the epoxy coating.
- Surface Reliant
- The application of this chemical is reliant on the current surface of your premises. The flooring should be clean and slightly solvent absorbent as this is a requirement for the epoxy coating to stick to the surface. If your current flooring is sealed or polished, then this method of waterproofing will not work for you.
- Cure First then Prevent
- For the application of an epoxy coating to be effective on a concrete surface, it has to be cured first. What does curing mean? It means that you first have to clean, fill in holes and big gaps to ensure that your flooring has an even surface. Besides repairs, it is also important to ensure that there are no oily or greasy substances remaining before you apply the epoxy coating.
- Test Before You Apply
- When in doubt, always do prior testing before applying the epoxy coating. If it is not ready for the coating then you should make the adjustments accordingly. You can pour some water on the surface to see if your flooring is ready for the coating. If the water does not get absorbed into the floor but starts to gather as water beads, then it means that the flooring has a previous coating or is sealed. This is a clear indication that your flooring is not ready for the coating. However, if the water gradually gets absorbed into the flooring then you are good to go and can begin applying the epoxy coating.
- Final Considerations
- Right before you start applying the epoxy coating on your floor, it is recommended that the surrounding temperature is optimal as it can affect the outcome of the epoxy appearance. If the temperature is unsuitable, it can cause the epoxy to form bubbles, creating an uneven surface. Another side effect of applying epoxy at unsuitable temperature is the solution peeling of the surface. The last but very crucial important information is that the epoxy has an initial and final step process. The initial stage is mixing the epoxy resin and hardener, shortly after the final step process is to apply the coating before it hardens up. If you are still unsure or require professional help, a specialist waterproofing contractor can help and advise you accordingly.