Epoxy floors are easy to maintain, stand up to a variety of chemicals including solvents and acids, and do not crack or chip easily. No wonder epoxy systems are widely used in construction projects around the world.
Here is a step-by-step guide when it comes to applying epoxy floor coating near you to your concrete floor so that you can have an idea of the process that professionals go through.
Clean Your Floor
Clean your floor thoroughly and be sure to remove hardened debris with a flat-edged shovel or scraper. Once you have got rid of debris, vacuum the floor and prepare a cleaning or degreasing solution. Pour the solution on any grease or oil stains and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush.
Wet the Floor
Use a garden hose to wet the entire floor with water. To get rid of embedded dirt and debris, clean the entire floor with a power scrubber with a brush attachment. Scrub areas that the machine can’t reach, such as along the walls and the corners with a stiff-bristle brush.
After cleaning the floor, pour soapy water into a central area with a squeegee. Use a wet-dry- vacuum to remove any remaining dirt and dust.
Prepare Acid-Etching Mixture
Before starting to prepare acid-etching mixture, put on a vapor respirator. To create acid-etching solution, mix four parts water to one part of muriatic acid in a watering can made from an acid-resistant substance. Add acid to water and not the other way around or the water may splash up and cause injuries. Sprinkle the solution evenly over the area.
Scrub and Etch the Area
Power-scrub the area thoroughly. Repeat the sprinkling and scrubbing process until your entire floor is acid-etched. Rinse your floor to get rid of acid residue and allow the floor to dry.
Prepare Epoxy Coating
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mix the two epoxy solutions with a drill and stirrer. Pour the mixture into another bucket and power-mix the paint once more. This is an effective way to ensure complete blending and minimize any impurities.
Apply Along Perimeter
Tape the area directly beneath your garage door and your entire work area. Apply a four-inch strip of epoxy against the duct tape and along the walls.
Apply Epoxy
Paint the floor with a 9-inch roller with a medium nap. Make sure only the bottom half of the roller is covered with epoxy. Working in a 4 square foot area, apply epoxy to the floor in a ‘W’ pattern. Backroll to remove any roller marks. The edge should remain wet as you move from one section to another.
Apply a Second Coat
After the first coat of epoxy has dried, apply a second coat. If you want to add color flakes, scatter them lightly while your floor is still wet to make sure that they fully adhere.
Applying an epoxy coating to a floor requires skills, it isn’t your typical DIY project and is best left to the experts. At Mike Chavez Painting, we have the know-how and experience to make sure that your epoxy flooring project is done quickly and correctly. To discuss your project with an expert, call (707) 623-5850.