Great Floorings For Your Alabama Garage - Epoxy Floorings

By Lifetime Epoxy Guest Author:  Martin Applebaum

Installing an epoxy floor is a labor intensive process that only should be undertaken by trained and skilled professionals. Epoxy floorings are floorings applied with layers of tough, long lasting coating called epoxy.  Epoxies are used to produce sparkling, clean and durable flooring. 

Also, it is applied to protect paint on the flooring from grease, oil and other substances.  However, not all floorings can hold epoxy coating.  So, before you apply epoxy on your flooring, you should assess first the condition of your concrete if it produces moisture or not.  Flooring that produces moisture usually destroy the ability of the epoxy to bond.  Hence, it is not suited for epoxy coating.   

Also, you must not apply epoxy coating if your flooring was applied with concrete sealer.  On the other hand, if you have a new slab, wait for at least a month for the flooring to be thoroughly dry prior to epoxy application.  And, if you have painted floors, the best option for you is to remove the old paint before applying any kind of epoxy.  In addition, you should also consider the air temperature in your garage.  For optimal epoxy drying, air temperature should be between 60 and 90 degrees with the minimum concrete temperature of 55 degrees F. 

The outcome of your epoxy flooring also depends on your planning and pre work.  Pre work involves oil spot removal, floor cleaning and degreasing, floor etching with mild acid, and floor scrubbing, vacuuming and rinsing.  If your floor has no cracks, you can immediately apply the first layer of epoxy.  However, if your floor has cracks, it is recommended that you fill the cracks first before applying the first layer of epoxy.  The second layer of epoxy is applied the day after. 

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​Another critical decision you should make is the type of epoxy you should use.  Epoxy floor coatings are tough resins, which are available into two separate parts.  There are three types of epoxy: 100 percent solids, solvent-based and water-based.  The first one mentioned on the list is almost pure epoxy.  It lacks solvent.  Hence, it is easily dried up and is difficult to handle. This kind of epoxy is better left to the experts. 
The solvent-based epoxy has 40-60 ratios, that is, 60 percent solid.  Experts usually prefer this type of epoxy because it penetrate and adheres well.  Also, solvent-based epoxies are available in a different range of colors.  However, solvent-based epoxies are too strong and might be hazardous. It is recommended that you use a properly fitted respirator while handling this type of epoxy.  Also, your garage should be well ventilated. 

Similar to solvent-based epoxy, water-based epoxies typically have 40-60 ratios.  The advantage of this type of epoxy is it is not hazardous and it is widely available.  Solvent-based and water-based epoxies should be applied in two coats to increase their durability and life span.  The price of all epoxies depends on the amount of epoxy in the mixture.  
   
Epoxy floorings are great for your garage floor.  It can handle car tracks, oils, grease, chemicals and scraping.  So, try having epoxy flooring and you will appreciate its benefits.
Martin has done a lot of research on protecting your garage floor. Visit his for information on garage floor sealers, garage floor tiles and other useful information on protecting your garage floor.
By Martin Applebaum
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Martin_Applebaum/219921


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