Lifetime Epoxy Blog Guest Author: Steve A. Parker

Epoxy formulations have been an essential part of the building industry for half a century. Epoxy floor coatings, in particular, are widely-used in floor applications. Here are some things you may or may not yet know about one of the most important coating materials in existence:
1. Epoxy resins are the secret behind high-performing epoxy coatings.
Epoxy resins are the core materials of quality formulations such as epoxy-based primers, top-coats, and sealants. These resins make it possible for epoxy floor coatings to perform well as floor finishes, protective coats, fire retardants, waterproofing and damage-resistance paints.
2. Epoxy coatings are applicable in many surface types.
Specific flooring applications need specific coating systems dictated mainly by the kind of material used for the substrate. Epoxy floor coatings are one of the few systems that can work in concrete, steel and nearly all types of surfaces.
3. Epoxy resin molecules are cross-linked, hence they are nearly impermeable.
The unique chemistry between bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin organochlorine/epoxide compounds creates a reaction that produces cross-linked epoxies when exposed to amines. The resulting epoxy floor coatings are highly-resistant to water, chemical or air intrusion -- a critical ability in corrosion-prone metal or concrete surfaces.

4. Epoxies can combine with other materials for increased performance.
Epoxy-amine systems, epoxy-sulfide systems, aliphatic epoxy systems, and hybrid epoxy systems are some of the common coatings systems created in tandem with epoxy. With amine, glossy surface appearance, better adhesion and fast curing times are achieved. Epoxy coatings systems also work well with alkyds and acrylics.
5. Epoxy floor coatings can protect heavy-duty floors.
Epoxy coatings are resistant to many types of damages. No wonder that they are often applied in areas that are constantly exposed to damage-inducing agents, such as in manufacturing plants, warehouse floors, heavy machinery garages and airplane hangars.
6. Epoxy coatings have impressive adhesive properties.
Epoxy-based coatings have strong adhesive capabilities -- 1.5 thousand pounds of adhesive power per inch square of flooring. This translates to floors that can remain intact and in good condition for longer periods of time and even under intense physical loads
7. Epoxy coatings are good fire-retardants.
Some epoxy floor coatings contain pigments that expand quickly when exposed to intense heat. This expansion forms a thick barrier protection that lasts long enough for the fire to be put out naturally or by a responding fire-fighting team.
8. Epoxy floor coatings are either water-borne, high-solids, or solvent-borne.
Water-borne epoxies are effective in many surfaces, while high-solid formulations cover a wider application area and contain lower VOC amounts. Solvent-borne epoxies are an older technology but are high in VOCs and emit a toxic odor. The latter also requires more cure time and longer post-cleanup activities.

9. Epoxy floor coatings may contain health and environment hazards.
The bisphenol A compound in epoxy resins is currently under scrutiny as a potential health hazard, and solvent-based coats contain high levels of VOCs harmful to the environment and to application workers.
10. Epoxy coatings have their share of vulnerabilities.
Epoxy floor coatings are very dependent on a consistent mix ratio to avoid problems during curing time. Applicators must follow manufacturer's recommendations to maintain consistency in texture and viscosity. The coatings are also unstable when exposed to UV rays and to temperature changes during the mixing, application and curing stages.
Epoxy floor coatings are high-performing and versatile because of the inherent chemical properties of epoxy. It remains to be one of the most sought-after coatings systems that meet any kind of coatings application requirements.
Steve Parker, Sr. Estimator. RaiderPainting.com is one of the leading painting contractors providing commercial and industrial painting services to over 1,000 Fortune 500 customer nationwide. We are one of the best known painting companies, to deliver top quality service to clients. Call 877-724-3371 for a no obligation Estimate.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_A._Parker/273099

By Lifetime Epoxy Floors Guest Author: Dwayne Nawrocki 

Are you looking for the best garage flooring solution for your home? When considering epoxy flooring is for your home improvement plan, you may not be looking at the big picture when comparing its cost to that of its competitors. Home owners often like the idea of an epoxy floor, but are put off by the price when comparing it to regular concrete paints, tiles, or simply leaving the surface "as is."

However, when evaluating what these types of floors can do for your home's aesthetic appeal, protection, and long-term resale value, epoxy comes out the clear winner, offering exceptional returns on your initial investment.

Strength: In areas that experience regular wear and tear and daily foot traffic, like kitchens, pathways, and washrooms, as well as workspaces like garages and basements, this type of floor protection offers unparalleled strength and durability, including resistance to household chemicals, spills, stains, and scratches. They are easy to clean and maintain, and can be applied to protect floors throughout the house against cracking, staining, and erosion.

Long lasting: When using a high quality coating and taking the basic steps to maintain your new epoxy floor, they can last several decades without replacement, or even touch-ups. In comparison, vinyl tiles and plain concrete paint often must be replaced after 10 years, and neither option offers protection to the underlying surface from water damage which means expensive repairs before a new flooring can be put down on top of the price of the replacement floor. If properly applied and cared for, epoxy floors have reportedly lasted more than 50 years in some households!

Designer: In addition, with the advancements in application and color options, epoxy flooring choices now come in a wide array of colors and finishes, imitating marble, granite, and stonework, along with traditional monochromatic schemes, and flecked design options. Before looking into other options, check and see what kind of effects you can achieve with an epoxy floor, and you may be surprised at how advanced and versatile these floorings have become.

Car guys flooring has the highest quality garage floor paint [http://carguysflooring.com/default.aspx] to make any garage look like a professional show room. Find epoxy flooring that is right for your personal touch, and give your car something durable, easy to clean, and stylish to rest on.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dwayne_Nawrocki/671430
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5426233

By  Lifetime Epoxy Guest Author: John S Primus 
​
The majority of people take for granted how industrial floor coatings my affect their lives. Chances are these people perceive that such products have no relation with them. However, the fact is that such floors have not remained confined to industrial environments yet can be seen even in the most common place like your garage.

​If you are a business owner, chances are you might want to apply floor coatings at your business premises to protect and extend the life of your garages and floors. In this article, we will cover most options within the sector of industrial and commercial floor coatings with a brief overview of the different types of coatings used in various types of commercial floors.

Floors are obviously essential for buildings as they provide the ability to build multiple levels and give a proper structure to the buildings. Hence, it has become the prime duty of both industrial and commercial owners to protect the floors from causing damage by applying the most suitable type of floor coating. Currently, industrial owners are using various types of coatings to ensure protection of their floors. Ceramic based, Polyurethane based and Epoxy based coatings have become the most popular among worldwide industries due to their suitability, durability and protection. These coatings are most commonly referred to as Commercial Floor Coatings or Industrial Floor Coatings.

First, Epoxy Coatings are quite popular and available to us in wide range of colors and finishes. In addition, industrial business owners can use such coatings in wide range of applications. Epoxy is considered one of the Thermosetting Polymers, which consists of two parts, most commonly referred to as Polyamide and Epoxide Resin. In recent years, epoxy coatings have become perhaps the most popular choice for commercial floor coatings as they can create highly durable surfaces, which possesses very high value of resistance against traffic and abuse. Epoxy coatings are available to purchasers in various attractive colors, are highly resistant to rust and waterproof to different types of chemicals such as acids oils and water. You can easily apply any of the Epoxy coatings to uneven, rough and broken floors, where it not only acts as a coating, but also as a filler. As many industries have concrete floors, Epoxy paints have become quite suitable for application directly on top of the floor surface.

Second, Polyurethane is one of the harder and more durable substances used as industrial floor coatings. This substance is more or less similar to Epoxy paints, however, when the coatings of polyurethane are subjected to intense heat or shock, it can split or fracture easily, leaving white patches on the floors. One of the negative attributions of traditional polyurethane is that it contains a toxic substance called isocyanates. Isocyanates have been known to cause various health complication including nausea, asthma and in certain cases even death. As such, polyurethane is now being fazed out of production throughout the Unites States and Europe.

Besides Epoxy and Polyurethane coatings, newer more effective solutions have arisen including Green Polyurethane, which is a non-toxic form of polyurethane that costs less to produce than its traditional counterpart and has greater strength and permeability properties. The Environmental Protection Agency of the Unites States and European Environmental agencies are both helping in a major transition from toxic to a non-toxic based polyurethane solution. Given its superior strength, lower cost and multiple colors to choose from Green Polyurethane could be the choice of the future for industrial and commercial floor coating.

John Primus is an industrial chemist from Southern California who advocates using industrial floor coatings from Green Polyurethane Companies like Hybrid Coating Technologies a Northern California high tech coatings company. Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_S_Primus/1272751

​By Lifetime Epoxy Guest Author: Al Barnes 
​
Do you have a basement with a concrete floor that you simply can not understand how to seal? If the answer is yes, then explore epoxy flooring as a remedy that looks great and protects the floor against abuse. At this point, an epoxy covered floor is perhaps not for every basement; however it worked out well for mine. Children can be quite rowdy on long days when all it does is rain outside and that is why we use our space primarily as a playroom. With the floor coated they have an ideal playground for all they want to do, but they aren't exactly on the wet concrete. The sealant also keeps the floor warmer believe it or not.
​
An epoxy floor coating is really composed of two liquids; the resin and the hardener, which when mixed together form a very tough, solid surface. Fiberglass construction uses similar materials so if by any means you have been near fiberglass projects, these ingredients are known to you. The only dissimilarity is when you build with fiberglass the strength is provided by a mesh cloth while when you apply a layer of epoxy to the floor the strength really emanate from the underlying concrete. Epoxy just flakes away it there isn't some material to offer lateral strength.

Be certain to apply some non-slip materials before the covering cures fully when you apply your coating. Epoxy cures very hard and tough so it can be slippery if water or juice spills out on it. You have an option of a sand like material, which is actually too rough for my choice, or color chips. I love the chips as they add another aspect of color to the surface. Either you can opt for a complementary hue or a totally different color from the base material. Whichever choice, it makes the floor appear much better than that unappealing gray from the concrete and it addresses the sliding problems. Ensure you can leave the windows open for one or two days if you choose to apply an epoxy floor because the fumes can be very irritating. However, you will have a nice floor surface for life once it cures.
​
If you have a damp concrete floor in your basement then sealing it with an epoxy floor paint can make a big difference for the usability of the space. For more tips, visit us at the Garage Floor Paint Blog.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Al_Barnes/409092

What Are Polyaspartic and Polyurea Coatings?

Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings were developed over 20 years ago to coat steel to prevent corrosion. The high performance led to experimenting as a concrete coating. They start as two components that are mixed together basically like an epoxy and rolled on a concrete surface. Colored pigments can be added and decorative chips or quartz can be broadcast into the wet coating. The top coat encapsulated the quartz and chips yielding a decorative result.

Unique Characteristics
So simply they are a coating that protects the concrete garage floor. However they are much more sophisticated. When polyaspartic esters are added to a polyurea the capabilities change depending on the desired result. For example, adding polyaspartic esters will increase the cure time. Use less and the cure time can be decreased. Adjusting the capability of the product means that in the hands of a professional there is finally a solution for the concrete floor.

Instead of using an off the shelf product that is one size fits all, the product can be adjusted to fit the application. This has resulted in a solution in Alabama that has extreme temperatures and issues that are different than anywhere else.

How They Stop Moisture Pressure
The concrete garage floor typically has extensive ground moisture and freeze issues that trap moisture in the ground. When ice and snow start to melt the moisture gets underneath the slab and pushes upwards through the air holes and veins in concrete. This happens everywhere but is extreme in very cold climates. Polyurea and polyaspartic blends have been created that have the unique ability to wet or absorb into the concrete rather than just sticking to the surface. Provided the surface is ground the right way with professional grinding equipment the pores of the concrete are opened allowing the polyureas to soak into the surface. When they cure they become part of the floor and a permanent moisture barrier.

How They Fix Damaged Concrete Floors
Salts that are pushed to the surface from moisture pressure settle on the floor and start breaking down concrete. This combined with de-icing salts from cars and trucks that are tracked onto the floor rapidly deteriorate concrete especially in Minnesota. Adjusting the ability of a polyurea to absorb into the surface means badly damaged floors can be fixed. Since the polyureas can soak into porous concrete they become part of the floor. With the right blend the concrete will break before the polyureas. What may seem hopeless can now be fixed.

Flexibility Can Be Adjusted
Due to the extreme conditions resulting in cracked concrete the polyureas can be adjusted to be thin enough to fill a crack all the way to the bottom, not just at the surface. Flexibility or elongation as it is referred can be increased so the filler will move with the concrete. An additional feature is that polyureas will cure deep in the crack even when their is moisture in the walls of the crack. Cracks are like vents for moisture vapor. The ability to permanently fix a crack in the concrete floor prevents moisture pressure and salts from delaminating the top coating.

Creating a Non Slip Surface.
Conscientious polyurea coating professionals add a non slip feature into each coat. For floors with high traffic there will be some wear and every coating will wear to some degree. By mixing the right size particles into each layer the coefficient of friction (non-slip) will always exist. Many coatings are too thick to build non slip particles into each layer and are broadcast only at the surface. Non Slip Particles in the surface will dislodge from use and become slippery fast.

The Final Decorative Coats
Abrasion resistance can be adjusted so that the floor with extreme surface abuse will endure over the long term. However when sand, dirt and de-icing salts hit the surface every floor will get some degree of wear. Polypaspartic polyureas have the unique ability to be slightly sanded and recoated restoring the surface like new.


​
For more information about using garage floor epoxy coatings visit website www.portlandgaragefloor.comArticle Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Edward_Winslow/169240
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3524950

By  Lifetime Epoxy Guest Author: John S Primus ​

Coatings for industrial floors are usually designed for use in places with large equipment. These coatings are mainly used in two places: residential garages where trucks and cars are parked, and factories with large machines and high foot traffic. The coatings must be level, durable and impact resistant. Currently there are several industrial floor coating options available to choose from.

Types of Industrial Floor Coatings
​
Epoxy 
This is among the best popular coatings for industrial floors. Industrial epoxies usually cover surfaces which are harder like concrete. They are usually made from plastic based resins that are mixed together so as to make a liquid mixture, which is then spread on the floors and later to dry and form a plastic surface. You may paint the floor and stamp decorative versions on it. However, industrial versions require durable coats which will easily withstand wear.

Hybrid Polymer 
Hybrid polymers resemble epoxies; however they are more complex and provide more direct advantages for industrial application purposes. These coatings can be more easily installed. The coatings are also more resistant to situations that are common in warehouses and factories like UV radiation and chemical spills. There are newer types of coatings which may be much more costly compared to epoxy options.

By Lifetime Epoxy Floors Guest Author:  James Mcgillvray 

Because concrete floors are not designed to endure the extreme conditions of an industrial environment, the damages they suffer from being exposed to abrasion, wear, impact or chemical or thermal shock can result in major risks for the safety of both workers and general public. Cracks and holes, dust and uneven surfaces represent potential hazards for those working in an industrial environment, as well as for the final users of their products or services.

Food and beverage companies, as well as pharmaceutical industries, need to ensure their products are not contaminated by external agents; likewise, aerospace and automotive industries, need strong, resilient floors, able to endure continuous exposure to chemicals and spillages from hydraulic fluids and fuels.

Even though each industry has its particular needs, industrial coatings are a must for all of them in order to ensure the wellbeing of employees and the best results for their final products. Industrial floor coatings prevent concrete floors from breaking, cracking and absorbing stains and fluids. They also prevent floors from forming dust and provide a much easier maintenance so industries like food and beverage can meet the registered safety standards required to manufacture and store their products.

However, safety not only refers to work environments when it comes to floor coatings. A high percentage of the demand of industrial flooring comes also from the commercial and leisure industries, which need to provide safe environments for the general public too. In that case, flooring materials such as Epoxy provide anti-slip coating features which ensure the best grip for customers and vehicles at parking garages, shopping centres, spas, gyms, etc. These coatings offer as well a wide range of colours and textures to cover the basic safety needs for commercial businesses, such as guidance to fire exits or delimitation of safety areas.

Guaranteeing the durability of a concrete floor by choosing the right coating material not only improves its strength and resistance to the wear and tear of the industrial environment, but also makes it safe for those working in the industry; for the products manufactured, stored or sold by it; and for the general public. A floor which is easy to clean and maintain; which is resistant to impact, chemicals and spills; which can be washed at high temperatures or using steam systems without cracking, chipping or flaking is always the best preventive solution when it comes to guarantee the safety of all its users.


Offering high strength and resistance, hygiene and anti-slip floor coating features, industrial floor coatings help businesses maintaining the highest safety standards
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/James_Mcgillvray/1401376Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7433109

Until recently a high performance industrial epoxying flooring project took four days to complete. At that rate the labor and material cost made it prohibitive to make a profit on a 500-750 square foot garage floor. That has all changed with advanced technology coatings which have become available during the last few years.
​
There are varying quality coatings available today from thin Do It Yourself floor paints to high quality epoxies and polyureas. For years epoxy was the only product available. A high quality system was applied in numerous layers at the rate of one coat per day. The first coat was a primer followed by two coats with sand broadcast into each layer, then finished with an industrial strength urethane.

Then along came polyaspartic & polyurea coatings. Polyaspartics were originally developed for coating steel to prevent corrosion. Their high performance properties led to use for other applications. It was discovered that polyaspartics performed exceptionally well on concrete plus had a rapid curing process. In fact numerous layers could be applied in one day rather than the typical four day application with industrial epoxy flooring.

The competition to epoxies from these new technology rapid curing polyureas led to advancements with a fast cure. The rapid cure process opened up the largest untapped markets in home improvement. Now a home owner can have their concrete floor surfaced by a professional who has made a business remodeling the garage. It is profitable for a contractor to resurface a floor in one or two days but not four. Now a home owner can get the same high performance concrete floor coating that is applied on a large industrial floor. The reason being is that professionals with a local internet strategy can reach the market of home owners who are searching online.

The internet has enabled the garage flooring professional access to a volume of business. The combination of high performance, rapid curing floor coatings combined with an internet strategy provides an entrepreneur with a business model that is profitable. Home owners benefit with quality at a reasonable cost that adds value to their home.

This market is flourishing during a recession. The recession actually may be a blessing to the growth of the garage remodeling market. New buyers are cost conscientious and have found a remodeled garage a valuable use of space. A remodeled garage with industrial epoxy flooring or polyurea coating blocks moisture making homes dryer and provides a surface that is bright and clean. Once the floor is complete a home owner can outfit the garage with cabinets and shelving that are functional and decorative. Once a home owner has a functional and clean garage they don't use valuable interior space for storage. Now a home owner can have a smaller efficient interior space with a well organized garage that is remodeled inexpensively.
​
For more information about epoxy coatings [http://www.concreteproductsnewyork.com/epoxy-coatings/] for concrete floors visit the web site www.concreteproductsnewyork.com [http://www.concreteproductsnewyork.com/]Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Edward_Winslow/169240Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3460693