Should You Buy A Metallic Epoxy Floor Kit?
If you’re looking into buying a metallic epoxy floor kit, this is the article for you. Chances are you want to save a few dollars and install metallic epoxy on your concrete floor yourself. There’s nothing wrong with doing the hard work yourself. Still, we want homeowners to know that hiring a professional company to install your metallic epoxy is less stressful, cost-effective, and efficient.
What Is A Metallic Epoxy Floor Kit?
A metallic epoxy floor kit usually includes a primer coat, metallic basecoat, metallic effects, an optional clear coat, and optional tools that help the installation. Once you follow all the written directions for your specific kit, your concrete floor should have a brand-new protective and personalized coating. So you don’t get confused if you come across this, metallic and marble epoxy coatings are the same thing.
Problems With Buying A Metallic Epoxy Floor Kit
Metallic epoxy floor kits may seem less expensive than hiring a professional, but that’s because the risk of something going wrong is higher. We’ve outlined the biggest problems with buying and installing a metallic epoxy floor kit yourself.
Problem 1: It’s a long process
All metallic epoxy floor kits require extensive reading and researching on how to do it correctly. Before applying the first layer from the kit, you must prepare your concrete floor.
This can involve waiting for the right temperature because if your concrete floor is too hot, the epoxy could cure too fast and leave you with a short installation time. You’ll also want to power wash your floor to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Then, you’ll need to use a grinder to expose the pores in the concrete. Otherwise, the epoxy won’t adhere to the surface.
Once you’ve prepped the concrete, the mixing and installation process can be even longer. You’ll first need to mix the Part A and Part B primers for a specific amount of time at a very specific mixing speed. If you improperly mix the primer and apply it to the floor, it could negatively affect the rest of the layers. After you’ve spread out the primer coat, you need to wait 5 to 8 hours before you can apply the metallic epoxy. For the best results, you need to make sure you apply the metallic epoxy within 20 hours of pouring the primer coat. Once this layer cures, you can add an optional protective clear topcoat.
Problem 2: Anything can go wrong
When you buy a metallic epoxy floor kit, chances are it’s packaged with an extensive instruction manual. If you don’t read this manual or follow any of the written instructions, you’re risking the entire project. For example, during the mixing process, you need to pour exactly the right amounts of Part A and B resins. You also need to make sure you use the right amount of epoxy per the space you need to cover. If you don’t mix enough primer and overestimate how much you need, you could end up rushing back to the store or buying another kit online.
Problem 3: The tools needed are sold separately
Once you buy your metallic epoxy floor kit, you will probably notice that you don’t own any of the tools needed to install it. Those tools are sold separately and usually for more money than the kit. The most expensive tool you won’t find at your local hardware store is a concrete floor grinder with diamond discs which can be up to $20,000. This initial process is vital because if you don’t expose the pores in your concrete, the epoxy will have a harder time adhering to the surface, causing it to peel or fade over time.
You’ll also need clear plastic measuring cups, a floor squeegee to spread the coatings, a hand pump sprayer or spray bottle, a roller with a pan, and spiked epoxy shoes to spread the epoxy without leaving footprints.
Problem 4: No warranty on the final look
Most metallic epoxy floor kits have a disclosure that says they cannot guarantee or warranty the final look of your floor. This is because you purchased the kit and assume full responsibility for the entire project, including the mixture, application, and epoxy design. Once you spread the metallic effects over the curing epoxy, you won’t be able to add more once you apply the clear topcoat. The entire project depends on your technique, temperature, timing, speed, color choice, and humidity.
Why Should You Call Professionals?
When you call a professional epoxy coating company, you’ll be talking to experts who have applied thousands of coatings working with different environments, surfaces, and design choices. They will tell you if a color you choose won’t match the color of your home or metallic effects. If you call a professional and choose a color that might contrast with your home, they can show you other examples of that outcome, leading you to make a more intuitive decision. Of course, everything is up to your final decision, but you’ll at least have a professional opinion that you can trust.
Who To Call Near You
If you live in the Greater Salt Lake City area, call Complete Concrete Coatings. Since 2005, we’ve coated and protected thousands of different surfaces with only the highest quality material. Our team of experts will inspect your flooring, choose a design that meets your standards and protects your concrete for decades. Call now if you’d like to schedule an appointment or ask any basic questions.
